NGCMA was organized in 1984 to promote the common business interest of its members; to improve the business conditions of the game of golf through the use of golf cars; and to foster the promotion of safety standards with respect to golf cars.

In the early years, NGCMA's principal office was in Palm Beach, the location of its then Executive Director, Don A. Rossi. Mr. Rossi died in 1990. An award was created in his honor by the National Golf Foundation, of which Mr. Rossi had previously been the executive director also. Those of us privileged to work with Don continue to miss his practical wisdom, great humor and enthusiasm for the game of golf.

George Inman, then President of Club Car, Inc., now a subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand, was the first NGCMA president. Other original directors included Gary Jones of Yamaha Golf - Car Company, Don Conway of Columbia Par Car Corp., Barry Duncan of Ross Products, Ron Patterson, then President of E-Z-GO Textron and Clem Sharek of Melex. Fred Somers, an Atlanta, Georgia, attorney, was the original General Counsel for the association and continues in that capacity today as well as now serving as the corporate Secretary. Mr. Somers attends all Board meetings.

Mr. Inman was succeeded as President by Ron Patterson, then President of E-Z-GO in 1987. Following Mr. Patterson as NGCMA President, in successive order, have been Mr. Inman, L.T. Walden, then President of E-Z-GO, Bryan Taylor, then President of Melex, David Hardy, then Executive Vice President, Club Car, Bill Szarowicz, then President of Yamaha Golf Car, Dewey Holland, former Senior Vice President, Global Strategy, Club Car, Michael Alexander, Director, Corporate Development, Club Car, Inc.; and presently, John Rupp, Esq., Associate General Counsel, Textron, Inc.