Maryland Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Emmet Gary

The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) was founded in 1921 and was admirably run by Officers and an Executive Committee until 1930, when Emmet Gary became the first Secretary. At that time, the Secretary served two roles by today’s standard: the general responsibilities of a Board Secretary and Executive Director. Emmet Gary served as the Secretary of the Maryland State Golf Association until 1961, when he was named Secretary Emeritus until his passing in 1971. Emmet Gary executed all operational duties of the MSGA for 31 years, as an unpaid volunteer. In 1952, Mr. Gary was elected President of the MSGA, relinquishing his title of Secretary but not his day-to-day operational duties and the managing and running of Championships. Following his year as President, he was re-elected Secretary.

Emmet was Secretary during the formative years of the Association, guiding the Officers and Executive Committee through deliberations and decisions on many issues facing the new leaders. Among those decisions was voting to abolish the “Stymie Rule” and approving the 14-golf club limit. The issue that was devoted most of the time from the 1930s to 1952 was the various handicap systems being utilized throughout the country. Emmet was at the forefront of investigations and discussions to determine the direction of the Association and the ultimate decision to adopt the George Watson Smith System over the Calkins system. The Watson Smith system remained until 1952 when the MSGA, under the direction of then President Emmet Gary, adopted a new course rating handicap system patterned after the Chicago System. (Note:  In 1984, all associations were required to use the new USGA Slope System, which is in use today).

It might be said that Emmet wrote the first history book of the MSGA.  In 1938, he presented to the Executive Committee and the press a handsomely bound 25-page leaflet containing all Association tournament data since its inception, reports of various committees, and the by-laws.

Selected students attending The University of Maryland Agronomy School have received a scholarship sponsored by the MSGA since 1969.  These scholarships are known as the “Emmet Gary” scholarships in honor of his many contributions to the fledging Association. To date, 170 students have benefited from these scholarships, which have introduced them to golf course careers.