Lois & Bill McTurk (1997)

For the first time ever, in 1997 the Distinguished Service Award was awarded to two people. Husband and wife Lois and Bill McTurk of Sleepy Hollow Country Club gave a deep commitment to golf in the Met Area, and beyond.

The McTurks met after college when they were working for the same company in New Jersey. Bill’s addiction to the game encouraged Lois to try it out and she was immediately hooked as well. The two moved to Europe for a brief five years in the late 60s, but pursued their golf interest there, playing in virtually any club event they could.

Upon their return from Europe, the couple settled down in Scarborough, N.Y., and joined Sleepy Hollow where they both quickly found themselves involved in committee work. Bill served as Green Chairman, Golf Chairman, Rules and Handicap Chairman, and was on the Board of Governors. Lois served at Tournament Chair, Women’s Golf Chair, and Rules and Handicap Chair. She also wrote a comprehensive “Caddie Training Manual” which was used as a model for the MGA’s own caddie training program.

As a pair, they focused heavily on the Rules of the game. Lois served as a rules official at many national tournaments, became an expert course rater, and pioneered and oversaw the introduction of the Slope System for women in the Met Area. Bill was also well known for his work on the MGA Course Rating Committee.

The McTurks dedicated their time and energy to helping the MGA keep up as the golf world evolved, often in ways that went unnoticed to the average golfer. However, they enjoyed every minute of their work and working together.