1998 - 2000

The origin of the Tanglewood Golf Association can be traced back to1998 when 15 residents of Tanglewood formed the TNT (Tanglewood Neighborhood Tour). Little knowledge is known of the original initiator(s), or early members. Larry Lynn, probable the only resident still at Tanglewood who remembers those early days, said, “initially we were just a group of enthusiastic golfers looking to create some kind of structured golf organization at Tanglewood.” The founders were looking to formalize a league or association whereby handicaps could be tracked and various competitive events could be sponsored. Out of that initial idea 25 years ago has sprouted the current Tanglewood Golf Association (TGA) boasting over 200 members and contracting with five courses in the area for reduced green fees and slot guarantees.

            Membership grew slowly from a handful of players to a one-time high of 400 members. Initially, it was an all-men’s association but as membership grew and the popularity of the TGA grew, women became active and today represent nearly a third of the total membership. Early activities included traveling to other nearby courses and enjoying the many fine golf courses in central Florida.

            Twenty-five years ago, the first of the baby boomers were retiring to Florida. This population block had a history of energetic and innovative ideas. The boomers were retiring and coming to Florida in droves. This demographic generation that followed the Silent Generation was not their grandparents. The youth movement that gave us Woodstock, the Beatles and protested the Vietnam War were not going to be satisfied with a rocking chair and a quiet home in Florida. This was a generation of movers and shakers who set the world on fire in the 60s and 70s and now in their retiring years were still full of energy and wanting to change the world.

            The second feature to bolster the creation and growth of TNT was the park itself. In the 1990’s John Greytak had moved to Sebring, Florida to develop retirement communities. His development company would purchase the 350-acre Tanglewood complex and begin the development work that would eventually become the 1200-plus home retirement destination known as Tanglewood RV Resort. No shrinking violet himself, Greytak would aggressively develop the community and actively support the creation of a golf organization. He had even approached Sun N Lakes golf course about a possible joint operation.

            Later (in 2006) Greytak would further show his support for golf in the park by providing office space for a golf office in the newly constructed 28,000 square-foot clubhouse. This is the office today we call “golf central.”

            Prior to 2000, it was apparent all the elements were in place for the growth of an organized golf entity. It was the right group of people with time, money, the support of the property owner and a location central to several good golf courses in the area open to group rates.

            From this initiative a conscious effort to take the organization to an even higher level emerged. Tournaments, inter-association competition, couples and women’s events evolved. Social events like the annual Banquet and the Bash further strengthened the social base of the organization. Eventually, early founders would recognize the need to incorporate.

            It’s obvious from the records that the emerging TGA was not going to be a loose knit society of undisciplined golfers. There was going to be structure, integrity, and discipline. The initial language contained in the TGA Bylaws (still in the document today) addresses the fundamental concepts the founders envisioned: To stimulate interest in golf within the Tanglewood community by bringing together a group of golfers desirous of forming an organization...to promote and conserve the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable tradition.”

            TNT started small and sometimes struggled to evolve. In 1998, records show that the method of golfing entailed “lining up 3 or 4 foursomes at the first tee and taking off.” Early names mentioned were Scott, a Tanglewood sales manager who gave the group the TNT name; Bob Bugbee (aka Sparky), who was the first official in charge and Wayne Delaney the first chairman. The vision they sought may have been vague at first in those early days, but the spirit and determination of those early golfers built a solid foundation that has resulted in the strong association TGA has become.

            Healthy but slow growth continued in 1999. Not much changed that year in design. The group had grown to 30, and handicaps were calculated by hand. Handicaps were written on one side of a card with the player’s name on the other side. Handicaps provided a system to equalize golfers and facilitate fair competition. The group’s only affiliated course at that time was The Country Club of Sebring.

2000 - 2008

Most of the current structure and operation of TGA happened between 2000 and 2008. In 2000, Jerry Telling had become the chairman and the club had added River Greens as their second course. Still only 30 members, a highlight of the year was Bill Hudson’s hole-in-one at Pinecrest on hole number 5 on June 2nd.

            A year later with Mark Telling still as chairman, TGA would sponsor its very first scramble tournament. After 2000, the success and continued growth hinged on strong leadership. Jerry 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, golf director, and Mike Wille, course leader. Linda Yeric, womens’ and couples leader provided strong leadership during the formative years of the women’s program. Another standout in those early days was a Pennsylvania transplant named MaryAnn Patterson. MaryAnn brought even greater organization and structure to TGA. “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,” Larry said. According to Larry, Mark and Jeannine Telfer, 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 March 9 of 2002 TGA would host its first banquet. Jim Mason, Jim Flaitz and John Anderson organized the banquet held in at the Tanglewood clubhouse. Woody’s Bar-B-Q catered the event with 113 guests in attendance. The three-man committee spent $92.54 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 development of 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 club championship and Merna Flaitz won the women’s championship).  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 March 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 and 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,” he said. The development of the rules and regulations for TGA would take years to refine, and the bylaws are still undergoing review and changes 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. Women’s 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 opportunities 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 negotiating 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 courses 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 courses.

            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 form 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.

            Minutes of the November 1, 2005 meeting reflect the addition for the first time of the Sun N Lake course as one of the TGA member courses. The process of paying green fees changed. had not yet been established. The method for paying green fees had to change. 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 of 2006, with newly elected president Larry Lynn at the helm, it was apparent the association was well on the way to being one of the most successful clubs at Tanglewood. At his opening meeting, Lynn made a presentation on the status of now named Tanglewood Golf Association (TGA). He reported as follows:

•           TGA is the largest Florida golf 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.

            The November meeting was one of the major turning points in the evolution of TGA, At that meeting, Larry Lynn reported that the association would begin using the USGA handicap system with the GHIN computer system. The system would be maintained by Tom Mapp. Further, he announced Tanglewood management had agreed to allow TGA to use their computer system. TGA would contribute $25 plus help to defray some expenses. Each golfer would pay $3.00 for a GHIN handicap if already in the GHIN system, and $10 for other members.

            In November 2006, the minutes of the Board meeting announced the beginnings of discussions regarding the affiliation of TGA with TMAC. 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, Mr. Lynn would meet with Mr. Greytak and successfully convinced 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 Club House in 2006. It was projected participants for the Banquet guest list would exceed 200. The event would be held on Friday, March 24, 2006. The Banquet was a success and TGA would enter 2006-07 season with even more momentum.

            The Season ended with the Chairman reporting over 6,000 rounds of golf were played generating $250,000 for member courses.

2008 - Present

In 2008 (the year TGA became incorporated), Buck Anderson, Director of Events and Handicaps, reported that TGA members played 10,329 rounds of golf and generated $252,672 in green fees to the courses. The average cost for a round of golf in 2008 was $24.

            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 corporated 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 clubs  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 raised 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 web site and link it under TWR Times. It would be listed under “Golf News.” The web site 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 2008, TGA became incorporated, Buck Anderson, Director of Events and Handicaps, reported that in 2008, TGA members played 10,329 rounds of golf and generated $252,672 in green fees to the courses.

            In 2011, green fees for TGA members were only $20 in November. In 2012/13 Pinecrest rate in November was $24.00. 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 for 18 holes with a cart, unlimited players.

            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 at courses outside the Sebring area thus minimized the 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 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.

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The Covid Years

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The Boston Globe newspapers reported in 2021 that “the coronavirus shook baby boomers like nothing that came before.” More than 250,000 people 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 club house, single riders 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 move in to Tanglewood and in 2023 membership exceeded 200 again.

TGA Charities

Charitable giving at Tanglewood remains the hallmark of TGA’s mission. Estimates based on historical documents show that the TGA was instrumental in raising over $100,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for local charities over the 25 years of existence. One example of fund raising success was in December of 2009, Larry Lynn proudly reported that $3,826 had been raised for Make-A-Wish charity. A check for that amount had been presented to the foundation. During the campaign, Larry had solicited 91 businesses for door prizes. Seventy-four had participated.

            Golf for A Cure was another principle charity in 2012 and 2013. The TGA had raised and astonishing $9,550 for that charity. An Unflighted golf event charging $50 per person held in conjunction with the Tanglewood Cancer Drive raised considerable funds for cancer. The event was held at Pinecrest and featured an auction that raised several hundred dollars. Twenty businesses donated items and there were 13 hole sponsors. The February event raised a total of $15,000.

            TGA members now and in the past at Tanglewood credit the tremendous success of the fundraising efforts to Larry Lynn. He has chaired the committee from its inception and has aggressively sought sponsors, donors and enlisted volunteers to raised funding. Mark Telfer after serving four years as president, and in his retirement speach said “I am proud of the contributions TGA has made in the form of social consciousness as it relates to the TGA charities. The board, and especially Larry Lynn, has continued to guide the membership in worthy causes each year.