Joseph Cantwell (2006)

Joseph Cantwell is someone who, for a long time, devoted the better part of his time and energy furthering the goals of the MGA.

Born in Brooklyn, Joe learned the game early, playing on public courses around New York City. He pursued a career in finance and rose to become president of Bankers Trust. His wife, Pat, and he joined Hempstead Golf and Country Club where fellow member Jimmy Smith introduced him to the MGA.

Through his work on the Tournament, Handicapping and Course Rating and Executive Committees, Cantwell drew on his life and business experiences to find innovative ways to improve the MGA. He was a major figure in the financial negotiations that made Golf Central, the home office for the MGA and several other local associations, a reality. He was elected as MGA President in 1998 and served for two years in which he initiated a complete organizational review, bringing in a consultant to analyze which services and programs the MGA should expand or create to reach more golfers.

In addition to administrative work, Joe was passionate about the Rules of Golf and was a rules official at local and national championships, where he accumulated stories and memories to last a lifetime. Cantwell passed away in 2015, and then MGA President Steve Boyd noted: “Joe Cantwell was a fine gentleman who served the MGA and the game of golf with great distinction.  The Association is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers, but Joe’s contributions over so many years were truly extraordinary.  He will be missed by his many friends in golf.”