In recognition of Women’s History Month this March, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is celebrating the women-led efforts behind a newly unveiled history page on its website — an immersive collection that tells a story far larger than the club itself. Designed for history enthusiasts and the broader community alike, the history page chronicles the origins not only of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, but of the once-sleepy town of Santa Rosa Beach, long before it became the vibrant coastal destination it is today.

Long before emerald waters and sugar-white sands drew visitors from across the country, Santa Rosa Beach was sparsely populated, defined by open land, unpaved roads and a small, close-knit community seeking connection. There were no formal gathering places, just families, resilience and a shared vision for something more. Out of that desire, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club was born.

That early era of dunes and screened porches, sandy trails and simple pleasures is vividly recalled in the personal accounts and archival materials now preserved by the club’s History Committee. The history page sets the scene for life along the Gulf Coast in the mid-20th century, offering readers a sensory glimpse into the community spirit that ultimately led to the club’s founding in 1967. Together, these preserved stories form a record intended to be shared and appreciated for generations to come.

From its beginnings in the 1960s, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club was shaped by a pioneer mindset rooted in collaboration, volunteerism and pride of ownership. That spirit proved essential not only in establishing a golf and beach club in an undeveloped area, but in sustaining it through decades marked by natural disasters, financial challenges and periods of uncertainty. The principles instilled by the club’s founders continue to guide its future today.

“At its core, this is a story about people,” said the club’s History Committee. “A spirit of volunteerism and stewardship has always defined Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. Time and again, members have come together to ensure the success and preservation of what was built.”

Over the past two years, that legacy has been formally captured by a dedicated History Committee composed of club members Karen Schoonover, Thea Berkhout, Susan Lucas, Heidi Holmes and Debra Wynn—a group of women committed to safeguarding photographs, personal recollections, and foundational documents that bring the early days of Santa Rosa Beach vividly to life.

Committee member Susan Lucas, daughter of founding member Harold Lucas, recalls visiting Santa Rosa Beach as a toddler, spending summers in a small concrete block home typical of the time – without phones, television or air conditioning. “Every moment was spent on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” Lucas said. “Back then, hardly anyone lived here. It was quiet and untouched, and those days became the sweetest family memories.”

The new history page invites readers into that world – a tale of emerald water, green fairways, gleaming white sand and legendary sunsets. A place shaped by challenges and celebrations alike, by engaging characters, and by a community that believed in creating something lasting, together.

Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club thrives today because of the continued dedication and stewardship of its members—the same qualities that once transformed an undeveloped stretch of coastline into a place of camaraderie and belonging.

Welcome to the story of our home. For more information or to explore the history page, including the prologue, visit santarosaclub.com/history.

About Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is an award-winning, member-owned golf course and private beach club located on Scenic Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Set along the sugar-white sands of South Walton, the club spans more than 85 acres and offers members and their guests access to championship golf, dining and beach amenities. The club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, a private beach club with pool and beach access, and multiple dining venues, including Vue on 30a, the club’s signature restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at www.santarosaclub.com.

During Women’s History Month in March, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Celebrates the Women Preserving Its Past