On a sunny morning in July 1947, on the 25th to be exact, a group of Illinois senior golfers alighted from their cars at the George Ade Hazeldon Country Club in Brook Indiana. They were met an equal group of eleven Indiana senior golfers and possibly the first inter-state golf team match between seniors was about to begin. The Illinois team led by Chick Evans and Bill Lane of Chicago defeated the Indiana team led by Ray Jones and Bill Kingdon of Indianapolis, 24 ½ points to 8 ½. The brilliant 68 by Chic Evans carried away medal honors.
That evening in the clubhouse, at a very informal dinner, prizes were distributed to low gross and net winners. The defeated Hoosiers requested a return match and they were promised an invitation would be forth coming the next summer. It was an enjoyable affair, both from the golf standpoint and fellowship.
True to their promise, on August 27, 1948, Illinois was host to a team of twelve from Indiana at Olympia Fields Country Club, near Chicago. Playing the Number One course, the Hoosiers evened the score, 10 points to 7. Ray Roberson and Bill Kingdon of Indianapolis tied George Hardy of Evansville for low medal with 76. That evening the group again enjoyed being together for dinner, and after considerable discussion, Ray Jones suggested that the following year the neighboring states be invited to send teams to compete.
During the winter of 1948-49, Jones and Kingdon started building up a mailing list of senior golfers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. They decided to stage the first Midwest Senior Golf Tournament at Meridian Hills Country Club, Indianapolis, because it was centrally located the hub of the five states. Finally, a bulletin announcing the tournament was mailed to about three hundred senior golfers, age 50 years of age or over, and the dates were fixed for September 29th and 30th, 1949, 18 holes each day at Meridian Hills. Ninety-three sent in entries and on two rainy days, eighty senior golfers turned in their scores, and at the end point Charley Braughton of Indianapolis had the low medal and was declared the champion.
On the evening of Friday, September 30th, the last day of the tournament, all contestants enjoyed a dinner at the Marott Hotel. At this meeting an association was formed, and on motion of C. J. Farley of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the name was changed to the Western Seniors’ Golf Association. Ray Jones, who had done so well in helping to organize the association, was chosen its first president. William V. (Bill) Kingdon was chosen Secretary-Treasurer, and immediately collected a year’s dues from those present and so W.S.G.A. was a going organization.
The continued steady growth of the association evidenced the fact that among senior golfers there was the need to compete at a level where age and handicap both were considerations. Championship golf was more or less de-emphasized and good-fellowship and fun prevailed at the tournaments.
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In 1950, the tournament was again held at Meridian Hills. By this time its membership had grown to some 240 and 135 participated. During the year ardent senior golfer Walter Kennedy of Martinsville, Indiana had donated a beautiful Championship Trophy. At the same time Charley Braughton presented the association with a Handicap Championship Trophy of like beauty.
At the annual meeting in 1950 held at the Marott Hotel in Indianapolis, Chick Evans, who had become Honorary President, extended a cordial invitation to the association to hold its third annual championship tournament at the Edgewater Golf Club in Chicago. The invitation was enthusiastically accepted and for the next two years, the Western Seniors’ were to hold outstanding events at Edgewater. At this time, a member of the Edgewater Golf Club, and also a member of the association, was chosen to act as Chairman of the Tournament Committee. Robert R. Adam, an executive of unusual ability, did a magnificent job in this capacity. Under his guidance and with the able assistance of other senior members in the Chicago district, the tournaments in 1951 and 1952 were pronounced by many that participated as the finest they had ever played in.
Bob Adam was elected president of the association at the annual meeting held at the Edgewater Golf Club in 1952. Chick Evans remained Honorary President and Allen Rankin of Columbus, Ohio, and Fred Waring of Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania, were elected Vice Presidents. Bill Kingdon was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer. The association, now with 480 members had assumed national proportions. Members came from 32 states and one from Canada.
During the Waite Memorial Tournament held at Shawnee each year, Fred Waring issued an invitation to the Association to play its Fifth Annual Championship Tournament at the Shawnee Country Club in 1953. On July 9th and 10th of that year a most successful tournament was held. The association had now grown to 530 members and at Shawnee 80 wives of members attended. The friendly, social atmosphere that pervaded the tournament, together with such a wonderful host as Fred Waring, marked this event as outstanding in Senior Golf. Since this tournament, each year has brought many wives who have enjoyed the hospitality and entertainment furnished by the host club and the association.
The next twelve tournaments were played at Blue Mound Country Club, Milwaukee, WI; Scioto Country Club, Columbus, OH; Highland Golf and Country Club, Indianapolis, IN; Belle Mead Country Club, Nashville, TN: The Tulsa Country Club, Tulsa, OK: Black River Golf and Country Club, Port Huron,MI; Evansville Country Club, Evansville, IN. The 1965 and 1966 tournaments were at Harbor Springs, MI. Harbor Point and Wequetonsing courses were used. The 1967 and 1968 tournaments were held at Hot Springs, AR.
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In 1954, Dwight Eisenhower was made an honorary member of the association. At that time there were 560 members from 30 states. Consideration was still being given to a name change for the organization. Some members favored “National Seniors Championship Tourney”. In 1955, the membership was limited to 500 with a waiting list established. Bill Kingdon’s secretary’s minutes included: “Western Seniors gather for this annual championship in a spirit of fellowship, sportsmanship and fun. Wives are encouraged to attend for they are beautifully entertained and certainly add to the social enjoyment of the occasion.” First use of golf carts mentioned and approved at the 1955 meeting. In 1955, only 227 about of 600 members played - 38%.
The first tournament held at Highland Country Club, Indianapolis, was held in 1956. Minute notes mention: “WSGA recognized as one of the outstanding Senior Golf Associations in the U.S.” By-law amendments had to be approved by the membership, not just by the board. Apparently the Highland tournament was shortened by rain. In 1957, 36 holes were played, starting on a Thursday. The president reported: “Our organization is not set up to make money, but we try to give valuable prizes and nice entertainment at these affairs”. Officers tried to run the organization with harmony and without personal conflict.
They didn’t always agree at first, but when some principle was accepted, they all worked for it. Entertainment for the ladies was considered to be very important. A roster was printed every two years. To date, all tournament sites and arrangements had been made by a tournament committee, not the president. The vice presidents generally chaired the tourney and membership committees.
The first yearbook (annual) was published in 1959 with the tourney story and pictures. Cost was defrayed by each member assessment of $2.50 a year. The 1959 tournament was the second one to be held ad Highland Country Club.
In 1960, there was the first sign of a much briefer board report. Bill Kingdon was still Secretary-Treasurer. The first recommendation to be a tournament site with two 18-hole courses was in 1961. Before this, the membership had increased so much that all couldn’t play who wanted to. Mention was made that the ladies tournament had become very popular, with the 1961 tournament the largest. This was the first mention in the minutes, so initiating the ladies tournament must have taken place by committee without board approval. In 1962, the minutes give the first mention of going to 54-hole 3-day play.
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In 1965 and 1966, tournaments were held at Harbor Springs, MI. The tournament director was voted compensation of $500 per year and expenses paid. The first record of an Annual Membership Meeting was in 1966. New By-Laws was approved. Notes indicate election of board members may have been changed to Members meeting rather than Board meeting. First mention of the Association having a cocktail party was in 1966 . Bill Kingdon resigned as Secretary-Treasurer after serving 18 years. Ray Roberson was elected to serve out the term.
The 1967 minutes are sketchy on board decisions. Bob Lorton was elected to the board and was Membership chairman. The first discussion was held on prizes. There were many various opinions. It was decided to leave the decision to the prize committee. 1967 was the first year two tournaments were held. June - Hot Springs,AR; and November - first four-ball tourney at Calloway Gardens, Pine Mt. GA. (68 entries - better ball of partnership match play).
The 1969 tourney was held at Pinehurst. Six days and five nights for $158.00 !!! $20 off if wife didn’t play golf. This year’s minutes give the first mention of board decisions being made interim by mail vote. Membership had grown to 723. Member reinstatement was allowed if they paid $20 and $15 dues, and if approved by Membership Committee.
In 1970, the fiscal year was changed to end on December 31, rather than September 30.
The association was incorporated and membership was limited to 700.
Bob Lorton signed the minutes of the annual meeting and directors meeting in 1971 even though he had not been elected Secretary-Treasurer. The ladies’ tourney was increased to 36 holes. Placards substituted for silver bowls for championship winners. Also, a suitable coat was given to the winner.
1n 1974, paid membership was 834. Directors meeting lasted from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. In 1976, membership was at 1,027. The initiation fee was raised to $50 in 1977. Dues remained at $15. Membership was up to 1,105.
Ray Roberson resigned as Secretary-Treasurer in 1978 after 12 years of service. Bob Lorton had been doing all reporting at meetings, and was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Prizes for holes-in-one were established.
In 1979 there were 960 active members and 128 emeritus members. At the 1980 meeting, Bob Lorton reported on the increased cost of printing and mailing, and the increased cost of the tournaments, which was taking a toll on the bank account. Membership at that time was 1,048.
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Dues increased to $25 in 1981. 1982 minutes show the first mention of cocktails and dinner before the annual board meeting. Discussion was held regarding changing prizes to be other than merchandise prizes they were accustomed to giving. The roster was included in the yearbook in order to save money on printing.
The membership was 798 in 1983. The 1984 tournament was held in Boyne Highlands, MI. Board discussions centered on yearbook costs and attracting new, younger members. A suggestion to put a lady on the board was turned down, but more money and better prizes were approved for the ladies tournament. The 1985 tournament was also held in Boyne Highlands. Merchandise prizes were approved for future tournaments. Dues were raised to $50. Frank Swan was elected to the board for 1984,1985, and 1986. Bill Sanders was elected to the board for 1985, 1986, and 1987.
Sea Palms, GA, was the site of the 1986 tournament. Membership had dropped to 552, and only 63 participated in the tournament. Ed O’Keefe and Jack Kull were elected to the board. New member fee was established at $50. Initiation fee was approved.
In 1987, John Claycombe and Irv Mellinthin were elected to the board. The tournament was held in Calloway Gardens, GA, with another low turnout. Much discussion but no conclusions to remedy attendance problem. An earlier spring date in Florida was suggested - Saddlebrook for 1988.
The 1988 tournament was held in the Spring at Saddlebrook in Tampa, FL. Sam Martin was elected to the board, and Ken Mau was elected to fill the term of Bill White, deceased. Membership was 514 active, 142 emeritus. Tournaments Monday through Friday instead of Sunday through Thursday were discussed - no vote. Attendance was low and prices were high at Saddlebrook. The fall tournament was held at Walt Disney World, John Claycombe was elected President for 1989 and 1990.
In 1989, the spring tournament was held at Sea Palms, GA. and at Ponte Vedra, FL. in the fall. Membership was at 422 active, including 48 new members. Paul Archer, Bob Reed, and Ed Carmody were elected to the board. No new emeritus would be accepted after 12/31/88. At this point there was a change in the tourney format - partners in the spring, individual low gross-low net in age brackets in the fall. Total low gross for entire tournament would win championship.
In 1990, Sam Martin resigned as Vice President. Bob Reed was elected in his place. The Spring Tournament was held at Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head, SC and the fall outing at Point Clear, AL. Checks were approved to replace gift certificates for prizes. President John Claycombe had his first hole-in-one on the 17th hole at the Grand Hotel Lakewood course in Point Clear, Alabama. Notable attendees at this time were: John David, Tom Forkner, Buck Hightower, and Fred Zinn.
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The 1991 tournament was held in the spring at Calloway Gardens, GA. Bob Lorton had to draw $3,000 from certificates of deposit for 1990 expenses. Jerry Leer and Fred Lesh were elected to the board. The slope system was approved for handicaps - index rather than handicaps. Dues were increased to $75. The fall meet was held at Ponte Vedra, FL.
The spring 1992 tournament was held at Kiawah Island, SC in April and Point Clear, AL in November. The By-Laws were amended and the Individual Championship Tournament was discontinued in 1992. Ed O’Keefe was elected President for the years 1993 and 1994.
Mission Inn, FL was the site of the April, 1993 tournament and Amelia Island, FL was the location in November. Membership stood at 293 of which 70 were emeritus (who paid reduced dues of $20). The board agreed that tournament entry fees should be used exclusively for tournament expenses and prizes and not for administrative or operating expense except for costs associated with the tournament. Because of increasing expenses and low tournament turnout, the board voted to discontinue the annual yearbook and replace it with an 8-page newsletter for 1994. The board also voted to dispense with favors and WSGA sponsored cocktail parties. Bob Lorton requested not be re-elected Treasurer saying “21 years is enough.” Fred Lesh was elected to replace Bob Lorton. The board also voted to change the membership eligibility age “55” to “50”.
The 1994 tournaments were held at Point Clear, AL in April and Grenelefe, FL in November. Discussion was held in the spring whether the association could continue to support two tourneys a year, because of reduction in membership and poor attendance at the spring meets. A decision was postponed until the fall. The board voted to continue the 8-page newsletter in lieu of the annual yearbook. The board also voted that widows of former members might join the association with payment of full initiation fee and one-half annual dues. Further, that women of 50 years and older be eligible for regular membership upon payment of full initiation fee and full annual dues. The By-Laws were to be amended to reflect this. Ed O’Keefe announced that he would resign from all printing, designing, photography, etc., responsibilities as of the conclusion of the spring 1995 tournament. Jerry Leer was elected President for the years 1995,1996, and 1997.
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The 1995 Spring tournament was held at Mission Inn, Fl. There were thirty-four men golfers. Membership had dropped below 100 members. The board voted to have only a fall outing in 1996 eliminating the spring tournament and to provide favors and door prizes for future meetings. The reasons for discontinuing the Spring tourneys were the low attendance the prior 2-3 years, overall increase in cost of locations making it prohibitive for some members, many members just getting home form winter vacations and wanting to participate in their own club activities. The fall 1995 tournament was held at Ponte Vedra with 61 male golfers.
Since the board had voted the spring meetings out, they voted to change the date of the annual directors meeting to the fall. The board then reversed itself and voted to return to two tournaments a year starting in 1996.
The spring meeting in 1996 was held at Sea Palms, GA, total attendance was 62 with 34 male and 28 lady golfers. At the fall outing in Sandestin, FL, 67 male and 46 lady (113 total) golfers attended. Following Ed O’Keefe’s resignation from WSGA and the board, the board voted to have the officers assigned as a committee to investigate printing facilities and to seek competitive bids and otherwise handle the printing services as they saw fit. The matter of the office manager’s contract was discussed and the board voted the officers to handle this matter as well and report back to them. The board asked to have the names of officers and board members listed in the next Roster.
The directors met informally at the spring tournament held at Palm Coast in April of 1997 where the attendance at the tournament was 35 male and 29 lady golfers (64 total). This was a special meeting of the directors at which a wide range of topics was discussed. Jim Johnson was named chairman of directors nominating committee. There was a consensus that those that retired from WSGA because of age could still get our mailings and come back to play in a tournament without membership fees.
Directors agreed to wear blue blazers with gray slacks and a red tie at the future tournaments. Name badges were discussed and it was suggested that they be color-coded and the state added. It was also suggested that officers and directors have different colors but a plastic badge slipped in the blazer handkerchief pocket, with red letters on white, was adopted.
There were 76 male and 56 lady golfers (132 total) at the November, 1997 tournament at Pt. Clear, Al. At the annual meeting, Glen Belden, Paul Whelpley, Merle Kalkwarf, Wayne Seagren and Everett Shaffstall were elected directors. At the directors meeting, Fred Lesh was elected Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Whelpley vice president. Bob Gardner was elected president o\for the years 1998 and 1999. Membership was back up to 135 members, and the Board instituted a raffle for prizes.
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It was announced that the officers had written a new job description for the office manager, Phyllis Waring, making her responsible for all printing except the 8-page newsletter, and raised her monthly pay because of the new duties. She signed a new contract effective July, 1997. The need for a computer and fax machine upgrade for our office manager was discussed and Everett Shaffstall was appointed to investigate. WSGA will celebrate 50 years in 1999.
A special meeting of the directors was called at the 1998 spring meeting held at the Westin Innisbrook, Tarpon Springs, FL. Of the 77 golfers, 43 were male and 34 ladies. The directors elected Wayne Seagren vice president to complete the unexpired term of Paul Whelpley who resigned the previous December. Duane Monical was elected to replace Fred Lesh, who asked to be relieved, as Secretary-Treasurer. The board then elected Fred Lesh to serve as assistant Secretary-Treasurer, replacing Duane Monical. Both Duane and Fred’s new titles will expire November, 1999.
The directors voted to budget for the directors new member cocktail reception party to be held the Wednesday of each tournament. Don Edwards was appointed chairman of the nominating committee for the election of new directors at the fall annual meeting at Amelia Island. Everett Shaffstall reported an upgrading of the office managers PC. A fax number and e-mail address will be announced when the fall tournament invitations are mailed.
President Gardner discussed the desire to delegate and rotate duties for tournaments among the directors. Bids from resorts were presented that showed the continued increase in prices. Officers will review administrative expenses during summer of 1998. The size of the directory will likely be reduced to fit in a vest pocket. Since we were out of WSGA crests, a new one was ordered that may be put on sweaters, hats, etc. A limited supply in ladies sizes will be considered in future orders. Most of the inventory of WSGA merchandise was sold at this meeting. The raffle continued to insure increased “door” prizes and a black-ink tournament. As of March 1998, there were 165 members, (1 female widow), 153 dues paying and 12 emeritus.
The 1998 fall tournament was held at Amelia Island Plantation, FL, Nov. 1-5. Total attendance was 165. Of those, 86 men and 60 women played golf. Activities included a reception for new members by the officers and board members. This event is becoming a regular activity.
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Because of potential health problems of officers, the board voted to elect Everett Shaffstall as an additional vice president for a two-year term ending 2000. His duties would be assigned by the president who asked Shaffstall to determine needs for computer equipment and software and to report to the board at the spring 1999 meeting at Mission Inn.
The directors decided to change raffle prizes and, as an experiment at Amelia, ten $100 bills were added to the two golf club sets previously purchased. Wally Hultgren volunteered to take charge of the spring raffle and consider other prize alternatives. Discussion followed whether prizes should be limited to one per person. Opinions were divided and no decision was made to change the ability to win more than one raffle prize.
Other directors agreeing to be in charge of spring functions were: Shaffstall, Registration; Jim Johnson, Scramble; and Don Edwards, Men’s Tournament. Frank Burger volunteered to assist Edwards.
The board voted to discontinue check-in gifts to members but to continue favors to ladies.
President Gardner announced that Ponte Vedra would be the fall 1999 site of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Western Seniors. A yearbook was suggested as a public relations item. There would be a one-time cost for the book possibly to be born at least in part by the purchase price to the members. The directors voted that a presentation on contents and cost be made at the spring 1999 board meeting.
In 1999, the Spring tournament was held in April at Mission Inn with 37 men and 30 women present. The Fall tournament was held in November at Ponte Vedra Inn with 95 Men and 75 Women present. This was the 50th anniversary of the WSGA. Everett Shaffstall was elected President and Bill Jackson was elected Vice President for the years 2000 and 2001.
Sharon Monical was appointed office manager to replace Phyllis Waring who faithfully served us for many years. The Board of Directors changed the By-Laws to allow single women to become members and to secure liability insurance for Directors and Officers. They also authorizes the establishment of an internet web site and appointed President Shaffstall to implement same. The Western Seniors ‘ Golf Association Domain name, wsgolf.org, and website www.wsgolf.org was setup. The website lists: current By-Laws, Officers, Board of Directors, future Events, current News, Memorium (passing of members), Membership application, WSGA History, and a direct link to the WSGA office via the internet.
The outings in 2000 were held at Wild Dunes Resort and Fripp Island Resort. The Spring outing for 2001 was at Marriott Bay Point Resort at Panama City, Florida and the Fall outing was at Palm Coast Florida where we played a round on the new Jack Nicklaus course Grand Haven.
George Booth was elected President for the years 2002 and 2003.
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The Spring 2002 outing was held at the Sandestin Resort with 120 attendees including 8 new members. The Fall outing was at the Grand Marriott in Point Clear, Alabama with inclement weather, but we still got the tournament played. The Board of Directors voted to change the men’s tournament to a single modified stapleford format. After discussions, the tournaments will be played with two man teams using the modified stapleford format and teams flighted according to combined handicap.
The spring outing, arranged and hosted by VP Irv Galvin, was held at the Orlando County National Country Club and bus transportation was provided to Disney World for great dining. Enjoyable putting contests were held for both the men and the women.
With 130 attendees, the Fall 2003 outing at Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head. SC was very successful. Three courses were played with the best being Harbour Town where the PGA tournament is played. Ten new members were welcomed at this outing. Ray J. Adams was elected President for the years 2004 and 2005.