- 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, Jim Spitz Jr. and present Tournament Director, John Kircher continued to make great strides in bringing national prominence to the Monroe Invitational Championship and Monroe Golf Club.
- Past champions include current touring PGA Professionals: Eric Compton, Chris DiMarco, Brent Delahoussaye, Dustin Johnson, Bill Lunde, Kyle Reifers, Michael Sim, Jeff Sluman, and DJ Trahan.
- Several former MIC competitors have gone on to win on the professional level including: Jonathan Byrd, Ben Curtis, Jason Day, Jim Furyk, Lucas Glover, Dudley Hart, JB Holmes, Charles Howell III, Steve Marino, Jeff Overton, D. A. Points, Heath Slocum, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Stadler, Nick Watney and Tiger Woods.
- Lucas Glover, the 2009 US Open Champion played in the MIC four times and Ben Curtis, former British Open Champion played in five MIC Championships.
- The 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 #1 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.
- In 2007 nine championship fairway bunkers were added to Monroe Golf Club along with new championship tees on the 5th hole (now a 484 yard par 4 and the 9th hole (now a 601 yard par 5).
- Dustin Johnson of Coastal Carolina University fired a 62 in the 2nd round on his way to his way to winning the the 2007 MIC.
- In 2008 Michael Foster of Perth, Australia set the new MIC course record with a 65 in the final round.
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