100 years since the first round of golf at Monroe Golf Club

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – On Independence Day of 1924, Monroe Golf Club marked the first round of golf ever played on its new course.

Thursday, as America celebrates its Birthday, the club held a special centennial celebration to mark the milestone. A group of golfers decked out in 1920’s apparel used old wooden clubs and special golf balls to reenact the first ever tee shots from 1924.

Later this month, it will play host to the 83rd Monroe Invitational.

“We’ve had the Monroe Invitational for the top amateurs in the nation here since 1937, and it’s been played annually since then except for during World War Two and Covid,” said Monroe Golf Club President, Rick Hager. “But we’ve had great players – like Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods have played here.”

Monroe Golf Club is one of the oldest private clubs in the area. It’s ranked among the top 100 classic courses in the U.S. by Golfweek.

“Back in the 20s, Walter Hagan played an exhibition here and he’s considered one of the greatest golfers of all time,” Hager said. “He was a Rochestarian, he played here and said he absolutely loved the course.”

Last year, Monroe Golf Club marked its 100th anniversary. It was established back in 1923, a year before it held its first round of golf.

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