Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 10, 1990 TAG: 9005110376
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB McLELLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Holley, 48, was one of those who started the Hall of Fame tournament in 1974 and has been a leader in tourney affairs through the years. He also has been a leader in the Middle Atlantic Professional Golf Association for more than 20 years, advancing through the ranks to hold his current position of vice president.
"Wayne has been a role model for his fellow professionals in all phases of the game," said Ned Baber, executive of the RVGHOF in announcing Holley's selection. "He also has proven invaluable to us in the Roanoke Valley, especially with the Hall of Fame operation. He has done so many things to make our tournament grow each year. It is an honor that is long overdue. I know his selection will enhance our entire organization."
Holley, who advanced up the golfing ranks until he became head professional at Roanoke Country Club, called the action "a great honor and one that makes me most happy and excited. It is especially great to be so recognized by your peers."
After one year at Ole Monterey in 1956, Holley moved to Hidden Valley Country Club as a caddy. He began working full time in the pro shop in 1961.
In May 1964, Holley moved to Burning Tree Country Club in Bethesda, Md., to become an assistant to Max Elbin, who was then president of the National Professional Golf Association.
He moved back to Roanoke in 1967 to become a teaching assistant to Luke Barnes at Roanoke Country Club. When Barnes left to take a position in Georgia, Holley was promoted to head professional. At the time, he was 27 and the youngest head professional in Virginia.
Holley has been a member of the PGA since 1966 and his work with the MAPGA has brought him numerous honors and awards. Holley's playing ability also has enabled him to win many honors. He and Blacksburg's Jay Hardwick won both the Virginia chapter MAPGA Pro-Pro championship and the Two-Man Team title in 1978. Holley and Kevin Wilmouth won the Virginia MAPGA Pro-Assistant championship in 1984 and he teamed with Blue Hills' Billy King to capture the Virginia MAPGA Two-Man Team championship later that year.
These positions and titles have earned him numerous certificates of merit from the RVGHOF.
Holley is most proud of his work with club relations. He said he also is proud of the some 30 young professionals who trained under him at Roanoke Country Club and who now have their own positions at other clubs throughout the nation.
Holley is married to the former Barbara Ferguson of Roanoke. The couple has three children. The oldest, Brad, is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and works with a Richmond computer firm. Daughter Pam is a senior at Radford University. Chad, the youngest son, is pro shop manager at the Roanoke Country Club.
Holley's selection into the RVGHOF will be announced officially when the 17th annual Hall of Fame tournament opens June 8 at Hunting Hills Country Club. He will be formally inducted next fall at the annual awards banquet.
by CNB