Golf:

The history of golf never ceases to amaze me and I was recently introduced to a group that has been playing a monthly tournament since 1926.

The Terrible Twenties recently held their 1,000th tournament Sept. 10 at Hacienda Golf Club.

One thousand months, 14 presidential administrations, a depression, two riots, and a snow storm haven’t deterred the Terrible Twenties.

The group consists of 11 private clubs; Annandale in Pasadena, Oakmont in Glendale, Hacienda in La Habra, Candlewood in Whittier, San Gabriel, Lakeside in Toluca Lake, Virginia in Long Beach, Red Hill in Rancho Cucamonga, El Niguel in Laguna Niguel, Wilshire in Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

In the beginning there were 20 golfers and they got its name when the friends were playing at the old Flintridge Country Club. Someone yelled at a player on an adjoining fairway, “How are you doing?” The players responded, “Terrible.” The name stuck and the tournament was born.

Some of the original clubs that participated were Riviera, Los Angeles Country Club and Bel Air. Though the group did not desire or solicit celebrity, two of the honorary members were Bobby Jones and famed silent movie star, Harold Lloyd.

“Speaking on behalf of the membership, I can tell all how much fun, tradition and friendship this organization enjoys,” said Jim DeSimone, who was the group’s past president.

The president is crowned Most Terrible, while the vice president is designated as the Least Terrible.

While the bantering is expected, even anticipated by some, the invitation only group is about more than joking. Prospective members are nominated by their club and then play a couple of rounds with the group and then voted on for membership.

“One of the guys told me about it,” said John Goodlad, who is a Santa Ana Country Club member who has been part of the group for four years. “He asked me if I wanted to try it. It sounded like a good time so I said yes.”

Goodlad, who was a longtime member at Oakmont Country Club, was familiar with some of the clubs, but enjoyed meeting the members of the group.

“You get to make friends with people that you might not otherwise meet,” he said. “That’s one of the things about it that I really enjoy.”

Another benefit is playing a variety of golf courses.

“That was the main reason I joined,” Goodlad said. “You get to play these really neat courses you wouldn’t get to play.”

The group consists of three members from each club in addition to a number of senior retirees. Besides Goodlad, who lives in Corona del Mar, Ray Schuessler, who lives in Corona del Mar and Bill Friis of North Tustin, are part of the Santa Ana delegation.

The monthly tournament begins with breakfast at the host club and then 18 holes, where there are plenty of side games taking place.

“Within the group you have a match with someone who is close to your handicap, but there is also team bets and a horse race,” Goodlad said. “There is a lot of fun out on the course.”

There is almost as much fun off the course after the match. The men adorn blue blazers with logos and gray slacks and eat dinner at the club and finish the evening with cards.

Santa Ana Country Club will be hosting the 1,001st event in early October as the group looks toward the next 1,000 tournaments.

“We are all proud to be part of an ongoing tradition spanning over 80 years and wish all the very best to the Terribles who will celebrate its 2,000th.”

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at nolimepublishing@aol.com.