SSAGA Executive Committee (Right front) Gregory Vereen, President. (right rear) George Gay, Parliamentarian. (left front) Isom Rivers, Vice President. (left middle), Jon Cummings, Tournament Director and (left rear) Ernest Kearse, Treasurer. Members missing from photo: Davette Thompson, Recording Secretary, Dave Curry, Corresponding Secretary and Bernard McClinton, Chaplin.
The Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association (SSAGA) has a valiant history which still resonates strongly today. The formation of the member-based organization came about as a way to better connect like-minded sportsmen in Florida.
During the early 1970’s, Black golfers were having quite a bit of trouble when it came to playing organized golf in the state, says the SSAGA website, and the resolve came in 1972, when Sebring, Florida resident Robert Saffold got together for a conversation with some other Black golfers at the Harder Hall Golf Course during a Pro-Am tournament called the “Sephia Open”. It was at this gathering that the golfers discussed the formation of a statewide organization whereby all Black golfers could join and participate in friendly tournament competition.
The seven pioneering group of Black golfers was Ed Henry, Ernest King, James Hastie, Danny Sutton, Eddie Postell, Leonard Wilson, and Robert Saffold. The men were also aware of that fact that several other Florida cities of that time had established tournaments. These included Tampa (Rogers Park), Jacksonville (Moncrief), Ocala (Compton #2), and Miami (North/South at Miami Springs). Their awareness of this situation brought about a dialogue that led to the concept of the Sunshine State Amateur Golfer’s Association becoming a reality.
Following preliminary discussions by this initial group of seven men, other Black golfers were invited to attend the planning sessions. The formation of a central planning body grew out of this effort and the official name, Sunshine State Amateur Golfer’s Association, was designated.
The association started with 5 small clubs: Palmview Golfers Association (Ft. Lauderdale), Elite Swingers (Pinellas County), Florida Sportsmen’s Association (Sebring), Miami Golf Connection and Par & Birdie of Lakeland. Ernest King of Ft. Lauderdale served as the first President (1972-1975).
Presidents who followed included Leonard Wilson (1976-78), Robert Saffold (1979-81), and Maurice Wallace (1982-85). Under these outstanding leaders, the SSAGA’s constitution and by-laws were revised, affiliate membership increased, tournament standards were developed, and, with participation at quality golf courses, the tournament competition improved.
In 1984, the organization was officially registered with the state of Florida as a not-for-profit corporation under the name Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association, Inc. In 1989, the organization received its 501(c)(3) tax exemption certificate from the Internal Revenue Service. Other elected presidents included Ms. Ella Morehead (1986-89), Charlie Pelham (1990-93), Willie Jones (1994-1997), Edward Maynor (1998-2001), Clewis Wright (2002-2005), Curtis Williams (2006-2009), Herbie Pitters (2010-2013) and Mac Johnson (2014-2017). The current President is Gregory Vereen who hails from West Palm Beach, Florida.
SSAGA president, Gregory Vereen is a formidable leader who recognizes that in growing an organization there are challenges to be faced. He knows that the future successes of the SSAGA depend on developing ongoing relationships and a tactical strategy. He says, “I understand that our future is like walking forward up a staircase, with every step we take it is leaving our past behind. Each and every step you take going forward can get you higher and higher off the ground, but if you are afraid of heights it’s not so comfortable. I have a passionate commitment to move our organization to the next step, on that staircase which is taking us forward and higher, and higher. If we learn anything from the past it is to not be afraid to embrace the future which is constant change. Our future success depends on it!”
The SSAGA is the only principally owned African American statewide association of male and female golfers in the United States. The organization is currently comprised of ten golf clubs and involves approximately 1,000 golfers of all ethnicities from throughout the region including Miami, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Naples/Ft. Myers, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach, Titusville, Sebring, Lakeland, and St. Augustine. Consider your club or area for being a partner with SSAGA, we’re growing.
Through the vision and fortitude of its founders, today SSAGA provides an enriching experience for golfers. The organization regularly holds scheduled tournaments and group play where members (and associate members) can enjoy camaraderie with others who love the game. The SSAGA contributes more than $800,000 annually to Florida’s economy through the hosting of its local and state tournaments and other golf-related activities.
To learn more about Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association visit Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association
Contact:
SSAGA Mailing Address:
SSAGA
P.O. Box 210483
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421
