Page 6 - Alabama Golf Association

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Some historians have called golf “the greatest game,” and I agree. This belief has been supported in part by interesting stories involving competitive amateur golf at the highest levels. Alabama
Golf Association: The First 100 Years chronicles the past one hundred years
of golf in Alabama, a time frame that begins with the establishment of the Alabama Golf Association in 1915. This century encompasses the performances and work of many fine amateur golfers, administrators, and leaders. Dedicated golfers will find this book to be both highly entertaining and informative. I am indeed delighted the AGA commissioned this book in order to chronicle our impressive history of golf in Alabama.
Serious golfers throughout the state have always governed the AGA. Many of these men and women have been active in tournament play and have an appreciation for amateur golf. These volunteer leaders have contributed time
Foreword
by Richard Anthony
Richard Anthony
and effort in promoting golf because of their love of the game. One such person was Joe H. King, who led the association from the late seventies through the mid- eighties. Despite the limited resources of the AGA, King’s creative leadership and passion kept the AGA moving forward.
Convinced the association needed a full- time executive director, King initiated
the effort to recruit one. In 1985 Buford McCarty began his long and distinguished career leading the AGA into a period of further growth and positive influence.
This book features many distinguished golfers during different eras of our state’s past. Well-known players are Sam Perry in the pre-World War II years, Jackie Cummings beginning in the sixties, followed by Sam Farlow. Hubert Green and Mac McLendon also dominated
the amateur scene in the sixties before moving to prominent professional careers. Golfers in Alabama are proud of Green’s two major championship victories and his recognition as a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
We are reminded of the United States Golf Association’s decision to conduct its first national championship in Alabama, the 1986 U.S. Amateur at Shoal Creek. Followed by the 2008 U.S. Junior