John Howson, from Sparks and Pine Ridge Golf Course, earned his second Maryland State Golf Association Player-of-the-Year honor for his 2014 play, and in the process became the first player in the eight-year history of the program to win in each of two divisions — Regular and Senior — having previously won the Regular title in 2009. This time, he totaled 305 points and finished with the closest margin of victory in the Senior bracket, edging Henry Blue, from Butler, and Caves Valley GC, who had three Top 10’s in getting to 300.
Howson, 55, and in his first year of Senior eligibility, earned points in just four events, highlighted by his victory in the MSGA Senior Amateur at Musket Ridge GC in Myersville. There, his 68-65 set records for low first and second rounds and 36-hole total (133). His seven-stroke lead over runner-up Mike Occi, from Hobbit’s Glen GC, also is believed to be a record. In his 65, he hit every fairway and used 29 putts.
“I was really looking forward to 2014, but I stumbled in the [MSGA] Amateur and Open and did not qualify for the U.S. Senior Open. In the Senior Amateur, my short game saved me. It is as good as it has ever been, but I’m not hitting the ball well,” he said recently.
Of 2009, where his 690 points were a Regular record at the time (he currently stands sixth all-time), he explained, “I could compete with the youngsters in all MSGA events and getting to the U.S. Senior Open (2009) was a highlight, although an injury prevented me from playing my best. Since then, I suffered a back injury at the end of 2011 which robbed me of my club-head speed.”
Even so, he was successful in 2012-13, just not up to his usual standards. Such was the case this year, too, but there may be better days ahead. Looking at 2015, the gritty Englishman reported, “I have to improve my ball-striking. It’s at an all-time low. To this end, I have signed up for instruction this winter. Believe it or not, I’ve never had lessons (anyone who has seen my swing will relate), but I have put my faith in a young pro, Jamie Gylan, a teacher in the York [Pa.] area. I hope he can find the keys to better and more consistent ball-striking.
“If I can accomplish improvements there, I hope to be competitive in the U.S. Senior Amateurs beginning in 2015 and be even more competitive locally. I feel very lucky being in Maryland which I can now see is a hotbed of extremely strong Senior amateurs. For instance, the recent U.S. Seniors was won by Pat Tallent [Vienna, Va., and Congressional CC].”
Asked about managing home, golf, and work, he replied, “It’s difficult. My three children have left home so demands in that area are reduced. Still, during the season, I don’t play social golf. It’s practice (typically limited to 40-minute sessions because of back issues) and tournaments.”
Howson works for DeWalt cordless tools where he is a vice-president for engineering. “I’m responsible for some 600 workers and I have global commitments which dictate the tournaments I’m able to play.”
In the P.O.Y. chase, Howson and Blue were followed by Larry Martone, Kenwood CC, 215, and Occi and Tallent, 200 each. Howson was honored November 14 at the MSGA’s annual dinner meeting at Manor CC in Rockville.
-Reported by John Stewart
