This event is in memory of Miss René Austin who was the Founder of the SWDGA in 1933‑ the aim of the SWDGA was to introduce pennant matches to this District; they were called Shield Matches as the SWDGA was not affiliated with the VLGU

Miss Austin was President of the SWDGA from 1933 until she died in 1957. The delegates were unanimous that a perpetual trophy be struck to commemorate the work and name of “René Austin” the brooch was decided on for the player and the shield for the player’s club.

Originally the brooch and the shield were played for on the Championship day and only available to pennant players.  In 1972 this was altered and to enable all Associates of affiliated clubs to participate a preliminary stroke round was to be played at the Home club and a play off of winners to be at the Annual Championship