Friends of Athletics

The Mount Holyoke College Friends of Athletics (FOA) fund was created by Director of Athletics Laurie Priest in 1991. The financial support generated by this fund, especially through the annual golf tournament, has been extremely important to the success of the programs. The additional support has primarily aided the athletes in their winter and spring training trips. More importantly, the support has enhanced the quality of the athletic experience for the Mount Holyoke student-athletes.

Annual Friends of Athletics Golf Tournament at The Orchards

FOA Golfers About the Tournament

  • Second-ranked college golf course (Golf Digest, 2005)
  • Scramble format
  • Golf carts for all participants
  • Mulligans available for purchase
  • Complimentary beer/wine/soda
  • 9th hole raw bar
  • Chicken and lobster dinner
  • Tournament favors and raffle
  • Prizes awarded for: Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Women's Division Team Winner, Men's Division Team Winner, Mixed Foursome Team Winner

Tournament Schedule

The FOA Golf Tournament is held on the second Monday of September each year. The 2012 Tournament will be on Monday, September 9. Listed below is the schedule of events:

  • 9:00 a.m. - Registration (practice areas open)
  • 11:00 a.m. - Shotgun Start
  • 4:00 p.m. -  Reception
  • 5:00 p.m. - Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Levels of Participation

  • Mary Lyon Sponsor ($1,500) - golf foursome, hole signage, program recognition, post-tournament recognition, name listed on Mount Holyoke athletics website, $1,160 tax deduction
  • Golf Foursome ($750) - $410 tax deduction
  • Golf Individual ($200) - $115 tax deduction
  • Young Alumnae ($75) - for alums who graduated between 2008 and 2013

The Cause

Organized by the Mount Holyoke College Athletics Department, all the net proceeds generated by the annual golf tournament directly support Mount Holyoke intercollegiate athletics. The funds are used primarily to assist student-athletes on annual training trips.

Mount Holyoke College competes in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III level. Division III student-athletes represent the purest form of competition and do not receive any athletic-based scholarships.

The department sponsors the 14 varsity teams of: basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, indoor and outdoor track and field, lacrosse, riding, soccer, squash, swimming and diving , tennis and volleyball.

Click here for 2012 Friends of Athletics Golf Tournament Program.

Tournament Registration

There are two ways to register for next year's golf tournament. You may print out the tournament brochure and return as directed or register online using the registration form.

For questions and additional information, contact Amie Canfield at 413-538-2469 or at acanfiel@mtholyoke.edu.

Orchards Golf Club History of The Orchards Golf Club

Set amid the maple and birch forest of the New England hillside, The Orchards is a 1922 Donald Ross-designed golf course. Its tree-lined fairways and thoughtful bunkering are just some of the characteristics that have made many refer to it as the "hidden gem" of the region. The 6,424 yard, par 71 course was the host site of the 2004 U.S. Women's Open. The Orchards has also hosted the 2002 NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championships and the 2001 Massachusetts Men's State Amateur Championship.

Since January 2000, the Arnold Palmer Management Group has done extensive renovation work to both the course and the clubhouse. In addition to 18 holes of picturesque golf, all participants of the Friends of Athletics Golf Tournament will experience the quaint ambiance of the clubhouse during the post-tournament chicken and lobster dinner. 

For further details and directions visit The Orchards online.