Barney Thompson – 2017
A native of Barboursville, West Virginia, Barney Thompson’s career has proven to be one of the very best in West Virginia golf history. Thompson completed his historic career in the mountain state with three West Virginia Amateur Championship victories and three West Virginia Open Championship wins.
Barney got his start in golf at the tender age of six in Grundy, VA, where his father Glen resided as the Head Golf Professional. Thompson learned to play the game on their sand greens before moving back to West Virginia where his father became the Head Professional at Logan Country Club. It was at Logan Country Club that Barney’s young golfing career began to flourish.
In 1966 Thompson became the youngest winner of the West Virginia Amateur at the age of 17 when he won in dominating fashion by eight strokes over runner-up Jim Ward. In 1969, Thompson won his second Amateur setting a scoring record of 274, defeating fellow Hall of Famer and amateur great, William C. Campbell by five strokes. In 1996 Thompson won his third West Virginia Open title at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane, winning in a playoff over two-time winner John Ross.
Barney Thompson’s career extended far beyond his great achievements in West Virginia. Thompson played on the PGA TOUR from 1973-1982 making 92 cuts in a remarkable 184 starts. Thompson’s career was highlighted by his tie for first, runner-up finish, in the 1981 Bing Crosby Pro-Am. During his time competing professionally, Thompson played in four major championships with his best finish coming as a tie for 54th in the 1974 US Open at Winged Foot. During his time on Tour, Thompson played alongside many greats of the game, including Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. Following his career on the PGA TOUR, Thompson competed two years on the PGA TOUR Champions. With full status in 1999, Thompson enjoyed playing with Chi Chi Rodriguez and others to whom he watched play throughout his years on Tour. Thompson concluded his competitive golfing career by competing in two US Senior Opens and one Senior PGA Championship.