Monroe Invitational Championship
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Bo Hoag, 2009 MIC Champion
Ohio State University
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Click here for official MIC Website
Monroe Invitational Championship:
The Monroe Invitational Championship (MIC) is one of the oldest amateur tournaments in the United States dating back to 1937. Monroe Golf Club (MGC) has hosted this event for 58 years. The MIC has been played at match play since it’s inception; however, in 1998 the format was switched to 72 holes at stroke play.
MIC Participants: |
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Competitors in the event include the top ranked collegiate and amateur golfers in the United States with a few international players if qualified and willing to travel..
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A Blitz Am-Am is held on Tuesday of tournament week in conjunction with the MIC as a fundraiser. The Blitz field includes the top 50-60 MIC competitors in the field combined with Monroe members, their guests and representatives of our major sponsor. The format combines two MIC players playing a gross better ball combined with two Blitz sponsors playing a net better ball.
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The MIC Tournament Format: |
- The MIC is a 72-hole stroke play event beginning with 80+ players. After 36 holes the field is cut to the low 40 players and ties or all players within 10 strokes of the lead.
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MIC Tournament History:
• For most of it’s years the MIC was primarily a local tournament pitting the finest players in Rochester and New York state against each other in head to head competition. Occasionally a nationally renowned player such US Amateur Champions Skee Riegel (1947), Sam Urzetta (1950), Fred Ridley (1975) and Buddy Alexander (1986) competed and won the MIC.
• In 1987 Tom Solberg, Monroe Golf Club member and noted Rochester attorney, mounted a campaign to elevate the status of the MIC. He enlisted support of the Monroe Golf Club Board of Governors who whole-heartedly backed his efforts. Mr. Solberg raised the necessary funds by initiating a Buss Reed Blitz tournament; whereby, sponsoring club members were paired with amateur stars. In addition, Mr. Solberg sought and gained the financial backing of a large cross section of the Monroe membership through a Patrons Program. Nearly 50% of the membership contributes voluntarily toward the success of the event.
• Mr. Solberg was able to attract many top ranked amateurs and collegiate players to the finely conditioned Monroe Golf Club. Players were treated to many amenities not found at other amateur venues such as member housing for all players, transportation, a generous gift package, outstanding food and most of all, an exquisite Donald Ross golf course.
• Following Mr. Solberg’s chairmanship, Bob Bishop, Bob Jordan, Buzz Webber, Harry Shrier, John Purcell and present Tournament Director, Jim Spitz Jr. continued to make great strides in bringing national prominence to the Monroe Invitational Championship and Monroe Golf Club. Past champions include current touring Professionals: Jeff Sluman, Brian Kamm, Nolan Henke and Chris DiMarco. Several former MIC competitors have gone on to win on the professional level including: Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Notah Begay, Dudley Hart, Chris DiMarco and Charles Howell III.
• The current MIC enjoys the status of one of the top amateur tournaments in the United States along with the Sunnehanna, Porter Cup, Northeast Amateur and North and South Amateur. The 2002 MIC was won by DJ Trahan, the number one ranked amateur in the United States from Clemson University (#1 ranked college team in the US. DJ broke the competitive course record with a 62 in the second round.