Our History

1977

Capt. Bill Lewis, first Director of the FCA Golf Ministry, helps found the LPGA Fellowship group. LPGA Tour Pros who provided leadership include Murle Breer, Beth Stone, and Joyce Benson.

1979

First FCA Junior Golf Camp is held at Pine Needles Lodge & Country Club. "Bullet" & Peggy Kirk Bell, Tour Pro Larry Nelson, and Coach Conrad Rehling highlight the program for 28 junior golfers.

1980

First FCA "Breakfast with the Pros" is held during the Memorial Tournament in Columbus, OH. Tour Pro Larry Nelson is the featured speaker for the 170 in attendance.

1985

First FCA Chapel Service held Palm Sunday on the 18th Green at The Players Championship, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. First FCA International Pro-Am is held at the Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, FL. Over $75,000 is raised for the Golf Ministry.

1986

Junior Golf Camps expand to 3 sites: Pine Needles, Indianapolis, and LaPaloma Resort, Tucson, AZ. Golf Ministry hosts PGA Club Professional Conference in Orlando prior to PGA Merchandise Show. Golf Ministry Endowment Fund is established to provide a financial foundation for the ministry's future operation.

1989

Capt. John Dolaghan becomes Director of the FCA National Golf Ministry, having previously served as a church pastor and Navy chaplain.

1990

FCA conducts Bible Study at the inaugural NIKE Tour tournament (then HOGAN Tour) in Bakersfield, CA.

1993

International Pro-Am at Loxahatchee tops the $200,000 mark in funds raised for Junior Golf Camps and other Golf Ministry Programs.

1994

Junior Golf Camps are held at 10 sites with more than 500 participants.

1995

Easter service at the 18th green during the MCI Heritage Tournament draws a crowd of 2,000. South Carolina Governor David Beasley brings the message.

1997

Golf Ministry has a display booth at the annual PGA Merchandise Show providing ministry exposure to more than 45,000 in the golf industry. A Sunday morning chapel service is also held.

1998

Dean Bouzeos promoted to the position of Executive Director of the FCA Golf Ministry, having served on FCA staff for 14 years.

2000

FCA Golf partners with Celebrity Players Tour to provide chapel services at CPT events.

2001

The FCA National Scramble Championship features 70 teams from 33 states competing for titles in the gross and net categories.

2002

Barbara and Jack Nicklaus are honored at the FCA International Pro-Am at the TPC at Sawgrass in Ponte Verdra Beach, FL. Junior Golf Camp held at 18 sites throughout the U.S.

2003

Initiated first ever coaches clinic. Hosted first outreach event at Florida High School state tournament. Participated in global sports ministry conference in Greece. Expand National Scramble Championship to 54 holes and 90 plus teams. PGA Tour Pro David Gossett serves as host to the FCA International Pro-Am.

2004

FCA hosted first Elite Golf Camp. FCA had more than 1,060 attendees at the TPC Breakfast. In celebration of the 20th International Pro-Am, FCA Golf moved the location of the tournament to Orlando, FL.

2005

Founder of the FCA Golf Ministry Captain Bill Lewis passed away. Jim Esary named fourth Director of the Golf Ministry. Junior Golf Camp held at 20 sites throughout the U.S. Ministry and Bible study on the NGA/Hooters Tour. First year for Mission 4:33 elite Huddle Leader training.

2006

Jay Laffoon named Chaplain for the Nationwide Tour; Bible study attendance grew. Held 20 Outreach events utilizing a Tour Pro to share about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2007

30 years of FCA Golf!