Preliminary discussions of this initial group led them to invite others to the planning sessions. Participation in these initial stages constituted the formation of a central planning body and the birth of an association called the Sunshine State Golfers Association. The association started with five (5) small clubs: Palmview Golfers Association (Ft. Lauderdale), Elite Swingers (Pinellas County), Florida Sportsmen’s Association (Sebring), Miami Par & Birdie (Miami), and the Par & Birdie of Lakeland. Ernest King of Ft. Lauderdale served as the first President from 1972-1975.

Messrs. Leonard Wilson (1976-78), Robert Saffold (1979-81), and Maurice Wallace (1982-85) followed as Presidents. Under their continuous outstanding leadership, the organization’s constitution and by-laws were revised, affiliate membership increased, tournament standards were developed, and the tournament competition improved with participation at quality golf courses. In 1984 the organization was officially registered with state of Florida as a not-for-profit corporation under the name Sunshine State Amateur Golfers Association, Inc. In 1989, the organization received its 501(c)(3) tax exemption certificate from the Internal Revenue Services. Other elected presidents included Ms. Ella Morehead (1986-89), Charlie Pelham (1990-93), Willie Jones (1994-97/Miami), and Edward Maynor (1998-2001). The current President is Clewis Wright Jr. out of Miami.

The SSAGA is the only principally African-American statewide association of male and female golfers in United States. It is now comprised of thirteen (13) clubs and involves approximately 1,000 golfers of all ethnicities from Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Naples/Fr. Myers, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach, Titusville, Sebring, Lakeland, and St. Augustine. Through regularly scheduled tournaments, members, associate members and camaraderie among those who love the game. The SSAGA contributes more than $800,000 annually to Florida’s economy through the hosting of local and state tournaments and other golf related activities.

Willie Jones (1994-1997), Edward Maynor (1998-2001), and Clewis Wright, Jr. (2002-2005). The current President is Curtis Williams from Lake Worth, Florida.