"An Idea Becomes a Reality"
During the summer of 1953, while playing with the Stevens Park Golf Association, Israel G. Cabello came upon an idea. Why not get some golfing friends together, use the same pattern that Stevens has as a Mexican-American golf association. He discussed his idea with one of his golfing buddies, Joe Palomo, and the two of them started contacting prospective members. After talking to several people during the summer, a time and place was set and the first official meeting of the Pan American Golf Association was held on July 21, 1953 at Pike Park with I.G. presiding. Elections were held and the first officers were: I.G. Cabello, President; Joe Palomo, Vice-President; the late Frank Sanchez, Secretary and Robert Bautista, Jr., Treasurer. An idea had at last become a reality and the Club was off and running. The Club experienced some difficult times in its early years, but has in 52 years grown from its original 9 members to a membership of 170 and in December, 1975, entered into an agreement to purchase some property at 7137 East Grand that now serves as the Club House.
In 1957 the Dallas P.A.G.A. joined chapters from Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Brownsville to form the largest association of Mexican-American golfers in the state of Texas. It has since become a National Organization and has grown to 43 chapters with clubs as far west as Santa Ana, California, and as far north as Detroit, Michigan. In 1961 the Dallas Chapter hosted the 4th Annual State Tournament with approximately 265 golfers participating. Only one golf course was needed and it was the largest event up to that time. Dallas again played host in 1967 (2 courses) and in 1975 attracted 785 golfers and required the use of 5 golf courses. It was in 1967 that the Ladies Auxiliary, through the efforts of Mary Cabello, was formed and helped make the Pan American Golf Association of Dallas became an even stronger organization. The Auxiliary has played a very important in helping make the "Golfer's Ball" a tremendous success. It is at this event each year that we have some beautiful ladies presented. They are put in the spotlight and the "Golfer's Ball" becomes their night to stand out. From that first meeting in 1953 and throughout it's 52 years, the association has had many members who have given so much of their time to making this an outstanding organization. To these members, our thanks for the unselfish efforts contributed towards our PRIDE and JOY - The Pan American Golf Association of Dallas.