Women’s Southern California Golf Association and the Southern California Golf Association To Unify

April 24, 2017

STUDIO CITY AND SAN DIMAS, CA — A unified Southern California golf landscape with significantly increased resources and member services for all golfers will result from the announcement today that the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA) will combine, effective July 1, 2017. On that date, the unified SCGA will strengthen its influential position as Southern California’s premier golf association.

Unanimously approved by both associations’ Boards of Directors, the SCGA and WSCGA unification will provide greater resources, advocacy, programming and services to the largest number of the region’s female golf clubs, as well as its individual member golfers. The unified SCGA will incorporate the WSCGA’s major championships, and WSCGA members will maintain their existing handicap number. In addition, the WSCGA Foundation will unify with the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation, which provides instructional programs, education scholarships and affordable access to the game of golf for more than 5,000 kids annually.

Serving the needs of the Southern California golf community are at the forefront of the SCGA and WSCGA’s shared vision and commitment. The consolidation marks the uniting of two associations that have – for more than 200-years combined – served as Southern California golf’s preeminent advocates. The 145,000-member SCGA currently represents the majority of Southern California club-aligned golfers – including more than 8,000 female members – a number that will grow to an estimated 30,000 women golfers when the WSCGA’s members transition into full SCGA membership on July 1.

“This is a great opportunity for WSCGA members to benefit from the combined strengths of both organizations,” said Deb Long, WSCGA interim executive director. “Our members will continue to receive many of the same services and as well as a significant increase in benefits and programming. As a result of this unification, the game our members love will be better positioned to meet future challenges and advance women’s golf in the region,” she added,

“The SCGA has long cherished its close working relationship with the WSCGA, and this unification opportunity allows us to combine the synergies of our member service strengths to better serve Southern California golf and, as a whole, benefit everyone who enjoys this great game,” said Kevin Heaney, executive director of the SCGA. “Our unification means better representation, increased member programs and benefits, advocacy and other major advantages for the entire Southern California golf community. We look forward to welcoming all WSCGA members in July.”

With the WSCGA’s nearly unanimous member club vote, the SCGA will incorporate the WSCGA’s 190 clubs and 22,000 members, bringing the SCGA’s July 1, 2017 representation totals to 1,428 member clubs and 167,000 individual memberships – making the SCGA one of the largest golf associations in the nation.

The WSCGA’s full-time employees will be given the opportunity to join the SCGA’s 28-member staff to help drive membership initiatives, deliver member services and to accommodate increased staffing demands. From an association governance perspective, two WSCGA representatives will join the SCGA board of directors. WSCGA Foundation Trustee Nikki Gatch currently serves as a SCGA director. WSCGA volunteers will also be incorporated into standing SCGA Rules, Course Rating and other SCGA committees.

In advance of the formal July 2017 unification, WSCGA members have the opportunity to participate in the SCGA’s popular Member Outing program, Member Advantage course of the month discount program and 9-hole Summer Series casual golf events. Starting July 1, SCGA members formerly with the WSCGA will receive the SCGA’s award-winning FORE magazine, the digital publication FORE Her dedicated to issues and interests of female golfers, as well as the full suite of SCGA member benefits.

ABOUT THE SCGA

The Southern California Golf Association is devoted to providing all Southland golfers with the best experience possible. Its primary goal is to enhance the enjoyment of the game for those who actively live the golf lifestyle or have just learned to swing a club. Advocating on behalf of our community of passionate golfers, the SCGA provides accessible and affordable opportunities for anyone looking to be involved with the game. Whether crowning champions at amateur tournaments or providing a Handicap Index to track a golfer’s progress, the SCGA is committed to providing exceptional service to its members.

In addition to providing a host of member services, including access and preferred pricing at some of the area’s top courses, the SCGA administers the USGA Handicap System and conducts major amateur golf tournaments in the region. SCGA Junior, the Association’s charitable arm, actively promotes opportunities for area youth through golf access, scholarships, mentoring and skills development.

ABOUT THE WSCGA

The purpose of the Women's Southern California Golf Association is to promote and foster interest in women's amateur golf through friendly organized competition. Founded in 1922, the WSCGA has grown to 190 clubs and 22,000 individual members throughout Southern California. The WSCGA provides rules officials for CIF and state amateur events, administers the USGA Handicap System for its members, measures and rates the women’s tees for the region’s golf courses and supports the game golf in general.