HISTORY

The Florida Senior Women’s Golf Association

The Florida Senior Women’s Golf Association was started in 1955 by Dorothy Briggs, who envisioned an association that would give women in the age group of 50+ years the opportunity to compete on a statewide level. 

The Clearwater Country Club was the setting for the first of many tournaments for Florida’s senior women. In 1963, the Board accepted an invitation to make Naples Beach Resort the permanent home of its Annual Tournament. 

The location of the Annual Tournament has periodically changed over the years, but then, as now, the format of the 3-day tournament fosters friendly competition on grand courses while sometimes experiencing the ever-changing elements of Florida’s weather.

Under Dorothy’s leadership as its first President, the Board gave the organization its name, established its first constitution and Bylaws, and the annual membership fee. They also set the tournament entry fee and accepted the donations of two traveling trophies for the Low Gross/ Low Net Champions of the field. 

Now over 50 years later, The Florida Senior Women’s Golf Association has thrived beyond the dreams of its founder.

The 2022 event marks the 67th FSWGA Championship (no Championship conducted in 2020), which clearly thrived beyond the dreams of its founder.

We are excited about our new venue at Mission Inn Golf Resort & Club and look forward to catching up with long-time FSWGA members who joined us in previous years!  We appreciate your continued support of FSWGA and just enjoy seeing familiar faces year after year!  New members are the key to sustaining the association and are always welcome!  We look forward to seeing previous and new members in October! 

“And don’t worry one bit if your handicaps rise,

You can always tell a Senior by the light in her eyes.”

--Mary Sharp, 1972

The 2024 event marks the 69th FSWGA Tournament, which clearly thrived beyond the dreams of its founder!