Fendrich opened as an 18-hole public course in 1951. Wayne Clark, 1939 city tournament winner, helped form Rolling Hills Country Club in nearby Warrick County in the late 1950s and laid out its course.

Mayor Frank McDonald Sr. added a nine-hole course on Morgan Avenue that bears his name.

Oak Meadow Country Club was launched in the early 1970s in McCutchanville, for another 18 holes. Clearcrest has added another nine holes.

Two par-3 courses are in the city and an ex ecutive course near Newburgh recently opened.

Preliminary plans for an 18-hole public course in McCutchanville were announced in December.

In 1975, The Courier initiated a women's city tournament. Suzanne Noblett, winning five championships, dominated the event until turning pro.

The tournament, once on its feet, began awarding a college scholarship several years ago to a deserving young woman.

Scism, who won the men's city tournament in 1943-44 and was runner-up four times, decided in 1965 to awa rd an annual college scholarship from proceeds of the men's tournament, rather than giving merchandise prizes.

Scholarship candidates would be judged on their grades rather than their golf swings.

Ron Kirsch was the first beneficiary, receiving $500 in 1966. The amount grew into four figures for later recipients. The 1995 scholarship is worth nearly $6,000.

Two durable competitors accounted for 15 championships - Jerry Schreiber (nine) and Ed Wolf (six) between 1953 and 1975.

Bob Walther, the 1969 champion and owner of a driving range off Diamond Avenue, became director of tourney operations in the 1970s and has made a significant contribution to the event's success. He is assisted by an unpaid volunteer group interested in the game's future.

Club pros and greens superintendents cooperate with this committee to ensure the tournament is conducted under the highest standards.