Western Golf Club Really Swings

Bill Hughes is a man after my own heart . . . and name.

For 14 years he planned and operated deluxe golf tours to many golf courses and country clubs throughout the world, but finally grew weary of the travel hassle. Namely all the details of getting people, their luggage and clubs from all over the United States to the first tee in some exotic location.

“That was enough. Endless dealing with airlines on fares and schedules, baggage worries and putting everything together on time,” said Hughes, who is no relation.

So he sold out and started the Seniors Golf Assn., which also offers golf events, but only in the Western states. Members provide their own transportation. But most drive and take care of their own luggage.

Events are usually two- or four-day tournaments, with parties and a gala awards dinner and, of course, all greens fees.

Golfers need not stay at specified hotels or resorts, although reduced rates are offered to association members.

There are two qualifications that take the Seniors Golf Assn. out of the range of the casual golfer: Participants must be at least 50 years old and also have an established handicap with a country club or course.

There are more than 750 members and spouses within the 11 Western states, and Hughes offers eight events each year. Some, such as his Palm Springs Invitational, draw 300 mature golfers.

Tournaments are structured by age and handicap for both sexes. There are usually one-day, best-ball, team competition and longer medal tournaments. There are trophies and awards for both.

This year’s Palm Springs Invitational, Feb. 24 to March 1, is a typical SGA offering. Member golfers pay $582. Non-golfing spouses pay $273.

The price includes five nights at the International Hotel Resort, welcoming party and awards dinner, plus four rounds of golf--with cart included--at Mission Hills Resort, Rancho Mirage Country Club and Lawrence Welk’s Desert Oasis (formerly Cathedral Canyon Country Club).

Members who opt to provide their own accommodations pay $382. Non-golfers pay $73.

Upcoming SGA events include: April 7-9 in Santa Rosa, Calif.; May 12-17 in Reno, and June 11-13 in San Luis Obispo. Still other two- or four-day events are scheduled later in the year for Spokane and Olympia, Wash., Mesa, Ariz., and Las Vegas.

Annual membership dues for SGA are $38 for a couple or single member. For more information, contact the Seniors Golf Assn., P.O. Box 5, Diablo, Calif. 94528, (415) 837-8469.