2000 - 2008 continued

A year later with Jerry still as chairman, TGA would sponsor its very first scramble tournament. After 2000, the success and continuted growth hinged on strong leadership. Telling, Buck Anderson, Judy Tietze along with later standouts Larry Lynn, Mark Telfer, Ted McAlvey, Jim Knight and Jeannine Telfer made considerable strides in the advancement of the association. Both Larry and Mark served as presidents and have led the organization in contract negotiations with area golf courses since 2005. Others who provided leadership were John Beatrice, Mike Wille and Linda Yeric, providing strong leadership during the formative years. Another standout in those early days was a Pennsylvania transplant named MaryAnn Patterson. "She was the most organized person I ever knew", said Larry Lynn. As secretary she established a format for transcribing meeting minutes that became a model for secretaries that came after her. According to Larry and the Telfers, she was a dynamo who couldn't help but get involved in every aspect of the golf association. She had good ideas and the energy to see them through.

Jeannine Telfer, the longest serving handicap and membership director was instrumental in developing the GHIN handicap system at Tanglewood. Jeannine maintained the handicaps for all TGA members and worked tirelessly to stay current with Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) rules and regulations. She was the principal contact person at TGA with the FSGA for 17 years.

Moving into the new century, TGA became a broad based organization offering several venues to its members. On Mar 9 of 2002, TGA would host its very first banquet. Jim Mason, Jim Flaitz and John Anderson organized the banquet held in at the Tanglewood clubhouse. Woody's BBQ catered the event with 113 guests in attendance. The three-man committee spent $9254 on prizes for the event and tickets were $8 per person. Talk of a club championship, a ladder tournament, and the possibility of computer software to keep handicaps were all initiatives put in place for implementation in later years.

It seemed like when a need arose, someone would come along to fill that need. Salli Beatrice was one of those skilled volunteers who came along and took charge of the Bash and the Annual Banquet at a time when someone of her talents was needed. She took care of all the arrangements for the two events. "She was a take-charge person and the success today of the Bash and the Banquet was largely a result of her involvement", said Jeannine Telfer.

By the 2003 season, the association was growing rapidly. That year would turn out to be a major turning point in the association. Most importantly, membership grew to an astounding 144. The number of competitive events was expanded. Recognition of outstanding golfers became part of an annual recognition (it was noted in the minutes for 2003 that Bob Rock won the men's Club Championship and Merna Flaitz won the women's). More courses and improved handicapping methods were added.

Even before incorporation, TGA leaders recognized the need to develop a set of rules to guide behavior and establish structure. The first attempt to draft a set of rules and regulations was held on Mar 5, 2002 in the Pool Room at Tanglewood. The basic rules that came out of that meeting became the framework for the rules TGA functions under yet today. The members recognized the rules adopted would need further review. More attempts at establishing a formal set of rules would continue in 2003. It would be Larry Lynn, Dave Napier and Clark George who would research other association bylaws in drafting the TGA bylaws. "We made several phone calls to similar associations around the state an contacted the Florida Golf Association who provided us with a basic format for the bylaws", said Larry Lynn. "We learned our rules needed to be precise enough to clarify our mission and objectives without restricting the board's ability to govern the organization". The development of the rules and regulations for TGA would take years to refine, and the bylaws are still undergoing review and as the association continues to evolve.

More women were coming into the club. The increased membership and the addition of women brought even more ideas and volunteers to TGA. In those early days there was an overwhelming willingness to volunteer and contribute in some fashion. Womens tournaments and mixed outings were started. With the advent of women in leadership roles, greater diversity and popularity grew across the entire membership. More couples events were started and social events expanded opportunities to meet other members and cement new friendships.

Word of the exciting opportunities at TNT spread through Tanglewood. More homes were being built, increasing the pool of candidates interested in playing organized golf. The growth and corresponding bargaining strength of the group exploded and TGA became a recognized entity in the Sebring area. With a growing membership now at 255 in 2004, the association enjoyed an elevated prominence among golf course owners and managers. The strong positioning of TGA contributed to more successful contract negotiations with other area golf courses. The negotiation committee worked diligently with local golf courses to secure fair green fees for members and expanded slots. Soon the member courses partnering with TGA expanded. By 2005 TGA (still under the name of TNT) boasted five member course providing reduced rates and guaranteed time slots for all members. Golf Hammock, River Greens, Country Club of Sebring and the municipal golf course would all become member course.

A new idea in 2005 would turn out to increase membership. This was the first year the guest policy for members wishing to provide golf for friends and family at member rates was initiated. This single event made TGA membership more appealing to a broader range of Tanglewood residents. Not only could they enjoy reduced green fees at many local courses, but so could their guests, family and friends.

November 1, 2005 was another important date for TGA. The board members officially changed the name of the association from TNT to the Tanglewood Golf Association. Additionally, the rules for the operation of the TGA board changed. The new configuration now would consist of four elected officers and five appointed members. All motions and voting would be made by the board. Board members were: Chairman, Buck Anderson, Co-Chairman, Larry Lynn, Secretary Judy Tietze, Treasurer Bill Hudson. Committee chairs would be Tom DiGrazia (social), Tom Mapp (handicap), John Anderson (publicity), Bob Flower (rules) and Judy Chastain (couples).

November 2005 started for the first time, the addition of Sun N Lake course as one of the TGA member courses. Green fee payment had to be changed. Prior to 2005, green fees were collected by a TNT member and that person would then pay the golf course in one lump sum. It was a cumbersome method at best.

In October 2006, with elected president Larry Lynn at the help, it was apparent the association was well on the way to being one of the most successful clubs at Tanglewood. He reported:

• TGA is the largest Florida association without real estate

• there are 305 members

• course relations are excellent

• participation of women members is on the rise

• anticipation of nearly 400 to attend the banquet in March

In November of that year, the association would begin using the USGA handicap system with the GHIN computer system, to be maintained by Tom Mapp. Tanglewood management had a greed to allow TGA to use their computer system. TGA would contribute $25 plus help to defray some expenses. Each golfer would pay $3 for a GHIN handicap if already in the GHIN system, and the cost would be $10 for other members. Also in November, the board started discussions regarding the affiliation of TGA with TMAC and it was presented to the full membership whether or not to pull out of TMAC. it would mean going it alone, but the general agreement among members was that it had become too inconvenient receiving money back from TMAC. The issue was put off until a future date. Later, Lynn would meet with Mr. Greytak and successfully convince him that TGA remaining a member of TMAC made little sense since TGA did not use any of the facilities of Tanglewood, they had their own leadership, and the need to access funding quickly was critical to the success of TGA. Greytak agreed and TGA's association with TMAC ended..

The first annual banquet was held at the Tanglewood Clubhouse in 2006 and the guest list would exceed 200. The season ended with the Chairman reporting over 6000 rounds of golf were played generating $250,000 for member courses.