Sisters Across America (SAA) held their 11th annual golf tournament May 19-21, 2017 at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Per Faye Horton, President of Sisters Across America, this is the 11th year of the organization’s existence. The SAA organization is the brainchild of Esther Wilson (a founding member and first President).
Esther Wilson, Co-Founder, Sisters Across America
In 2006, a group of Central Florida women golfers, who relocated to Florida from various regions of the country, decided to informally meet to develop a plan for a quality ladies invitational golf tournament. This would be held in Central Florida and would be hosted by the informal group. Their initial goal was to invite women who might enjoy a quality golf experience in the Greater Orlando Area. The event would simultaneously provide a unique professional and social networking opportunity for them.
SAA’s initial goal and purpose evolved into a mission to financially support and mentor young minority women aspiring to play on the LPGA Tour. They knew, for many, the realization of an LPGA dream would not be possible without much needed financial and mentoring support. SAA’s goal was to help alleviate that problem by making the financial and mentoring resources of the Sisters Across America organization available to these aspiring female golfers. In doing so, they would enable qualified talented individuals to concentrate on developing the golfing skills needed to secure a playing card on the LPGA Tour.
SAA’s vision is to create a golfing organization that serves women. Though the sisters are primarily African American, membership is diverse and has always been open to all. It is a 501(c) 3 non- profit organization and its membership includes accomplished golfers as well as beginners and non-golfers.
Sixty-Six women from many locations teed it up for the two-day tournament. The Reunion Resort’s Watson and Palmer Courses were in excellent condition and were perfect for the event. Their challenging layouts and beauty make Reunion a premier destination for golfers choosing the Orlando/Kissimmee region.
There were many first time attendees and all were committed to putting next year’s event on their calendar. The event was well organized by SAA Tournament Directors Cassandra Doty and Cheryll Martinez, and the Reunion golf staff provided excellent tournament support.
Sisters Across America has a mission to help change the landscape of women’s golf. Currently, Ginger Howard is SAA’s “mentee”. She has won six times on the Ladies Sun Coast Golf Tour and at one time held LPGA conditional tour player status. The Sisters have also provided support to aspiring LPGA player Amira Alexander – a recent graduate of Kent State University from Alpharetta, Georgia and currently ranked in the top 20 on the National Women’s Golf Association.
The annual Sisters Across America tournament is just one of the fundraising events used to help the organization achieve its mission. The “Dolls and Guys” event, which is a men and women’s golf scramble format tournament, is held annually in the Central Florida area. This year, for the first time, the event is also licensed and approved for play in Chicago at Foss Park Golf Course on August 5, 2017. Those seeking membership in or applying for support from Sisters Across America may apply at www.sistersacrossamerica.com.
Sisters Across America, Inc. consists of golfers and non-golfers who are bound by the passion for our mission.
Since our inception in 2006, we continue to embrace our activities with respect, integrity and teamwork.
Sisters Across America, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation of women from across America,
committed to carrying out the mission, vision and goals of the corporation.
Otis Windham is a freelance golf writer and author with over 30 years experience in the golfing industry. He has organized national and international golf travel for various golfing groups. He is past president and travel and events coordinator for 2 major African American golfing organizations. He is a member of the African American Golfer’s Digest Advisory Board.
