Through the influence of a very good friend Robert B. Barnes was introduced to the game of golf. That good friend just so happened to be PGA Professional Paul E. Blockoms. Barnes had expressed an interest in learning more about the game and Blockoms, a refined golf coach and educator, was more than willing to help him. After a few rounds and guided lessons, the Chicago-born Barnes was hooked.
Barnes resides in the Northern Chicago suburb of Forest Park. The district sits along the shore of Lake Michigan, where its 14,213 residents are well aware of their area’s ever-changing weather patterns and short golf season. But despite this Barnes carries a 13 handicap and manages to play almost every weekend—April through October, if he’s lucky.
Peace of Mind, While Strengthening the Body
“Golf has proven to be a relaxing—but yet a challenging activity for me, in more ways than one,” says the 53-year-old, 6’1” golfer whose wife Kimberly is a vigilant spectator of the game. Motivated by knowing that he is playing at his best, but can always play better, is what keeps Barnes coming back for more,
“The ability to build relationships—both personal and business—is also key. But over the last couple of years, I’ve found that being able to play an occasional game with my two daughters, Jillian (18) and Jenna (13), is in a word, priceless.”
Barnes has been a member of the Two Seaters Golf Club Foundation for over eight years. The 501c3 organization has a membership made up men and women from three Chapters that include Chicago, Tennessee, and Southern California. Within its ranks Barnes has worn several hats including Tournament Director (4 years), Vice Chairman of the Board, and he currently serves as New Members Chairman and Club Vice President.
The Two Seaters Golf Club engages its members with a host of activities and it was Barnes who orchestrated the organization’s weekend travel for 4 years, building strong golfing relationships all along the way. Barnes also spearheaded the group’s very popular Annual Club Picnic, creating a great way for members to socialize away from the golf course. All of these programs, says Barnes, “gave me great pleasure, as they all brought me closer to the wonderful game of golf!
It’s All About the Friendships
Barnes loves playing rounds with his “Dots Crew,” a group of golfing buddies that includes Al Christian (AC), Cardell Gentry (Sgt. Major) and Keith Lafayette (Kapone). They’ll sometimes all head over to Barne’s home course, University Golf Club, for a little action, smiling and joking all the way there.
University Golf Club is a paradise of greens and boasts 18 championship holes and welcomes players from all walks of life. It was designed by acclaimed course architect Lawrence Packard and updated in 2004 by Greg Martin. The new clubhouse spans a magnificent 7,000 square feet and it is professionally managed and staffed by PGA of America Golf Professionals. While there, the Dot’s Crew group enters a totally different world, where focus and skill can make the difference between winning and losing. But whatever the outcome, the golfing budding have experienced many glorious rounds at there.
Barnes, who specializes in grilling good-tasting BBQ, has earned the moniker “GRILL MASTER!” And he hopes to one day open a restaurant called none other than, Robz Ribz! His most admired golfer is “Freddie Couples because he has a swing that can be duplicated by average golfers.”
Throughout his early years, Barnes had a knack for working with numbers, paying close attention to detail, and the fulfillment of checks and balances. He holds a degree in Business Administration from National Louis University, where his strong skills and ability led him to a career that now spans over 20-years, as Owner/Accountant at his firm RB Accounting Services (Park Forest, IL).
Keeping Up Appearances!
“Just the interest and energy that we all have for the game makes me proud,” states a wide smiling Barnes who sports a nice, low, clean-cut hairstyle, rippled with natural waves– in a President Obama type of way!
He candidly admits, “I enjoy looking fly in my golf attire, as well!”
Not only does Barnes look captivating while playing, but he has also captured a few tournament wins: claiming the Two Seaters Golf Club Foundation’s 2015 Invitational (B Flight, 1st Place) and the 2015 D.U.C Hookers 42nd Annual Tournament.
“I’m not an overachiever, but I pride myself in playing a little bit better each time I play. I guess you could say I challenge myself to be better with each stroke.”
