Inez D. Long

On Monday, October 9, 2023 the golfing community mourned the loss of a true visionary and dedicated leader. Inez Davis Long, 75, passed away at National Health Care Parklane with family and friends by her side. Inez was the first Women’s’ South Carolina Golf Association’s Executive Director, from 1986 to her retirement in 2012. Inez will leave behind a legacy that will forever shape South Carolina Women’s golf. Her contributions were not only instrumental in the growth of the sport but also in fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among women golfers in South Carolina.

Inez was born to the late Marie Rickard and Wilton H. Davis on June 30, 1948, in Dearborn Michigan, the youngest of three children, and the only girl, Inez quickly learned to love all sports. While in her teens, she competed in ice skating competitions with the Rockbridge Club in the Ice Varieties of 1966. There she skated in the “Dr. Zhivago”, “Curtain Up!!!”, “Tara” and “No Biz like Show Biz” follies to name a few.

Inez started playing golf at the age of fourteen and took lessons from Forest Lake professional Melvin Hemphill. She competed in many golf tournaments and her first win was the Spring Lake Junior Handicap Championship. Inez recorded her first of many holes in ones on January 26, 1963, at Spring Lake Club. Inez continued to compete in local, regional and national events.

Inez was a graduate of AC Flora and graduated from University of South Carolina with a business degree in 1968. From 1968 until 1970, she worked as an assistant to Judge Harry Lightsey.

In 1970, Inez accepted a job as a flight attendant with United Airlines and moved to Chicago to begin her new career. Inez spent 10 years with the airline. A serious car accident in 1980 forced she and her husband Bill to return to South Carolina.

Her passion for golf was renewed and she began her golf career. Inez became a LPGA Class A Professional in 1983 and held positions as Head Golf Professional at several golf courses in the Columbia area. While serving as a LPGA Member Advisor, she assisted many ladies in fulfilling their LPGA dream. Inez also served on various committees with the United States Golf Association. She also served as rules official for many events. The two she enjoyed the most were the prestigious Players Amateur and the Junior Heritage.

Inez was known as an exceptional teaching professional and spent many years teaching and fine tuning the game of golf to everyone, from beginners to pros. Inez was co-owner to the Golf Center in Pontiac, SC while also serving the WSCGA. In 1993, Inez was called to Bluffton SC to be the head teaching pro at Fuzzy Zoeller’s Golf Club Island West.

Throughout her tenure with the WSCGA, she worked tirelessly to enhance the golfing experience for women across the state with more opportunities. Her commitment to the sport and her ability to build bridges with fellow state associations were truly remarkable. One of her most significant achievements was leading the WSCGA into a partnership with the SCGA and CGA to create a centralized handicap billing system, a milestone that revolutionized the way golf handicaps were managed and administered for the state associations.

Her passion for golf was contagious, and she saw the potential for the sport to reach even greater heights. She played a pivotal role in expanding membership opportunities, making golf more accessible to women of all ages and backgrounds throughout the state. Her vision was to ensure that anyone who had an interest in golf could find a welcoming and inclusive community to be a part of through golf events.

One of her proudest achievements was the creation of the WSCGA - Junior Golf Foundation dedicated to nurturing young talent and instilling a love for golf from an early age. Through this foundation, countless young golfers received mentorship, coaching, and financial support, paving the way for a new generation of female golfers. Her dedication to developing the next generation of golfers not only enriched the sport, but also provided countless opportunities for aspiring young athletes.

Inez was recognized at her retirement from the WSCGA by the United States Golf Association, the South Carolina Golf Association, the Carolinas Golf Association for having one of the four full-service women’s golf associations in the country and adding prestige and prominence to South Carolina Women’s Golf. She received the SCGA Golf Ambassador Award for her many contributions to golf. The State of South Carolina House of Representatives recognized Inez for being the first and only full-time employee of the WSCGA, for her 27 years of service to the WSCGA and her many contributions to women’s golf throughout of career.

As we reflect on her life and legacy, we remember Inez not only for her professional achievements, but her values she held dear: collaboration, inclusivity, competition, and a genuine love for the game.

Inez was a faithful follower of many sports. She was an avid Gamecock fan where she followed Football, Ladies Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Golf and Softball. While in Chicago she became a fan of both the Bears and the Cubs, an affinity she continued the rest of her life. Her happiest moments were when the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1986 and when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. Every April you could find Inez behind the 16th green at Augusta National. That was one of her favorite places to be.

Inez was an avid fisherman, photographer and loved to spend time out on the water in her boat.

In addition to her parents, Inez was predeceased by her brothers, Wilton H. Davis and Robert Charles Davis. Inez is survived by her companion of 30 years, Kathy Cuppia of Chapin, SC, Kristen Cuppia of Piedmont, SC, James C. Cuppia, Jr. of Chapin, SC, and James A. Davis US Army, deployed; nephew, Wilton H. (Bill) Davis, III (Sherry) of Clarksville, TN; sister-in-law, Gudrun Davis, of Conway, SC and many other family members and lifelong friends.

We would like to express our gratitude to the caring staff on Hall 100 at NHC Parklane for all the love and care given Inez while she lived there and in her final days. You all are truly a gift to the profession.

In her memory, let us strive to embody the same passion, dedication, and warmth that defined her life. As we tee off on the greens and navigate the challenges of the game, may we always remember the first WSCGA executive director, Inez Long, who made the golfing world a better place with her vision, hard work, and that ever-present smile.

Memorials may be sent in Inez’s memory to

Foundation of Geriatric Education

C/O NHC Parklane

7601 Parklane Rd.

Columbia, SC 29223

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the family.

Cremation is planned. Due to Inez’s wishes, no service will be held. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date.