HISTORY
Updated 2010/2011 with information from the Rochester Public Library using the microfilm of the Democrat & Chronicle and Times-Union newspapers. This adds and updates the 1976 information gathered by Mr. Ernie Maurer. Any original documentation is no longer available.
The beginnings
The very first Rochester District Golf Champion of 1929, Mr. James W. Weldon of Oak Hill, is the creator of the Twilight Golf League.
As noted in the history section, first known published documentation states that the league officially began play in 1937.
* In 1930 Jim moved to Boston for two years, and during that time he stumbled upon an interesting golf league of which 1913 U.S. Open hero Francis Ouimet was a participant. Ouimet was the first amateur in history to win the Open. It was called the Boston Twilight League, and one of the member clubs happened to be Oakley C.C., where Donald Ross (golf course architect for Oak Hill’s East and West course, as well as Monroe, CCR, Brooklea, and Irondequoit front nine) first worked upon arriving in America. (*supplied by Mary Szpak, Oak Hill Historian 2/22/11, “From Little Acorns” Vol. II, The Story of Oak Hill 1901-1986, by Howard C. Hosmer) Also of local note, Jim’s grandson Chip Lillich would win seven Rochester District Championships, and fourteen Oak Hill club championships.
Jim Weldon, 2nd from left, at Oak Hill - 1935
The following, even though noted in Mr. Maurer’s notes from 1976 and from Mary Szpak of Oak Hill, has not been substantiated with any articles in past newspapers:
Jim made an inquiry into the makeup and format of the league, and sent his findings to Ben Heughes (pictured at left) of Oak Hill C.C.
Supposedly, one round was played locally in 1930, but there were many problems during the first two years. In 1932 league play started in the Rochester area. Originally, play was on a match play basis, gross score only, and changed in 1934 to a handicap basis. Early officers names were unknown, except that Ben Heughes of Oak Hill got the group together and was president until Jim Weldon returned to Rochester in 1934. (taking a position with Hickok Manufacturing of Hickok Belt fame). Where upon he rejoined Oak Hill and took over the presidency of the league.
Jim served as President until 1940. (See board member list since 1940) The following article from the Democrat and Chronicle on April 3rd 1937 details the foundation and opening season of the Twilight League.
The inaugural six teams were:
• Brooklea
• Country Club of Rochester
• Locust Hill
• Monroe
• Oak Hill
• Ridgemont.
League format:
• Ten players per team
• Individual matches, and team match
• Based on the Nassau system, total of 45 points
o 3 points per ten individual matches (30 pts.)
o 3 points per five team matches (15 pts.)
• Team with highest number of match points declared champion
Milestones
- 1937
- Inaugural league winner: Oak Hill Country Club
- 1939
- League expanded to eight teams.
- Midvale, and Oak Hill split to have two teams: East and West.
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1940
- CCR and Irondequoit combined to form one team.
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1941
- Dropped back to six teams as Midvale and CCR/Irondequoit dropped out.
- 1943-1945
- League play was suspended due to WWII.
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1946
- League play resumed with six teams, and players increased to twelve.
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1950
- League went back to eight teams, adding CCR and Irondequoit.
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1954
- League dropped to seven teams as Oak Hill merged back into one team.
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1957
- League increased back to eight teams as Midvale rejoined after 25 years.
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1988
- Reportedly John McGrath’s final year, he started in 1937 with Locust Hill.
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1998
- Gay Levis fall tournament ended after 50 years.
- Tournament hosted the club’s pros as appreciation for their League work.
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2001
- Match format was changed to Ryder Cup format.
- Three points for each foursome match.
- One point each for individual match, and team match
- Standings were changed from total team points to:
- 2-pts. per team win, 1-pt. for tie.
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2011:
- Penfield Country Club replaced Locust Hill.
