Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

COAST NOTE
Remembering Rowdy
Scholarships for a Shining Star
story by Tommy Snell
photos courtesy of the Foster Family
Some people light up a room, but Rowdy Foster illuminated an entire golf course when he would show up for golf practice, a casual round, or a competition. The Hancock Hawk and MHSAA State Champion golfer’s smile made everyone feel a little bit better.
On December 5, 2025, Rowdy Foster and brother John Michael-David Foster headed home after golf practice and tragically died in a head-on collision on Texas Flat Road in Hancock County.
On Monday, February 9, MGCCC Head Golf Coach Brad Thornton organized a merited tribute to Rowdy as
all MGCCC Golf Coaches and the University of Arkansas Head Golf Coach Brad McMakin posthumously offered the affable Rowdy Foster honorary scholarships. Foster’s ties to Arkansas were obvious and palpable. His great-aunt’s actual name was Sue Pigg.
“The tragedy hit home for our golf community,” said the two-time NJCAA National Championship Coach Thronton. “Rowdy was such a good golfer, but more importantly, he was a good person,” added Thornton.
Arkansas Head Coach Brad McMakin was quick to climb on board. McMakin was already familiar with Foster and sent this message: “It is truly a very sad story. It breaks my heart.”
His brother was responsible for Rowdy’s interest in golf.
“I brought him to Diamondhead with Lil Rowdy for a golf lesson,” said dad Clayton. “Rowdy asked if he could try it.”
Rowdy’s favorite player was Arkansas golfer John Daly, Jr. and was often called “Little John Daly himself,” according to his dad.
MGCCC Golf Team at the Pearl River Community College Invitational
Diamondhead General Manager and Director of Golf Instruction Hoppy Smith knew Rowdy well. “He was the most polite kid I’ve ever been around,” said Smith. “If I could think of one word that best describes him, ‘dedication’ would come to mind,” added Smith.
The heartbreak continues for so many of us who had the privilege of being around the gregarious left-hander. His smile, his dedication to the game, and his love for everyone will forever be remembered. These scholarships are a stark reminder of James Taylor’s words, “Shower the people you love with love.”
16 | April 2026
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