The MGA is proud to partner with The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn., to host The Farrel: an annual, high-level invitational for male and female 
golfers on a national basis, first played September 30-October 2, 2022.
The Farrell consists of 18 holes of on-site stroke play qualifying, from which the low 16 competitors advance to match play in divisions for men, women, and seniors.
“We are thrilled to bring this championship to life and welcome the best competitors from around the country to Stanwich,” said David Lehn, Stanwich Club President. “Billy Farrell left a remarkable impact on the club, and he would be proud that his legacy is being shared with a new generation of great golfers.”
Formal invitations are extended to competitors with a high-level national competitive resume by The Farrell selection committee, led by the event’s co-chairs, former Stanwich President Ken Dardis and MGA Executive Director Brian Mahoney. Select applications will be accepted from golfers with an official World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index not exceeding 4.0.
“Stanwich has had the desire to build this championship for some time, and to be able to celebrate Billy Farrell while creating a new competitive event for both male and female elite competitors is an exciting opportunity,” said Dardis.
This championship honors the legacy of longtime Stanwich head professional Billy Farrell. Farrell was the first-ever Head Golf Professional at the club, a role which he held from 1964 until his retirement in 2000. He passed away in May 2020 at the age of 85.
“Billy Farrell was an incredible leader at the club, and mentor for so many, including myself,” said Stanwich Director of Golf Mike Summa. “Not only was he dedicated to the club but was an accomplished competitor from one of the greatest golf families. We are looking forward to hosting this championship in his name and opening the club’s doors to the top men and women from around the country.”
About Billy Farrell:
Farrell left the PGA Tour in 1964 and headed to Stanwich, where he established high standards as a teacher, mentor, and leader. He held the role until 2000, when he helped current Director of Golf Mike Summa transition into the position.
The Farrell family has long been synonymous with golf in the Met Area. Billy was one of five children and grew up in in New Jersey; his father Johnny, the 1928 U.S. Open champion, was the Head Professional at Baltusrol Golf Club. While competing on tour, where he played in eight U.S. Opens and seven PGA Championships, Billy also worked as an assistant at Baltusrol. Billy and his wife Alvera had seven children; for 20 years, his son Bobby served as the Director of Golf at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, Conn. The Farrells were named Golf Family of the Year in 1966 by the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.
Farrell left a legacy at Stanwich and is credited with developing several assistants that went on to successful careers in golf including former Glen Oaks professional Tom Joyce and current Winged Foot Head Professional Mike Gilmore. He is a member of the Met PGA Hall of Fame.
| Year | Men's Mid-Am Champion | Women's Mid-Am Champion | Men's Senior Champion | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Cody Paladino, Hartford Golf Club | Alexandria Vilatte Farret, RCF La Boulie | Mark McGowan, Saucon Valley Country Club | Results | Recap |
| 2022 | Brad Tilley, Sleepy Hollow | Catherine McEvoy, Innis Arden | Ed Gibstein, Glen Head | Results| Recap |
