Information

The Senior Men’s Golf Association (SMGA) is a low-key, fun-filled golfing organization for Tantallon’s graybeard golfers. It includes both low and high handicappers – experts to duffers. Golfing camaraderie and recreation are the primary objectives of the SMGA. However, Golf Shop gift certificates are normally awarded to winning teams and a few $$$ have been known to change hands.

SMGA membership is open to all senior male golfing members of Tantallon (in good standing) who are or will become 50 years of age during the current calendar year. In addition, SMGA members should have an established, valid USGA handicap maintained and computed at Tantallon. You can join the Tantallon SMGA by placing your name on the membership sign-up roster (posted March) in the Golf Shop, at SMGA membership tables on Men's or the Senior Opening Days, or by contacting any of the SMGA administrators listed below. Annual dues are $15.00.

As a SMGA member, you will be able to play in a variety of fantastic golfing events throughout the 2008 season - the Opening Day Geezer's Challenge, Salute to Veterans, Hastings Hybrid, Firecracker 18, Stableford, the SMGA/TWGA Co-Ed Mixer, the two-day, 36 hole SMGA Senior Club Championship and the Closing Day "Red, Gold, & White." The cost for SMGA events will vary from a low of $25 to approximately $40. Depending upon the event, a cart fee and a luncheon may or may not be included.

A perk for SMGA members is that you are automatically enrolled as a member of the Maryland Interclub Seniors Golf Association (MISGA). This membership entitles you to play in a variety of MISGA golfing mixers with several golf and country clubs within our geographical region. Tantallon’s 2008 MISGA schedule includes home and away mixers with Bay Hills, Bowie, Fairway Hills, Ft. Meade, Harbourtowne, Hobbit's Glen, Marlborough, Montgomery Village, Patuxent Greens, Piney Branch, Rattlewood, University of Maryland, U S Naval Academy, Walden, and Westminster National. Depending on the golfing venue, the cost to play in these mixers ranges from $34 - $40. The fee includes pre-golf coffee and donuts, greens fee, cart fee, luncheon, and the prize pool.

In addition, MISGA membership entitles you to participate in the organization’s Individual (ABCD Flighted) and 2-Man Team tournaments. There is a “Divisional” qualifier and “State” final for each tournament. The State final for the Individual ABCD Flighted tournament will be held at Piney Branch this year on August 4th, with a rain date of August 11th. The State final for the 2-Man Team will will be held at Ocean Pines on August 14th, with a rain date of August 21st. MISGA also sponsors fall, winter, and spring outings in the Sun Belt at significant savings (e.g., Ocean City, MD; Sea Trails, NC; Seabrook, SC; Fripp Island, SC; Jekyll Island, GA; Amelia Island FL; Fort Myers, FL; etc.). These events will be announced in MISGA’s tri-annual newsletter - MISGAGRAM - that is mailed to MISGA members and posted on the MISGA website.

SMGA events and MISGA mixers played at Tantallon normally start at 9:00AM (Shotgun Start) on Wednesdays. Coffee and donuts are served beginning at 8:00 AM. If possible, an effort is made to make the course available for open play for other Tantallon members who may wish to play.

Announcements and sign-up rosters for all SMGA and MISGA golfing events are posted on the Senior Bulletin Board located in the Golf Shop well in advance (7-10 days) of the scheduled event. Event announcements are also e-mailed to SMGA members. Notices for additional and special senior events will be posted as they are scheduled. Invitations to participate in “limited” special senior’s golfing events (e.g., MISGA Joint Division Pro-Ams) will be based on member participation in regular SMGA and MISGA events. Those with the highest frequency of participation will receive the first opportunity to participate.

The consolidated SMGA & MISGA golfing schedule is e-mailed to members in February or as they join. Wallet size card schedules are available in the Golf Shop beginning in March.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the SMGA and MISGA programs, please contact Tantallon’s SMGA and MISGA bureaucrats: Chairman: Bob King, at 301-292-3686 or Assistants: Pete Sorge at 301-292-1597, Sandy Ross at 703-567-5579, Joe McCollum at 703-569-0699, and Lloyd Stimson at 301-292-4053.