We recently connected with Cirilo Manego III and have shared our conversation below.

Cirilo , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Honestly, SGA started with something really simple: we just wanted to golf more with people who got it—people willing to support each other’s golf journey, knowing the learning curve is steep. At first, it was just about friends connecting, sharing laughs, and pushing each other to get better.

But the more we played and talked, the more I realized it wasn’t just about inclusion. It was about belonging. Golf has long had invisible barriers, gatekeeping that makes it hard for folks outside certain circles to feel at home. We wanted to create something different—a human-first space where anyone could step onto the course and feel like they belonged, where your experience, your growth, and your energy mattered as much as your score.

The moment it really clicked for me was after the first SGA Cup at Bulle Rock Golf Course. Watching the energy on the course, seeing people connect, compete, and genuinely enjoy the game together—it was clear we had something special. That’s when I knew I had to build this with the brothers I came in the game with: Yves, Shallum, and Colby. From that point on, our goal was to scale SGA in a major way—bringing the same sense of belonging, mentorship, and community to as many golfers as possible.

Some of the most memorable moments along the way—bringing a Congressional Black Caucus member back to Langston Golf Course, a historically Black course, in over two decades or lighting the golf world on fire with Range Night, drawing over 400 people to the driving range—remind me that we are doing something bigger than golf. Every tournament, every clinic, every casual round reinforces that SGA is about connection, empowerment, and community. Those moments are what drive me to continue growing SGA every single day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Cirilo Manego III, co-founder of the Social Golf Association (SGA). Golf brought me to this space, but people and vibes are what drive everything we do. I got into this industry because I saw a gap: golf is an incredible game for connection, growth, and opportunity—but too often, the culture around it feels exclusive or intimidating. I wanted to create a space where anyone could feel like they belonged, where relationships and community mattered as much as the game itself.

At SGA, we provide intentional experiences designed to make golf more accessible, more connected, and more reflective of the communities we come from. That includes tournaments, clinics, social events, youth development programs, individual and group lessons, and even merch that lets our members carry the culture off the course. One part of our work that doesn’t get enough attention is our Golf Buddy service. Whether it’s running a full-scale, start-to-finish tournament, leading a networking or team-building clinic, or hosting on-course business development and etiquette rounds, we meet organizations’ needs with personalized, top-to-bottom golf experiences.

What sets SGA apart is our human-first culture. We put people first, embrace progress over perfection, and celebrate unforgettable moments. From bringing a Congressional Black Caucus member back to Langston Golf Course to lighting up Range Night with over 400 attendees, every activation reminds us that we’re doing something bigger than golf—it’s about connection, opportunity, and impact.

I’m most proud that SGA has become a home for golfers, creators, and change makers who see golf not just as a sport, but as a platform for community, creativity, and growth. Our goal is simple: people come for the golf, and they stay for the vibes. Every event, every lesson, every activation is built to make people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what’s really helped build Social Golf Association’s reputation is exactly why people come for the golf but stay for the vibes. It’s because we genuinely care about the people who join our community—and that care isn’t lip service. We put our money where our mouth is. We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk.

2025 marks our first full year of programming, and already we’ve given back 25% of our net revenue. That includes partnerships like the HBCU Golf Tournament and local initiatives like donating a Little Free Library to a DC-based elementary school. These actions show that what we’re doing is bigger than golf—it’s about community, mentorship, and creating lasting impact.

Another key part of our reputation comes directly from our members. People see that we’re committed to them, and they share that experience with others. That word-of-mouth, that genuine excitement, has been invaluable. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built: one of authenticity, care, and unwavering commitment to both the game and the people who make it special. At SGA, our reputation isn’t just what people say about us—it’s the culture we create, the impact we make, and the community we continue to grow every day.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building our audience on social media really came down to two things: community and consistency. From the start, we focused on creating experiences that people genuinely enjoyed—events where the golf was fun, the vibes were unmatched, and everyone felt like they belonged. Our members and attendees naturally shared those moments, generating authentic user-generated content that amplified SGA’s reach far beyond what we could do alone. In fact, that approach helped us grow our social media presence nearly ninefold.

The other piece was consistency. Showing up regularly, posting meaningful content, and keeping our community engaged helped people know that SGA was not just a one-off experience—it’s an ongoing movement and a lifestyle.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: create something worth talking about and make sure you’re showing up every day. Encourage your community to share their stories, highlight their experiences, and engage authentically. When you combine authentic experiences with consistent engagement, growth happens naturally—and the people who follow you become part of your story, not just your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.socialgolfassociation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialgolfassociation
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirilomanego3/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialGolfAssociation

Image Credits

Lorde Made, Danelle Hankins, Pewnology, Jeremiah Omotoso