CWGA Turns 100 This Year

Three events planned for Centennial celebration.

Jon Rizzi

Last year, the Colorado Golf Association celebrated its 100^th Anniversary with the “Century of Golf Gala” featuring Jack Nicklaus at The Broadmoor.

This year, it’s the Colorado Women’s Golf Association’s turn.

To say much has changed since eight women met on March 14, 1916 to create the CWGA would grossly understate the obvious. For one, the CWGA currently now boasts nearly 19,000 members.

For another, news of the meeting reference the five married members of the original eight—following the etiquette of the day—by their husband’s name. Mrs. Olyn Hemming, for example, served as the first president. She belonged to Colorado Springs Golf Club (the present-day Patty Jewett Golf Course), which that September hosted 28 competitors in the first CWGA Match-Play Championship, won by Mrs. M.A. McLaughlin of Lakewood Country Club, another founding member. 

(By the way, Mrs. Mac’s name was Ella; Mrs. Hemming’s was Mary.)

One thing that hasn’t changed since then is the association’s mission: “To promote and maintain the best interests of the game of golf; to hold golf tournaments; and to promote good fellowship among member clubs.”

The organization's Centennial Committee has planned for a couple of years. Rather than one big end-of-year blowout, the CWGA will hold three events to mark the milestone.

The first will be the CWGA’s annual meeting, held, per usual, at The Inverness Hotel & Golf Club in Englewood. Plans include a video presentation spanning the history of the organization and a keynote address from Judy Bell, the World Golf Hall of Fame member who will this year receive the USGA’s coveted Bob Jones Award. Other past champions will be acknowledged as well.

The second will come Aug. 2-4, when the CWGA Stroke Play Championship takes place at Denver Country Club, which also hosted the event in the 50^th and 75th anniversary years. 

September 21 will bring the third event: A Centennial Celebration tournament at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen. The board will invite the top champions, volunteers and other important supporters of the organization.

For more information on getting involved, visit coloradowomensgolf.org.

Visit our News page for more Colorado golf news.

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