Several years ago a group of friends in the Biology Department at the University of Miami played an occasional round of golf as a break in the academic routine.  When one of the original group finished his Ph.D. in 1986, the other friends decided to hold a farewell golf match dedicated to their departing comrade, Steve "Wolfgang" Werman, as a reflection of their deepest regard and affection and pleasure in his leaving.  Thus was born the Werman Open Golf Tournament which is now played annually.

The first three Opens were held in South Florida but a new tradition was begun in 1989 when one of the previous year's winner hosted the event in Austin, Texas.  Following that precedent, the 5th Werman Open (1990) was held at Grand Junction, Colorado, the 6th (1991) was held in Virginia, the 7th (1992) in Auburn, Alabama, the 8th came back to Miami in 1993, the 9th was held in Hammond, Louisiana in 1994, and the 10th Anniversary Werman Open was held in Miami in 1995.

The tournament is played at a location determined by the previous year's winners but now (effective, 1995) must be played every year ending in a 0 or 5 in South Florida.  A new rule established in 1998 has selected five permanent locations around the country, they are Miami, Hammond, Grand Junction, San Diego, and Falls Church.  These locations will be rotated.  Only the Executive Committee may make any alterations in the venue.
The Last Werman Open was played in 1999 in Hammond, Louisiana.  Starting with the millennium, the tournament will be known as the Savage Invitational in honor of Jay M. Savage who retired from the University of Miami in 1999 after a long and distinguished career in academia.  Jay was the major source of inspiration in the careers of a multitude of graduate students and a cherished colleague to faculty members.  The tournament will serve as an annual reunion for his friends to meet, play golf, and hoist a few with him.
 
 

For the "official" rules of the Savage Invitational, click here.