Doug Farr inducted into McNeese Sports Hall of Fame

Former Willowdale club pro to be honored

Photo courtesy of Bob Tompkins, The Town Talk

Alexandria native Doug Farr looks over a scrapbook at home in Lake Charles. The former golf pro was recently elected into the McNeese State Sports Hall of Fame.

McNesse State University recently announced the inductees for their 2006 Sports Hall of Fame, and among them is the former club pro for Willowdale Country Club, Doug Farr.

Farr, 65, will be inducted into the hall of fame during half-time at the McNeese State-West Virginia Tech football game on Sept. 9.

Farr, a native of Alexandria, graduated from Bolton High School in 1958 and choose MSU as his college home.  Throughout the early 1960s he played for the university's golf team, was a four-year letter winner and was named the team's most valuable player twice.

Farr was a lead scorer for two seasons in 1961 and 1962, and he still holds the university's single season record for the 71.8 mark he made in 1961.

After graduating from MSU, Farr joined the PGA and served as club pro at Willowdale Country Club in Luling for 17 years, a job he seemed to truly enjoy.

During his time in Luling he and wife Billie were very involved in the community and had many friends.

In a recent interview with Bob Tompkins, a reporter for Alexandria's daily publication The Town Talk, Farr said his favorite part of being a club pro was being able to teach others.

"For some people, who are heavily involved in the game and maybe can't sleep at night, worried about their swing, it's like going to the doctor," said Farr.  "It feels good to help them get rid of a problem.  Their game becomes part of you, and it's very rewarding to help." 

Farr has competed in and won several tournaments including the 1992 Gulf States Section Seniors Tournament at the Le Triomphe in Lafayette, and both the 2001 and 2003 Gulf States PGA Super Senior Championships.

Farr is now retired and currently resides in Lake Charles with his wife Billie.