◆ In Action
A Life Dedicated to Service
2027 PGA of America • Patriot Award Finalist
PGA Master Professional
Commitment. Leadership. Impact.
More than numbers. More than golf. Every class, every mile, and every hour represents an opportunity to use the game of golf to serve those who served us.
The Scope of Service
★ PGA HOPE
Barry has completed PGA HOPE certification more times than any other PGA Member in the Northern Ohio Section — attending all 10 training sessions offered, traveling 788 miles total to do so.
For the 3rd consecutive year, Barry has taught more PGA HOPE classes than anyone in the Northern Ohio Section. In 2025 he is the only person to offer a winter, spring, summer AND fall 8-week program at Valley of the Eagles.
Barry served as Lead Professional for the Northern Ohio PGA Section at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC — the FIRST TIME a Northern Ohio team had ever participated in this national event. They were described as one of the most talked-about and admired groups at the event.
Barry chose to teach his landmark 100th PGA HOPE class at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan — “the Church that Jack built” — traveling 10+ hours round trip to honor the occasion.
Barry was the sole PGA member in Northern Ohio to offer Play Days in 2023. He’s hosted Summer, Fall, and Winter Play Days continuously, including the first-ever 18-hole event in the Northern Ohio Section — a sold-out 2-man scramble with 20 veterans.
Barry recommended Army veteran Lashunda Lee as PGA HOPE Ambassador after witnessing her transformation through the program. She arrived knowing nothing about golf. She left healed.
While vacationing in Arizona, Barry connected with the Southwest Section PGA and helped introduce PGA HOPE to 20 participants in Tucson — taking the mission across state lines on his own time.
◆ In Action
◆ Programs Barry Created
Barry didn’t stop at teaching. He asked one question — “What comes next?” — and built an entire ecosystem of programs for graduates.
The next developmental step after graduation. Inspired by the compass. Moves instruction onto the course: strategy, course management, shot selection, mental game. Meets twice weekly throughout September.
A nine-hole golf league at Valley of the Eagles exclusively for PGA HOPE graduates. Open weekly registration — no season commitment required. Held select Thursdays throughout summer.
Born from veterans saying “I wish there was a way for us to keep getting together.” Monthly veteran-led gathering on the first Tuesday of each month. Complimentary. Led by graduates serving as HOPE Clubhouse Leaders. Focused on peer support and reducing isolation. Long-term vision: replicate throughout Northern Ohio and beyond.
Veterans helping veterans. Graduates return as mentors during future PGA HOPE sessions. Creates a cycle: new veterans benefit from someone who’s been there; graduates gain renewed purpose and leadership.
Three-month offseason initiative keeping graduates connected via golf simulators: January (free simulator time), February (free lessons), March (free HOPE Play Days). No veteran left behind in the offseason.
✞ Folds of Honor
In 2019, Barry heard a young woman describe how Folds of Honor enabled her to attend college after losing her father in service. He hasn’t stopped since.
Northern Ohio Chapter of Folds of Honor since 2022 — bringing leadership and advocacy to the mission of educational scholarships for fallen heroes’ families.
Played 111 holes in a single day. Raised $20,870 — personally contributing $6,338. A one-day testament to what commitment looks like.
The only golf professional in Ohio to participate in 2023, 2024, AND 2025. Raised $1,001 to $1,111 to $7,500 over three years of growing impact.
Negotiated full course donation — no green fees, no cart fees, no F&B charges. Raised approximately $25,000 total across the event’s history.
Most active PGA Member in Northern Ohio Section. Sold Folds of Honor merchandise, donated 100% of proceeds. $1,000+ raised each of the last two years.
Honored by Folds of Honor as Top Performer in 2023 (for 2022 efforts) and again in 2026 (for 2025 efforts) — recognized nationally for sustained impact.
Annual pilgrimage to American Dunes Golf Club, “the Church that Jack built.” Hosted his landmark 100th PGA HOPE class there. A sacred place for a sacred mission.
Staff dresses in patriotic colors every Friday. Traveled to the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village (2024, 2025, 2026) for Folds of Honor Friday on the PGA Tour. Met Jack Nicklaus.
A PGA HOPE graduate surprised Barry by donating to Folds of Honor in the group’s name, securing a plaque on the Wall of Honor at American Dunes. Veterans honoring veterans.
◆ Additional Initiatives
From custom challenge coins to free rounds, Barry’s commitment to veterans extends to every corner of his professional life.
Custom challenge coin — personalized by branch of service — given to every veteran and active-duty military member who plays Valley of the Eagles during the season.
Free round of golf every Monday for 17 weeks (May through August) to a randomly selected veteran or active-duty member. No strings attached. Just gratitude.
24 free 30-minute lessons to start 2024: 1 active-duty + 23 veterans across 4 branches (Army 11, Air Force 6, Marines 6, Navy 1). Every branch represented.
Weekend initiative on the first tee: golfers donate to PGA HOPE if they take a mulligan. Raised $2,000 in 2024 — then matched with $2,000 more in 2025. Turning a golf habit into hope.
Member: Sons of The American Legion Post 211. Life Member: Sons of AMVETS Post 55. Life Member: VFW Auxiliary Post 7035. A tribute to his grandfather’s legacy.
Already a section-level award winner — now nominated at the national level. The recognition keeps rising because the service never stops.
Two missions, one heart. On one side, PGA HOPE: using golf as a tool to empower and heal our Veterans and Active Duty Military. On the other, Folds of Honor: providing educational scholarships to the families of our nation’s heroes. Both united by a common purpose — honoring those who have given so much for our freedom.
Barry Friedman exemplifies everything the PGA Patriot Award was designed to honor.