Midwest Women’s Golf Club to celebrate 95th Season!

In the grand scheme of things, ninety-five years in anything is a long time. And in the case of Midwest Women’s Golf Club, they are celebrating their 95th golfing season this year! This ladies golf club was formed in 1923. To give you some perspective about the beginnings of this ladies’ golf league within time, 1923 was 12 years prior to when women’s most famous golfer, Babe Didrikson-Zaharias began to play golf!

The year 1923 was also the year that Calvin Coolidge became President of the United States. The cost of living was much reduced with the average annual income at approximately $1400. The cost of a new Ford Model T touring car was $298, a loaf of bread was seven cents and golf club dues were $3. My how times have changed!

This newly formed golf club began with the name Columbus Park Women’s Golf Club, playing at Columbus Park golf course on the west side of Chicago, still a part of Chicago Park District today. During the next twelve years the club would develop, adding a membership committee, the first Guest Day, first group picture and additionally, swim, bridge and bowling clubs sprang out of this group of women.

In 1935, the group moved to Maywood Golf Course in Maywood, Illinois and changed its name to Maywood Women’s Golf Club, hence our present-day club initials, M.W. G. C. By-laws and standing rules were adopted, which of course, have changed many times throughout the years. The next 12 years would see the establishment of some of the activities that are still in place today, albeit changed; Harvest Home costume party became our Fall Fun Day, free breakfast on the first day of golf later became our Hospitality Day which is now our Opening Kick Off Spring Luncheon.

During WWII, our members took part in Red Cross activities. Donations to the War Service Fund became known as the Grey Ladies Fund and the club formed a relationship with Hines Hospital and would play golf with the veterans. Today the club collects donations for the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter of Downers Grove.

In 1946, Maywood Golf Course was sold. MWGC moved on to Bensenville, Illinois at White Pines Golf Course in 1947. After 5 years at White Pines, the club moved to Woodridge Golf Club in Lisle, Illinois and changed the name to Midwest Women's Golf Club to preserve the club initials, now 75 members strong.

MWGC became a USGA member under the local golf handicapping association of Western Women’s Golf Association with 75 active members not counting honorary members—those members with a 25-year membership. Currently, our club has 50 active members, fourteen social members, seven honorary members and four inactive honorary members! Our current handicapping association is Chicago District Golf Association, CDGA.

MWGC played at Woodridge Golf Club, now Seven Bridges Golf Course, for 35 years before the sale of the property forced another move. After spending one year at Country Lakes Golf Course in Naperville, Illinois, the club relocated to Village Greens Golf Club of Woodridge, Illinois.

Along with celebrating our 95th year as a golf club, MWGC is also celebrating 30 years at our present location at Village Greens Golf Club! Our club is active year around with a Christmas Luncheon and home luncheons in the off season. In season, we host three after golf luncheon events; Fruits of Labor, Celebration Day and Fall Closing Awards Luncheon.

Golfing activities include four classes in handicap abilities participating in a 2-week partner’s Best Ball Tournament, a 2-week Match Play Tournament, a 3-week Championship Tournament and a 3-week 54 Hole Net Ringer Event.

Our friendships and camaraderie have never waned throughout the years but changing with the times. Part of our Mission Statement sums up our club best: “We strive to continue to be the most focused, fair-minded, fun-filled organization forging to the forefront of women’s golf—now and in the future.”

June 7th of this year we will celebrate this well-organized golf club for its past and to its future with a luncheon, cake and champagne toast. Happy Birthday MWGC!

For information about Midwestern Women’s Golf Club, call the Pro Shop at Village Greens in Woodridge, 630-985-3610.