Golfing Mentor Roy Bowe Remembered

Tue, Nov 13th 2012, 10:03 AM

Recently in this space, I saluted the late Roy Bowe. His contributions to nation building through sports and business were many. Without a doubt though, the impression he made on Bahamian golf will probably be sustained longer than anything else. The tributes continue to pour in. One in particular, from another noted sporting figure, Howard Archer, demonstrated how highly Bowe is thought of by those within the golfing family. "I remember as a motorcycle policeman back in 1965-6, regularly watching Roy play golf at the Ambassador Course in Cable Beach. I was enthused and inspired. After I left the Police Force and became a golf professional at the Bahama Reef in 1969, I was able to interact with Roy on a personal basis. During that period, Roy and Jack Kaye (Golf Professional at Lyford Cay) encouraged other local golfers to play abroad.

Roy and I played golf in Canada and the United States. Roy was my hero and helped me tremendously, especially with my junior program. "As far as golf is concerned in The Bahamas, Roy was our icon. He helped a lot of amateurs and professionals. He made it possible for other Bahamians to get jobs as professionals at various courses and clubs in The Bahamas. "Roy will be missed and I personally am grateful to have met and played with him," said Archer. Archer's sentiments show clearly that Bowe crafted National Hall of Fame credentials not only as the most recognized Bahamian professional player, but also as a standard bearer for that vital element in the golf world, the job of club professional.

Archer and many others came along and followed Bowe into that elite category. The position of club pro is revered and much sought after. Bowe, because of his style, his grace and professionalism, was perfect for the role of opening the door so that others could follow through. Bowe inspired a culture that enabled Bahamians to have a solid presence as club professionals in their country. Unfortunately, after he retired and turned his attention primarily to his Jiffy Cleaners and other business concerns, the number of Bahamian club professionals began to dwindle.

Indeed the Bahamian flavor in the club pro position at local courses became diluted considerably and is near extinction. The real tribute to the golfing life of Roy Bowe would be for the Bahamas Golf Federation and the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association to come together with the common focus of restoring the Bahamian club pro presence at hotel properties in the country. Together they could bring about the emergence of some new Roy Bowes and Howard Archers.

• To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

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