The Fund was established by local golfing great Willie Turnesa, one of the most successful amateur golfers in United States history, and his friend Udo Reinach in 1956. Since its inception, the Fund has grown tremendously and is able to help hundreds of young people each year in their quest for higher education. In 2023, the WGACSF underwent a major rebrand and is now the MGA Caddie Scholarship Fund.
Willie Turnesa being welcomed home by the Turnesa family and friends after winning the 1938 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club One day, Turnesa was golfing with his close friend Udo Reinach, a member of Quaker Ridge. Their discussion turned to their appreciation and love for the game, and they decided it was time for them to give something back. Inspired by the success of the Chick Evans and Ouimet Funds, they established a similar program for caddies from clubs in the Westchester County Area. They named their organization the Reinach-Turnesa Scholarship Fund and they asked friends at local clubs to contribute.
Willie and Udo spread the word and were ecstatic when a flurry of applications arrived. As they reviewed the applications, they culled the list and identified six qualified applicants – but there was a catch. They could only afford to award three scholarships. Willie and Udo then drew the lucky three names from a hat. The next day, the local newspaper carried the story, including a complete list of the six qualified candidates and the three fortunate recipients.
Willie Turnesa with his caddie at the 1934 Masters Tournament, Augusta National
CSF Co-Founders Willie Turnesa and Udo Reinach head to the British Amateur, won by Willie in 1947
Willie Turnesa with his caddie at the 1934 Masters Tournament, Augusta National
CSF Co-Founders Willie Turnesa and Udo Reinach head to the British Amateur, won by Willie in 1947
Upon reading this story, Sally Francis, a golfer from the Apawamis Club in Rye, N.Y., phoned her friend Willie to ask how much was needed to fund the remaining scholarships. Sally’s check arrived the next morning. Her generosity inspired the Fund’s mission never to turn away a qualified candidate with financial need.
The Initial Bag Tag Program
Sally Francis, The Apawamis Club member who inspired us to never turn away a caddie in need.
The Initial Bag Tag Program
Sally Francis, The Apawamis Club member who inspired us to never turn away a caddie in need.
| 1933 | Westchester Amateur |
|---|---|
| 1936 | Westchester Amateur |
| 1937 | Metropolitan Amateur, Westchester Amateur |
| 1938 | U.S. Amateur, Westchester Amateur, New York State Amateur |
| 1943 | Florida Open |
| 1947 | British Amateur |
| 1948 | U.S. Amateur |