Photo: USGA

1895: First U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship Golf Tournament

In November 1895, the first U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship golf tournament took place at the Meadow Brook Club in Jericho, with thirteen golfers playing 18 holes. Mrs. Charles S. Brown, a New York City resident who had learned to play golf at Shinnecock Hills, won with a score of 132. The Meadow Brook Club was formed in 1881 to promote fox hunting and other outdoor sports, including polo. The Board of Stewards authorized the creation of a golf course on October 18, 1893. Other early Women’s Amateur Championship tournaments that were played on Long Island include the 1900 championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, the 1914 championship at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, and the 1927 championship at Cherry Valley Club in Garden City. Lucy Barnes (Mrs. Charles S.) Brown is shown here at the 1895 championship.

–Cynthia Blair