Getting to Know 2020 President Fritz Sargent

Fritz Sargent grew up in Lakeland, Florida, and attended Clemson University, where he studied Construction and Engineering and received a B.S. in 1968.  He accepted a direct commission into the United States Army Transportation Corps, where he was an adjutant.  Afterward, he worked in Atlanta for several years in building contracting.  In 1973, he joined the Sea Pines Corporation in resort development for several years in the Carolinas, Florida and Virginia.  From 1978-1993, he worked in real estate development and condominium conversion in Norfolk and Richmond, VA.

Sargent, now 76, moved to La Jolla in 1993 after marrying Nora Desloge in Wilmington, NC, where we had a house on Figure Eight Island.  Presently the two live full time in La Jolla. His current SCGA index is 13.2, but as he states, ‘I’m working on that!’  Sargent and his wife do not have children but are the proud owners of five generations of golden retrievers.

Since 1997 he has been a member of La Jolla Country Club, serving as President in 2005-06.  He has also served on various committees, including chairing  House, and Long Range Planning.  In the past he’s been a member of Landfall Club, Wilmington, NC, and The Commonwealth Club, Richmond, VA.  Currently, Sargent is a member of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and just resigned from Wade Hampton Golf Club, Cashiers, NC, as he and Nora travel less frequently to the east coast.  He considers the CSGA, which he joined in 2008, as an even more enjoyable part of my golf life – Great collegiality and a wonderful opportunity to play outstanding courses in California.

Sargent loves golf and tries to support young players through contributions here and to the golf program at Clemson University. He and his wife have underwritten the head golf coaching position at Clemson.

What are you looking forward to as Cal Seniors President? 

I anticipate supporting the game of golf by being involved in a fine organization that encourages competition on outstanding courses.  ‘Golf at any age’ usually refers to young players, but it also includes our generation at CSGA.  It’s an honor to support the board in selecting great courses for our tournaments.

How did you first get started with golf?

As a high school kid I caddied at the local municipal course with a few friends.  We didn’t play but got to know the basics for the game.  I’m still pretty good at finding balls!  Then at Clemson my roommate was on a golf scholarship.  His family owned a golf course in Connecticut that would become TPC-River Highlands.  Visiting in the summer, I became hooked and purchased my first set of clubs,”Spaulding Elites,” in 1966.

What is your greatest golf memory or moment?

Winning the member guest at Wade Hampton, my club in Cashiers, NC. Playing golf for a week in Scotland with my brother and his two sons (who are scratch golfers.)

Anything you would change with the game?

Increase the penalty for slow play.

What is your favorite course and why?

Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers, NC is my favorite.  It is Tom Fazio’s home course and has been rated Top Mountain Course in the US.  It’s challenging and beautiful, and a great pleasure to play with the members.

What courses are still on your wish list?  

Pine Valley and Fishers Island.  I’ve played Cypress several times but it’s never enough!

Who was your biggest golf influence?  

My college roommate gave me the opportunity of a total immersion in golf.  Working on his father’s course, we would mow grass and rake bunkers at 5:30 am.  Later we cleaned up and started hitting balls.  Ground up, so to speak.  I have taken what must be hundreds of lessons, but it was those full work/play days that instilled my love of golf.

What do you enjoy doing besides golf?

I really enjoy following Clemson University football.  Travel is on my list, also gardening, and of course “honey-do’s” – yeah right !