Ernie Schneiter Jr.: A Legacy of Golf
After 80 years, Ernie Schneiter Jr. can still recall the moment he decided to stop skiing. It wasn’t an easy choice, especially since he had a great winter job at the newly opened Snowbasin ski resort in his hometown of Ogden, where his father, Ernie Sr., managed the operations. His father’s position allowed him to enjoy the unique role of being the last person to ski down the slopes each night, securing the rope tow to keep it clear for the next day.
However, everything changed in the summer of 1945, when he turned 15 and won the Utah Junior Open at Nibley Park Golf Course in Salt Lake City. “So I quit skiing,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to risk injury.” This decision proved to be significant for both him and the game of golf in Utah.
With deep roots in golf from his father’s early caddying days in 1917, Ernie Sr. transitioned from caddy to club professional, ultimately becoming a member of the Utah Golf Hall of Fame. His influence inspired future generations of Schneiters to grow the sport throughout Utah.
Ernie Jr., following his Junior Open victory, continued success by winning two more titles in 1946 and 1947, leading to an opportunity at Oklahoma State. Instead, he chose to turn professional at just 19, starting his career at a municipal golf course in Tooele.
After a brief stint in farming, thanks to his father’s encouragement, he realized his true passion lay in golf. Following years of physical labor on the farm, he returned to his golf career, first in Twin Falls, Idaho, and then at Ben Lomond Golf Course in Ogden.
By 1959, Ernie purchased land for his own golf course, negotiating a handshake deal for 76 acres next to the Weber River. He balanced his income as a golf professional while funding this dream through tournament winnings, which included notable victories at the Idaho Open and Utah Open, as well as multiple PGA Sectional wins.
For over 56 years, Ernie has served as the head professional at his namesake course, Schneiter’s Riverside, where he remains active even at 95, engaging with golfers and fostering a friendly environment. He highlights the importance of social interaction and physical activity, perfectly blending his passion for golf and community.
