Henry Poe

1988

PGA Porfessional

A native of Durham, NC  and a long-time resident of High Point, NC, Henry Poe played collegiate golf at Duke University. His amateur career was highlighted with victories in the Eastern Amateur in 1934 and 1935.  At Durham’s Hillandale Golf Club, which his father operated, he once shot 61, a record that still stands.  He also once posted a record 63 at Hope Valley CC in Durham.

Poe became a professional in 1937, and in that year’s Mid South Open, his first pro event, he was tied for the lead at the end of regulation play, but went on to lose an 18-hole playoff at Pinehurst No. 2 to Dutch Harrison.

He later became an assistant professional at Winged Foot GC, and then succeeded Byron Nelson at Redding (PA) CC in 1940.  He remained there until 1966, when he was hired to build and operate three golf courses in Alabama.  After retiring, Poe moved back to his native state in 1985.

A PGA member for more than 50 years, he was active in PGA affairs at both the sectional and national level.  He was a five-time president of the Philadelphia PGA Section in the 1950's, was a PGA of America Director from 1957-’59, and chaired the PGA’s Annual Meeting from 1958-’69.  He served as Treasurer of the PGA from 1970-’72, as Secretary from 1973-’74 and as President from 1975-’76.  His legacy as PGA President was establishing the National Junior Golf Foundation and the Business Schools for apprentice professionals.

Poe served as a member of the Masters Rules Committee for ten years and as a Director of the PGA Tour Policy Board from 1971-’76.  He is also a member of the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame and the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame.

Henry Poe was inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.