Our History: Over 60 Years of Fellowship & Golf
The Founding Meeting
It was February 17, 1966, when 30 senior men (55 and older) sat down to dinner at the Midland Valley Country Club in Aiken to organize a men's Senior Golf Association. The meeting was presided over by temporary chairman Mr. Robert Banks. A thorough discussion ensued, and a motion was made, seconded, and approved to form an organization of senior golfers.
The following slate of officers was elected:
President: John Davis
Vice President: H. J. Feinen
Sec / Treasurer: Harvey Hall
Board of Directors: Robert Banks, Louis Youngblood, Henry Musselman, H. V. Scott, Robert Taylor, and A. G. Ropp
A number of objectives were discussed, and annual dues were set at $10.00. On March 11, 1966, a notice of intent to organize was filed with Secretary of State O. Frank Thornton.
The purpose of the Senior Golfers of South Carolina, Inc. was declared: to promote friendly competition and good fellowship in golf among senior players, to hold tournaments and competitions as determined by the Tournament Committee, and to advance the best interests of golf among seniors.
The By-Laws adopted then are essentially the same regulations that govern our Association today. Vice President Herb Feinen eventually succeeded John L. Davis as President. While most of the early membership came from the Aiken area, it has since spread across the entire state of South Carolina. On May 23, 1966, Treasurer Harry S. Hall reported a bank balance of $338.91.
The first official tournament of the Senior Golfers of South Carolina, Inc. was held at the Midland Valley Country Club on May 13, 1966. Thirty-one seniors participated. The winners were:
Age 55–59: Robert Taylor
Age 60–64: Sol Steinberg
Age 65–69: Tatum Gressette
Age 70 and over: R. L. Churchill
Note: Rev. E. T. Severs of Batesburg also played but was unable to officially compete because he was not yet 55 years of age.
Today, we average about 100 players for each tournament. We are indebted to these gentlemen of the 1960s for preserving and developing the association we enjoy today. We currently have over 300 members, including 35 Emeritus members who have been with us for 20 years or longer.
It is our hope that the tradition of association and fellowship in golf will continue to prosper and grow within the Senior Golfers of South Carolina, Inc.
