Sandwedge Golf Association

P.O. Box 8232

Meridian, MS 39303

SAAG image of white and black golf cart on green grass field during daytime

Our Story:

The story of the Sandwedge Golf Association begins in 1968 with Reuben R. Little, a former caddy at Tuscaloosa Country Club. Discovering Lakeview to be a Municipal Golf Course, he became one of the first Black golfers to play there, inspiring others to join him. Several other local Black golfers, who had also caught the golf bug while caddying at Northwood Country Club, shared this passion for the links.

For three years, a consistent group of about 12 men regularly played at Lakeview, eventually falling in love with the game. Prior to this, many of them honed their skills on the Harris Campus or at Magnolia Park, often improvising with just five or seven irons and using tin cans for holes.

Each weekend at Lakeview, discussions frequently turned to the idea of formally organizing. These men envisioned a group dedicated to unity, fellowship, promoting golf within the Black Community, and, of course, improving their own game and knowledge.

On May 9, 1971, following 18 holes of golf, 14 men gathered at the home of Lee Arthur Rhodes to officially establish the club. Those present were:

Marshall Bell
Frank Cole
Walter Clark
Charles Holloway, Jr.
Harrison Lewis
Reuben R. Little
John D. Irby

Birdette Moore
Bobby Rand
Kenneth Stennis
Lee Arthur Rhodes
Nathaniel Ryan
Robert Vaughn
Harvey Spinks

SAAG image of black and red bicycle on green grass field during daytime

After considering several names, Harrison "Wolf" Lewis's suggestion for "Sandwedge Club" was unanimously adopted. The club's first officers were elected: Marshall Bell as President; Robert Vaughn, Vice President; Lee Arthur Rhodes, Treasurer; Reuben R. Little, Secretary; Harvey Spinks, Business Manager; Charles Holloway, Jr., Public Relations and Parliamentarian; and John D. Irby, Tournament Director.

The Sandwedge Club's inaugural tournament in 1972 was a resounding success, drawing participants from New Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham, Mobile, Atlanta, and Baton Rouge. The club enjoyed robust growth over the next eight years, with entrant numbers swelling to between 100 and 200 players. From 1973 to 1977, such was the demand that two tee times – a morning and noon shotgun start – were necessary. However, the 1978 gas shortage and economic recession led to a dip in participation, with numbers falling below 100.

In that first Annual Tournament, Robert "Shorty" Vaughn, Sandwedge's sharpest golfer in 1972, achieved a first-round medalist score of 66, though he was ultimately bested by Otis Stampley of Jackson, MS.