Will Otto Williamson - Legend of Cincinnati Golf

 

 

In the world of amateur golf, the true measure of a Hall of Fame inductee lies not only in their triumphs on the fairways, but in the character, humility, and joy they bring to the game and its community. This year, we celebrate the remarkable journey of William Otto Williamson—known to most simply as Billy—a golfer whose name, echoing in playful repetition thanks to his parents' sense of humor, has come to represent excellence, camaraderie, and steadfast dedication.

Bill’s story begins with his family, a compassionate and supportive unit whose influence has shaped every step of his path. Bill has been married to Mindy Williamson for 19 years, and together they are the proud parents of Shelby (14) and Claire (12). His parents, Virginia and Chuck Williamson, have been sources of inspiration and guidance, their nurturing spirit echoed in the close-knit bond Bill shares with his family.  Family remains Bill’s anchor—a bedrock of encouragement through victories and defeats alike.

A scholar as well as an athlete, Bill graduated from Loveland High School in the Class of 1995, moved on to the University of Akron for his undergraduate work, and then to the University of Cincinnati, where he earned both an MBA (2002) and a JD (2004). These accomplishments formed the foundation for a distinguished legal career at Strauss Troy Co., LPA, where Bill began as a summer clerk in May 2003 and rose to the position of Attorney/Shareholder. His commitment to excellence, whether in the courtroom or on the course, is unwavering.

Bill’s love for golf began in childhood, a passion sparked by his father on family vacations. Tagging along as his dad played, Bill was introduced to the game’s challenges at the tender age of seven.  Summers spent at O’Bannon Creek under the watchful and encouraging eye of Marianne Sahms offered further immersion.

At age eleven, Bill’s competitive spirit emerged when he entered his first tournament—the Bob Herford Jr. Memorial at Little Miami Golf Course. Dropped off by his dad before work, Bill ended the day clutching a trophy for the “12 and under division,” though he was only 11. Ever the stickler for accuracy, Bill immediately pointed out the error to the pro, who simply said, “Tell all your friends you beat the 12 year olds!” That moment marked the first of many in which Bill’s integrity and humor would shine through.

By the time he reached high school, Bill’s talent and dedication were unmistakable. He won the 14-15 age division in the Junior Met and, after his sophomore year, began to take golf more seriously. The turning point came when his school, Loveland High, finally allowed him to play both football and golf - sports that had previously conflicted in the fall season. Initially choosing football, Bill soon found that his heart belonged to the greens.

Bill’s amateur golfing career is decorated with honors at every level. In high school, repeated All-City recognition propelled him into collegiate competition, where he was twice an All MAC selection and finished in the top eight at the MAC Championship on two occasions. His post-college journey saw him ascend to new heights, with the Ohio Mid-Amateur Championship victory in 2009 serving as a springboard for further accolades.

After years of close calls, Bill’s triumph in the Metropolitan Amateur (“the Met”) in 2012 was a crowning achievement. To date, he has been a quarterfinalist in the Met ten times—a testament to his consistency and competitive edge. Bill’s run as runner-up in the US Mid-Amateur in 2013, losing to Walker Cup Captain Mike McCoy, remains a source of pride and reflection.

Bill’s trophy case is filled with distinctions that reflect both his skill and his character on the course. Among the honors he cherishes most are:

• All MAC Team and GTE/COSIDA Academic All American recognition
• Inductions into the Loveland High School Hall of Fame and University of Akron Hall of Fame
• Multiple Mid-Amateur All American selections
• Representation of the State of Ohio in the USGA State Team five times

He has won major tournaments across the breadth of his amateur career, including:

• 16-time GCGA Champion (including the 2012 Tony Blom Metropolitan Amateur)
• Three-time Ohio Mid-Amateur Champion (with nine top-5 and twelve top-10 finishes)
• 18 USGA Championships, highlighted by the 2013 US Mid-Amateur Runner Up
• Seven-time Ohio Amateur top-10 finisher

Bill’s development as a golfer and as a person has been shaped by a constellation of mentors. His parents, Virginia and Chuck, have modeled kindness, resilience, and strong values. Brett Slater and Sonny Rinala, both exemplary PGA Professionals, have helped Bill cultivate not only his technical skills but his respect for the game. At the collegiate level, coach Rick Jones, himself an NCAA Champion, provided guidance and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship and discipline.

For Bill, golf is more than a sport. It is a lifelong companion, a teacher of lessons both subtle and profound. The game facilitated his college education and introduced him to lifelong friends. It has served as a source of competitive release, sharpening his focus amid life’s greater challenges. Through golf, Bill has learned the value of connection - a truth evident in his belief that friendships are easily formed among golfers at any level.

Asked how he hopes to be remembered, Bill answers with characteristic humility. He hopes to be seen as a fair and worthy competitor on the course, but more importantly a friend and an adopted son of Jesus Christ off the course. He strives to be fair and hardworking in every area and is most gratified by the relationships he has formed in golf and in life.

Though Bill’s list of accolades is long, his greatest joy comes from competing with friends and sharing the privilege of their company. Perhaps he might have garnered a few more victories had his approach to competition been more single-minded, yet he would not trade the laughter and camaraderie for anything. “If you can’t compete with someone and share a laugh and a beer after it is all done,” Bill muses, “I think you have missed the point of the game of golf.”

For Billy, being named a Legend of Cincinnati Golf Honoree is a celebration of a career marked by achievement, sportsmanship, and generosity. His legacy extends far beyond scorecards and trophies; it is inscribed in the friendships he has cultivated, the family who supports him, and the wisdom he shares with those who follow. Bill’s story is a reminder that greatness in golf is not just about winning -  it’s about how you play the game, and how you live your life.