Joseph A. Donahue (1993)

Joe Donahue’s service to golf in the Met Area began in the 50s when he joined the MGA Tournament Committee. A quick smile and a warm nature were his trademarks, but it was his keen understanding of the game and his willingness to take a leadership role in promoting and protecting its traditions that eventually would take him to the highest levels of local amateur golf.

Joe was elected to the MGA Executive Committee in 1970 and served as Chairman of the Real Estate Tax and Handicap Committees during some of the most trying times in MGA history. He helped to spearhead a campaign to fight damaging new real estate tax legislation and was instrumental in insuring that the MGA play a major role in establishing the USGA’s GHIN Service. It was also at Joe’s urging that the MGA became the first Association to offer clubs in-house computerized handicapping.

Elected Vice President of the MGA in 1978 and President in 1980, Donahue oversaw the MGA’s relocation from New York City to Mamaroneck, a move that saved the Association thousands of dollars each year. He also worked tirelessly to foster improved relations between the MGA and neighboring golf associations – probably Joe’s greatest legacy to area golf.

Few would argue that Joe Donahue helped to establish the MGA as a national leader among amateur golf organizations during his administration. He earned such enormous respect from the golf community and his peers that in 1981 he became one of only four people to ever be elected to a third term as MGA President.

Throughout his career, Joe has never lost sight of his love for the game. While serving the MGA, running a business and raising a family, he even found time to win the MGA Senior Championship in 1982.

Few people can match Joe’s impact on golf in the Met Area.