His best finish in a major tournament, a tie for third place, came in the 1905 U.S. Open at Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

In 1903 Barrett emigrated from England to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and that same year was appointed as the head golf professional at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

Barrett, who was 23 years old at the time, had tutelage in England under the legendary Harry Vardon.

On 18 September 1907 he married May Owen (1883–1954) in Toronto and the couple had three children.

[3] In 1907 Barrett won the Canadian Open which was held at Lambton Golf and Country Club where he remained in the head professional post until 1914.