HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE

DELMARVA PENINSULA GOLF ASSOCIATION

1929-1995

            In 1927, members from Delmarva's golf clubs felt there was a need to form an organization that would share and handle the common interests of all clubs, arrange schedules to avoid conflicts and generally promote the game of golf on Delmarva. Team matches were being played at the various golf/country clubs on an increasing basis and this prompted the need for an organization of some sort. This new organization was to be called "The Peninsula Golf League.    

            On April 3, 1929, the League was reorganized under the name of "The Peninsula Golf Association" and Dr. Charles F. Smith, from Salisbury, was elected the first president, with Claude Truslow, from Chester River, as vice-president.   

            The nucleus of clubs stretched north to south from Dover, Delaware, to Cape Charles, Virginia, and east to west from Easton, Maryland, to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.   

            The original Association was formed with seven member clubs that included: Cambridge Country Club, Chester River Yacht and Country Club, Green Hill Country Club, Northampton Country Club, Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Salisbury Elks Golf Club and Talbot Country Club.   

             As new clubs were built and the Association's membership grew, the name was eventually changed to its current form - the "Delmarva Peninsula Golf Association."    

            The original philosophy of the D.P.G.A. has remained the same except for the additions of new programs such as a Junior Program and the Scholarship Fund.   

            Evolving from seven teams in 1929 to twenty-eight teams in 1994 has caused the Association to become more complex and eventually the Association found it necessary to appoint a northern and southern representative to more efficiently manage the large geographical area.    

            Golf, considered the "rich man's game" in the 20's and 30's, has now reached out to the masses: both men and women. The multitude of players and the excellent climate of this area have encouraged a massive growth of courses on Delmarva.   

            Most all clubs today host an annual invitational affair that, in many cases, has become a one-day, rather than a two-day event. The D.P.G.A. also sponsors the Amateur Championship, a Junior Championship, Senior Championship, Pro-Junior Event and a Parent-Child Tournament. Also, most clubs today have a Ladies Day, a Seniors Day, and a Junior Day, which means most courses are taxed to the limit almost every day in the week.   

            The most prestigious event of the year is the D.P.G.A. Amateur, a two-day affair which has been carried on since the inception of the D.P.G.A. in 1929. This tournament brings together the very best golfers the area has to offer. Originally, the Amateur was a three-day affair. Qualifying took place on Friday, followed by match play on Saturday and Sunday; Sunday's match play was thirty-six holes. The names appearing in this booklet as champions over the years indicate the quality of golf that has been maintained.   

            Another popular D.P.G.A. event has been the Seniors Tournament. The Seniors is a one-day affair, limited to members over age 50. In more recent times, the Seniors tournament has been divided into age increments of five years with both net and gross prizes in each age group. There are net and gross circulating trophies and an accurate list of winners has been kept since 1970.   

            The D.P.G.A. is also very proud of the evolving role it has played in junior golf. With the help of Don Falls (Chester River) and Bill Long (Elks), a Junior Program was begun around 1950 and has mushroomed in the 90's. Not only has the amount of juniors participating increased, but the Junior Scholarship Program, which began in 1976, has become a business that requires a subsidiary to the D.P.G.A.   

            By far, the most money spent by the D.P.G.A. is in the Junior Program. Trophies and valuable scholarships are given annually to young men and women; at the same time, young golfers are being taught to enjoy and respect the game of golf.   

            The philosophy of the D.P.G.A. as stated in its Constitution says: "In the belief that golf activities can be promoted through organized effort on the Delmarva Peninsula, and that these activities will foster a spirit of fellowship and good will, as well as mutual understanding among the citizens of the communities of the Delmarva Peninsula, there is established this non-profit organization."

Edited by H. Clarke Cugler, Administrative Assistant, D.P.G.A.

Editor's Note: Going over notes regarding the history of the D.P.G.A. from its inception was an exhaustive experience. It would require a book to honor all those great golfers and unselfish persons who contributed in some way. All I can say is "thanks." I relied mostly on materials donated to me by Bill Long, Don Falls and Rufe Bowland. God Bless you all!