Jeannette (“Nettie”) Nicholson Price was born in Pittsburgh in 1880. In 1903, her father William Nicholson and Henry Fownes co-founded Oakmont Country Club (“Oakmont”). Nettie learned the game of golf from these two men.
The men of Oakmont suggested to Nettie that she invite women from other clubs and have a tournament. The prizes were awarded by Oakmont. After several tournaments the men of Oakmont suggested she form an organization for women golfers and hence the WGAWP was formed in 1922. Nettie was the first president. She won the WGAWP Championship in 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925.
Although Nettie developed arthritis in her hands when she was in her 50’s and was forced to the sidelines but her interest in the game and the WGAWP never abated. She continued to be a familiar figure at principal events and offered much support and encouragement in the WGAWP activities. Nettie passed away in 1973 at the age of 93.
In 1975, the First President’s Memorial Trophy and Fund were presented in honor of Nettie Price by her friend Betty Abernethy. The tradition and Nettie’s spirit continue today. In 2022, the First President’s Memorial Trophy will be awarded for the 47th consecutive year!
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Memorial Fund may do so by sending a memorial or a donation to the WGAWP Treasurer. All gifts will be acknowledged. This fund is used to support the First President’s Memorial Tournament and to further women’s golf as determined by the Executive Board.
