- Born on April 3, 1935 in Hazard, Kentucky, El Collins grew up playing golf on the nine hole Hazard Country Club where in his early years he caddied for his dad who was a good golfer in his own right. 

After a four-year stint in the Navy, he attended Eastern Kentucky University, once graduating he started his golf career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Lancaster CC, in Lancaster, OH before beginning his Head Professional Role at Sharon Woods in 1962 then moving onto Moundbuilders and finally settling in Springfield, OH, first at the Old Reid Park Golf Course in 1964 and transitioning to the New Reid Park Golf Course when it opened in 1967.  He he’s been at Reid Park ever since where he still puts in a few hours a day in the Golf Shop.

Mr. Collins has served the game in many capacities including a term as the Southern Ohio Section President and District Director. 

On the playing side of things, El excelled for many decades taking many Miami Valley PGA titles and the Southern Ohio Section Title in 1986 he also qualified and played in 25 Senior Tour Events in 1987, making 24 cuts with 1 top ten finish and finished in the top 25 four times.

He was inducted in the second class of the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 1998.    (Link to Playing Resume)