The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 2 April, 2014 | Page 17
Return of the Wethersfield Invitational
For the first time since 1967, Wethersfield Country
Club will welcome the area’s finest golfers for a tworound team championship on October 17th and 18th,
2014. The tournament will consist of two rounds of
Gross Championship Competition on a course in peak
condition. Invitations will go out beginning July 1st, and
interested players may e-mail Tournament Chairman
Billy McDonald at: [email protected].
The Wethersfield Invitation Tournament that was played from 1938 until 1967 was regarded in
the state as “the one to win” because the field included the best amateurs from New England and New
York state as well as a few others. Notable winners included Dick Chapman, Bob Grant, Felice Torza,
Ernie Gerardi, Holly Mandly, Jr., Dick Siderowf, Don Hoenig, Allan Breed, Jim Grant, Red Smith, and Bill
Brew.
A particularly notable three-time winner was Ray Billows, seven-time New York state Amateur
Champion, three-time US Amateur Finalist, and two-time Walker Cup team member among other
honors. Significant players who failed to win the Invitation Tournament included Frank Stranahan,
Ted Bishop (US Amateur Champion in 1940), Paul Harney (MA amateur champion and later PGA
Tour member), Fred Kask (four-time CT Amateur Champion), Charlie Clare (CT Amateur and Open
champion), and Jerry Courville, Sr.
Then and Now:
The 18th Hole at Wethersfield during the
1977 Insurance City Open (Above-Right) and
present day (Below-Right).
Connecticut State Golf Association
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