We are delighted to offer Honorary membership to Howard Barnett in recognition of his support of the club over the last 67 years a couple of days after his 96th birthday.
Every golf club has its characters. At Cleveland Golf Club, one of ours is Howard Barnett — proof that you don’t need a single-figure handicap today to be a club legend… though he once had one.
From Soppet Street to Sporting Star
Born in April 1930 and raised on Soppet Street in Redcar, Golf in them days was very snooty and seemed a long way off. Howard was competitive long before he ever picked up a golf club. In 1946 and 1947, he was back-to-back Redcar Boys Club Table Tennis Champion — quick hands then, slightly more selective contact with a driver later…
After serving his apprenticeship as a fitter, Howard completed three years national service in the Royal Air Force, stationed in Buxton in Derbyshire where he would regularly cycle back home to Redcar for the weekend to visit his future wife. Playing football at a high level — even sharing the pitch with Wolves and England international Peter Braodbent and Ron Flowers, a 1966 world cup squad member. Not bad company.
Howard’s golfing career began in the late 1950s while installing a bathroom for a customer in Warrenby. The gentleman kindly took him across the railway tracks to “have a go.”
Swing one — fresh air.
Swing two — fresh air.
A third swing — still fresh air.
Most people might have taken that as a sign. Howard took it as a challenge and a new game he could let the competitor in him thrive.
In 1959, he joined the Warrenby Artisans. Membership cost £1.50 — and in perhaps the greatest financial decision in club history, 50p was later refunded because there was too much money in the pot!
Proper Links Golf
Howard often says the course was magnificent “in them days.” No semi-rough. Just fairway — or four-foot rough that swallowed balls (and occasionally players). He remembers the course playing 6 par threes before the current 13th and 17th were constructed. The the current fourth hole was two holes — a par 4, with a green shaped like a violin-get on the wrong side and it was un-puttable! and a par 3 — with the tee set in the swamp playing to the current green. He’s seen many changes over the years, particularly the layouts over the other side of Majuba Road.
The Artisans had their own hut down by the railway crossing on the 4th and used to Tee off from the 8th giving way to the Cleveland members. As an Artisan, he didn’t just play — he helped seed and divot the fairways three times a year.
Going Up in the World – 1966
It was 1966, Howard started his own gas and heating business. No longer eligible for the Artisans, that meant it was time to join Cleveland properly and teeing off from the first!
As much as he enjoys playing, he loves watching the top players battle it out on the links every year for the Cleveland Salver. Howard recalls watching former Cleveland greats Derek Munro and Dr. Mackay — both five-time winners of Cleveland Salver formally named the Gazette Cup in those days.
Still Going Strong
Howard still tees it up every Thursday with his friends — brothers Rob and Michael Jackson, and Ralph Cawthorne — playing for a pound. The stakes may be modest, but the competitiveness remains.
When he’s not on the course, he’s at the range, practising his chipping and putting… or keeping himself fit at the gym a few times a week. Dedication never retires!
In 1968, he travelled to Scotland for a trip away with the lads. While on that trip they called in at St Andrews on the off chance and managed to get on for 10 shillings. Whilst playing the old course he vividly remembers spotting Arnold Palmer watching on from his hotel balcony — the legendary Palmer was in town for The Open at Carnoustie. For Howard, fresh off his first few air-shots in Warrenby years earlier, it was a memorable brush with golfing royalty.
Howard was a member of the British Gas Golfing Society from 1961 until last year when it folded, always enjoying the great days out.
The Stymies – Camaraderie and Captaincy
Howard has also been a proud member of the Stymies for many years. He loves the twice-yearly trips away with the lads, sharing laughs and stories on and off the course. Last year, Howard had the honour of being Captain of the Stymies, a role that reflects his commitment and the friendships he has nurtured over decades of club life.
Most nights, between 4 and 6, you’ll find Howard popping in for a quick pint — catching up with friends, sharing a laugh, and keeping up the camaraderie that makes the club feel like home.
He also loves a Sunday afternoon session, meeting up with pals Ted Atki and Micky Robbo, listening to the golfers coming in off the course — soaking up the atmosphere, sharing stories, and enjoying the social side of club life that’s just as important as the scorecard.
At his peak, Howard played to an impressive 8 handicap — and today continues to hold a very respectable 20. Howard celebrated his 96th birthday on April 24th— an inspiration to all members: keep moving, keep playing and just the one pint of beer!
Howard truly is a remarkable gentleman and an inspiration to us all, truly defining what Cleveland Golf Club is all about: good golf, good friends, and a lifetime of club spirit.