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| SGA News From
Christmas at the Cloister
Sea Island, Georgia
December 2024
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Merry Christmas from Sea Island!
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Congratulations to Jay, Debbie, Karen & Bob
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Dave, Janie, Ken, Jean, & Dick
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SGA friends Catherine, Dave, Chris, Ken, Nonie, Dale & Christie toast the holiday season
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| SGA Celebrates the Holidays in Style
The Senior Golfers returned to the Cloister at Sea Island for the 42nd consecutive year in December of 2024. The event began with drinks and dinner at the Lodge at Sea Island. SGA Hall of Fame members Jeff Leech, Bill Suehs, and Janie Risley were recognized, and newcomers Chris Berry and Nora & Jay Harris were welcomed.
After a holiday-inspired week together with much enjoyment of the beautiful Christmas ambiance at Sea Island, holiday merrymaking, and, of course, golf, longtime SGA member Debbie George was winner at gross for the ladies. "It is great to be back with the SGA," said Debbie. "I've enjoyed being with my established friends, and as usual I've made some grand new friends. I'll see you again soon!"
Winner for the men was SGA newcomer Jay Harris. "It was a pleasure for Nora and me to share this special occasion with all of you," said Jay. "Living in Atlanta, we have visited the St. Simons area many times, but this is our first time at the Cloister. It's also our first time with the Senior Golfers, and it was a great experience. My playing partners made me feel very welcome and we loved our caddies! I must say that everything was absolutely excellent, and we look forward to joining you again soon."
Low Net winners were Karen Otis and Bob Fairchild. Runner-up awards went to Ken Rabalais and Jean Spradling at Gross, and to Sue Arnold and Dick Brown at Net. Second runners-up were Tom Coleman and Nora Harris, Gross, and Jeff Leech and Martha Richard, Net. Close to pin awards went to Judy Clarke, Bob Fairchild, Jay Harris, Ken Rabalais, and Jean Spradling. Most Festive of All prizes went to Dick Brown, Bob Fairchild, Chris Fairchild, Dave Rabalais, Ken Rabalais, and Sarah Young. Congratulations to all!
SGA favorites Millie & Tom Coleman were absent from the awards banquet on our final evening in the beautiful Club Room of the Cloister. Millie sustained a fractured shoulder during her afternoon visit to historic Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. Everyone sends wishes for a speedy recovery to Millie, and we know that Tom will take the best of care of her. Best wishes also to Millie's sister Mary Huff, who is undergoing treatment while at Tom and Millie's home in Atlanta, Mary was a fun part of the SGA trip to Ireland this past summer and we are thinking of her during this time.
What a wonderful family the SGA members make up! We sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone back on one of the festive SGA trips for 2025. Merry Christmas, Happy Festival of Lights, and the most joyful of New Years is wished for all!
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College friends Christie & Chris
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Bob, Dick, Dave, Tom, Ken, Chris & Sarah
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Welcome, Ken Rabalais, to the SGA Hall of Fame
The magical week at Sea Island ended with the induction of SGA favorite Ken Rabalais, of Lafayette, Louisiana, into the SGA Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1995, when Cynthia Powell surprised her dad, Bob Swanson, at The Cloister. For some time setting up a Hall of Fame had been discussed, and finally, Cynthia decided to take action and tap her dad as the first inductee. Members since 1995 can be seen at https://seniorgolfersamerica.com/hall-of-fame-2/
Hall of Fame members are nominated and voted on by those currently in the Hall of Fame. Members must be serious about upholding the traditions of golf, and must be friendly and welcoming to new and to longtime SGA tournament participants. They must speak highly of the organization and of fellow SGA members at all times.
Congratulations to SGA’s 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Ken Rabalais! Ken was welcomed by Hall of Fame inductees Bill Suehs, 2012 inductee, and Jeff Leech, 2018, and by special SGA guests Ken & Sarah Young. Ken's vintage Hall of Fame trophy was presented by 2023 Hall of Fame member Janie Risley. All former inductees spoke of how much they had enjoyed being both with Ken, and also with his two brothers, on the trips over the years. To quote Jeff from the 2022 Sea Island event, "Bring back the Brothers Rabalais!"
Perhaps the best tribute of all was given by SGA Lafayette member and enthusiast Jay Caldwell. "Ken is the 'complete package' - an outstanding golfer with a keen financial mind, and always dresses to the MAX. Ken and his wife Julie (mostly Julie) own and operate For the Birds of Acadiana, an avian rehabilitation non-profit, and yes, they accept tax-deductible donations at all times."
Jay continues, "Ken is a joy on the golf course, and he will be very excited to have you all down while making a long putt for the win on #18. Ken has a passion for the game second to none. He has been very enthusiastic in promoting Senior Golfers of America for several years now. Amen! Congratulations, Ken!"
Congratulations to Ken Rabalais, 2024 SGA Hall of Fame member, from all of us at Senior Golfers of America.
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Coming Up...Join us for these upcoming SGA events! Thanks for supporting our family organization.
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Back to the IslandsCarambola Golf Club • Marriott Carambola Beach
St. Croix, USVI
January 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2025 (five-night event)
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Florida SunshineEl Campeon • Las Colinas • Mission Resort & Club Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
February 22, 23, 24, 25, 2025
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Out WestThe Boulders Golf Club & Resort • Scottsdale, Arizona
March 10, 11, 12, 13, 2025
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RTJ Alabama TrailThe Highlands • The River • Hampton Cove Golf Club 106 Jefferson • Huntsville, Alabama
March 31, April 1, 2, 3, 2025
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Bonjour, AmisGolf de la Faune • Quebec Doubletree Resort
Quebec City, Canada
June 22-26, 2025 (five-night event)
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Senior Golfers of America~Lovingly run by our family since 1976~
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Join us! You'll have a wonderful time.
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Senior Golfers of America
3013 Church Street
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-626-8100
www.seniorgolfersamerica.com |
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