The George H. Deuble Foundation
Established in 1947 by industrialist George H. Deuble, the Deuble Foundation has remained dedicated to supporting charitable, educational, religious, and benevolent causes throughout Stark County and the region.
Beyond its widespread civic and community contributions, the foundation has played an essential role in growing and sustaining golf in Stark County.
Key Contributions Include:
Supporting the Stark County Amateur Championship with financial support. This has been one of the region’s premier golf tournaments for over 90 years.
The foundation was instrumental in the establishment of The First Tee of Canton. From the beginning, the Deuble Learning Center has provided character-building programs, life skills, education, and golf training to thousands of area youth.
Through enduring generosity, foresight, and dedication to the local community, The George H. Deuble Foundation leaves a lasting mark on Stark County Golf. The Hall of Fame is honored to welcome the foundation into its ranks.
Accepting the award for the foundation is the grandson of the founder, W. Joseph Deuble.
Mike Emery
Mike Emery has built an accomplished career in golf that spans elite junior and amateur competition, college golf at the University of Tennessee, professional tournament golf, and a long-standing career as a golf instructor.
Summary of some of Mike’s accomplishments:
- 1996 Ohio Junior Champion
- 1887 USGA Junior Championship qualifying Medalist
- 1987 advanced to the Sweet 16 USGA Junior Championship
- 1988 Team member, Ohio High School Ohio State Champions
- 1988 Runner-up, Ohio High School Championship
- 1991 and 1993 Qualified for the U. S. Amateur
- 1988 Monroe Invitational Champion
- 1988 golf scholarship to the University of Tennessee: Freshman of the year, Most improved,1990 MVP, 1990 S.E.C. team Champions
- 1993 4th place Sunnehanna Invitational
- 1994: 47th place U. S. Open
- 1994, 1997, 2000: Played on the Korn Ferry Tour
- 2000: 3rd place at the Dakota Dunes Open
- 2011 Ohio Open Champion
- Mike holds or has held 8 different course records
Mike Emery represents the combination of competitive achievement, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to the game of golf.
Walt Mayo
Walt Mayo was born in England in 1918 and moved with his family to the United States in the early 1920’s. Golf was an important part of his family. His father, Albert, and his uncle Charley were both golf professionals, inspiring Walt’s own lifelong dedication to the sport.
Mayo became a highly accomplished amateur golfer in Stark County, winning the 1937 and 1941 Stark County Amateur championships. His contributions and achievements are recognized with induction into this year's Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame.
During World War two Walt was in the Army Air Corps and served as a Glider pilot and transport pilot. After the war, he returned to Ohio and worked for the railroad, finally settling in Cleveland.
Walt was a member at Westwood Country in Rocky River and won 7 club championships. He also played in pro-ams with Arnold Palmer and Bobby Nichols; in addition, he played many rounds of golf with Tom Weiskopf’s father.
Walt Mayo had a deep love for the game of golf and enjoyed the competition and camaraderie the game provides.
Accepting the award tonight is Walt’s son, Chas Mayo, and he is joined by many of the Mayo family.
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas enters the Stark County Amateur Golf Hall of Fame with a decades-long legacy of local, regional, and state-level excellence. A 1979 graduate of Jackson High School and a 1983 graduate of Kent State University, Thomas has established himself as one of Northeast Ohio’s most consistent and accomplished competitive golfers.
His championship resume spans every level of the game. After showing early promise as a consecutive four-time Rolling Greens Junior Champion from 1971 to 1975, Thomas translated that early success into a standout amateur career. He captured high-profile regional victories, including the 2009 Cleveland Golf Association Amateur Championship, the 2010 Medalist Tour Amateur Championship, the 2011 Cleveland Ohio Senior Public Links Championship on the state stage.
Thomas dominated the senior circuit throughout the 2010s. He earned Akron District Golf Association(ADGA) Senior Player of the Year honors for four consecutive seasons from 2012-2015, highlighted by winning the prestigious ADGA Park Thornton award in 2013. His senior career is filled with marquee performances:
- 2012 USGA Senior Amateur: Alternate Qualifier
- 2013 Cleveland Senior Amateur: Runner-Up
- 2015 Ohio Senior Open: Low Amateur
In addition to his regional and state titles, Thomas has proven his skill across Northeast Ohio’s top courses, capturing Senior Club Championship titles at Chippewa(2012-2014), Ohio Prestwick(2017), and Zoar(2017, along with winning the 2022 Zoar Senior Scramble.
Off the course, Mark is a proud father to his three daughters; Lauren, Brianna, and Shaye Agusta. He’s a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren! His achievements and dedication make him a fitting inductee into SCAGHOF!