The Championship Season

Welcome to the 2009 EWGA Championship presented by Callaway Golf

2009-04-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

The 2009 EWGA Championship season will begin soon and all EWGA Chapters are gearing up to host the local qualifier in their Chapter areas. To see where and when these Chapters are holding their Chapter Championships, please visit the LOCAL QUALIFIER page on EWGA.com.

If you have not yet experienced the fun and excitement of the EWGA Championship, we hope you consider to be a participant this year. Many EWGA Chapters are holding events that will get you prepared for Championship competition, so check with your local Chapter to see how you can get involved. And always remember that the EWGA Championship is designed for all skill levels and offers both stoke play and scramble formats.

The EWGA Championship Committee anticipates a great Championship season and wishes the very best to all who support this premiere event of the Association.

Lori Whitaker Captures EWGA Championship; Madison Scramble defends title

2008-09-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Lori Whitaker of Cumming, Georgia, a member of the Atlanta chapter has won the EWGA Championship, the largest amateur women’s golf competition in the United States. Whitaker captured the title shooting two rounds of 76 for a 36-hole score of 152. Jewel “Kip” Malick of Rockwell, Texas and Patty Kimball of Scottsdale Arizona placed second and third respectively.

Shelly Armstrong, Teri Redmond, Sarah Dekraay and Ginger Zimmerman of the Madison, Wis. Chapter successfully defended their scramble division title, winning for the fourth consecutive year. Although their mighty Badgers suffered a great loss to the pesky Wolverines on Saturday, these ladies stayed focused and hit some specacular shots to score a gross 59 for a net 61 on the final day of play.

This Championship Finals was really one to remember. The beautiful scenery, the well manicured golf courses, the fun, the friendship and the great rounds of golf all contributed to a very successful event. Hopefully the EWGA Championship Finals will return to the Reserve and the Pacific Northwest sometime in the future. Until then we will continue along with the rotation and make our way back to the East for 2009.

The 2009 EWGA Championship Finals will be held on Sept. 25-26 at the beautiful PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. Players will enjoy one of the two Tom Fazio designed courses at PGA and will also be able to stay right on site either at the Hilton Garden Inn or the Perfect Drive Golf Villas. More information to come, so please visit the EWGA Championship page on EWGA.com for additional information as it becomes available.

Thank you to all the the participants and volunteers who supported the 2008 Championship series and congratulations to the following winners:

*indicates scorecard playoff

Championship Flight (Handicap 0 – 8.0):
1st Low Gross: Lori Whitaker, Cumming, GA, Atlanta, GA chapter - 152
2nd Low Gross: Jewel Malick, Rockwell, GA, Dallas, TX chapter – 153*
3rd Low Gross: Patty Kimball, Scottsdale, AZ, Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ - 153

1st Low Net: Robin Banner, Knoxville, TN, Greater Knoxville, TN chapter - 141
2nd Low Net: Jeri Roche, Neptune Beach, FL, Jacksonville, FL chapter -- 143*
3rd Low Net: Beth Rinehold, Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara chapter - 143

First Flight (Handicap 8.1 – 16.0):
1st Low Gross: Julie Shore, Raleigh, NC, Raleigh Triangle, NC chapter - 156
2nd Low Gross: Kerry Timm, Tampa, FL, Tampa Bay, FL chapter - 161
3rd Low Gross: Angie Browning, Neptune Beach, FL, Jacksonville, FL chapter - 165

1st Low Net: Christine DeRienzo, Old Bethpage, NY, Long Island, NY chapter - 139
2nd Low Net: Shelly Weiss, Southfield, MI, Metro Detroit, MI chapter - 141
3rd Low Net: Marceia Cox, Bartlett, TN, Memphis, TN chapter - 142

Second Flight (Handicap 16.1 – 24.0)
1st Low Gross: Stacey Weitzel, Pasadena, MD, Baltimore Regional, MD chapter - 169
2nd Low Gross: Nancy Heldt, Boise, ID, Boise-Treasure Valley, ID chapter - 182
3rd Low Gross: Angi Livermore, Princeton Junction, NJ, Central New Jersey - 183

1st Low Net: Bridget Albosta, Walnut Creek, CA Northeast Bay, CA chapter - 136
2nd Low Net: Ingrid Roosild, Albuquerque, NM, Albuquerque chapter - 143
3rd Low Net: Gretchen Evanco, Twinsburg, OH, Akron, OH chapter - 145

Third Flight (Handicap 24.1 – 32.0)
1st Low Gross: Jackie LeBlanc, Scarborough, Ontario, Greater Toronto chapter - 193
2nd Low Gross: Lisa Smith, Novato, CA, Sonoma-Marin-Napa, CA chapter - 194
3rd Low Gross: Chris Mortensen, Glendale, WI, Milwaukee, WI chapter - 196

1st Low Net: Diane Madigan, Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX chapter - 136
2nd Low Net: CJ Ensign, Boise, ID, Boise-Treasure Valley, ID chapter - 140
3rd Low Net: Mary Jo Burke, Bonita Springs, FL, Naples, FL chapter - 141

Fourth Flight (Handicap 32.1 – 40.4)
1st Low Gross: Lisa Lowe, Overland Park, KS, Kansas City Metro chapter - 199
2nd Low Gross: Linda McAlister, Novato, CA, Sonoma-Marin-Napa chapter - 207
3rd Low Gross: Carol Hecht, Waukesha, WI, Milwaukee, WI chapter - 211

1st Low Net: Michelle Boyer, Miami, FL Miami, FL chapter - 135
2nd Low Net: Jackie Dixon, Bridgeton, MO, St Louis, MO chapter – 140*
3rd Low Net: Madeleine Terenzio, Stamford, CT, Fairfield County, CT - 140

The 36-hole scramble winners:
First Place Team: Madison WI chapter – net 126
Shelly Armstrong, Madison, WI, Terri Redmond, Madison, WI
Sarah Dekraay, Madison, WI, Ginger Zimmerman, Sun Prairie, WI

Second Place Team: Akron, OH chapter – net 133*
Terry Baxter, Solon, OH, Sue Williams, Chardon, OH
Diane Rothers, Chargin Falls,OH, Maria Kamenos, Chardon, OH

Third Place Team: Tampa Bay, FL chapter – net 133
Chris Daywalt, Clearwater, FL, Kim Byle, Dunedin, FL
Cathy Ford, Largo, FL , Michele Pontious, Clearwater, FL

Kimball in the Lead, Madison Scramble in a Fight for First

2008-09-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

After the fog lifted and round one scores of the EWGA Championship Finals presented by Callaway Golf were entered, Patty Kimball, member of the Phoenix/Valley of the Sun, AZ Chapter and resident of Scottsdale, AZ, leads the way with a great round of 74. Playing the North Course at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club which carries a course rating of 70.9 and a slope of 132, Patty showed her fellow competitors that Arizona heat. However, right on her tail is Lori Whitaker of the Atlanta, GA Chapter who fired a strong 76.

In the scramble division, it's a dog fight. Three teams - Madison, WI, Tampa Bay, FL & Washington DC Metro - are tied at the top with great net scores of 65. As three-time defending champion, the team of Shelly Armstrong, Terri Redmond, Sarah Dekraay, & Ginger Simpson from Madison, WI may have to wait to "jump around" until the final flag is in the hole. Of course, if the Badgers take care of the Wolverines tomorrow, then I think we'll all have a reason to "jump around".

Aside from a short term blanket of fog this morning, the weather here in Aloha, OR really shaped up and reached a very mild temperature with minimal cloud cover. Today was just a perfect setting for a great day of golf. Let's hope for the same tomorrow.

Here are players who are leading in the gross and net divisions within their flights:

CHAMPIONSHIP
Gross - Patty Kimball, Phoenix/Valley of the Sun - 74
Net (tie) - Robin Banner, Greater Knoxville TN & Holly Brockman, Central Indiana - 69

FIRST
Gross - Julie Shore, Raleigh Triangle NC - 76
Net - Susan Teasley, Fairfield County CT - 67

SECOND
Gross - Stacey Weitzel, Baltimore Regional MD - 85
Net - Bridget Albosta, Northeast Bay CA - 69

THIRD
Gross (tie) - Mary Dave Blackman, Tri-Cities of Northeast TN & Mary Jo Burke, Naples FL - 97
Net - Diane Madigan, Fort Worth/ Metroplex TX - 69

FOURTH
Gross - Lisa Lowe, Kansas City Metro - 97
Net - Linda McAllister, Sonoma-Marin-Napa CA - 66

SCRAMBLE
T-1st- Madison, WI - Shelly Armstong, Sarah Dekraay, Terri Redmond, Ginger Simpson - 65
Tampa Bay, FL - Cathy Ford, Chris Daywalt, Kim Byle, Michele Pontious - 65
Washington DC Metro - Sheila Chittams, Donna Wood, Sue Lamar, Nancy Burke - 65

The Stage is Set

2008-09-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

by: Stephanie Jennings

The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club has to be one of the best venues to date for the EWGA Championship presented by Callaway Golf. As you drive up to the Clubhouse, you pass not only beautiful grape vines, but also an array of colorful roses, geraniums, mums and other fall flowers that just catch your eyes instantly and give you just a taste of what to expect when you play the North or South course at the Reserve.

I know many of the players are just impressed with the beauty of the facility and the challenge of the golf courses. Pat Beljan-Ayers (Port St. Lucie/Treasure Coast, FL Chapter), who was the 2006 Champion, played a practice round yesterday and explained that "you have to think on every hole" referring to the North Course. Coming from Pat, who is a two handicap, you know it's going to be a good challenge for all the players.

This thursday, the eve of the Championship Finals, some competitors completed their practice rounds, and others enjoyed the various activities taking place at the Reserve. With the Demo Day on the driving range early in the afternoon, the main event moved to the Vintner's Pavilion behind the clubhouse with various vendors participating in the Marketplace, like Callaway Golf, Aldila, GolfPride, Nike, Golfstream, Ecco, Silpada Designs, and Katie Jeans Jewelry. As competitors and guests arrived at the Reserve to register and practice, they enjoyed the vendors in the Marketplace before the Rules Meeting and Welcome Reception.

Players are ready to compete and loving the cool crisp climate of the Pacific Northwest. Stay tuned to the EWGA Championship Blog for Finals updates and more.

Only Five Days Away…

2008-09-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

by Stephanie Jennings

I’m talking about the EWGA Championship Finals presented by Callaway Golf, a true test to see which EWGA members have the skill, the patience, and the drive to be top in their flights or even in the field. This year the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR will be host to 195 players who reign from 50 different EWGA Chapters.

Of course, the journey was not easy for these 195 women. At the end of April, EWGA Chapters began to host their Championships in which over 2,400 members participated across the U.S. and Canada. From the Chapter level, winners then advanced to the Semi-Final Championships which are held in fifteen different geographic Districts throughout the U.S. Now, the Semi-Final winners will meet in five days and tackle two of the most stunning courses in the Pacific Northwest – the Reserve’s North and South courses.

The roster of players consists of two past stroke play champions – Kris Fenwick, Boise/Treasure Valley, ID Chapter (2006) and Pat Beljan-Ayers, Port St. Lucie/Treasure Coast, FL Chapter (2007) – as well as three-time defending scramble team champions – Shelly Armstrong, Sara Dekraay, Ginger Simpson, & Terri Redmond, Madison, WI Chapter.

The Portland area may bring an external element for the players to consider. The weather this week looks to have high’s in the 60’s with chances of rain and lows in the upper 40’s. If you’re a mudder, you would love this stuff.

Stay tuned for more blogs throughout the week to see what will happen as we get closer to the “Big Dance”.

O-H...I-O

2008-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

by: Stephanie Jennings

If you're from the great state of Ohio, and/or a fan of the state's greatest collegiate football team, O-H-I-O is the chant used by all who support the Buckeyes. For the Columbus, OH Scramble team of Gibson, Roof, Fenneman & Malloy, O-H-I-O will be the chant for them and Chapter mate, Deb Ballam as they represent their Chapter and the Ohio Valley Semi-Final District in Aloha, OR at the EWGA Championship Finals.

Played on the North and West courses of the Golf Center at Kings Island in Mason, OH, the EWGA Ohio Valley Semi-Final Championship brought out the best in many of it's competitors. This was the case for Deb Ballam, who just a few days prior to the Semi-Final, in a practice round at the Golf Center, scored a 96. She definitely did her homework and came ready to play as she shot a spectacular 87 to take the overall title in the Ohio Valley.

Another great story of the Ohio Valley was that of Melaney and Holley Brockman. This mother-daughter pair was a visual example of what the EWGA can do for women from Baby Boomers to Gen X'ers. Melaney introduced Holly to the Central Indiana Chapter where Holly has been given the task to recruit her friends and others who are just begining their post-college careers and could benefit from the community of the EWGA. Holly who was a collegiate golfer is grateful that she has found this community of female golfers who share her passion for this great game. She and Melaney look forward to making the trek to Aloha, OR and hope to represent Central Indiana to the fullest.

COMPLETE RESULTS - OHIO VALLEY SEMI-FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Chesapeake Beauty

2008-08-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

By: Stephanie Jennings

This is the best description to give to my experience at the Chesapeake Semi-Final District. A fantastic golf facility on the Eastern Shore of Maryland called Queenstown Harbor coupled with the most perfect golf day of the year equaled quite a memorable experience . This facility has 36 holes and is more known for its River course which has spectacular views of the water, but its Lakes course is no slouch itself. This was the competitive course that posed a nice challenge for the Championship competitors.

And how can I forget the AMAZING weather! 85 degrees and hardly any humidity on AUG. 9th. What is wrong with this picture? All who attended this day were very blessed to experience not only a great golf course, but to also experience it on one of the nicest days of the year. THANK YOU, MOTHER NATURE!!!

There were some intense times with a few interesting rulings. How do you proceed, in accordance with the Rules, if your golf ball enters a regular or lateral water hazard? I’m sure the women of the Chesapeake area will be sure to give you proper instruction. Remember page #16 on the USGA’s little booklet to the Rules of Golf.

Oh, and if you’re ever in the Eastern Shore area, be sure to visit a cute little town called Easton. You will surely enjoy the quaintness and the history. Be sure to try the crab imperial if it’s on the menu. : )

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

1st Gross - Washington, DC Metro Chapter, Teena Lee 80

FIRST FLIGHT

1st Gross - Baltimore Regional, MD Chapter, Angie Cramer 84
1st Net - Eastern Shore, MD Chapter, Pam Marshall 73
2nd Gross - Washington, DC Metro Chapter, Mary Riddell 88
2nd Net - Greater Philadelphia, PA Chapter, Peggy Hughes 77
3rd Gross - Wilmington, DE Chapter, Cheryl Lissy 89
3rd Net - Greater Fredericksburg, VA Chapter, Grace Bottomly 85

SECOND FLIGHT

1st Gross - Baltimore Regional, MD Chapter, Stacey Weitzel 83
1st Net - Central Pennsylvania Chapter, Sue Sather 64
2nd Gross - Washington, DC Metro Chapter, Jocelyn Hill 87
2nd Net - Baltimore Regional, MD Chapter, Harriet Olsen 68
3rd Gross* - Central Pennsylvania Chapter, Janie Schaeffer 88
3rd Net - Southern Maryland Tri-County Chapter, Linda Creps 71

THIRD FLIGHT

1st Gross - Baltimore Regional, MD Chapter, April Giles 87
1st Net - Washington, DC Metro Chapter, Karen Marcotte 66
2nd Gross - Greater Philadelphia, PA Chapter, Mary Beth Kuriger 93
2nd Net - Greater Fredericksburg, VA Chapter, Cassie Drew 72
3rd Gross - Wilmington, DE Chapter, Pam Callahan 94
3rd Net - Central Pennsylvania Chapter, Bev Pirritano 73

FOURTH FLIGHT

1st Gross - Greater Philadelphia, PA Chapter, Jen Liang 107
1st Net - Central Pennsylvania Chapter, Sandy Walker 69
2nd Gross - Washington, DC Metro Chapter, Regina Drake 115
2nd Net - Wilmington, DE Chapter, Terri Wilfong 74
3rd Gross - Baltimore Regional, MD Chapter, Judy Hessler 118
3rd Net* - Greater Richmond, VA Chapter, April Audette 85

SCRAMBLE

1st - Washington, DC Metro Chapter - 67
Capt. Sheila Chittams
Nancy Burke
Sue Lamar
Donna Wood

2nd - Central Pennsylvania Chapter - 70*
Capt. Christine Corrigan
Amy Leader
Mickey Perez
Vicki Riordan

3rd - Eastern Shore, MD Chapter - 70*
Capt. Carol Wood
Pat Heil
Margie Knight
Vicki Martina

Walkin' in Memphis... well Tunica MS to be exact

2008-08-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

By: Stephanie Jennings

What a fun place to be if you enjoy taking a little risk at the casinos and on the golf course. The Tunica National Golf course was definitely a risk-reward layout with lateral water hazards lining almost every hole and bunkers strategically positioned for an additional challenge. Add to this a little Delta heat and you have one tough Semi-Final Championship.

Personally, I was very pleased with the great hospitality of the Southern “folk” of Mississippi and very satisfied with the conditions of the course. The staff at Tunica National takes pride in their facility and knows that they work at a destination course sought out by many people all over the country. Of course they were more than accommodating and welcoming to our EWGA competitors and guests, and for this we were very grateful.

As I mentioned, Tunica National was a great challenge. However, a great competitor and member of the Greater Knoxville, TN Chapter, Robin Banner, tamed this wild beast with a great score of 82 and was the Eastern Midwest Semi-Final Champion. On the Scramble side, the Memphis Chapter made the home crowd proud by shooting a stellar 69 net to take the crown and advance to the Finals. Of course, not to be forgotten was the intense sudden death play-off between fourth flight competitors Jackie Dixon (St. Louis MO) and Tiffany Young (Central Arkansas), basically a battle of the ages. Even before the playoff, Jackie asked me if she could get an award for the oldest player in the Semi-Final since this was her first EWGA Championship ever. Well low and behold she proved, by winning that playoff, that the older and wiser do prevail. Congratulations Jackie and to all of the Eastern Midwest players and winners!

Jessica and I enjoyed our time in the wonderful area of Tunica Resorts MS and can’t wait to come back and play those fantastic penny slot machines!!

RESULTS

SCRAMBLE
1st - Memphis, TN Chapter 69*
CheriTheil
Kathy Joyner
Wanda Fisher
Sara Bell

2nd - Tri-Cities of Northeast TN Chapter 69
Sador Black
Suzanne Donaldson
Marilyn Martin
Jan Compton

3rd - Middle Tennessee Chapter 70
Donna Ruggles
Cindy Taylor
Lynn Osborn
Amy Courtney

STROKE PLAY
Championship Flight
1st Gross - Greater Knoxville, TN, Robin Banner 82
1st Net - Middle Tennessee, Emily Pearce 85

First Flight
1st Gross - Middle Tennessee, Cheryl Hibbett 86
1st Net - Memphis, TN, Marceia Cox 74
2nd Gross - Greater Knoxville, TN, Mary Chapman 95
2nd Net - Memphis, TN, Sara Sue Lemerise 85
3rd Gross - Greater Knoxville, TN, Candy Hoffman 109
3rd Net - Central Arkansas, Felecia Hollister 94

Second Flight
1st Gross - Middle Tennessee, Betty Sabel 86
1st Net - Middle Tennessee, Kim Crowder 71
2nd Gross - Central Arkansas, Becky Redus 91
2nd Net - St. Louis, MO, Debbie Hope 74
3rd Gross - Greater Knoxville, TN, Susan Schleicher 100
3rd Net - St. Louis, MO, Kim Saucier 76

Third Flight
1st Gross - Tri-Cities of Northeast TN , Mary Dave Blackman 97
1st Net - Middle Tennessee, Dottie Dube 77
2nd Gross - Memphis, TN, Theresa LaFond 103
2nd Net - St. Louis, MO, Rosalie Alongi 81
3rd Gross - Central Arkansas, Medra Parkhill 110
3rd Net - Central Arkansas, Carrol Williams 90

Fourth Flight
1st Gross - St. Louis, MO, Jackie Dixon 118
1st Net - Central Arkansas, Tiffany Young 80
2nd Gross - Tri-Cities of Northeast TN, Cindy Humphrey 123
2nd Net - Middle Tennessee, Tracy Hooper 92
3rd Gross - Central Arkansas, Susan Cary 131
3rd Net - St. Louis, MO, Nancy Rodney 96

Feelin' HOT, HOT, HOT...

2008-08-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

by: Stephanie Jennings

This is how Jewell “Kip” Malick, from the Dallas Chapter, was feeling after her spectacular round at the 2008 EWGA Texas Semi-Final Championship which was held at the Golf Club at Champions Circle in Fort Worth, TX. She scored a fantastic 79 and contributed much of her win to caddie, coach and friend Anna Schultz.

Of course, Fort Worth in the middle of July can push the 100 degree mark, but this is nothing unusual for the Ladies representing the Houston Scramble team as they defended their winning ways with a stellar net score of 67.

The Golf Club at Champions Circle, a Troon Golf course, is a little gem just north of the city of Fort Worth. The many lateral and regular water hazards not only posed challenges for the players, but also provided a lovely fitness workout for the Tournament Committee as they went through and painted each and every hazard on the course. Although tedious, a well marked golf course helps players in deciding how to proceed in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf.

And how can I forget “Lil’ Deb”, from the Houston Chapter who made her appearance in Fort Worth. She was passed on to the Dallas Scramble team who strapped her to the top of their cart where, I’m sure, she got a fantastic tan. For those who are not familiar with Lil’ Deb, please visit the Houston Chapter website to read more. Welcome Home “Big Deb” and thank you serving our country in Iraq!

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who participated.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
1st Gross Kip Malick Dallas, TX Chapter 79
1st Net Julie Piland Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 81
2nd Gross Sue Stough San Antonio, TX Chapter 94
2nd Net Sherri Whyte Austin, TX Chapter 86
3rd Gross Andrea Boris Houston, TX Chapter 96
3rd Net Margaret Allen Austin, TX Chapter 91

FIRST FLIGHT
1st Gross Lana Coble Houston, TX Chapter 84
1st Net Meg Jones Corpus Christi, TX Chapter 77
2nd Gross Linda Heurkins Austin, TX Chapter 90
2nd Net Tricia Sullivan San Antonio, TX Chapter 78
3rd Gross Stacy Jones Houston, TX Chapter 90
3rd Net Suzanne Gross Dallas, TX Chapter 80

SECOND FLIGHT
1st Gross Jeri Pack Austin, TX Chapter 93
1st Net Wendy Malloch Austin, TX Chapter 70
2nd Gross Joanna Cloud Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 94
2nd Net Lisa Wright Central TexasChapter 76
3rd Gross Andrea Gerber Houston, TX Chapter 97
3rd Net Johanna Jones Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 77

THIRD FLIGHT
1st Gross Ann Stevenson Houston, TX Chapter 92
1st Net Diane Madigan Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 63
2nd Gross Vivian Williams Corpus Christi, TX Chapter 96*
2nd Net Diana Gats Dallas, TX Chapter 69
3rd Gross Shawn Kruger Dallas, TX Chapter 96
3rd Net Melinda Hipp San Antonio, TX Chapter 78
*won scorecard playoff

FOURTH FLIGHT
1st Gross Beverly Hawbaker Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 105
1st Net Jan Cunningham Houston, TX Chapter 76
2nd Gross Cindy Jorgensen San Antonio, TX Chapter 114
2nd Net Val Lesak Austin, TX Chapter 84
3rd Gross Sandy Fitzpatrick Austin, TX Chapter 121
3rd Net Karen Young Dallas, TX Chapter 90

SCRAMBLE DIVISION
1st Houston, TX Chapter 67
Capt. Stephanie Flower , LynneHoyt , Mindy Manning , Robin Famiglietti

2nd Fort Worth/Metroplex, TX Chapter 68
Capt. Pam Mason, Cynthia Kline , Marilyn Weiss , Mary Ann Lutz

3rd San Antonio, TX Chapter 72*
Capt. Wendy Peacock , Stacey Stanton , Yolanda Bruce , Cathy Delaney
*won scorecard playoff

Burrowing Bees and HOT HOT HOT at the Northern Florida & Southeast Semi-Final

2008-07-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

It started out as a pretty cool morning with ladies wearing jackets, but as the day progressed the heat and humidity increased and the jackets came off. Me being from Minnesota my body is still trying to adjust to the southern heat. I can deal with the heat three to four months out of the year with high humidity and temperatures rising above 90s, but when it can extend to be three times as long as I'm used the adjustment is a little more difficult. In my opinion it is much easier to get used to the heat rather than 50 below windchill!

The course was in great shape with a lot of different elevation changes. One thing I had never heard of before is the term of the "burrowing bees." They make holes a size of a quarter or bigger on the greens and burrow inside them and sometimes you can see one when they are peaking their head out. These burrowing bees can destroy the greens, but the maintenance crew at Limestone Springs does a great job on keeping them under control.

Thanks to the three wonderful Rules Officials for keeping the ladies moving out there to keep it at a good pace of play. After the turn it was pretty much right on schedule to the pace and when they started to come into the scoring table it started to get intense. Some groups of ladies were in a tight schedule having to catch flights right after the event. There were two sudden death playoffs with one being for the Championship Flight low gross and the other being for the the low gross in the Second Flight.

Playing in the playoff in the Championship Flight was Lori Whitaker and Jeri Roche, both shot an excellent round of 78, which Whitaker ended up winning. In the Second Flight playoff was Karin Raudesep and Carol White, both shooting a great round of 89, which Raudsep ended up winning. It was a very exciting way to end the day before the good eats and the awards began!

Congratulations to the winners and can't wait to see you all at the Finals in Aloha, Oregon!

Results:

Championship Flight:
1st Low Gross- Lori Whitaker, Atlanta, GA-78
1st Low Net- Jeri Roche, Jacksonville, FL-70
2nd Low Gross- Lisa Kaplan, Orlando, FL-85
2nd Low Net- Lynn Mobley, Jacksonville, FL-85

First Flight:
1st Low Gross- Jan Berry, Huntsville, AL-83
1st Low Net- Jean Sasso, Birmingham, AL-73
2nd Low Gross- Angie Browning, Jacksonville, FL-86
2nd Low Net- Christina Semmens, Huntsville, AL-74
3rd Low Gross- Lori Collins, Jacksonville, FL-87
3rd Low Net- Patty Dailey, Daytona Beach, FL-74

Second Flight:
1st Low Gross- Karin Raudsep, Jacksonville, FL-89
1st Low Net- Mary Rossiter, Atlanta, GA-67
2nd Low Gross- Carol White, Birmingham, AL-89
2nd Low Net- Lynn Neal, Atlanta, GA-70
3rd Low Gross- Donna Godsill-Craig, Orlando, FL-90
3rd Low Net- Brenda Bailey, Jacksonville, FL-71

Third Flight:
1st Low Gross- Donna Willard, Jacksonville, FL- 92
1st Low Net- Linda DeBartolo, Orlando, FL-66
2nd Low Gross- Rhonda Morgan, Huntsville, AL- 99
2nd Low Net- Bettye Anne Shratter, Birmingham, AL-72
3rd Low Gross- Pat Flynn, Jacksonville, FL-102
3rd Low Net- Alleen Fields, Daytona Beach, FL-72

Fourth Flight:
1st Low Gross- Dawn Lafferty, Orlando, FL- 100
1st Low Net- Barbara Muzeni, Orlando, FL-63
2nd Low Gross- Mary Crisp, Birmingham, FL-107
2nd Low Net- Maryann Shepard, Huntsville, AL-67
3rd Low Gross- Sheila Woolsey, Jacksonville, FL- 111
3rd Low Net- Elizabeth Gordon, Huntsville, AL-73

Scramble Division:
1st Place- Birmingham, AL- 69
Dianne Young, Terri Henderson, Nancy Hess, Vicki Gongwer

2nd Place- Atlanta, GA-70
Gail Glass, Chris Ford, Donna Osso, Mary Hewitt

3rd Place- Jacksonville, FL- 70
Ann Meuse, Sheila Brocki, Susan Barrett, Ginny Kavanagh

Cristobal Did Not Stop the Carolina Semi-Final

2008-07-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

When the Carolina Semi-Final preparation began on Friday afternoon, we heard there was a good chance of rain on Saturday in Southport, NC. As I talked to the golf staff at The Members Club at St James Plantation, they mentioned that it was usual for this time of year, especially in the afternoon. So, we continued to prepare for the tournament...

On Saturday morning, when I woke up, I turned the television on to see the weather for the day. As I get to the local station, I notice across the bottom of the screen that the North and South Carolina coastlines are under a tropical storm warning. I thought, "this is going to be an interesting day!"

The good news is that we started play on time, and we did not have to stop play. In addition, the women who participated in the Carolina Semi-Final are all winners for playing in such wet conditions. As I drove around the golf course and helping to monitor pace of play, I stopped to talk with the ranger at St James Plantation. He told me that he could not believe these ladies were playing in these conditions, and I told him that they did not have much of a choice. I said, "This is a qualifying round to go to the Finals in Portland, OR." He was amazed! Tropical Storm Cristobal did not stop the women of the Carolina Section.

While I sat at the scoring table, competitors started coming in. Some women learned that they play better golf in the rain. With the majority of competitors in the clubhouse, another powerful rain had moved over the golf course. Ladies were soaked head to toe, and some scorecards had to be re-written because they were so wet. Unfortunately, we did not have a Championship flight, but the competition was still strong.

The Results:
First Flight:
1st Low Gross - Julie Shores, Raleigh Triangle, NC - 89
1st Low Net - Vana Bris-Bois, Piedmont Triad, NC - 79
2nd Low Gross - Elizabeth Moakler, Charlotte, NC - 96
2nd Low Net - Linda Tomlinson, Myrtle Beach, SC - 82
3rd Low Gross - Charlete Curtis, Piedmont Triad, NC - 97
3rd Low Net - Barbara Cleghorn, Myrtle Beach, SC - 82

Second Flight:
1st Low Gross - Jolene Keziah, Charlotte, NC - 87
1st Low Net - Cheryl Harden, Myrtle Beach, SC - 69
2nd Low Gross - Carrie Koontz, Piedmont Triad, NC - 88
2nd Low Net - Laura Morris, Piedmont Triad, NC - 72
3rd Low Gross - Amy Hurst, Myrtle Beach, SC - 90
3rd Low Net - Chris Merrill, Raleigh Triangle, NC - 73

Third Flight:
1st Low Gross - Charlotte Briggs, Columbia, SC - 98
1st Low Net - Jenifer Gajdalo, Low Country, SC - 71
2nd Low Gross - Jackie Carpenter, Piedmont Triad, NC - 99
2nd Low Net - Jane Gambrell, Columbia, SC - 72
3rd Low Gross - Megan Everett, Charlotte, NC - 100
3rd Low Net - Marlene Goddu, Myrtle Beach, SC - 75

Fourth Flight:
1st Low Gross - Lissa Dailey, Raleigh Triangle, NC - 106
1st Low Net - Suzy Feldman, Hampton Roads, VA - 75
2nd Low Gross - Pamela Ripson, Piedmont Triad, NC - 110
2nd Low Net - Dee Wade, Cape Fear/Wilmington, NC - 76
3rd Low Gross - Rivia Brown, Charlotte, NC - 112
3rd Low Net - Carol Eori, Myrtle Beach, SC - 82

Scramble Division:
1st Place - Hampton Roads, Va - 72
Pat Russell, Ann Moore, Ginni Ambrose, Lynn Corbin

2nd Place - Cape Fear/Wilmington, NC - 74
Ellen Gregory, Karen Vatrt, Janet Salvi, Brenda Vesligaj

3rd Place - Columbia, SC - 74
Zoe Dommel, Laurie Whitcomb, Pam Parnell, Wanda Vincent

Congratulations to everyone, and I hope to see you all in Aloha, Oregon in September!

Like Night and Day

2008-07-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

This was the difference between the condition of the Dell Urich golf course from Friday morning to Saturday morning. Why, you ask? Well, Mother Nature did cooperate and decided that the wonderful ladies of the EWGA should have a nice day for their Championship, but the other reason was the hard work of the "quiet" maintenance workers at Dell Urich.

Unbeknownst to many, the maintenance crew was on the course at 2:00 am on Saturday morning scooping buckets of water out of the bunkers, cleaning debris deposited by the excess water (I believe they found a child's car seat that washed onto the course), and just performing their regular maintenance duties. This staff really made a great effort to turn what many thought was a disaterous situation into a very playable and challenging golf course.

In her first debut as a member of the EWGA Championship Committee, Karla Harding, a member of the Northern Colorado Chapter, survived as Championship Director and did so with poise and a smile. She experienced an exciting sudden death play-off between Edith Apuya (Los Angeles, CA), a first time competitor in the EWGA Championship and Sylvia Urbaniec (Orange County, CA). In addition, Karla witnessed the unfortunate disqualification of a scramble team which became a very valuable lesson learned by all competitors at the Championship - ALWAYS CHECK YOUR HOLE-BY-HOLE SCORES after your round. Now Karla is ready to go for her next Semi-Final which will be in Canandaigua NY for the Upper Mideast District.

THANK YOU to the staff of Dell Urich and to all of the players who traveled near and far to be a part of the largest amateur women's championship in the country.

Not to keep you in suspense any longer, here are the results...

Championship Flight
1st Low Gross: Patty Kimball, Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ 78^
2nd Low Gross: Denise Drake, Los Angeles, CA 81
3rd Low Gross: Catherine Cheng, Palm Springs/Desert Cities, CA 89
1st Low Net: Beth Rinehold, Santa Barbara, CA 74
2nd Low Net: Joules Holmes, Orange County, CA 77
^Medalist

First Flight
1st Low Gross: Michelle Safley, Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ 81
2nd Low Gross: Val Robbins, San Diego, CA 83
3rd Low Gross: Carol Frazzano-Bailey, Santa Barbara, CA 84
1st Low Net: Margaret Miller, Orange County, CA 70*
2nd Low Net: Elise King, Palm Springs/Desert Cities, CA 70
3rd Low Net: Lana Radchenko, San Diego, CA 71
*won scorecard playoff

Second Flight
1st Low Gross: Edith Apuya, Los Angeles, CA 85**
2nd Low Gross: Mary Lou Ramos, Santa Barbara, CA 87
3rd Low Gross: Jandy Hughes, Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ 89
**won sudden death playoff
1st Low Net: Sylvia Urbaniec, Orange County, CA 65
2nd Low Net: Charlene McComb, Las Vegas, NV 68
3rd Low Net: Susan Crawford, San Diego, CA 71

Third Flight
1st Low Gross: Julie Gorog, San Diego, CA 91
2nd Low Gross: Charlotte Boyce, Las Vegas, NV 95
3rd Low Gross: Debbie Simeone, Las Vegas, NV 98*
1st Low Net: Belinda Thompson, Orange County, CA 67
2nd Low Net: Jo Ann Ellison, Tucson-Old Pueblo, AZ 68*
3rd Low Net: Jordi Furman, Orange County, CA 68
*won scorecard playoff

Fourth Flight
1st Low Gross: Chris Devine-Dailey, Los Angeles, CA 108
2nd Low Gross: Mary Ellen Case, Tucson-Old Pueblo, AZ 109
3rd Low Gross: Marcia Green, Santa Barbara, CA 117
1st Low Net: Xandi Sanderson, Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ 73
2nd Low Net: Linda Stratton, Tucson-Old Pueblo, AZ 75
3rd Low Net: Pat Martzen, Santa Barbara, CA 92

SCRAMBLE DIVISION
1st - Tucson-Old Pueblo, AZ Captain Barbara Ericks 69*
Liddy West
Linda Hartsig
Jacki McCue
2nd – Orange County, CA Captain Janice Pavelko 69
Kimmy Nguyen
Judy Yee
Kathereen Shinkai
3rd - Phoenix-Valley of the Sun, AZ Captain Sue Erredge 72
Judy Decker
Diane Gilcrest
Kim Parish
*won scorecard playoff

Rain in Tucson???

2008-07-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is true, the desert can get a little wet every now and then and Mother Nature just decided that this week, in Tucson, would be perfect timing. Of course, our golfers for the Southern California/Desert Southwest Semi-Final beg to differ.

The Dell Urich golf course which is owned by the City of Tucson is the host club for this Semi-Final and has been in existance since 1925. Once host of the Welch's LPGA Championship, Dell Urich poses many challenges to golfers with it's elevated greens and narrow fairways. Of course a little rain and the course really becomes narrow as the course is also a storm water retention area which creates what locals call good ol' "Lake Tucson".

Nevertheless, women of the EWGA will play on and compete for their spots into the EWGA Championship Finals. On paper, the Championship Flight favorite looks to be Patty Kimball from the Phoenix-Valley of the Sun Chapter. However, Denise Drake from Los Angeles has played 63 holes over the last two days and is very determined to advance.

In the scramble division, crowd favorite is, of course, the Tucson-Old Pueblo team of Barbara Ericks, Liddy West, Linda Hartsig and Jacki McCue. Hopes are high for this team, but those who traveled from the coasts of California will give it their best.

Stay tuned for the next post as I will reveal who has survived the monsoons of Tucson and earned their spot to Aloha, OR.

Highlights of the South & Central FL Semi-Final

2008-06-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

There was definitely excitement in the air at the South & Central Florida Semi-Final. Tee times began at 7:30am off Holes 1 & 10 at The Diplomat Country Club & Spa. The sky was clear, the humidity was rising, and 89 women were ready to play golf!

A few hours later, the players were coming into the clubhouse, and the scores were being posted. Then, to add to the excitement, there was a sudden death playoff in the Third flight for 1st place gross. Valerie Briggman from Miami and Melissa Cox from Naples got their golf clubs and headed out to the 10th Hole. Both women hit their balls down the fairway, and when they got on the green, Valerie sunk a 10 foot putt to win 1st place low gross. Congratulations Valerie!

Here are the scores from each flight:

Fourth flight
1st Low Gross: Maureen Monroe, Manatee - 113
1st Low Net: Michelle Boyer, Miami - 76
2nd Low Gross: Kay Benston-Bushell, Polk County - 119
2nd Low Net: Cheryl Pierson, Port St Lucie/Treasure Coast - 88
3rd Low Gross: Yvonne Santiago, Tampa - 123
3rd Low Net: Kay Russell, Naples - 91

Third flight
1st Low Gross: *Valerie Briggman, Miami - 102
1st Low Net: Melissa Cox, Naples - 94
2nd Low Gross: Wanda Warburton, Manatee - 103
2nd Low Net: Mary Jo Burke, Naples - 78
3rd Low Gross: Gina DeLowrey, Port St Lucie/Treasure Coast - 107
3rd Low Net: Jo Duncan, Polk County - 80
*Sudden death playoff

Second flight
1st Low Gross: Mamie Doktor, Polk County - 89
1st Low Net: Christine Funair, Tampa Bay - 75
2nd Low Gross: Kate Finan, Naples - 99
2nd Low Net: Kathie Geartz, Manatee - 81
3rd Low Gross: Nancy Lobby, Palm Beach County - 103
3rd Low Net: Becki Westbrook, Manatee - 82

First flight
1st Low Gross: Kerry Timm, Tampa Bay - 78
1st Low Net: Debby Davis, Polk County - 75
2nd Low Gross: Kimberly Selmore, Miami - 90
2nd Low Net: Ellen Schechter, Palm Beach County - 77
3rd Low Gross: Diane Perry, Ft Lauderdale Area - 93
3rd Low Net: Amy Palladino, Manatee - 77

Championship flight
1st Low Gross: Pat Beljan-Ayres, Port St Lucie/Treasure Coast - 74
1st Low Net: Debbie Smither, Manatee - 78
2nd Low Gross: Patricia Rogers, Tampa Bay - 83

Scramble
1st Place: *Tampa Bay Chapter - 70
Captain Cathy Ford, Chris Daywalt, Kim Byle, Michele Pontius

2nd Place: Miami Chapter - 70
Captain Jacqueline Cox, Margie Gabriel, Ofelia Beiro, Kerstin Koenig

3rd Place: Port St Lucie Chapter - 74
Captain Allyson Sweat, Terie McComb, Sandy DeMello, Alison Yerington
*Scorecard Playoff

The last award to be given out was the 1st place low gross winner in the Championship flight. As Pat Beljan-Ayres stood at the front of the room holding her trophy, she wanted to share a story about her competition. Pat said on the first hole as they waited to hit their shots, she was practicing her swing. As she took a practice stroke, mud flew up from the ground and covered Debbie Smither from head-to-toe. Talk about getting off to a rough start...

Lastly, THANK YOU to all of our volunteers. We truly appreciated all of your help!

The first Semi-Final of the 2008 season is in the record books, and we hope that you will continue to check in as the season continues. The next Semi-Final is Southern California/Desert Southwest in Tucson, AZ on July 12.

Are you ready???

2008-06-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Can you feel it? Can you feel the excitement of the Championship season that is upon us? The first EWGA Semi-Final is this Saturday June 21st and what an exciting field we have. 89 players will be competing at the luxurious Diplomat Country Club and Spa in Hallendale Beach, FL, just minutes south of the Fort Lauderdale Airport. I highly recommend a visit if you haven't already.

In the field this weekend, we have 57 stoke play competitors and one of them is our 2006 National Champion, Pat Beljan-Ayers of Port St. Lucie, FL. Pat is probably feeling the heat when she looks at the Championship flight competition of Pat Rogers from the Tampa Bay, FL Chapter who is a 3.2 index and Debbie Smither from the Manatee, FL Chapter who enters as the lowest index with a 0.2.

Other notables like Ellen Schechter (Palm Beach County, FL), Ingrid Hunter (Miami, FL) and Mary Jo Burke (Naples, FL) are ready to make their impressions and earn a spot into the EWGA Championship Finals which will take place in on Sept. 26-27 in Aloha, OR at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.

We also have great representation in the Scramble division, with all South & Central Florida Chapters sending a team. As I recall from last year, Tampa Bay and Manatee really had a battle cry during the awards ceremony, so we'll see who is "crying" at the end of this Championship.

I can't wait to see what happens. Stay tuned as I will keep you updated on all the excitement happening this weekend in South Florida.

All the best - Stephanie

Trying Something New...

2008-06-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

For 2008, the EWGA Championship Committee wants to keep championship participants, members, family and friends informed during the Semi-Final Championships. During the next three months, EWGA Staff members' Stephanie, Josie, and Jessica will keep you posted as we travel around the United States to our 15 Semi-Final Championship locations. We will update this blog after each Semi-Final to give highlights on the day.

Remember, the Championship is the premier event of the EWGA, and we hope all of you will join us at the Championship Finals. The 2008 Finals will be held at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, OR on September 26 & 27, 2008. Hope to see you there!