A HISTORY OF THE NEW ENGLAND SENIOR GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION

The New England Senior Golfers’ Association was founded in 1921 by a group of senior members from Woodland Golf Club who wanted a yearly tournament to provide competition for seniors only.  Before the first tournament was held it was suggested that the invitations to competitors be extended to include a selected group of local clubs in addition to Woodland.  Twelve clubs were represented at the first tournament including clubs from New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The intent at the first organizational meeting was to form a “Massachusetts Senior Golfers’ Association”, however, by May 2, 1922 sentiment had evolved to include the other New England states and thus was founded the New England Senior Golfers’ Association.

A certificate of incorporation was issued to the association by the Secretary of State of Massachusetts, Mr. F. W. Cook, on January 8, 1925 thus making the NESGA the second oldest organization of its kind in the United States exceeded only by the United States Senior Golfers’ Association which was founded in 1905.

The stated object of the NESGA is “to encourage friendly competition in golf among senior players, hold golf tournaments annually at New England clubs that are members in good standing of the USGA and to foster the game of golf in the spirit and tradition of the USGA”.

Consideration for membership in the NESGA is based primarily on the applicant’s contributions to the game of golf as exhibited in his participation with state golfing associations, country club committees and other golf related institutions.  In addition the candidate must be a true gentleman who reflects the spirit of the game and its traditions.  Further consideration is given to the candidate for his seniority on the waiting list and his home state geographical distribution within the association membership.

At its founding the initial membership was limited to two hundred, however, the popularity of the annual tournament and that of the association soon contributed to the growth of a lengthy waiting list of prospective members.  In an effort to keep the waiting list at a manageable number the association officers have, through the years, increased the membership numbers to (250) in 1952, (325) in 1959, and later to the present number of (400).  Since the WWII years the waiting list has consistently contained over (100) names, which has equated to over a two-year wait to attain membership.

The history of the NESGA reflects a long and storied eighty plus years.  From the earliest days both the Woodland and the Brae Burn clubs have been its primary supporters in terms of allowing the use of their golf courses and the club facilities.  They have been a source for the many talented members who provided leadership to the NESGA as officers and board members.

In the beginning the idea was to provide a venue where seniors could renew associations with friends from their younger days and where they could again compete on a “level playing field” against their old adversaries and have an enjoyable time doing it.  That premise has been the guiding force through the history of the NESGA.