Jared Barnes, a Cedar City native and former golfer at Southern Utah University, will become the next secretary of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. He has the potential to serve two years as secretary, two years as vice president and two years as president of the largest member-based sports organization in the world.
Barnes was elected at the 110th annual meeting of the PGA of America at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas. He will continue to serve as head golf professional at Cedar Ridge Golf Course as he takes a position of national leadership in the golf world.
“I’m looking forward to serving the more than 30,000 members of the PGA of America during the next six years,” Barnes said. “I’m proud to represent Cedar Ridge Golf Course, Cedar City and Southern Utah University on the national stage, and I’m grateful to Cedar City for allowing me the opportunity to serve.”
Barnes was a golfer at SUU for all four years of college. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. For the past 12 years, he’s been in Cedar City as head of the Cedar Ridge Golf Course.
“I’ve known Jared for 42 years,” said former Southern Utah head golf coach John Evans. “I could tell when I first met him that he had something special. He was a 14-year-old kid talking to a 45-year-old guy, and I hired him on the spot to work on the range. I coached him in high school and college. When he played for me, he was a good player, a people person and a leader. He’s a Cedar City kid and has been a leader for many, many years. He’s a family man, and he’s been a super golf official and professional for us.”
Barnes started his journey towards heading up the premiere golf association many years ago. He served as an officer for the PGA’s District 9 from 2007 to 2014 before being selected to head the district in 2019, representing the Colorado and Utah regions. The following year, he joined the PGA’s national board.
Barnes was given the Bill Strausbaugh Award by the PGA in 2007 and 2012 for outstanding leadership, character and charity. He also received Golf Professional of the Year honors in 2010 and the Player Development Award in 2016.
“We’re incredibly proud of Jared and what he continues to accomplish,” said SUU Director of Golf Richard Church. “To see a former Thunderbird earn the trust of his peers to serve as secretary of the PGA of America is special for our program and the Cedar City community. His commitment to serving others and growing the game sets a tremendous example for our student-athletes.”
Even among coaches Barnes didn’t play under, the praise following his election is widespread.
“SUU women’s golf sends a huge congratulations to Jared,” said SUU head women’s golf coach Caylyn McKinlay. “No one is more deserving. Jared has been an incredible supporter of our team and has done so much for our program. His passion for the game, his willingness to help and the support he shows our players never go unnoticed. We are truly lucky to have him in our corner.”
Barnes and his wife Julie live in Utah with four children. Their son, Luke, has also played golf at SUU for all four years of college.
For more information, visit the PGA of America website or the SUU Athletics website.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photo courtesy of Jason Marsteller and SUU Athletics
Editor: Lainey Porter