Celebrating Our History
Welcome to the SJHWGA Tournament Winners and Past Presidents Celebration – Honoring 55 Years of Excellence! This distinguished list recognizes the outstanding players and devoted volunteers whose passion and commitment have shaped our league. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements, which continue to inspire excellence in golf and in our community.
History of San Juan Hills Women's Golf Association
In the late 1960s, a group of women envisioned creating a women’s golf league at the newly built San Juan Hills Golf Course. With support from course management, Chris Harrington, the wife of the Director of Golf, reached out to several women golfers to bring this idea to life. Among the founding members was Dottie LaFever, who later served five terms as SJHWGA President.
As the story goes, Thursday was chosen as Ladies Play Day because Dottie was already committed to bowling on the originally proposed Tuesday. Marge Debach became the first President in 1969, leading a club that started with approximately 40 members. They established by-laws and procedures, and the club quickly grew in popularity. At one point, membership required sponsorship and meeting qualifying standards, with some women waiting up to two years to join.