OUR LEGACY

WESTERN STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION 1954-present

Western States Golf Association was founded in 1954 with a small group of golf clubs. The charter member clubs were:

Bay Area Golf Club, San Francisco, California
Cosmopolitan Golf Club, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Postal Golf Club, Los Angeles, California
Paramount Golf Club, San Diego, California
Vernondale Golf Club, Los Angeles, California (subsequently changed to Vernoncrest)
Desert Mashie Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona
Fir State Golf Club, Seattle, Washington
Leisure Hour Golf Club, Portland, Oregon

Recognition of and appreciation for its founders, co-founders and prime movers of WSGA:

Vernon Gaskin of Portland Oregon was the first person to talk about the formation of such an organization. His efforts were supplemented by those of the late Bay Area Golf Club’s Captain Morris Henderson of San Francisco. Mr. Gaskin served as Area Vice President of the Pacific Northwest from 1953-1973. Mr. Gaskin retired with the honor of Honorary Vice President of the Association.

Next to appear on the scene was J. Cullen Fentress of Los Angeles California. Mr. Fentress, in his first year as President of Cosmopolitan Golf Club, participated in all of the member clubs Annual Tournaments on the West Coast. It was through this participation that the idea of the formation of a central governing body evolved. Mr. Fentress became the Founding President and served as President of WSGA from 1954-1971. Upon his retirement in 1971, the honor of President Emeritus was conferred upon him. On April 6, 1989, we were diminished by our loved one’s death, but we feel vastly enriched by the wealth of his legacy.

The first Association Championship was held in 1955 at Sharp Park Golf Course in San Francisco California. The Bay Area Golf Club with Mr. Jim Stratten serving as the Tournament Chairman hosted this event. Mr. Stratten was the immediate successor to Bay Area Golf Club’s President Captain Henderson who passed suddenly. WSGA began sponsorship of the Championships in 1962 and in 1963; the Championships were sponsored for the first time.

During the period of 1971-1994, the following distinguished people served as President of WSGA. Mr. Kermit Burns of Los Angeles, California, served during 1971-1973 and developed procedures toward the incorporation of the Association. Mr. Jahue L. Earles of Los Angeles, California served during 1973-1975 and initiated the President’s Ball. Mr. Fred Horton III of Oakland, California served during 1975-1977 and spearheaded the Association’s “HALL OF FAME”.

In June of 1977, Mrs. Pearl Carey of Seaside California became the first female elected to be President of WSGA. This historical event took place at the 23rd Annual Championships in Palm Springs California. Mrs. Carey presided over the Association very efficiently for four years (1977-1981). Her major accomplishments were to rejuvenate and revise the Association’s Junior Golf and Women’s Golf programs. She increased the five area Annual Scholarships to $1,000.00 each and established an Annual WSGA Junior Golf Championship.

On June 19, 1981, the affable and articulate William “Bill” Dickey of Phoenix, Arizona was elected president of WSGA. During Mr. Dickey’s term of office from 1981-1984, several major goals were achieved. Mr. Dickey ordained a Standing Committee to establish a Computerized Handicapping System to calculate and distribute handicaps for WSGA members. He promoted a strong Jr. Golf Program, obtained the 7-UP company as a sponsor of the Junior Championship, and acquired Anheuser Busch, Inc. as sponsor of WSGA’s Annual Championship.

Mr. Fred Parker took over the helm as president of WSGA in June 1984 and served one term (1984-1987). Mr. Parker kept in tune with his predecessors by emphasizing and perfecting specific goals for progress and expansion. Through Mr. Parker’s initiative, consistency and enthusiasm WSGA continued to move forward with increased membership and expanded the Annual Championships. Mr. Parker initiated efforts to increase support for college students.

Mr. Gus Robinson, a gentleman of wisdom and integrity, was elected as the 8th President of WSGA in June 1987. Mr. Robinson served for two terms (1987-1993). During this period, Mr. Robinson was very diligent and effective in performing his duties as an untiring, progressive leader. Among other accomplishments, Mr. Robinson led a constructive movement toward establishing “Tee-Cup Magazine” as the official publication of WSGA, which became a reality in 1988. He dedicated himself to illuminating the myth that there was friction between the Northern California and Southern California Areas of WSGA. Mr. Robinson was instrumental in the development of the “North/South Shoot-out” (a tournament between the women in WSGA). Although he maintained an exhilarating schedule participating in all of WSGA’s sanction tournaments, he undertook the rewriting and clarification of WSGA’S Constitution and By-Laws. Mr. Robinson exemplified a total commitment to the Jr. Golf Program. During his administration, Mr. Robinson became a member of the United States Golf Association and the winners of WSGA’s Junior Championships were invited to the Maxfli/PGA Junior Championships.

In June 1993, Mr. Hank Marshall became the 9th president of WSGA. Mr. Marshall made a commitment to continue building the youth programs. During Mr. Marshall’s administration, WSGA’s computer equipment was updated. He organized the women’s golf program so it would function like other WSGA programs. Mr. Marshall initiated efforts to complete the revision of WSGA’s Constitution and By-laws, and set a five-year plan for WSGA.

In June 1999, Mr. Gus Robinson became the 10th President of WSGA. It should be noted that this is Mr. Robinson’s second time (recycled) as WSGA President. His incumbency during this time encompassed 1999-2002. Mr. Robinson continued his commitment to the junior golf programs and, again, performed his duties as an untiring and progressive leader.

In June 2002, Mr. George Colebrook became the 11th president of WSGA and served two terms from 2002-2008. During Mr. Colebrook’s tenure as president, he stressed the importance of communication. He created and maintained a WSGA Hot-Line, which enabled members to communicate directly with the President. He conducted Town Hall meetings in each of the five areas, worked closely with the Area Vice Presidents, and appointed Chairpersons. Mr. Colebrook was the Editor of WSGA’s newsletter during his tenure as President and along with his appointed committee, was responsible for the latest update (2007) of WSGA’s Constitution, Bylaws, and Standard Operating Procedures. Mr. Colebrook initiated the 501c (3) status for the Association’s junior golf program (Western States Junior Golf Program). He was also responsible for WSGA receiving Hall of Fame honors from the National Negro Golf Association.

In June 2008, the second female president in WSGA’s history was installed as its 12th president serving from 2008-2011. Ms. Tamera Baxter’s platform was based upon bringing greater visibility to WSGA’s legacy, implementing an expansion plan to increase the number of member clubs, and facilitating the utilization of technology for the purpose of Promotion, Acquisition, and Retention (PAR). One of the more successful PAR initiatives was the “Gimme 4.” This initiative encouraged all member clubs to send a minimum of one (1) foursome from their respective clubs to participate in each Sanctioned tournament. This effort would ensure a greater number of participants at each tournament and increase the exposure of each hosting club. Recognizing the need to bring WSGA into the 21st Century, Ms. Baxter also implemented the redesign of the organization’s website and increased the promotion of the Association utilizing various Internet platforms including social media sites Facebook and Twitter, and developing marketing collateral. Ms. Baxter’s desire was to give the Association a facelift and facilitate the process of re-branding the organization.

In June 2011, Dr. Granville L. Brown was elected the 13th President of WSGA serving 2011-2014. Dr. Brown lives in Las Vegas, NV and a member of Valley View Golf Club and served as President of Valley View Golf Club, WSGA AVP Pacific Desert, and Membership Chair prior to being elected to the office of President of WSGA. Communication and information to members is a strong initiative in the role as President and he pushed for the improvement of the website as that tool. He’s a supporter of both the Junior Golf and WIG programs. Dr. Brown was very instrumental in the start of the Hall of Honor and TTHQ/Preferred Tee programs.

In June of 2017, Mr. Al Avery was elected as the 16th President of WSGA during which time he inherited the remaining reminiscence of a settled lawsuit and the USGA's termination of a standing agreement that allowed WSGA to be the only association or organization to sell handicaps across state lines. This termination by the USGA diminished the attractiveness for new members to join WSGA and therefore restricted the capacity to grow the organization.

The first months of his presidency were spent obtaining a handicapping service that would allow the association to stay together as an organization. As a result of researching various approved handicapping services, Handicomp was selected to provide USGA handicaps for WSGA members. Eventually WSGA clubs procured handicap services directly from local USGA affiliates and the Board lowered annual WSGA membership fees for the first time in WSGA history.

To stimulate retention and recruitment of new members, Al developed an association wide golf competition that would last the entire year. He secured private sponsors to fund the " Western States Cup", a competition where the golfers, in each category, that obtained the most points in a year, would be rewarded.

Additionally, Mr. Avery strongly believed that WSGA must change their way of doing business if the organization were to grow and advance. With that belief in tow, he formed ad hoc committees comprised of concerned members of various WSGA clubs. These volunteers came together to research and recommend viable solutions to enhance the business acumen of the organization. These committees did their due diligence and after months of preparation, presented to the WSGA Board of Directors a new comprehensive business plan to aid in the forward progression of the association. Unfortunately, this plan is still awaiting ratification.

WSGA’s Genesis for Recognition of individual performances of duties beyond expectation:

On December 10, 1978, WSGA reached a milestone when the first Hall of Fame ceremony was held at the Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association in Los Angeles, California.

Recognizing their loyal and dedicated services the Association over the years, the following members were inducted in 1978 by President Pearl Carey into WSGA’s Hall of Fame:

Mr. J. Cullen Fentress, WSGA President Emeritus
Mr. Vernon Gaskin, WSGA Honorary Vice President
Captain Morris Henderson, President of Bay Area Golf Club (deceased at the time of induction)
Mrs. Mary Woodard, (deceased at the time of induction)
Mr. James Stratten WSGA’s first General Tournament Chairman
Mrs. Mae Crowder, WSGA Honorary Vice President
Mr. Clifton Walker, WSGA’s first General Handicap Chairman (deceased at the time of induction)
Mr. Felbert Cobbs, WSGA’s first Northern California Area Vice President

In complying with tradition as established by the Association, 27 worthy members of long standing and meritorious service have been inducted into WSGA’s Hall of Fame.

Mr. Frank Adams Sr., June 1981, member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club(deceased)
Mrs. Lillian Fentress, June 1983, member of Vernoncrest Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. William “Bill” Dickey, June 1985, member of Desert Mashie Golf Club (deceased)
Ms. L. Diane Marbury, June 1987, member of Golden Tees Golf Club
Mr. A. B. Mansfield, June 1987, member of Metropolitan Golf Club (deceased)
Ms. Ella Mae Reason, June 1987, member of Vernoncrest Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. Joseph Charbonnet Sr., June 1989, member of Tee Masters Golf Club
Mrs. Mercedes Sanford, June 1989, member of Aberdeen Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. Lesley A. Williams, June 1989, member of Bay Area Golf Club (deceased)
Ms. Pearl Carey, June 1991, member of Ebony Seaview Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. Joseph Gardner, June 1991, member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club
Mrs. Alma Jackson, June 1991, member of Golden Gaters Golf Club
Mr. Charlie Peoples, June 1993, member of Bay Area Golf Club
Mr. William “Bill” Butler, June 1993, member of Inland Empire Golf Club
Mr. Sylvester Marshall, June 1993, member of Leisure Hour Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. Carol Clark, June 1996, member of Golden Tees Golf Cub
Mr. Fredrick Horton III, June 1996, member of Bay Area Golf Club (deceased)
Mr. Joe W. Boyd, June 2002, member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club
Mrs. Argralia S. Earles June 2002, member of Golden Tees Golf Club, founder Vernoncrest
Mr. Joseph N. Robinson, June 2002, member of Desert Trails Golf Club
Mr. Allen Bennett, June 2005, member of T Masters Golf Club
Mr. George Colebrook, June, 2005, member of Desert Mashie Golf Club
Mr. Henry Marshall, June, 2005, member of Golden Gaters Golf Club
Mr. James Redwine, June 2008, member of Sacramento Area Black Golf Club
Mr. Al Mayfield, June 2008, member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club
Mr. Doc Mathews, June 2008, member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club
Mr. Gus Robinson, June 2011, member of Tee Masters Golf Club

In complying with tradition as established by the Association, 5 worthy members of long standing and meritorious service have been inducted into WSGA’s Hall of Honor in 2013.

Ms. Virginia M. Flanagin, June 2013, member of The Honors Golf Club
Mr. Lewis Hawkins, June 2013, member of Valley View & Spears Golf Clubs
Mr. Steve Fisher, June 2013, member of The Honors Golf Club
Ms. Valerie McCray, June, 2013, member of Golden Tees Golf Club
Mr. Johnny Smith, June, 2013, member of Inland Empire Golf Club

Advancement in WSGA has extended to many golf clubs located in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. WSGA is proud of the role it has played in golf since inception in 1954.

WSGA acknowledges:

Mr. Bill Wright of Fir State Golf Club for becoming the first African-American National Champion when he won the USGA National Public Links title.
The financial assistance extended to Charlie Sifford prior to his joining the PGA Tour, as the Professional Golfers Association lifted its Caucasian-only clause in 1960.
Mr. Ashley Smith (deceased) of Bay Area Golf Club, a perennial WSGA champion, also distinguished himself by winning the San Francisco, Hayward, and Oakland City Championships, and the Alameda Commuters Championships.
Mr. Alton Duhon of Cosmopolitan Golf Club became the second African-American to win a National Championship when he won the 1982 USGA National Seniors Amateur Championship.

Tell, sign up a family member or a friend, extend to them a warm welcome, and discuss the benefits of being a member of Western States Golf Association (WSGA).

Please check out our website at: http://www.westernstatesgolf.com/ where you will find exciting information about WSGA and local club activities near you!

WSGA Member Golf Clubs:

ARIZONA / COLORADO AREA

Desert Mashie Golf Club, Phoenix, AZ: http://www.desertmashie.org/
Desert Trails Golf ClubTucson, AZ : http://www.deserttrailsgc.com/
Greenseekers Golf Club, Aurora, CO
Linksters Golf Club, Colorado Springs, CO
Mile High Golf Club, Denver, CO: http://www.mhsbgolf.org/

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA

Bay Area Golf Club, San Francisco, CA
Deep Drivers Golf Club, Oakland, CA: http://www.deepdriversgolfclub.com/
Golden Gaters Golf Club, Oakland, CA
Sacramento Area Black Golf Club, Sacramento, CA: http://www.sabgc.org/
Sistas On The Links, Richmond, CA: http://sistasonthelinks.wordpress.com/
Spear Golf Club, San Jose, CA: http://speargolfclub.com/

PACIFIC NORTHWEST AREA

Eastside Golf Club, Seattle, WA
Hytee Golf Club, Kent, WA
Leisure Hour Golf Club, Portland, OR: http://leisurehourgolf.org/lhg/

PACIFIC DESERT AREA

Divas On Course*, Las Vegas, NV
Inland Empire, Riverside, CA
Paramount Golf Club, San Diego, CA
The Honors Golf Club, Riverside, CA: http://www.thehonorsgolfclub.com/
Stroke of Color, Reno, NV
Valley View Golf Club, Las Vegas, NV: http://www.valleyviewgolfclub.net/

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA

Aberdeen Golf Club, Altadena, CA
Arroyo Golf Club, Altadena, CA: http://www.arroyogolfclub.com/
Continental Golf Club, Inglewood, CA: http://www.golffusion.com/continental/start_page.php
Cosmopolitan Golf Club, Los Angeles, CA: http://www.cosmogolfclub.com/NEW/
Golden Tees Golf Club*, Inglewood, CA
LA Fairways Golf Club, Los Angeles, CA: http://www.lafairways.org/
Long Beach Golf Club, Long Beach, CA: http://www.lbpackgolf.com/
Pro Duffers West Golf Club, Oxnard, CA: http://www.produfferswest.org/
Tee Divas/Dudes Golf Club, Los Angeles, CA: http://teedivas-dudesgolf.com/
Tee Masters Golf Club, Los Angeles, CA: http://www.teemastersgc.org/teemastersgc.htm
Valley Green Masters Golf Club, Bakersfield, CA
Vernoncrest Golf Club*, Los Angeles, CA: http://www.vernoncrestgolfclub.com/

*female majority club

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