MWGA Centennial Approaches, Governor Proclaims Sept. 18 Minnesota Women's Golf Day

August 27, 2015 | 3 min.

      EDINA, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2015) – The 2003 U.S. Women’s Open Champion and Edina native, Hilary Lunke (nee Homeyer) will be the featured speaker at the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association 100-year Celebration Gala, Friday, September 18, 2015, at Interlachen Country Club in Edina. She will share memories from that thrilling win, as well as insights and life lessons from her Minnesota golf background and professional career. Lunke was the first player to ever win the U.S. Women’s Open after advancing through both local and sectional qualifying. During her career, Lunke joined the LPGA Player Executive Committee in 2006, and was selected vice president in 2007 and president in 2008. At the end of 2008, she was named the winner of the William and Mousie Powell Award, given to an LPGA member "who, in the opinion of her playing peers, by her behavior and deeds, best exemplifies the spirits, ideals and values of the LPGA."

Governor Proclaims September 18, 2015, “Minnesota Women’s Golf Association Day”
     Governor Mark Dayton has declared September 18, 2015, “Minnesota Women’s Golf Association Day.” The proclamation recognizes the MWGA Centennial as well as the association’s contribution to golf in Minnesota and service to the more than 100 golf courses and the nearly 1,500 members. The proclamation is a tribute to the MWGA and the significant role it has played in the history of women’s golf.
     The MWGA 100-year history began with a small group of Minnesota women from Town and Country Club, The Minikahda Club, Interlachen Country Club, White Bear Yacht Club, Lafayette Club and Northland Country Club, who met in 1915 at The Minikahda Club to found the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association. Its purpose was to plan and conduct tournaments, association days and league competitions.
     The first women’s state championship was conducted Sept. 22, 1915, at Town and Country Club. Eleanor Lightner defeated Marion Lanpher in match play after 19 holes. The MWGA grew from that early organization, which was incorporated in 1939, and rededicated to the general promotion of women’s golf and the enjoyment of the game. The MWGA currently conducts several member play days and six women’s amateur golf championships in Minnesota.
     Two of the original MWGA clubs have hosted tournaments this centennial year; Northland Country Club in Duluth hosted the Minnesota Women’s Senior Four-Ball Tournament, and Interlachen Country Club in Edina hosted the Minnesota Women’s State Amateur Championship.
     Likewise, two other original MWGA member clubs are helping members celebrate. To bring the MWGA full circle, Town and Country Club, which hosted the very first tournament in 1915, is hosting the association’s Centennial Golf Event in September. The Centennial year culminates with a Gala dinner and program on September 18, beginning at 6 p.m. at Interlachen Country Club.
     While the Centennial Golf event is fully subscribed, the Gala is open to all friends and family of the MWGA. For more information about the Gala, contact Maggie Leland at mleland@mngolf.org or call 952-345-3961.
     The Minnesota Women’s Golf Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to enrich all aspects of the game for amateur women golfers and is at the forefront of women’s golf in Minnesota.
                                                             ###

Contact Us

Contact Us

6550 York Avenue South, Suite 411 • Edina, MN 55435 • (952) 927-4643 • (800) 642-4405 • Fax: (952) 927-9642
© 2024 Minnesota Golf Association. All Rights Reserved