The birth of the Pan American Golf Association began with the pioneer Hispanic Golfers who originally were know as the “Fore Golfers Club” prior to becoming the Pan American Golf Association.
The Pan American Golf Association of San Antonio celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1997. It all started back in January 1947, when a group of Hispanic golfers called “The Fore Golfers”, regrouped right after World War II and renamed themselves the “Pan American Golf Association”. Little did they know it would become one of the largest and oldest amateur golf organizations in the United States.
On the first Friday in January 1938, five golfing buddies met in the office of Dr. Juan Rivero, a dentist who had an office above the Socorro Drug on the corner of Santa Rosa & Dolorosa Street. (The building is located in the old El Mercado Area and preserved) At the same meeting they decided to invite other Hispanic golfers to join and attend their next meeting. With fifteen (15) new members present and in full agreement to start a new golf club, they decided on the name of “The Fore Golfers” for their new organization. A new member named “Little Joe Villarreal” suggested the Fore Golfers name. It was understood that if you heard the shout ‘FORE’ throughout the golf course that other golfers instantly knew the Fore Golfers Club was playing golf. After establishing their identity the following members were elected to the first officers of the Fore Golfers. For President, Mr.Severo P. Gonzalez, Vice President, Dr. Hesiquio Gonzalez, and Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. Ralph Cardenas.
Within three months the Fore Golfers meetings had to be moved to a bigger room, the Mexican Christian Institute (MCI) located at 1214 Colima Street. They actually grew to about 100 members by 1939. In the summer of 1940, member Cruz Lozano, owner of the Apache Meat Packing Company, loaned the Club $900.00, in order to pay Mr. Murray Brooks, Manager of Brackenridge Park Golf Course, a six month advance for reserve tee times. As members played in their Sunday tournaments they would pay back their portion of fifty ($.50) cents per week until the whole amount was paid.
Mr. Cruz Lozano also built a driving range behind his packing company for the use of the members and the public. Mr. Cando Ortiz was the teaching professional. Cando later became the chief starter at Willow Springs Golf Course, and also attended tournaments and social events. He became an Honorary Member of the Fore Golfers and later with the Pan American Golf Association.
During the fall tournament held on October 1941, 108 golfers played in seven different flights. By mere coincidence the City Men’s tournament was also holding their annual golf tournament with only 99 players. This told us that the Fore Golfers were a very strong and good group of golfers even back in the 40’s. Most of the Club’s annual golf tournaments were played in a match play format.
The Fore Golfers membership was made up of a diverse group of players. They included doctors, dentists, attorneys, postmen, railroad, caddies, municipal & federal workers and several business owners. Let’s not forget that the Fore Golfers started right after this country’s most devastating depression. It was still not easy to maintain a household, yet they found the need to stay together and enjoy the competition among themselves during hard times.
Its participation in Hispanic sports and social activities in San Antonio reflected the rapid growth of the club. They were so intent on promoting golf and good community relations that members participated in golf tournaments in Mexico.
Then in December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, the Fore Golfers curtailed its activities and finally suspended all play. The members had to either join the armed forces or worked in the manufacturing of war-related machinery or products. There were several members who did not return from the war. Two were Mr. Cleto Velez and Mr. Ralph Mayen. Cleto could have undoubtedly become a professional golfer. He was a left-hander, a real scratch golfer.
We are thankful to the following pioneer members; Ralph Cardenas, Dr. Juan Rivero, Dr. Hesiquio N. Gonzalez, Servero P. Gonzalez, Richard R. Cardenas, Fred N. Flores, Edwardo Gariel, Phil Montalbo, Johnny Valencia, Claude & Jesse Estrada, Mike & Tony Perez, Max Martinez, Cruz Lozano, Lee Apolinar, Albert Monita Sr., Johnny Carrejo, Al Zepeda, and Bennie Zapata, to name a few. They all had the vision in continuing to keep the organization alive. They took the time and interest in golf to form this great organization. Our special thanks go to Mr. Ralph Cardenas who took the time to talk to us and answered the many questions we had for him. As first Secretary-Treasurer of the “Fore Golfers” and later the first President of “The Pan American Golf Association”, we are very fortunate to still have him tell us how it all started. In 1992, The National PAGA voted to establish the National Archives in San Antonio. It’s the home of all the chapters’ (42) memorabilia. You can also find photos, videotapes, the actual Fore Golfers membership book and items of history displayed in the Archives.
Maybe, if World War II had not occurred, we would still be named the Fore Golfers and not the Pan American Golf Association.
All the above information was gathered from documents, photos, brochures, letters, and verbal confirmation of members who were instrumental and involved with the “Fore Golfers”, and later the “Pan American Golf Association”.
By Jesse Garza, Jr. 1934 – 2016
PAGA Archivist 1992 – 2016
1937
Forerunner of the PAGA, “The Fore Golfers”, was organized in San Antonio, Texas. (First officers, Dentist Juan Rivero, Severo P. Gonzalez, Dr. Hesiquio Gonzalez, and Ralph Cardenas, Educator)
1942
World War II interrupted the “Fore Golfers” play. Many of the members joined the armed forces.
1945
The “Fore golfers” regrouped after the war. Some golfers from Sequin joined the San Antonio club for regular play.
1947
The name “Pan American Golf Association” was adopted after member Claude Estrada suggested the name change during a meeting in late summer.
1952
President Al Zepeda guided ex-member Raul Sandoval, that moved to Corpus Christi organize the second PAGA chapter. Soon thereafter Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas and Austin join the family of PAGA chapters.
1953
Ex-member of the PAGA (1947) Tony Holguin wins the Texas Open title played at Brackenridge Park Golf Course. He is the only PAGA member ever to win a PGA Tour Championship to this date.
1956
Steps were taken, lead by San Antonio and other chapters to form a State Organization. (Johnny Aguillon, from San Antonio wins the first unofficial State Tournament held in San Antonio)
1957
The second unofficial PAGA tournament was held in Houston. (Johnny Aguillon wins the championship again)
1958
The first official PAGA State Tournament and Convention was held in Ft Worth during the Labor Day weekend. (Ray Aguillon, wins the first official PAGA State Golf Tournament)
1960
Ray Aguillon wins his second State Championship and San Antonio wins the Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Lockhart. (Ray Aguillon, Arthur Ramirez, Gilbert Delgado, Henry Gonzalez)
1961
San Antonio wins its second Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Dallas. (Ray Aguillon, Arthur Ramirez, Gilbert Delgado, Henry Gonzalez)
1963
San Antonio hosts its first PAGA State Tournament and Convention. Ray Aguillon wins his third State Championship and San Antonio wins its third Four-Man Team Trophy. (Ray Aguillon, Arthur Ramirez, Henry Gonzalez, Ralph Holguin)
1968
Ray Aguillon wins his fourth State Championship and San Antonio wins its fourth Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Austin. (Ray Aguillon, Rudy Valdez, Max Ricondo, Al Monita, Jr.)
1970
San Antonio hosts its second PAGA State Tournament and Convention.
1971
Ray Aguillon wins his fifth State Championship held in Houston.
Member Charlie Pena is elected as National Tournament Chairman.
1972
The PAGA State Tournament becomes a National Tournament when Oklahoma City is voted to host the annual PAGA Golf Tournament and Convention.
1974
San Antonio wins its fifth Four-Man Team Trophy, held in El Paso. (Ray Aguillon, Andy Aguillon, Jack Dozier, Al Monita, Jr.)
1975
San Antonio wins its sixth Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Dallas. (Ray Aguillon, Jimmy Aguillon, Jack Dozier, Al Monita, Jr.)
1979
San Antonio wins its seventh Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Houston. (Ray Aguillon, Jimmy Aguillon, Ralph Rodriguez, Al Monita, Jr.)
1981
San Antonio host its third PAGA National Golf Tournament and Convention. A new National record total of 1008 golfers participated. Member Jesse Garza, Jr. is elected as National Tournament Chairman.
1983
Jesse Garza, Jr. wins National 3rd Flight Championship, held in Oklahoma City. Member Jesse Garza, Jr. is re-elected as National Tournament Chairman.
1985
San Antonio PAGA purchases Young’s bar & golf shop. (Dec. 6) Member Ray Cevallos made initial contact. Member Jesse Garza, Jr. is elected as National Vice-President in Corpus Christi.
1986
Andy Aguillon wins his first National Championship. Remigo Ayala wins National 5th Flight Championship. San Antonio wins their eight Four-Man Team Trophy, held in Dallas. (Andy Aguillon, Ray Aguillon, Jimmy Aguillon, Ray Cevallos)
1987
Robert R. Garcia wins National 5th Flight Championship, held in Brownsville.
1988
John Estrada wins National 5th Flight Championship, held in Kansas City.
1990
PGA Rookie of the Year, Robert Gamez and his family are honored with a banquet at the Clubhouse. Robert was made an Honorary Member of the PAGA.
1991
Gilbert Rodriguez wins National 4th Flight Championship and David Magallan wins National 5th Flight Championship. San Antonio wins its first Seven-Man Team Trophy, held in Austin.
Jack Dozier, Richard DeHoyos, Joe Meza, Conrad Muth, Robert Garcia, Morris Monita, Pete Olguin
1992
San Antonio hosts its fourth National Tournament and Convention. A new National record total of 1132 golfers participated. Jesse Garza, Jr. is appointed new National Archivist, replacing Sam Garcia of Ft. Worth. Ray Aguillon, Max Martinez and Bennie Zapata are inducted into the National Hall of Fame.
1993
Final payment made on the “Clubhouse”, in June. Member Ruben Chapa wins his first National Seniors Legends Championship Tournament held in Seguin.
1994
National PAGA votes San Antonio as home of the National Archives during the National Convention in Oklahoma City. Member Ruben Chapa wins his second National Senior Legends Championship Tournament held in Harlingen.
1995
Member Robert Garcia begins construction to the addition to the “Clubhouse” in June. PGA Pro Jamie Gomez becomes an honorary member of the PAGA, a reception was held for Jamie. Member Ruben Chapa wins his third National Senior Legends Championship Tournament held in Amarillo.
1996
New addition to the “Clubhouse” is completed in February and opens in March. Robert was honored for single-handedly constructing the new clubhouse. Member Ruben Chapa wins his fourth National Senior Legends Championship Tournament held in Lubbock. San Antonio wins its ninth Four-Man Team Trophy held in Dallas. (Ray Aguillon, Jimmy Aguillon, Ruben Chapa, Frank Cano)
1997
San Antonio celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Ralph Cardenas is inducted into the National Hall of Fame in Corpus Christi. Robert Garcia renovates old “Clubhouse” and adds National Archives Room, opens in July. Member Ruben Chapa wins his fifth straight National Senior Legends Championship Tournament held in Odessa. PGA pro, Esteban Toledo becomes PAGA honorary member and conducts junior golf clinic and exhibition at Brackenridge golf course. Member Tom Garcia coordinates golf clinic.
1998
David Rodriguez wins his first National Championship held in Brownsville. San Antonio wins its tenth Four-Man Team Trophy. (David Rodriguez, Tom Garcia, Frank Cano, Mark Valencia)
1999
Member Jesse Garza, Jr. is inducted into the National Hall of Fame in Kansas City.
2002
Golf Pro, Pat Perez becomes a PAGA honorary member. Pat conducts junior golf clinic and exhibition at Brackenridge golf course with Jesse “James” Leija, George “Ice man” Gervin, and City Junior Champion Amanda Martinez. Member Tom Garcia coordinates golf clinic.
2003
San Antonio PAGA goes high tech. Web site is developed and activated by member Frank Segura and web-developer Juan Fitzmaurice.
2005
Joe Nick Villarreal wins the Senior National Championship at The Mercedes Senior Tournament. Robert Gamez wins the 2005 Texas Open.
2006
Byron “Ricky” Moore wins the Senior National Championship at the Oklahoma City National Tournament and Convention.
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