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2024 HAVEMEYER INVITATIONAL

May 9, 10, 11

(Senior Qualifying May 6)

 

  • Havemeyer Invitational Results
  • Southward Ho & The Havemeyer Invitational History
    • Southward Ho was founded in 1923 when the Southward Ho Land Corporation purchased 140 acres from the James Hazen Hyde estate. After the land was acquired, a golf course designed by A.W. Tillinghast was constructed. In addition to golf, the Club featured a swimming pool, lawn tennis, squash, and bridle paths. Located on the property, not far from the Clubhouse was a working windmill. The windmill became the centerpiece of the Club’s logo. The first meeting of members was held in September of 1924.

      The Club was reorganized under the name South Bay Golf Club in 1934 due to the effects of the Great Depression. Member and benefactor Horace Havemeyer secured the future of the Club in 1945 by purchasing and restructuring all Club indebtedness. The debt was fully repaid in 1954. On November 20, 1953 the Club name was changed back to Southward Ho Country Club.

      To honor Mr. Havemeyer’s generosity and dedication to Southward Ho, an amateur golf tournament was created in his name. The idea for the tournament was conceived by a group consisting of Bob and Jerry Baxter (Club Members), Bill Mattimore (Club President), and Alex Ferguson (Head Golf Professional). The first Havemeyer Invitational was held on September 14, 1951.

      From the inception, the criteria for an invitation to compete were only two:
      1. One must be a gentleman
      2. He must possess an excellent golf game

      The Tournament consisted of three flights of 16 for many years. Play has always been at scratch. Initially there was no Senior Flight. The first final was a terrific match between two of our members, both of whom were to become Club Champions, Mike Ryan and Emil Roy. Emil Roy won 1 up when Mike Ryan’s ball landed in a deep divot on the 18th hole, causing him to make bogey.

      Early winners include names such as Matwell, Silverstrone, Tuthill, and Edwards. Two Southward Ho Members deserve special mention. Judge Robert Oliver won the title in 1961. Judge Oliver would go on to become Tournament Chairman for more than two decades. The other is Chris Estelle who won the title five times.

      In the 80’s and 90’s Champions included names such as P.J. Cowan, George Zahringer, Jeff Thomas, and Joe Sommers. Starting in 1981 points were awarded to the Winner for MGA Player of the Year. Thus, the field became even stronger and continues to attract the best players. In the past 70 years, the Tournament has become one of the oldest and most esteemed in the Metropolitan area. Recent Champions include Joe Saladino (4 times) and Jonathan Jeter (twice).

      We hope that Mr. Havemeyer looks down on us and is pleased that this Tournament exists to commemorate, if only in a small way, his wonderful gift to us.