Dr. Philip C. “Phil” Hughes was the Second President of the Miami Valley Golf Association and a prime mover in its establishment, providing leadership, vision, and national connections critical to the organization’s early success.

An ophthalmologist, Dr. Hughes was born on December 10, 1932, in East Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Princeton University (Class of 1954), where he served as captain of the golf team, and earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 1958. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital after serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. In 1965, he moved to Dayton to enter private practice, where he remained until his retirement in 1996. 

Dr. Hughes played a foundational role in building the MVGA, using his relationships within national golf organizations to secure funding and credibility during its formative years. During his presidency, he was instrumental in developing organizational resources, including the establishment of full-time staff and the introduction of GHIN Handicap Services.

A distinguished amateur golfer, Dr. Hughes was a member of Dayton Country Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, and Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland). His accomplishments include:

1951 – Medalist, New Jersey State Junior Championship

1952 – Bass Rocks Golf Club Champion

1954 – Captain, Princeton University Golf Team

1959–1962 – Member, U.S. Naval Air Station Golf Team

1971 – Dayton Country Club Champion

He also served as a Director of the Western Golf Association, was a strong supporter of the Evans Scholars Foundation, and helped initiate Dayton Country Club’s Fall Member/Guest Better Ball of Partners tournament. In 2001, he was inducted into the Dayton Amateur Golf Hall of Fame.

Dr. Hughes passed away on March 16, 2013, at the age of 80, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marian “Miki” Hughes, their four children, and six grandchildren.