Ira L. Mendell (1992)

Born in Nashville, T.N., in 1912, Ira Mendell served the game of golf in the Metropolitan Area for more than half a century. An active golfer for six decades, and a member of Quaker Ridge Golf Club since 1937, he served on the golf committee and on the board of governors. He also served on various committees of the Westchester Golf Association and as President from 1970-1971, as well as on the Board of the Westchester Seniors Golf Association which he was a member of for over thirty years. In addition, Mendell was an active member of the USGA Museum Committee and the Golf Collector’s Society.

Ira Mendell joined the Metropolitan Golf Association in 1959 as a member of the Junior Committee. In 1973, he was elected to the Association’s Executive Committee and also served that year as Chairman of the MGA Group Insurance Committee. He was elected Treasurer in 1974, Vice President in 1976 and served two terms as President. The 60s and 70s were critical times for the MGA and Ira helped to guide the Association successfully through some difficult years.

Among many contributions, Mr. Mendell was responsible for attracting Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as a sponsor for the Net Team Championship, a move that evolved into one the most successful partnerships in MGA history. He helped develop the MGA’s highly successful computerized handicap system and innovative club insurance programs.

It is in this foresight and sound judgement in establishing and developing good programs and relationships that earned Ira Mendell a reputation as one of the game’s most respected and admired servants, and helped to establish the MGA as a leader among golf associations.