Howard Bankhead has spent over 20 years working to introduce golf to children in Madison, Morgan, and Jackson counties through various youth programs. His journey began with the Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Program and continued with the First Tee of Huntsville. Currently, he is an integral part of the Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD) initiative, which brings golf to local schools. Howard’s tremendous efforts and progress with his organization was highlighted by alabamagolfnews.com last December in its People section.
Bankhead’s inspiration for starting these programs stemmed from his desire to give children opportunities he never had. PEYD, founded in 2016, aims to positively impact young lives by offering programs that promote fitness, character, and academics. Bankhead, a community manager and a 2023 African American Golf Hall of Fame inductee, teaches kids golf basics like grip, stance, and alignment while emphasizing safety, fun, and doing their best. His goal is to develop not just their golf skills but also their work ethic, both on the course and in school.
Bankhead hopes to establish a permanent headquarters for the organization, complete with a practice area. He has identified part of the green space from the former Becky Peirce Municipal Golf Course in South Huntsville as the ideal location. “That’s the ideal place for it,” Bankhead said. “If we can get the land, then we can get the funding and bring the whole thing there.”
In recognition of his dedication to youth and golf, Bankhead was inducted into the African American Golf Hall of Fame in May, honoring his contributions and achievements in the sport.
PEYD provides after-school programs, summer golf camps, and drive, chip, and putt lessons, using golf to prepare kids for STEM fields. Taylor Byrd Jr., chairman of PEYD’s board, praises the excitement children experience when learning golf. However, the program faces challenges, particularly in fundraising and maintaining kids’ interest outside of school.
Bankhead’s approachable personality makes children feel comfortable, allowing them to enjoy the learning process. Read the entire alabamagolfnews.com article on Howard Bankhead HERE.
