History

History of the Southeastern
Women's Amateur Team Championship
Association (SWATCA)

Mission

1. Promote women's amateur golf at its highest level of competition among the women golfers of the participating state golf associations by organizing an annual championship and other events the Board of Directors of the Association (SWATCA) deem advisable.

2. And foster communication and interaction among the participating state golf associations

History

1992

In 1992 and early 1993, the USGA Women's Regional Affairs Committee discussed the need for a way to promote competitive golf in the Southeastern states and the possibility of having some type of competition among the states. The Women's Alabama Golf Association agreed to host the first tentatively titled Women's Amateur Team Championship. Patty Faulkner secured her home course of Shoal Creek in Birmingham for the competition.

1993

A meeting was held in Montgomery, Alabama. In attendance at that meeting were Patty Faulkner and Jean Miller, Alabama; Laurie Glass, USGA; Margaret Welsh, Louisiana; Jean St. Charles, Tennessee; Linda Meltz, Georgia; Kaye Williams, Florida; and Lisa Parris, Mississippi. All of those women were associated with the USGA as Women's Regional Affairs Committee members from their respective states with the exception of Jean Miller (WAGA past President & USGA Junior Girls Committee). It was determined that this group would be the original "board" for the event. Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee would be asked to participate in the inaugural event. It was also decided that each state would enter a team of 8 players, two alternates and a non-playing Team Captain. The format would be stroke play with handicap. Each player would be required to have a handicap of 10 or less. First round would be Foursomes; second round, Four Ball; third round, Singles. A Team would be awarded points as to where its players finished in the field. The Team with the most points after three rounds would be the Champion.

After a successful event, won by Georgia, the "board" decided to name the championship "Southeastern Women's Amateur Team Championship" and plan the event as an annual team championship. Louisiana agreed to host the 1994 championship.

1993 SWATC Team

Members of the 1993 team were Beth Barry, Harriette Cauthen, Virginia D. Grimes, Monica Hilger, Betty Palmer, Claire Parker, Sandy Parks, Chris Spivey, Nell Stuart and Judy Taylor, Captain.

1994

The first official board meeting was held at Gulf Shores, AL, at Patty Faulkner's home for the purposes of incorporating under the name "Southeastern Women's Amateur Team Championship Association" and setting up bylaws. The Board members were the same "board" members as in 1993 with the exception that Betty Rich was now representing Georgia, as Linda Meltz had resigned.

A Spring pre-tournament meeting was held at Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club, in Broussard, LA. At this pre-tournament meeting, the Board approved the proposed Charter and Bylaws and officers were elected. President: Jean Miller; Vice President: Jean St Charles; Secretary: Betty Rich; Treasurer: Laurie Glass.

The second annual tournament was held at Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club on November 1-3, 1994. The tournament format was changed to Match Play, Gross score instead of net. First round was Four Ball; second round - Foursomes; third round - singles. The winner of each match shall receive one point and if the match is halved, 1/2 point in given. The Team winning the most points will be the Champion. Each state was allowed to enter a team of twelve (12) including the Captain. Ten players from each state would compete each round. Champion: Florida.

1994 SWATC Team

The 1994 team consisted of Harriette Cauthen, Ouida Cunningham, Virginia D. Grimes, Monica Hilger, June Mayson, Mary Isbell, Julie Levan, Lea Minovich, Nell Stuart, Judy Taylor and Beth Barry, Captain.

1995

The third annual tournament was held at Colonial Country Club, Memphis, TN, on November 5-8. In addition to the competition, a brunch, hosted by the Women's Tennessee Golf Association, was held for the Directors of the participating states. The purpose of the brunch was to foster communication and interaction among the state associations. Champion: Florida.

1995 SWATC Team

Members of the 1995 team were Beth Barry, Harriett Cauthen, Ouida Cunningham, Virginia D. Grimes, Monica Hilger, Mary Isbell, Judi Jehle, Mary Burkhart Shields, Julie Levan, Chris Spivey, Nell Stuart and Cherry Russell, Captain.

1996

SWATC was held at Avila Golf and Country Club in Tampa, FL, on November 4-6, 1996. The Board of Directors met on November 7th and voted to change the format to first round - Four Ball; second round - Foursomes; third round - Four Ball. Champion: Florida.

1996 SWATC Team

The 1996 team members were Harriette Cauthen, Jennie Firth, Virginia D. Grimes, Kathy Hartwiger, Monica Hilger, Mary Isbell, Judi Jehle, Lea Minovich, Valerie Ragan, Chris Spivey, Beth Williams and Ouida Cunningham, Captain.

1997

The Georgia State Golf Association decided it no longer wanted to be a participating state in SWATC. The Country Club of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, agreed to host the championship on October 23-25, 1997, and the board voted to invite North Carolina to participate. North Carolina accepted the invitation. The Board also approved adding additional members to the SWATCA Board. It was decided that the Board may have two directors from each participating state instead of one. Champion: Florida. Officers: President: Jean Miller; Vice President: Jean St Charles; Secretary: Margaret Welsh; Treasurer: Laurie Glass.

1997 SWATC Team

Members of the 1997 team were Harriette Cauthen, Lea Green, Virginia D. Grimes, Kathy Hartwiger, Judi Jehle, Claire Parker, Valerie Ragan, Mary Burkhart Shields, Chris Spivey, Nell Stuart, Beth Williams and Ouida Cunningham, Captain.

1998 | 1999 | 2000

The Championships were held at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, Philadelphia, MS. SWATCA was issued an invitation by Chief Phillip Martin for Dancing Rabbit to be a permanent site for the Championship and negotiations followed. Chief Martin and the Choctaw Board said they could no longer underwrite the Championship. Champion all 3 years: Florida.

Members of the 1998 team (photo not available) were Harriette Cauthen, Katherine Cusick, Jennie Firth, Virginia D. Grimes, Kathy Hartwiger, Betty Palmer, Claire Parker, Valerie Ragan, Chris Spivey, Jamie Weaver and Ouida Cunningham, Captain.

1999 SWATC Team

1999 Team Alabama
Ouida Cunningham, Captain
Harriet Cauthen
Robin Cook
Kathryn Cusick
Jennie Firth
Lea Green
Virginia Grimes
Kathy Hartwiger
Mary Isbell
Claire Parker
Chris Spivey
Jamie Weaver

The original Board of Directors & officers (except Georgia's resignation & inclusion of North Carolina) had remained the same until 1999.

2000 Officers: President: Jerrie White; Vice-President: Margaret Welsh; Secretary: Tina Sanders; Treasurer: Laurie Glass; Rules Chairman: Jean St Charles

2000 SWATC Team

2000 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Beth Barry
Ouida Cunningham
Harriet Cauthen
Jennie Firth
Lea Green
Tami Green
Virginia Grimes
Mary Isbell
Judi Jehle
Chris Spivey
Jamie Weaver

2001

Championship was held at Colonial Country Club, Memphis, TN, on October 22-24. The format was changed to: first round ­ Four Ball; second round - Foursomes; third round - Singles. An additional social tournament was held for the directors of the participating states and is now an annual event. Champion: Tennessee.

Officers: President: Jerrie White; Vice-President: Margaret Welsh; Secretary: Tina Sanders; Treasurer: Elizabeth Kelly; Rules Chairman: Jean St Charles, Jean Miller, Betty Palmer, Dot Dube.

2001 SWATC Team

2001 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Harriet Cauthen
Marty Dunn
Jennie Firth
Lea Green
Tami Green
Virginia Grimes
Mary Isbell
Judi Jehle
Elizabeth Luckett
Betty Palmer

2002

Championship was conducted at PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, on October 20-22, 2002. Champion: Florida. President: Margaret Welsh; Vice President: Jean St Charles; Secretary: Joy May; Treasurer: Nan Habjan; Rules Chairman; Jean St Charles, Jean Miller, Betty Palmer.

2002 SWATC Team

2002 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Mikki Bond
Harriet Cauthen
Marty Dunn
Tami Green
Mary Isbell
Judi Jehle
Annie Kirkland
Elizabeth Luckett
Jennie McCormick
Chris Spivey
Laurie Strite

2003

Championship was held on October 20-22 at Deerfield/Colonial Country Club, Jackson, MS. 2003 President Margaret Welsh passed away on July 19, 2003, and the 2003 Championship was dedicated to her. The Margaret Welsh Spirit Award was established in her memory and the recipient will be chosen from players, social entries and supporters who exemplify her spirit toward the game and the true spirit of this competition. Champion: Alabama.

On October 22, 2003, SWATCA was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. It has been classified as a public charity and is exempt from federal income tax section 501(a) of the IRS Code as an organization described in section 501(c)3. Donors may deduct contributions to SWATCA as provided in section 170 of the IRS Code.

2003 SWATC Team

2003 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Beth Barry
Harriet Cauthen
Lea Green
Tami Green
Virginia Grimes
Mary Isbell
Annie Kirkland
Jill Martin
Jennie McCormick
Chris Spivey
Laurie Strite

2004

Championship held at Carmel Country Club, Charlotte, NC. Champion: North Carolina. Officers: President: Laurie Glass; Vice President: Jean St Charles; Secretary: Joy May; Treasurer: Nan Habjan; Rules Chairman; Jean St Charles.

2004 SWATC Team

2004 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Beth Barry
Susan Carver
Harriet Cauthen
Lea Green
Tami Green
Virginia Grimes
Mary Isbell
Annie Kirkland
Jill Martin
Cindy Parrish
Chris Spivey
Laurie Strite

2005

Championship held at Mountain Brook Club, Birmingham,Al. Louisiana did not attend. The states of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina & Tennessee participated. Champion: Alabama. Officers & Board: President: Laurie Glass; Vice President: Jean St Charles; Secretary: Audrey Songy; Treasurer: Nan Habjan; Rules Chairman; Jean St Charles, Lib Kelly, Jean Miller, Dot Dube.

2005 SWATC Team

2005 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Kelly Burgess
Susan Carver
Missy Gooden
Virginia Grimes
Kathy Hartwiger
Judi Jehle
Annie Kirkland
Candace Schepperle
Laurie Strite

2006

Championship held at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club, Nashville,TN. The states of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina & Tennessee participated. Champion: Tennessee. Officers & Board: President: Laurie Glass; Vice President: Jean St. Charles; Secretary: Audrey Songy; Treasurer: Nan Habjan; Rules Chairman: Jean St. Charles, Sue Boynton, Jean Miller.

2006 SWATC Team

2006 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Missy Gooden
Lea Green
Tami Green
Lucie King
Annie Kirkland
Betty Palmer
Cindy Parrish
Laurie Strite
Susan West

 

2007

Championship held at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Dade City, FL. Champion: North Carolina.
 

2007 SWATC Team

2007 Team Alabama
Chris Marr, Captain
Rhonda Baker
Suzanne Bendinger
Nancy Gavin
Judi Jehle
Lucie King
Martha Lang
Chris Spivey
Laurie Strite
Susan West

Also pictured: SWATCA representatives: Jean Miller, JoAnn Miller
 

2009 SWATCA- Team Alabama

October 26-28, 2009

Raintree Country Club- Charlotte, NC

Meet the Team:

Missy Gooden - Married with 2 children and lives in Trussville AL.  Occupation- Swim Team Coach. Missy won the WAGA State Junior Championship in 1986 and 1987. She then went onto win the State Amateur in 1991 and 1992, and the State Stroke Play in 2002. Missy was a member of the Auburn University Women's Golf Team from 1988-1991. She was also an All American at Auburn University. 

Lea Green - Married with 1 child and lives in McCalla AL. Occupation- Wellness Instructor. Lea won the 2001 Lady Legacy Champion, she was the 2007 WAGA Stroke Play Runner-up. Lea has also played on the USGA State Team twice, and qualified for US Mid-Amateur twice.

Tami Green - Married with 2 children and lives in Hamilton AL.  Occupation - Family Nurse Practitioner.  Tami was the Pikeville CC Club Champion, Indian Hills CC Club Champion, 2002 Finalist in WAGA Amateur, Champion of Invitational at Musgrove CC, Burningtree CC and Tupelo, MS CC. She has also qualified for the US Mid- Amateur.

Renee Williams - Married and lives in Auburn AL. Renee played golf at Memphis State University. Renee has qualified and played in the U.S. Women's Mid- Amateur. This is her first time participating in this prestigious SWATCA Championship and her home course is Saugahatchee Country Club.

Martha Lang - Married and lives in Birmingham AL. Martha won the WAGA State Junior Championship 4 years in a row (1967-1970). She also won the US Mid-Amateur in 1988, the WAGA State Amateur in 1973, and the 2007 and 2009 WAGA State Senior Champion. Martha was a member of the 2009 USGA State Team that finished 2nd.

Betty Palmer - Married with 1 child and lives in Jacksonville AL. Betty was the women's golf coach at The University of Alabama.

Sue Raines - Married with 2 children and lives in Florence AL. Sue was the  Invitational Champion at CC of Birmingham, Willow Point and Stillwaters. She was also the 2009 runner-up in WAGA State Senior Championship.  She qualified for USGA Senior Championship 5 times and recently had her 8th hole-in-one.

Susan West - Married and lives in Tuscaloosa AL.  Occupation- Assistant Dean of Graduate School of Business at The University of Alabama. Susan was the club Champion at North River CC 2006 - 2009, and the club Champion at Indian Hills CC 2007 and 2009. She qualified for US Mid-Amateur in 2006 and 2007. Susan was the first flight champion in the 2009 WAGA Stroke Play and the 2009 State Amateur.

Go Team Alabama!!!

Starting in 2010 ALL Players will be required to be on the GHIN system and have an ACTIVE GHIN number to participate in WAGA Events

If you are currently not on GHIN please contact Alyson Mitchell 205-979-2550 for more information.