Timeline :: 1949 - 1958
1949
Ouimet Fund founded by friends of Francis Ouimet and the Massachusetts Golf Association which raises handicap card fee from $1.00 to $2.00. Thirteen scholars receive $4,600 in tuition assistance.
Francis Ouimet completes his Walker Cup career as Captain as U.S. team wins at Winged Foot.
Ouimet Fund’s Annual Banquet begins at the Harvard Club.
1950
21 Scholars receive $5,425 in 2nd year of Ouimet Fund.
1951
Francis Ouimet becomes the first American elected Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
1952
The first “class” of Ouimet Scholars finishes four years as Ouimet Fund awards $9,758 to 48 students.
Francis Ouimet is appointed Chairman of the Boston Arena Authority.
1953
Ouimet Fund celebrates its fifth year by awarding $14,735 in scholarships to 57 students
President Dwight Eisenhower paints a “Red Jacket” portrait of Francis Ouimet which is placed in a cottage at the Augusta National Golf Club and then goes to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
1954
A Thomas Stephens portrait of Francis Ouimet in the Royal and Ancient’s Red Jacket is presented to the USGA by William Danforth and Ouimet’s famed caddie, Eddie Lowery.
1955
Massachusetts golfers begin buying Ouimet Fund “Bag Tags” to support the fundraising efforts of The Fund. By this time, the Ouimet Fund had become a separate organization, wholly dedicated to its scholarship program. The first tag is presented to President Dwight Eisenhower .
Francis Ouimet is awarded the USGA’s first Bobby Jones award in recognition of “Distinguished Sportsmanship in
Golf .”
1958
Ouimet Fund celebrates 10th year by awarding $25,600 to 108 scholars, bringing the 10 year total to $146,081 to 255 scholars.
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1949-1958 | 1959-1968 | 1969-1978 | 1979-1988 | 1989-1998 | 1999-2008