In 1955, John A. “Jack” Emich was elected to the MSGA Executive Committee, serving as Vice President. In 1960 he was elected President for one term. Following his term as President, he was elected Secretary to replace Emmet Gary, who acquired the permanent title of Secretary Emeritus in recognition of 30 continuous years of service. Mr. Emich served proudly until November 12, 1986, when a motion was passed by the Executive Committee to change his title to Executive Director. Many major decisions were made under his leadership, including revising the bylaws in 1992 and reversing the 1933 decision that removed public golf courses from membership so that public golf courses could join the MSGA. Thus, making their affiliates eligible to play in MSGA events and the creation of the MSGA Women’s Division. Mr. Emich’s career with the MSGA spanned forty-six continuous years, all as a volunteer, a feat unlikely to occur again. Known by many as “Mr. Golf” he was the definition of a gentleman.
In addition to the MSGA, Jack served on the Board of the Middle Atlantic Golf Association for seventeen years, culminating with a term as president in 1988, and was the Maryland representative to the United States Golf Association. Mr. Emich began his volunteer service to the USGA in 1964 and remained active for 37 years. Jack is credited with securing the 1965 Walker Cup at Baltimore Country Club and served as event Chairman while Dwight D. Eisenhower served as Honorary Chairman.
Not all of Mr. Emich's time in golf was spent as an administrator or an official. As a player, he qualified for the British and U.S. Amateur Championships, served as playing captain in the Baltimore-Washington and Mason-Dixon team matches, and won the club championship at Baltimore Country Club seven times.
In 1989, Mr. Emich was inducted into the Middle Atlantic Golf Association Hall of Fame. He received the Isaac B. Grainger award from the USGA for his volunteer service in 1995. In 2000 the MSGA Women’s Division presented Mr. Emich with their Distinguished Service Award, and the USGA presented him with its Joseph C. Dey award in recognition of meritorious service to the game as a volunteer.
Comments