The magical week at Sea Island 2023 ended with the induction of SGA favorite Janie Risley, of San Marcos, Texas, into the SGA Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame was established in 1995, when Cynthia Powell  surprised her dad, Bob Swanson, at The Cloister.  For some time setting up a Hall of Fame had been discussed, and finally, Cynthia decided to take action and tap her dad as the first inductee.

Hall of Fame members are nominated and voted on by those currently in the Hall of Fame.  Members must be serious about upholding the traditions of golf, and must be friendly and welcoming to new and to longtime SGA tournament participants.  They must speak highly of the organization and of fellow SGA members at all times.

Congratulations to SGA’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Janie Risley! Janie was welcomed by Hall of Fame inductee Bill Suehs, 2012 inductee, and by Jean Harrington, whose husband Dick was inducted in 2013. Janie's Irish Waterford trophy was presented by 2022 Hall of Fame member Bill Cembor, who spoke of how much he had enjoyed being with Janie on the trips over the years. Hall of Fame members were joined by special SGA member, Ted Thranhardt.

"I have been a member of SGA for 17 years," said Janie. "I have to say, SGA saved me. I had lost my husband and felt lost myself. My children, Valarie and Greg, who are here with me tonight, encouraged me to travel with the Senior Golfers, and it changed everything for me.  

"In all these 17 years and 58 SGA events, I have thoroughly enjoyed the places we've played, and the friends I've made. I especially thank Jean Harrington, Bill Suehs and Bill Cembor, Loretta & Ted Thranhardt, Jean Spradling, and Michele Wallace. all of whom are here to celebrate with me, and I send greetings to, and wish that Carol Preston could have been here with us. It's great to see all of you here with the Senior Golfers of America. I am looking forward to many more SGA events. Thank you, everyone."