NORTON, Massachusetts – The dates are set and registration is open, the most colorful event is on the women’s golf calendar to honor Massachusetts great, Dolly Sullivan, and provide new educational opportunities to the next generation of female Ouimet scholars. This event has become a must-play for women from Mass Golf Member Clubs
Dolly Sullivan, a niece to Francis Ouimet, is a well-appreciated member of golf history in the state of Massachusetts. Sullivan was an outstanding golfer and former longtime Physical Education Instructor and Coach at Milton Academy. She was one of the winningest golfers in WGAM history. Her dedication to the game and continuing the Ouimet family legacy was so impactful to the game of golf. After passing away in 1981, a tournament was created in her name to further the golf and educational opportunities for young women in Massachusetts; and that tournament remains a staple of the Mass Golf schedule.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, the WGAM, the WGAM Scholarship Fund, Inc., and the Dolly Sullivan Tournament Founding Committee established this award in 1981. The Dolly Sullivan Scholarship is for a female Ouimet Scholar. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must have completed at least two years of service to golf as caddies, helpers in the pro shop, or course superintendent operations at a club in Massachusetts. The awards are “need-based” and assist with tuition at accredited undergraduate institutions.
The Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts (WGAM) founded the Dolly Sullivan Scholarship, created through funds raised at the inaugural Dolly Sullivan Tournament event, which remains one of the largest endowments within the Ouimet Fund program. The scholarship is awarded each year to a young woman Ouimet Scholar who exudes the golf and educational background that represents traits Ms. Sullivan would be proud to see today.
In 2022, Jaelyn DeBoise received the scholarship after her service to golf at Springfield Country Club. DeBoise competes for Stonehill College’s Division I golf team, in part thanks to her work at Springfield Country Club bringing her closer to the game she loves, and another in thanks to receiving the Dolly Sullivan Scholarship. Through the series of Women’s events hosted by Mass Golf, Players like Jaelyn develop incredible relationships and are inspired by local idols. During the 2022 Massachusetts Women’s Amateur, DeBoise happened to compete with her role model, Angela Garvin, while young Ryley Regan who was on the bag for DeBoise was looking up to her in the same way she looks up to Garvin. The girls had the best time on the course, a testament to what it means to play in these women’s events with all kinds of golfers.
The tradition of an event like the Dolly Sullivan tournament not only gives tribute to a Massachusetts great, but it also provides opportunities for the next generation of young female golfers to continue to thrive.
Jaelyn learned she received the WGAM/Dolly Sullivan Scholarship from her dad, who called to deliver the news while she was at school.
“My dad was crying when I picked up the phone, and he couldn’t get words out at first,” DeBoise said. “I teared up because this scholarship is such an honor. I’ve seen Mass Golf video recaps of Megan Buck and Shannon Johnson talking about the scholarship and couldn’t believe it was for me.”
Shannon Johnson and Megan Buck played in the 2022 Best Ball on the team from Thorny Lea Golf Club who shot the low gross score of the tournament, a 6-under-par 66 that included an eagle by Shannon Johnson on the drivable par-4 17th. Johnson joined Courtney Lee, Megan Buck, and Laura Jean Mann in the victory which was the club’s fifth straight in the event. With seven titles total, Thorny Lea only trails Charles River Country Club for the most all-time.
These teams show up year after year to support the next generation of young golfers, and to play alongside talented ladies from Mass Golf member clubs. Being part of the Dolly Sullivan tournament each year is an exceptional way to be involved in such an incredible scholarship program.
“I want to be able to play in the Dolly Sullivan Tournament and help pay it forward for the future girl,” DeBoise said. “To say I’m a part of this means a lot to me” said DeBoise.
The Dolly Sullivan Tournament happens annually, and the event is a highlight on the women’s golf calendar. The event historically sells out, filled with groups of women in matching team outfits. Annually the tournament kicks off with a speech honoring Ms. Sullivan as participants receive their tee gifts, famously always orange and blue, in honor of Ms. Sullivan’s favorite color and the colors of her beloved Milton Academy.
This year, the Dolly Sullivan Team Best Ball Tournament will be held at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth, MA on August 21 and 22. Visit the Event Page for registration.
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