Members have come together for an annual meeting and tournament since 1925 on a regular basis, with the exception of the World War II period when The Greenbrier was a war veteran’s hospital and the old airport (which is now the sporting club) was an internment camp, the pandemic of 2020, and an occasional rain out. Matches are played alternately at The Greenbrier & The Homestead, where the facilities are superb and the “seniors” have priority.
Competition is divided into age brackets at five year increments to level the playing field. Approximately twenty prizes are awarded at each meeting to the winners of the individual competitions in addition to the challenging golf. Two cocktail parties and a banquet are part of the festivities. The present membership is approximately 300 members.
Membership is limited, but outstanding candidates are always welcome. Fifty birthdays, an amateur status and a current verifiable handicap are required for all competitors. This outstanding tournament conforms to the USGA rules of golf. It is held on the fourth Monday and Tuesday in august. Individual golf matches are played on the Sunday and Wednesday surrounding the tournament days.
A full time secretary has been the glue that holds the association together as proven by the longevity of their service. There were only three between 1927 and 2013:
Gory Hogg 1927 – 1946 19 years
Helen Bonham 1946 – 1996 50 years
Dick O’Donnell 1996 – 2013 17 years
Bruce Eckerson 2013 – 2019 6 years
Dan Ehrman 2020 – ??
We believe that the Virginias Seniors is the most venerable of all interstate competitions. For those who qualify; lifetime friendships, fun times, and memorable golf are the rewards for becoming a member of the Virginias Seniors. Nine decades of great competition is a testament that our association has provided the correct formula for great camaraderie and golf.
