HISTORY OF THE PODERSKY CUP

Compiled by Cathy Acheson, April 1973
Edited by Carol Cushner, April 1981

The trophy known as the Podersky Cup is the Fred Podersky Memorial Trophy, Ladies' Two-Ball Handicap Inter-Club Challenge. The trophy was donated in 1948 by the Louis Podersky Family in memory of their son, Fred, who died at the age of 27. Since he had been an ardent golfer, the family decided that a golf trophy would be an appropriate memorial.

The Podersky Cup originally was played for as designated on the trophy a two-ball handicap inter-club challenge. It was first played for in 1948. The first winners of the cup were Lou Hooson and Jean Robbie from Highlands, who successfully challenged a team from Municipal and retained the cup at the end of the year.

From 1948 to 1955 the cup was played for as a challenge cup. In 1956 the format changed to a two-ball handicap inter-club team competition, similar to that used today. The new format involved more players and presented a greater opportunity for encouraging sociability among the clubs. The competition was set up to provide the higher handicap golfer with a chance to compete, since the combined handicap of each team had to be 30 or more. The first winner under this changed format was Mayfair in 1956.

The Podersky Cup competition has continued in essentially the same form to the present. A few more rules have been added and others defined. In 1962 with more clubs entering, the draw was changed so that each club visited two other clubs each day of the draw. In 1964 the scoring system was changed to the present form.

Throughout its past history the Podersky Cup not only has presented a golfing challenge, but also has stimulated good will and fellowship among Edmonton area lady golfers