ORLANDO WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION

            Seventy-one years ago, in 1927, a group of local ladies got together and decided to form an association when would meet once a week for a round of golf and a bit of socializing.

            Mrs. George Strickland from the Country Club of Orlando and Mrs. Carl Dann Jr, from Dubsdread Country Club conceived the idea over a cup of tea with their friend, Vida Miller, who helped organize the association.  The name chosen for the group was, “The Orlando Women’s Golf Association”.  The first year there were approximately 20 members and the ladies rotated play between the two clubs. It was reported that the men didn’t want the ladies on the courses, but that didn’t stop the group.

            Mrs. Strickland was the first president of the organization, but it was not until 1936 that Eloise Scott was crowned the first Champion of OWGA.

            In the early days there were only two requirements to become a member. 1.) a 36 or better handicap and 2.) be a year-round member of either The Country Club of Orlando or Dubsdread Country Club. OWGA currently has 110 members and today’s requirements include a 14.3 handicap index or better and year-round membership in one of the twenty-eight participating clubs located throughout the greater Orlando area.

            Except for about five years during World War II, the women have enjoyed continuous play. During the war years, it is reported that the members gave up their golf to volunteer for the Red Cross.

            In the 1950’s, Dubsdread Country Club hosted, for several years, the National Mixed Two-Ball tournaments. Several of the big names on the women’s as well as the men’s Pro tour participated including the famous Babe Zaharias.  OWGA was responsible for the sale of tickets.  Dubsdread substantially made the work worthwhile for the money was used to help with the women’s State Tournament held at Dubsdread.

            During the early 1960’s, the members decided to include the husbands in some for or fashion. For a few years, a formal dance became a part of the season’s program and mixed best ball events were occasionally held on Sundays. Those, however, have been discontinued.

            Over the years, numerous trophies have been donated. Among these are the Art Millea, the Rose Skillman, the Margo Riley and the Denny Champagne. Today, the highly coveted Denny Champagne trophy is still awarded annually to our most improved player.

            The Orlando Women’s Golf Association has come a long way. On any given Tuesday from September through May, you will find a majority of our 110 members driving as far as 40 miles for good competitive golf and to be with longtime friends.

            Our association champion is Mrs. Jimmy (Peggy) Brass.  Peggy truly stand out in our history because she has won our competitive championship 22 times.

PARTICIPATING COURSES:

Alaqua                                       Lake Nona
Bay Hill                                      Metro West
Country Club of Orlando             Mt. Dora
Cypress Creek                             Orange Tree
DeBary                                       Rio Pinar
Deer Run                                    Rolling Hills
Deland Country Club                   Sabal Point
Dubsdread                                  Sweetwater
Ekana                                         Timacuan
Errol Estates                               Tuskawilla
Forest Lake                                 Wedgefield
Heathrow                                   Wekiva
Interlachen                                 West Orange
Kissimmee Bay                           Winter Springs

Pending approval:

Legacy Club, Casselberry, Eastwood, Palisades.