On Wednesday, July 24, the Tri-State Senior Golf Association hosted their 90th awards and recognition banquet, bringing the best of the best golfers from all over the United States.
Ben and Maxine Watson and the staff of the Pampa Country Club prepared a fantastic meal fit for the hungry players and kept the beverages flowing while the renowned guests socialized and relaxed after a long day in the summer heat.
President of the Association, Pat Montoya, addressed the room and recognized the members of the board, past presidents that were in attendance, the out-of-state members who made the trip, the Chamber of Commerce and Pampa Country Club for sponsoring and supporting the event, Ray Cameron, the course ground superintendent, and held a moment of silence for the members that have passed within the year; Glynn Lusk, June Beyer and Jim “Shorty” Cantrell.
Before the winners of the tournament were announced, Pat and Secretary/Treasurer, Richard Stowers took a minute to thank everyone who came out and made a statement on what the Tri-State Senior Golf Association means today, just as it did 90 years ago.
“We’ve had the tournament here for about 30 years now and we continue to ask that you come back again next year because it’s a wonderful tournament and we enjoy the fellowship with each and every one of you,” Pat said.
“I appreciate everyone being here tonight,” Richard Stowers said. “There’s all sorts of memories that can be made here-the fellowship that happens is priceless.”
Established in 1935 in Shamrock, TX by three golf enthusiasts, the Tri-State Senior Golf Association brings men and women from around the country to compete in friendly tournaments, win prizes and build friendships both on and off the course.
Standing as the oldest amateur senior tournament in the United States, the TSSGA is an organization that has built a legacy based on camaraderie, a shared passion and unbreakable bonds.
The annual tournament is a three-day event with games being played with prizes at stake, including cash and equipment and gear that every golfer could use.
The only eligibility requirement to participate is that the applicant be 50 or older and has a love for the game.
Pat and Vice President Richard Stowers then announced the winners of the tournament prizes and presented the Colonel Bogey Award to Lynn Allison.
Winners included: Price Martin with the best score; Billy Blankenship as the runner-up; Irvin Hall, Jerry Walling and Larry Pruett for first place; Judge Richard Peet, Ronnie Wood and Kelly Everson for second; Jason Farmer, Lynn Allison, Al Rodriguez and Pat Montoya for the last place team, who laughed about the interference of trees throwing off their game.
After the winners were announced for the tournament, the lucky winners of the raffle were drawn, who went home with caps, golf balls, bags, Mizuno putters, wedges and drivers, custom fit set of irons and a 55” TV.
The evening was the perfect way to end the event and the excitement for next year is already brewing.
For more information about the Tri-State Senior Golf Association, visit their website, tristatseniorgolf.com, follow them on Facebook, or call 806-669-8776.