Par & Bogie Golf Club of Rogers Park
(Tampa, FL)

In 1988 a small group of golfers, led by John Byrd and William 'Bill' Saunders, decided to form a golf club which they named Par and Bogie Golf Club. Since most of the members belonged to Rogers Park Golf Course it was decided that this would be their home course.

Par and Bogie was the first golf club in the area to have men and women as equal members.  Many of the members were retirees, while others were still employed. Some had played golf for a number of years and others were relatively new to the game. The idea was to promote the game of golf, have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of other golfers.

The founders voted to provide a welcome to any who wished to participate regardless of skill level. So, many good golfers were eager to share their knowledge and teach anyone seeking improvement.

In addition to members who were local residents, the dub since its formation has included among its membership Northerners who come to Florida for the winter, (referred to as snow birds), and return to their home up north in the spring.

Membership grew very quickly and reached fifty-five or so active members at any given time. Word of the club soon spread and we serve as a welcoming group for many other vacationing golfers to the area. Whether they are here for only a few weeks or a few months, they searched the club out and became a part of the club’s activities for the time they are in the area.

It has always been the club’s desire, not only to enjoy the game themselves, but also to promote the game among the younger generation and especially among minority youth.  Members of the club have participated in youth golf clinics held at Rogers Park, sponsored minority youth who were unable to pay and attempted to provide as much encouragement as possible to get them interested and involved in the game of golf. 

Club members also provided financial support and were active volunteers with Mike Cooper’s Urban Junior Golf Program which evolved into the First Tee Program-Today, the club continues to make a financial contribution to the First Tee Program of Tampa Bay as well as donate golf equipment to them.

Members of the club have also volunteered with and supported other youth group activities such as little league baseball.  And, although quite a few of the former members have passed on,  interestingly enough, club membership remains around 50 since others are continuously joining.  The oldest member of the club who is still playing is in his 80's. With maybe one-or-two exceptions, everyone else is at least 60 years of age. However there is no age requirement or restriction for membership to the club. A couple of the older members who no longer play continue to come out to the course on club play dates and hit a few balls and spend time socializing.

The current officers are:

Brenda Stillings, President
Rob Pickens,Vice President
Ocie Snider, Secretary
Ruth Robertson, Treasurer