PGA of Australia Life Member and OAM recipient Al Howard will today celebrate his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family in Collaroy Plateau.

The oldest living Australian PGA Member, Al joined the PGA in 1931 following in the footsteps of his father Tom (whose achievements included two Australian PGA Championship titles in the 1920s.)

Al went on to a long and distinguished career, and was one the first Professionals in Australia to pursue both the tournament and vocational aspects of Professional golf simultaneously.

Throughout his time as a Professional, Al was the Head Professional at the Woollahra and Cromer Golf Clubs as well as at Monash and Rosnay courses.

He went on to become a renowned golf course architect with his repertoire of work including the Tasmania Golf Club, Dalby Golf Club, Auburn Golf Club and Woolooware Golf Club.

Al was also a respected golf columnist and gave back to his Association by being the Chairman of the NSW PGA in 1950.

Al was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1994 for his services to golf.

Unable to attend tomorrow’s celebration, PGA CEO Brian Thorburn and PGA Chairman Mark Gibson visited Al last week to deliver a gift from the PGA, a bottle of 100 year old scotch, and wish him well.

"Through his distinguished career, Al forged a path for many of his peers to follow, and he continues to be one of our most loved and cherished Members," said Brian Thorburn.

"On behalf of the entire PGA community, I wish Al ongoing health and happiness and thank him for all that he has contributed to our great game and Association."

Al will be joined at tomorrow’s celebrations by a number of his fellow PGA Members including Life Members Dan Cullen, Tom Moore, Neville Wilson and Eddie Emerson.

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