2021 Teach Match Champions from Westchester Country Club (L to R): Elizabeth Muhr, Connie Marlatt, Kaitlyn Lee, Gail Flanagan and Megan Grehan | Photo Courtesy of WMGA
Hundreds of women from Westchester, New Jersey, and Long Island compete every spring at the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association tournament.
Intense competition for bragging rights has been the hallmark of the interclub Team Matches staged by the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association 75 times since 1900. Today, according to WMGA President Lori Ann Cerullo, Team Matches are the “heart and soul of the WMGA.”
It’s hard to comprehend the sheer scope of the undertaking. Beginning in mid-April, 174 teams of up to five golfers in two flights compete in 435 matches over five weeks. The teams are organized by geographic district—Westchester/Connecticut, New Jersey, and Long Island/Staten Island—and a playoff among the top teams in the three districts will be held in mid-May to crown the champions. Last year, over 865 women played competitive golf on 28 courses in the metro area.
Over the years, there have been many format changes and play proceeded in fits and starts, interrupted by the two world wars and other unfortunate events. The current WMGA Team Matches officially began in 1947 with 98 teams.
No matches were played in 2020, but the 2021 edition was won by Westchester Country Club, who successfully defended their title from 2019.
Related: Junior Golf Thrives on Westchester County’s Courses
