January 16, 2024



 

It is my honor and pleasure to write this letter in support of Barry Howard for National Secretary of the PGA of America.

Today is the perfect example of just one of the many reasons he should be elected.  The entire state of Arkansas is blanketed with snow and ice with temperatures at night in single digits and highs on reaching into the teens.  School are closed obviously, driving is hazardous but Barry Howard drove to Hot Springs Country Club, where he has hung his hat since 1990, cleared the sidewalk into the club and sent an email to the entire membership indicating the workout facility was open and that the grill would be open too.  Very simply, that is the kind of man Barry Howard is as the General Manager and PGA Director of Golf at the oldest club in Arkansas, founded in 1898.



 

My professional relationship began with Barry in 1990.  I was just hired as the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association (SGA) and he was an assistant professional at Hot Springs Country Club.  Two years later he was named Head PGA Professional and we have worked together on hundreds of ASGA Championships and USGA Qualifying Rounds.



 

During one of those qualifying rounds for the U.S. Junior Amateur, we were getting ready to announce the qualifiers after a long day of 36 holes in the Arkansas heat and recognize Mr. Howard with a USGA plague for hosting.  He had been standing next to me as we presented the USGA low medal and qualifying information to the two young men headed to a national championship.  Suddenly he was gone, as I began my speech to thank him and his team.  One of the young men that qualified had “grown up” in the club’s junior program and Mr. Howard had known him and his family for many years.  He got emotional and had to collect himself before receiving deserving accolades.  Of course during his remarks, he gave credit to the superintendent and his team and to his staff and the volunteers, deflecting credit away from himself.

 



His passion for the game is tremendous and he genuinely cares about each and every member at his club and welcomes guests to HSCC and makes them feel like members too.

Mr. Howard will be the host professional for five of the 28 ASGA Championships this year - including the 100th Arkansas Women’s Match Play Championship - and two USGA Qualifying Rounds.



 

Jay N. Fox

Executive Director


Arkansas State Golf Association