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It was the year 1963 that the Laurentian Ladies' Inter-Club Golf tournaments got underway. Because Jimmy Arnold, the Chantecler Golf Club professional, was extremely supportive of the idea, it was decided to hold the First event at his club. One hundred and twenty-five ladies teed off on the first Thursday of July that year, commencing with Class 'A' at 7:30 a.m. and followed by Classes 'B', 'C, and 'D'. (Classes were arbitrarily categorized as most golf courses in the area had not been rated. Class 'D' was composed of handicaps beyond 40 stretching into the 50's.' The higher handicappers' starting times were almost always in the afternoon.)
The idea of the Inter-Club was to encourage all lady golfers to play outside courses, thereby giving them a chance to meet other golfers in the area and to help improve their game. The event proved to be very successful right from 'Day One'.
Initially there were eight clubs: Alpine, Chantecler, L'Estérel, Gray Rocks, Laurentian Golf & Country Club (Ste-Agathe), Piedmont, Shawbridge and Val Morin. As all but two of these courses were only 9 holes at the time, the tournaments were restricted to 9 holes events. A draw was made pitting similar handicappers together to play 'match play', with the winner in each of the four divisions being recognized by an 'honorable mention', as the emphasis was placed on the team effort rather than on an individual player. The results of each tournament were recorded by the coordinator. The triumphant club was the one which scored the largest number of holes over the summer period..
Each club hosted the tournament once a year and made the draw. No green fees were charged. Fifty cents a round was charged, amounting to $4.00 for the season. This paid not only for the trophy, but also for the closing dinner which was first held at the Alpine.
Door prizes in profusion were donated by the local merchants, businesses and restaurants; so many were there, that almost everyone went home with "goodie". Songs were sung and jokes told adding to the festive atmosphere.
The captains of each course met twice a year to discuss problems and to prepare time tables.
The second year, 1964, Piedmont with Aimée Archambault as captain hosted the closing dinner with the same massive turnout as 1963 with well over a hundred, in attendance.
Jean Dorken
Inter-Club Coordinator [1963, 1964, 1998, 1999, 2000]
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