2008 - present continued

Charity would become a large part of the TGA initiatives. The residents of Tanglewood and the TGA members in particular, have always been very generous givers in the local community. With growing interest among the members to contribute to charitable causes, the leadership of TGA looked broadly for the appropriate legal structure to serve their needs. Some kind of incorporated structure would be needed in order for the association to conduct charity work and other initiatives, within a legal corporate structure.

The board made the determination to incorporate under the provision of the state's 501(c)7 corporate structure. This legal classification was more consistent with the mission and function of TGA. Different than a 501(c)3, a 501(c)7 would classify the TGA as a 'Social Club'. This meant the association would be tax exempt for all operations and not just charitable giving as in a 501(c)3. TGA leaders recognized that the social club's distinction would be more functional in enriching lives and create opportunities for members to build new friendships, explore personal interests, create excitement and help develop personal skills and knowledge valuable at any stage of life.

Early charitable events included a tournament at River Greens sponsored in honor of Benny Smith, a young man killed at Sun N Lakes Blvd. The board recognized that charity events in an economically disadvantaged county like Highlands could potentially raise much needed resources for struggling families.

Throughout TGA's history, Larry Lynn has spearheaded the charity initiatives, and remains still in 2023 the chairman of the Charity Committee. Charities like Make-A-Wish, Highlands Christian School, the National Guard, Food Ministries of Sebring, Florida Sheriff Association's summer camp for at risk children, Golf For a Cure (cancer) and the Peace River Women's shelter received donations from TGA. It is estimated that total contributions over TGA history have generated in excess of $100,000 for local charities.

As TGA grew, it became a more complex and involved operation. A year in office was not long enough for a board member to firmly grasp all the functioning of TGA. As a result, bylaw changes in 2008 increased terms of officers and committee heads from one year to two years and saw TGA officially separated from TMAC. There were now 279 members and TGA was its own financial entity.

Yet in 2008, John Willoughby announced that in March, TGA would create a webpage and link it under TWR Times. It would be listed under 'Golf News". The page would contain the same association news displayed in Golf Central i.e. tournament results, names of winners, etc. This was a convenience to members who could now access TGA news from the comfort of their homes.

In 2008 a business plan was being developed for presentation to John Greytek, Tanglewood owner, to allow the golfers to open an office in the club house for what would become "Golf Central". Board members pointed out in the proposal to Mr. Greytek that they needed a central location to keep records and trophies.

In 2011, green fees for TGA members were only $20 in November. In 2012/13 the Pinecrest rate in November was $24. In February there was discussion among the members regarding approaching Highlands Ridge and Sebring Country Club. Both courses had expressed interest in having Tanglewood golfers playing at their respective courses. Highlands Ridge South course was offered by the head golf professional at $25 for18 holes with a cart, and unlimited player slots.

Up until 2009 TGA had often played at courses outside the contracted courses. Larry Lynn gave a presentation to the membership on the history of TGA noting that in the early days, they often played a courses outside the Sebring area thus minimizing play at the contract courses. As the membership grew, the sheer complexity of arranging travel for large groups became overwhelming. TGA was looking at a more manageable system with local courses. With membership at 206 (69 of which were women), Larry said that the current focus would be more on securing slots and rates with their contract courses. In an effort to promote TGA and enhance fund raising capabilities, Mr. Lynn met with the sports editor of the Highlands Today on a Friday to discuss publicity and charitable initiatives at TGA.

The survival of TGA owes a great deal to the tireless efforts of the early founders, who in many ways are still working behind the scenes to secure the future of TGA. In 2023, even after over two years of the Covid pandemic, TGA not only survives, but is actually growing slightly over the 2022 numbers.

The Covid Years

The Boston Globe newspapers reported in 2021 that "he coronavirus shook baby boomers like nothing that came before." More than 250,000 in 2021 between the ages of 50 and 74 had perished, the bulk of them boomers. The effects of Covid at Tanglewood and on the TGA was significant. Yet the spirit and determination of the boomers survived and even thrived during the early Covid years.

The rules changed at participating golf courses. Masks were required, club houses required green fees paid outside the clubhouse, single riders only were in a cart, raking sand traps was discontinued and flags on greens were left in while putting. It changed the game briefly, but not the participation of TGA members. They still played the game and renewed their membership with TGA. Membership numbers remained over 150 during the period. With the passage of time and the decline in cases of Covid and deaths, golf returned to normal. Memberships rose, new residents moved in to Tanglewood and in 2023 membership exceeded 200 again.

In 2019, a member (Gaylle Turner) suggested that TGA should have a proper website where people could not only see upcoming events, but be able to look up the results of tournaments and pictures from celebrations. That initiative was given the go-ahead by the Board.