History of Our Club

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In 1999, Ray Sandoval Sr. founded the Seniors South Bay Golf Club to provide an outlet for recently retired golfers who wanted to enjoy the game without the crowds and high costs often associated with weekend play. Drawing on his experience as both a member and board member of other golf clubs, Ray recognized a need for a club designed specifically for golfers who preferred weekday play.

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His vision was twofold.

 

First, he wanted to schedule tournaments during the week, when courses are less crowded and green fees are more affordable. Second, he sought to bring a sense of variety and excitement to the game. Ray noticed that many traditional men’s clubs played the same course in the same format month after month. To avoid that monotony, he structured the club’s schedule to include monthly tournaments at different courses throughout Southern California and introduced a variety of tournament formats and friendly wagering games. This approach allowed members to experience new courses, new challenges, and a more dynamic golfing environment.

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Above all, Ray’s mission was to create a community built around the game of golf. He envisioned a club where members could form lasting friendships, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes golf special.

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For Ray Sr., golf was always about more than the scorecard. It was a vehicle for friendship, laughter, and shared experiences. His goal was to create a club where the enjoyment of the game extended beyond the course and where every round left members looking forward to the next.

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In 1999, along with 16 charter members, Ray officially founded the Seniors South Bay Golf Club. Those members included Jim Blasco, Larry Boone, Eugene Dobos, Bill Epperson, Milan Kurutz, Ken Manes, Ed Morgan, Clifford Myers, Angelo Perla, Anthony and Art Riesgo, Ray Sandoval Sr., Robert Shou, Robert Taylor, Paul Wargo, and Al Worley.

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From these modest beginnings, the club has grown into a thriving organization with more than 60 members. A significant milestone came in January 2000 when the club achieved Affiliate Club status with the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA).

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Today, the club hosts monthly tournaments at courses throughout the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, Orange County, Riverside County, and the Inland Empire. In addition, the club organizes two annual three-day “away” tournaments in destinations such as Palm Springs, Temecula, Solvang, Monterey, St. George and other destinations.

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The club also conducts a summer Championship Series to determine its annual Club Champion. The winner of this series represents the Seniors South Bay Golf Club at the SCGA Club Champions Tournament at the end of the year.

While the club was originally designed to serve the needs of retired golfers, membership is open to golfers of all ages who enjoy playing during the week, when courses are less crowded and green fees are typically more affordable.