Thomas (Tom) Barry, PGA (1952-2025)
MAPGA Hall of Fame Class of 2014

Tom's father introduced him to golf at 9, which sparked his passion. By the age of 13, he officially joined the caddie ranks at Cherry Hills, marking the start of his lifelong journey in golf. Under the mentorship of David Ogilvie III, Head PGA Professional at Flossmoor Country Club, Tom decided to dedicate his career to golf.

Tom's love for the game extended far beyond the course. He sponsored and conducted seminars and programs on various aspects of golf. A professional instructor and a trusted rules official, Tom was often sought after for his deep knowledge of the Rules of Golf and was affectionately known as the "go-to guy" for rulings.

He was elected to PGA membership in 1979 and accepted his first Head Professional position in 1981 at Oregon Golf Club in Oregon, IL. In 1983, Tom was appointed Head PGA Professional at Jefferson Lakeside Club in Richmond, Virginia, where he proudly served for 44 years until his retirement.

Throughout his career, Tom tirelessly served the PGA, Middle Atlantic PGA Section, the Southern Chapter, and the Virginia Chapter of the MAPGA. Tom's dedication earned him several awards and accolades, including:

MAPGA Professional of the Year in 1994
MAPGA Presidents Award in 1990
MAPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in 1992
MAPGA Professional Development Award (formally known as the Horton Smith Award) in 1989, 2000 and 2008.

He was inducted into the Middle Atlantic PGA Hall of Fame in 2014 (Tom’s HOF Induction video) and the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame in 2023 (VSGA HOF PAGE)

Recently, the RGA named the annual tournament in Tom's honor: The Tom Barry Lakeside Invitational. Lakeside Park Club named the Pro Shop after him. Tom's steadfast commitment to the sport and its promotion has left an indelible mark on the golf community.

Tom's family desired that donations go towards military golf programming. Your donation to PGA HOPE Middle Atlantic will allow military veterans to take 6-8 week programs for FREE to learn the game and develop a community. It takes $300 to fund one veteran through a program.

PGA REACH Middle Atlantic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section. Our 1,100 members across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. are committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars - Youth, Military, and Inclusion.

To see the difference the foundation made in 2024, you may view the 2024 PGA REACH Impact Report HERE

Tom Barry, PGA Memorial Fund

By PGA REACH Middle Atlantic

Tom Barry, PGA Memorial Fund