Copyright Gulf City Golfers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Website design and hosting by North Mobile Internet Services, Inc.
About Gulf City Golfers
Leadership: Executive Board Samuel Carter, Sr., President Calvin Rencher, Vice President Brenda J. Thomas, Secretary Alan Singleton, Treasurer Jackie Haines, Financial Secretary History The legacy of the Gulf City Golfers is a very intriguing story. It began when a small group of guys took a liking to golf; however, there were no golf courses in Mobile that would allow them to play. Because of their passion for the game, they did not let this stop them. For years they played at Carver Park and many school campuses around the city. In later years they would occasionally travel to Pensacola Florida to play on weekends. Finally in 1959, they decided that they should not have to travel out of the city to play golf when there was a facility in the city. After a series of meetings it was decided that they would challenge the position that had been taken by the management at the golf course. With little or no money, they found it difficult to find an attorney to take their case. Finally they found a young lawyer, Vernon Crawford, who agreed to take their case; the members who were involved in filing the suit were: Mr. Sam Andrews, Mr. John Sawyer, Mr. Charlie Goodman, other members who were involved were Mr. R.L. Patterson, Mr. ED Scot, Mr. Willie Means, Mr. John Burke, Mr. Walter Coleman and Mr. William Thompson. After a series of hearings on the issue the judge ruled in favor of The Gulf City Golfers. Immediately after the decision, Mr. Willie Williams who was not a member at that time was the first person of color to gain access to the course. He played nine holes in his working boots and shot a 55. After gaining access to the golf course, the group decided to form an official golf club. They held their first invitational golf tournament in 1960 with 40 golfers playing in the tournament. The organization elected Mr. Charles Patterson their first President. He remained in that capacity until moving to California in 1970. That year Mr. Bill Clark was elected to replace him. He remained in that capacity for forty years. Since Gulf City Golfers humble beginning, they have been trailblazers in the Mobile Community. During their years of existence many charitable organizations have been assisted by the group. The members decided many years ago that they would use the organization for more than just playing golf. They decide that the club would be used as a vehicle to assist others who were in need of assistance. Some of the groups that have been recipients of financial assistance from Gulf City Golfers are: • UNCF, Sickle Cell Foundation • Dumas Wesley Community Center • Prichard Youth Golf Clinic • Golf teams at Blount High, Williamson High, Leflore High and Vigor High Schools. A number of individuals who asked for assistance were approved. The group of over 50 members is proud of its accomplishments and plans to continue to be a positive force in the community for many years to come.
Copyright Gulf City Golfers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Website design and hosting by North Mobile Internet
Services, Inc.
About Gulf City
Golfers
Leadership: Executive Board Samuel Carter, Sr., President Calvin Rencher, Vice President Brenda J. Thomas, Secretary Alan Singleton, Treasurer Jackie Haines, Financial Secretary History The legacy of the Gulf City Golfers is a very intriguing story. It began when a small group of guys took a liking to golf; however, there were no golf courses in Mobile that would allow them to play. Because of their passion for the game, they did not let this stop them. For years they played at Carver Park and many school campuses around the city. In later years they would occasionally travel to Pensacola Florida to play on weekends. Finally in 1959, they decided that they should not have to travel out of the city to play golf when there was a facility in the city. After a series of meetings it was decided that they would challenge the position that had been taken by the management at the golf course. With little or no money, they found it difficult to find an attorney to take their case. Finally they found a young lawyer, Vernon Crawford, who agreed to take their case; the members who were involved in filing the suit were: Mr. Sam Andrews, Mr. John Sawyer, Mr. Charlie Goodman, other members who were involved were Mr. R.L. Patterson, Mr. ED Scot, Mr. Willie Means, Mr. John Burke, Mr. Walter Coleman and Mr. William Thompson. After a series of hearings on the issue the judge ruled in favor of The Gulf City Golfers. Immediately after the decision, Mr. Willie Williams who was not a member at that time was the first person of color to gain access to the course. He played nine holes in his working boots and shot a 55. After gaining access to the golf course, the group decided to form an official golf club. They held their first invitational golf tournament in 1960 with 40 golfers playing in the tournament. The organization elected Mr. Charles Patterson their first President. He remained in that capacity until moving to California in 1970. That year Mr. Bill Clark was elected to replace him. He remained in that capacity for forty years. Since Gulf City Golfers humble beginning, they have been trailblazers in the Mobile Community. During their years of existence many charitable organizations have been assisted by the group. The members decided many years ago that they would use the organization for more than just playing golf. They decide that the club would be used as a vehicle to assist others who were in need of assistance. Some of the groups that have been recipients of financial assistance from Gulf City Golfers are: • UNCF, Sickle Cell Foundation • Dumas Wesley Community Center • Prichard Youth Golf Clinic • Golf teams at Blount High, Williamson High, Leflore High and Vigor High Schools. A number of individuals who asked for assistance were approved. The group of over 50 members is proud of its accomplishments and plans to continue to be a positive force in the community for many years to come.
