History
Our History
79 years of breaking barriers, building community, and growing the game.
Los Angeles, California · Founded 1947
A Voice of Their Own. Since 1947.
The oldest organization for Black women golfers west of the Mississippi — built on sisterhood, legacy, and an unapologetic love of the game.
Founded by women who refused to be shut out of the game they loved.
In 1947, a group of Black professional women in Los Angeles — teachers, nurses, real estate agents — formed their own golf club when their husbands wouldn't let them on the course. Nearly 80 years later, Vernon Crest is still opening doors, growing champions, and building community.
Explore the Club
Everything Vernon Crest.
Compete
Tournament Schedule
Monthly stroke play events open to all skill levels. Join us on the course and compete with purpose.
Community
Youth & Outreach
Clinics, Stanford camp scholarships, and decades of growing the next generation of women golfers.
There was no social mandate. The club was created out of necessity — to show that having your own voice was important.— Susan Henderson, Former President, Vernon Crest Golf Club
Our Story
79 Years of Breaking Barriers.
1947
Founded the Year Baseball Broke Its Barrier.
The same year Jackie Robinson integrated the Major Leagues, a group of Black professional women in Los Angeles formed their own golf club — because no one was going to hand them access. They built it themselves.
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The Spiritual Home
Maggie Hathaway Golf Course.
More than any other venue, Maggie Hathaway GC in South LA has been the heart of Vernon Crest. After a $21 million renovation, our spiritual home is open again — and the spirit of camaraderie there is stronger than ever.
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30+ Year Members
The Women Who Built This.
Susan Henderson
Former President
Hattie Harris
Current President
Lillie Norman
30+ Year Member
Sarah Jones
30+ Year Member
Teresa Jennings
30+ Year Member
Lisa Collins
30+ Year Member
Myretta Long
30+ Year Member
On the Schedule
Tournament Calendar.
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Spring Classic
Monthly stroke play open to all SCGA handicap holders.
April 2027 -
Summer Invitational
Annual invitational for members and guests.
July 2027 -
Maggie Hathaway Cup
Signature charity tournament benefitting youth golf programs across LA County.
September 2027
Learn the Game
Rules 101.
New to the game or brushing up before your first round? The USGA's Rules 101 walks you through the essentials — from keeping score to knowing what to do when your ball ends up somewhere unexpected. Learn the fundamentals before you step onto the course.
Explore the RulesLegacy
Since 1947
Community
Rooted in LA
Competition
All Skill Levels
Sisterhood
Our Foundation
Ready to Join the Legacy?
Membership is open. The fairway is waiting. Come be part of something 79 years in the making.