About Us....

The Shreveport Womens Golf Association was formed in 1933 for the purpose of promoting good fellowship and friendly competition among local amateur women golfers. Ladies in this association (SWGA) must have a handicap index of 30.0 or less.

Our sister group, the Shreveport Senior Womens Golf Association, was created for the same purpose, but includes only ladies who have reached at least their fiftieth birthday.
Ladies can be members of either or both organizations as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and pay the appropriate membership dues to each group. This membership entitles ladies to play at least once (in each association) at each of the six golf/country clubs that are participants in the SWGA and SSWGA groups: Bomber Bayou Golf Club, East Ridge Country Club, Huntington Park/Querbes Golf Clubs, Northwood Hills Golf Club, Golf Club at Stonebride, and Southern Trace Country Club.

NEXT PLAYDAY EVENTS

March 17: SWGA Scramble, East Ridge CC, 9:00am

March 31: SSWGA Scramble, Stonebridge GC, 9:00am




Golfing Events

PLEASE GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS COLUMN TO SEE LISTINGS OF ALL KNOWN GOLFING EVENTS, BOTH LOCAL AND NON-LOCAL.

Check it out....

Check it out....

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Jingle Bell Scramble

The annual Jingle Bell Scramble that includes ladies from both SWGA and SSWGA was hosted at Northwood Hills Golf Club on December 1st.  Forty ladies took part in the 4-lady scramble and awards luncheon that followed play. 

Although it was a cool start, the day was beautiful and the course was in good condition.  As usual, the Northwood ladies and the staff were very hospitable and made the day special for everyone.

The overall winners were the team of Tina Essler (BWGA), Mary Gallagher (FRLGA), Frances Boyter (STCC), and Pat Rice (BWGA).  The team shot a great score of 68.  Congrats to you all!

The second and third place teams both scored 69 and the scorecard playoff resulted in the 2nd place winners of Jeanie Ward (PCC), Jill Litton (NHGC), Kay Cason (WGAS), and Barbara Offer (BWGA).  Third place went to Marge Snyder (NHGC), Gayle Gansfuss (ERCC), Vickie Cella (NHGC), and Betty Netherton (BWGA).

Closest to the Pin went to Dot Henson (WGAS), Robbie Fisher (BWGA), and Joyce Middleton (ERCC); while Most Accurate Drive went to Mary Gallagher (FRLGA) who was nearly ON the line!

After play, the ladies enjoyed a hot lunch of taco soup, chicken and dumplings, salad, cookies and tea.  Great lunch for a cool day!

Friday, November 18, 2011

SSWGA Turkey Shoot

The final official SSWGA event of 2011 was the annual meeting and Turkey Shoot hosted at Southern Trace on November 15.  Thirty-four ladies participated this year and enjoyed a beautiful Fall day with colorful foliage to enhance the event.  The event also was the stage for electing new officers for 2012.

Scoring in this event was very close, with scores ranging from 68 to 73.  The first three places all scored 68, so a scorecard playoff determined the winners.  Fourth place team shot a 69.

The first place team was the 3-lady team of Teri McGuire (WGAS), Susan Berry (NHGC), and Linda Christiansen (NHGC).

Second place: Shirley Pettitt (BWGA), Pat Miller (BWGA), Jeanette Bohringer (BWGA), and Becky Farr (WGAS)

Third Place: Kim Darnell (WGAS), Robbie Fisher (BWGA), Theresa Kruse (PCC), and Pat Rice (BWGA).

Fourth Place: Mary Coker (STCC), Vickie Cella (NHGC), Donna Phillips (STCC), and Alyce Wyche (PCC).

Also announced during this annual meeting were the end-of-year special award winners.  Only one member participated in 100% of the SSWGA events:  Meg Welch (BWGA).  Four other ladies achieved 80% participation:  Mary Coker (STCC), Pat Miller and Pat Rice (BWGA), and Marge Snyder (NHGC).

Average low gross for the year went to Mary Coker with a 90.7; average low net of 74.2 went to Pat Miller; and average low putts of 33.4 went to Marge Snyder.  Congratulations to everyone!!!

The next event in concert with the SWGA group is the annual Jingle Bell Scramble which will be held on December 1st at Northwood.  Sign up with your local Club Rep.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

SWGA Turkey Shoot

Palmetto Ladies Golf Assn. hosted the annual Turkey Shoot on November 10th....on the first day of a new cold front that breezed through the area. Forty-nine ladies braved the cold temps to play the 4-lady scramble amidst beautiful Fall foliage on the course.

The first place team ran away with the title, shooting a whopping 61! Congratulations to Mary Jo Gray (WGAS), Jill Litton (NHGC), Sue Ford (ERCC), Grace Ireland (PCC), and Dot Henson (WGAS). Yes, this team had five members, but two of the ladies took turns hitting so that only four actually played each shot. And yes, all five of them hit from the tee on the closest to the pin holes so that everyone would have a chance at that award.

The next three winning teams all shot 68, so the winners were determined by a scorecard playoff and they ended up in this order:

2nd Place: Robbie Fisher (BWGA), Frances Boyter (STCC), Mary Gallagher (FRLGA), and Cathy Morgan (PCC).

3rd Place: Tina Essler (BWGA), Donna Ihle (WGAS), Jeanette Bohringer (BWGA) and Cathy Buckley (BWGA).

4th Place: Teri McGuire (WGAS), Pat Miller (BWGA), Sara Lowdermilk (STCC) and Sharon Anderson (ERCC)

Closest to the Pin: Mary Jo Gray, Jimmie Zey (PCC), and Sue Ford.

Although these ladies were Closest to the Pin Winners, we had one player who got closer than everyone....with her hole-in-one, but it wasn't one of the C-T-P designated holes! Paulette Lee holed her shot on Hole #14, resulting in her FIRST hole-in-one. Congratulations Paulette!

Friday, October 21, 2011

2011 SWGA Team Matches

The fourth annual Barbarba Faye White Cup (aka Team Matches) was once again a great success! Sixty SWGA Ladies participated in the two-day event that consisted of one day of Best Ball and one day of Scramble at the Shreveport Country Club.

Day one started with a big surprise when temperatures dropped nearly twenty degrees from arrival time to golfing time. The sun never showed up till the matches were finished. Clothing was swapped and loaned and cars were cleared of anything that resembled a blanket. The temp never rose above 50 degress and the wind gusted to 40mph. But the games went on.

The first day of Best Ball, October 18, pitted fourteen East (blue) teams against the West (green) teams. When all was done, it was a major victory by the Blue girls, winning 11 1/2 of the 14 possible points.

Luckily, the weather was better on Thursday with sunshine all day. But the cool weather once again favored the Blue Team who went on to win 7 1/2 more points to the Green team's 5 1/2. TOTAL: Blue-19/Green-8.

Congratuations to the Blue team for defending their title. In the four years that we've played this format, the Green team won the first two years while the Blue team has won the last two. Next year will be a tie-breaker!  Hope you participate to help your team!

Monday, October 17, 2011

2011 State Mid Am

The new venue for the State Mid Am was the National Golf Club at Westlake, LA.  This is an awesome course with sand and "sneaky" water everywhere.  It is in beautiful condition and was a true challenge to the 83 ladies who participated.  From our area, our players included Mary Jo Gray, Debbie Magee, Donna Cobb, Shirley Pettitt, Martha Lawhorne, Teri McGuire, Mary Lynn Stuart, and Kathleen McCoy.

Unfortunately we had only one winner and that was Mary Jo Gray, winning 1st Net in the First Flight with her scores of 84 and 86 (Net 71 and 73).  Congratulations Mary Jo!  And of course congratulations go out to Kay Daniel who won the Championship for the second year in a row with her scores of 74 and 75.

The LWGA always has its annual meeting during this event, and the likely venues for three of next year's events were announced:  Senior Championship at Koasati Pines Golf Resort in Kinder, LA; Match Play Championsihip at the Contraband Golf Club at the L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort in Lake Charles; and the State Mid Am at Money Hill in Abita Springs.  Exact dates will be announced in the near future.

Enjoy a few candid photos:

Friday, October 7, 2011

2011 Roadrunner

EastRidge Country Club once again hosted its annual Roadrunner 2-lady Invitational on October 5th, under beautiful blue skies and wonderfully comfortable temperatures.  The full field enjoyed the hospitality, the wonderfully conditioned course, and great food and friendship.


As an additional bit of excitement, Robbie Fisher (BWGA) had a Hole-in-One on #17.  Congratulations Robbie!

Winners were as follows:

Overall Low Gross:  Teresa Horn/Vicki DeLaughter - 69
Overall Low Net: JoDee Minter/Suzanne Tinsley (WGAS) - 63

FIRST FLIGHT
Low Gross: Joyce Middleton (ERCC)/Mary Gallagher (FRLGA) - 70
2nd Low Gross: Lisa Persinger/Mary Anthony - 73
Low Net: Linda Braswell/Nan Fry - 66
2nd Low Net: Anne Timmers (ERCC)/Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) - 67

SECOND FLIGHT
Low Gross: Sara Lowdermilk(STCC)/Martha Bordelon (ERCC) - 74
2nd Low Gross: Linda Heins (WGAS)/Gloria Utley (WGAS) - 74
Low Net: Cheryl Boutte/partner - 66
2nd Low Net: Marge Snyder (NHGC)/Jimmie Zey (PCC) - 68

THIRD FLIGHT
Low Gross: Jo Stein/Carolyn Elliott - 74
2nd Low Gross: Dot Barron/Billie Ault - 76
Low Net: Pat Rice (BWGA)/Robbie Fisher (BWGA) - 66
2nd Low Net: Becky Hollier (WGAS)/Kitty Smith - 68

FOURTH FLIGHT'
Low Gross: Carla Thompson/Phyllis Bussey - 79
2nd Low Gross: Donna Phillips (STCC)/Joanne McDonald (STCC) - 81
Low Net: Debbie Oxner/Debbie Camus - 68
2nd Low Net: Sara Pennington/Marjorie Terry - 70

Longest Drive: Shea Cantu
Closest to the Pin: Suzanne Tinsley ((WGAS), Donna Phillips (STCC), Sara Lowdermilk (STCC), and Joyce Middleton (ERCC)

Putting Contest Winners:  Robbie Fisher (BWGA) and Sara Pennington

Enjoy the slideshow: 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Squire Creek Invitational

Squire Creek Country Club hosted its Ladies Invitational today at Choudrant, LA.  The unseasonably warm weather didn't deter the twelve teams that represented our Northwest area.  In fact, our ladies represented over one-third of the field!  And of those twelve teams, we had five winning teams!!  I understand that the course was absolutely impeccable in spite of the drought.  Congratulations to all!


FIRST FLIGHT:
2nd Net:  Lillian Granger/ Lisa Russell - 69

SECOND FLIGHT:
1st Gross: Moise Allen/Anne Ridley  - 71
2nd Net: Gloria Utley/Suzanne Tinsley - 76

FOURTH FLIGHT:
2nd Gross: Jimmie Zey/Linda Colvin - 82

FIFTH FLIGHT:
1st Net: Gayle Gansfuss/Charlotte Calhoun - 82

For leader boards, .

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

SSWGA Playday Crooked Hollow

We finally got some rain this week, which made the temps very nice for our SSWGA Playday at Crooked Hollow.  It made it a little wet and muddy too, but we're not complaining.  We needed the rain so bad.  Twenty-one ladies played the event on Monday, September 19th, and there were some very good scores posted.  As usual John Graham and his staff made us all feel welcome and met all our golfing needs.

The low score of the day was had by Marge Snyder (she's making this a HABIT) with her great score of 80!  And Martha Lawhorne showed off with her great score of 85!  Good golfing gals!
The winners were:

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT:
Low Gross:  Marge Snyder (NHGC) 80
Low Net: Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) 68
Low Putts: Jimmie Zey (PCC) 31

FIRST FLIGHT:
Low Gross: Martha Lawhorne (BWGA) 85
Low Net (tie): Jeanette Bohringer/Kathleen McCoy (BWGA) 71
Low Putts: Alyce Wyche (PCC) 36

SECOND FLIGHT:
Low Gross: Pat Miller (BWGA) 96
Low Net: Meg Welch (BWGA) 63
Low Putts: Barbara Offer (BWGA) 32

CHIP-INS:
Pat Rice (BWGA)
Jeanette Bohringer
Kathleen McCoy

Didn't get alot of pictures, but enjoy these:

Saturday, September 17, 2011

2011 SWGA Championship

The 78th Annual SWGA Championship is now a part of history.  Teri McGuire of StoneBridge Country Club made her mark on this one by winning the Championship with her scores of 78 and 84.  That 78 also won her the Medalist honors for the first day. 

The Overall Net Champion was Robbie Fisher, a new member this year, shooting net scores of 66 and 68 and earning her the Net Medalist Trophy in addition.

Thirty-three ladies participated in the two-day event at Northwood Hills Golf Club, which undertook a tremendous re-vamping during the year with no help from Mother Nature.  But the course played well with greens that ran very true.  Although the first day was a recording breaking 105 degrees, the second day was a gorgeous, cool golfing day, and fun was had by all, especially Marge Snyder who posted a 78 on the second day and Jill Litton with an 80.  That cool weather made for some cool scores!

WINNERS:
Champion:  Teri McGuire (WGAS), 78/84
Net Champion: Robbie Fisher (BWGA) 66/68
Medalist: Teri McGuire
Net Medalist: Robbie Fisher
Overall Low Putts:  Marge Snyder (NHGC) 54

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT:
1st Low Gross:  Lillian Granger (STCC) 82/83
2nd Low Gross: Moise Allen (STCC) 84/96
1st Low Net: Gloria Utley (WGAS) 72/74
2nd Low Net: Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) 77/77
Closest to the Pin: Lillian Granger

FIRST FLIGHT:
1st Low Gross: Marge Snyder (NHGC) 90/78
2nd Low Gross: Cathy Buckley (BWGA) 90/86
1st Low Net: Jill Litton (BWGA) 72/62
2nd Low Net: Linda Heins (WGAS) 74/70
Closest to the Pin: Hui Bordelon (FRLGA)

SECOND FLIGHT:
1st Low Gross: Jimmie Zey (PCC) 90/95
2nd Low Gross: Phyllis Ryan (ERCC) 94/91
1st Low Net: Linda Christiansen (NHGC) 71/73
2nd Low Net: Phyllis Graybiel (NHGC) 77/70
Closest to the Pin: Phyllis Graybiel

THIRD FLIGHT:
1st Low Gross: Theresa Kruse (PCC) 99/94
2nd Low Gross: Charlotte Calhoun (ERCC) 102/96
1st Low Net: Pat Rice (BWGA) 73/72
2nd Low Net: Pat Miller (BWGA) 68/77
Closest to the Pin: Mary Moore (FRLGA)

Click on any picture to go to the fullsize pics in the slideshow (if it's working these days).

Monday, September 12, 2011

Team Matches


BLUE vs GREEN!

This is most of last year's winning team:  Stonebridge, Palmetto and Fox Run ladies took home the trophy.  Now it's time for them to attempt to retain the trophy!  Blue Team was ahead of the Green Team by only two points going into the second day, but ended up winning 15-10.  A great win!

Shreveport Country Club will again host the event this year on October 18th and 20th.  The first day is best ball and the second is a scramble.  It's alot of fun and great competition.  If you can and will play, please contact your Club Rep by October 4th so we can put the teams together. 

This is most of the team that didn't win, even though we were all winners....just because we played!

Friday, September 9, 2011

SWGA Northwood Playday

The Northwood Golf Club ladies hosted this month's playday on September 8th. In addition to the playday, it also served as the practice round for the SWGA Championship to be held at Northwood on September 13 and 15.

Thirty ladies enjoyed the Northwood hospitality on the recently rejuvenated course in picture-perfect weather. The course benefited from the recent rain and has greened-up nicely. The greens were in great shape, with putts running very true at a nice pace.

The low score for the day was had by Northwood's own Marge Snyder with her nice 81. The overall low net was 67 by Broadmoor's Kyong Lee who also had the overall low putt total of 28 for the day.

It was a great day of golf and next week's Championship is sure to be even better. If you haven't already signed up, do so by Sunday, September 11 by contacting Jill Litton.


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

2011 Nikki Invitational

Once again we are reminded of our great friendship with Nikki Patterson for whom this tournament was born. This is a great legacy to her and her family and we are all proud to be a part of it.

A full field of 32 teams (that's 128 ladies!!!) came out in the record-breaking heat to play in this oh-so-much-fun tournament. As usual, the course was beautiful and we were blessed with a nice breeze all day. The staff and Stonebridge husbands helped make the event run smoothly with no surprises.

In conjunction with the tournament there was lots of jewelry and handbags for sale at very reasonable prices, so we ladies got to do the two things we like best: golf and shop! And the tee gifts were lovely bags that were HAND-PAINTED in addition to super "blingy" watches that most ladies were wearing as they left the building. There were door prizes for everyone who didn't win because of their playing ability, so everyone was a winner.

There are pictures of all the winners in the slideshoe presentation with the exception of Rachel Grinnell (Longest Drive, Championship Flight); Cindy Reaves (Closest to the Pin, Championship Flight); and Hui Bordelon (Closest to the Pin, Second Flight). Sorry we missed those pictures.



Friday, August 12, 2011

SWGA Championship

Entry forms for the 78th Annual SWGA Championship were distributed yesterday and should be showing up at your golf club in the very near future. The Championship will be hosted this year by the Northwood Hills Golf Club Assn. on September 13 and 15. The entry fee is $50 which helps cover the awards luncheon and prizes.

The practice round for the Championship will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, in conjunction with the SWGA Playday for Northwood. There will be a 9:00am shotgun start and with the usual $20 fee.

To sign up for the playday/practice round, contact your Club Rep no later than September 4th. Your entry form for the Championship should be received by the Championship Committee no later than September 6. Mail your entry form and fee to Jill Litton, 6204 Magnolia Woods Ave, Shreveport, LA 71107.

SWGA Playday Querbes

On Thursday, August 11, the Broadmoor ladies hosted the SWGA Playday at Querbes Park Golf Course. Thirty-two ladies participated, even with the anticipated 104 degree weather. The course was in good shape with smooth greens and really thick roughs. They must have had more rain than the rest of us. As usual, the Broadmoor ladies had lots of good food for everyone and enjoyed hosting the event.

Hopefully the slideshow presentation will work this time. I'm having problems with some of the Google apps for some reason.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

2011 LWGA State Mid Am

Once again, we have a new venue for our 2011 Mid Am Tournament.  This year it will be hosted at the National Golf Club at Westlake, LA near Lake Charles.  The pictures online look wonderful and I've heard from ladies who have visited the course that it is an absolutely beautiful place to play.

The practice round/registration day is October 14th, followed by the tournament on the 15th and 16th.  I know that tournaments don't sound real exciting right now with all the heat we've had, but by October, it should be a really pleasant change.  Accommodations are very affordable, so make your reservations now.

For more information, click here.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

2011 LWGA State Four Ball


For the first time this year, Shreveport Country Club hosted the LWGA State Four Ball Championship, with seventy-two brave ladies contending in well over 100 degree temps. There were sixteen of our own local ladies participating, and of those, we had twelve winners. Congratulations to all the ladies! We had only one 911 call for a heat-related problem, and that was taken care of promptly with no lingering after-affects.


The overall winners of this year's Four Ball were Marge Richters and Ashley Tonore with a two-day score of 140. Great golfing ladies! You willl find a complete list of winners in the right column of this blog. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all the winners at this time, but I'm hoping to get some to add to this slideshow presentation.

As usual, Cathy Campbell put on a great tournament and Shreveport Country Club was a very nice venue for a new venture. I think the greens gave everyone a real challenge, but that's what a championship is all about: CHALLENGE.

Remember that the next LWGA Tournament will be the Mid Am held in October at the National Golf Course in Westlake, LA, near Lake Charles. Entry forms are already available so don't wait to sign up.

I have also included a slideshow of candids taken during the tournament as well as pictures of the final leaderboards. Enjoy.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

SSWGA Playday Northwood

The make-up playday at Northwood came off without a hitch this time.  The weather even cooperated with some overcast skies.  The twenty-four ladies that participated enjoyed the course where I understand the greens have come into maturity.....just in time for the SWGA Championship in September.

Results of the SSWGA playday are posted in the right column.  The next SSWGA playday will be at Stonebridge on August 9, with a 9:00am shotgun.  That's right around the corner, so sign up now.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

SWGA Playday at Stonebridge

I had big plans to be at Stonebridge for the playday today on July 19 to take pictures for the blog; however, I wasn't able to make it, so we have no pictures this time.

I am told that it was a really nice day though, with an overcast sky and groups of threesomes.  Nearly everyone finished in four hours.  Now that's a good day!  Congratulations to all the winners that are listed in the right column.

Please note that the next SWGA Playday is at Querbes on August 11 with an 8:30am shotgun.  You will need to contact your club rep by August 7th if you plan to play.  REMINDER:  If you sign up and can't make it, call Gayle Gansfuss, Events Chairman, to let her know you won't be there.  Don't call the pro shop as we often fail to get the message and the same is true many times when you send a message via another member.

Friday, July 8, 2011

SSWGA Playday Querbes

Twenty-four ladies braved the heat on Thursday, July 7, at Querbes Park Golf Course.  Ladies say it wasn't so bad though because there was a breeze.   The next SSWGA playday will be at Stonebridge on August 9th with 9:00am shotgun.  Be there!

Winners were:
Championship Flight:
Low Gross: (tie) Tina Essler and Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) 82
Low Net: Cathy Buckley (BWGA) 68
Low Putts: Moise Allen (STCC) 26

First Flight:
Low Gross: Robbie Fisher (BWGA) 86
Low Net: Martha Lawhorne (BWGA) 66
Low Putts: Grace Ireland (PCC) 30

Second Flight:
Low Gross: Pat Rice (BWGA) 99
Low Net: (tie) Beth McLaren and Barbara Offer (BWGA) 75
Low Putts: Susan Berry (NHGC) 31

Chip ins:  Jeanette Bohringer (BWGA) and Moise Allen (STCC)

Enjoy a few candid snapshots:

Friday, July 1, 2011

LWGA State Match Play

The State Amateur Match Play Championship was played at the prestigious TPC New Orleans, home of the PGA Zurich Classic. Although this writer didn’t witness it personally, the pictures show what a beautiful course it is indeed.
Only five of our SWGA ladies were able to make the trip this year: Teri McGuire, Mary Jo Gray, Debbie Magee, Robbie Gaiennie, and Phyllis Ryan. All the ladies except Teri won their first match of the three-day tournament. That put Teri into the Consolation Bracket (which isn’t a bad thing), while the others moved into the Winners Bracket. On the second day, everyone lost her match except Mary Jo, who went on to play in the finals. However, Mary Jo lost her last match, placing second in the Third Flight. Congratulations to all our ladies.

This year’s Match Play winners were Champion Ali Lucas of Monroe, Second Place Heather Lott of Baton Rouge, and Third Place Jennifer Nguyen of Salmen. Way to go, girls!
The next Ladies State competition is the State Best Ball Championship which is being played right here at our own Shreveport Country Club on August 1-2. Entries will be accepted until July 20th, so you still have time to enter. See the article in the right column of this blog for more information and the entry form.

Thanks to Mary Jo Gray for being our photographer for this event. She captured some neat scenes. You may feel that you are seeing a lot of the same people in the pictures, but look past the people at the scenery. It’s really great. Enjoy.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Red Hot Chili Pepper

The Natchitoches Country Club's Red Hot Chili Pepper tournament was hosted on Monday, June 20th, with twenty-six 2-lady teams participating in the 27-hole competition. 
Twelve of our local ladies made the trip to Natchitoches, and half of them came back as winners.  Winning first place in the Championship flight was Teri McGuire and Tammy Trichell with a 27-hole total of 106.  In the First Flight, Gayle Gansfuss and Charlotte Calhoun took second place with their 125.  Bobbie Almond and Theresa Kruse tied for second place in the Second Flight, losing the scorecard playoff to win third place with a 134.  Congratulations to all you ladies who made it through a very long 27 holes of golf in the record-breaking heat.  Check out the slideshow for full scoring results and a few candids.  Thanks to Donna Cobb for being my photographer for this event.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Wacky Hackers 3-lady Tourney

Frenchmen's Bend hosted the Wacky Hackers 3-lady tournament on Thursday, June 16, in Monroe.  We had a number of Shreveport area ladies that took advantage of the great fun on this course.  Each hole had a set of instructions on how to play it, so it made for an adventurous day.  Of our group, we had one set of winners:  Donna Ihle, Paulette Lee and Dot Hensen.  Congratulations! 

I'm told that the hospitality was wonderful as was the attention to details and wonderful food.  I'm sure we can hardly wait to do it again next year.  Enjoy a few candid pics.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Bayou De Saird 2-Lady Scramble

I am so sorry to report that this reporter failed to take the memory card for the camera when we went to play the Scramble in Monroe on June 1st, so I have only three pics that were taken on a camera phone.

I wish I could paint in words what a great tournament it was.  The course is absolutely beautiful....an old traditional style with huge trees and bayou lining the fairways, along with an abundance of lovely white sand bunkers.

There was a full field of 72 ladies playing this year, and five of those 72 were our Shreveport area ladies:  Mary Jo Gray, Suzanne Tinsley, Donna Cobb, Shirley Pettitt, and me (Kathleen McCoy).  Playing under really gruelling conditions of around 100 degree temps, all five of our ladies were winners....not just because they finished, but because they placed in their flights.

Donna and Shirley placed second in the First Flight, scoring 70 and edging out Mary Jo and Suzanne who won third place with their 71.  My partner was Hassie Kirschenbaum from Frenchman's Bend and we tied for second place with our 78, but lost the scorecard playoff, ending up with third place in the second flight.

 
If you've never considered this tournament, you get lots of "bang for your buck".  The $90 per person entry fee includes the cart and practice round, a lovely dinner party at one of the ladies' homes on the bayou with unlimited drinks the night before, breakfast, awards luncheon, and door prizes for everyone who didn't win something.  Now that's alot!

Think about it for next year!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

East Ridge Member Guest Tournament

Tuesday, May 24, was the day of the ERCC Member/Guest tournament, with thirteen 2-lady teams participating.  The results were as follows:

First Flight:
1st Place: Martha Beadles Bordelon (ERCC)/Gloria Utley (WGAS) 61
2nd Place: Kip Anderson (ERCC)/Jill Litton (NHGC) 65
3rd Place: Anne Timmers (ERCC)/Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) 64

Second Flight:
1st Place: Phyllis Ryan (ERCC)/Martha Lawhorne (BWGA) 63
2nd Place:  Sherry Shields (ERCC)/Linda Christiansen (NHGC) 67
3rd Place:  Gayle Gansfuss (ERCC)/Jeanie Ward (PCC) 69

Closest to the Pin: #5 Donna Cobb (BWGA)
Closest to the Pin: #13 Robbie Gaiennie (ERCC)

Just a few pictures: 

Sunday, May 15, 2011

La-Di-Da Tournament

Four of us SWGA ladies escaped to Lufkin TX to play in the La-Di-Day 4-lady tournament on May 10-12 at Crown Colony Country Club. What a great experience!
The format was unlike anything we had played before. Each lady got 80% of her handicap and everyone played her own ball. Upon completing the hole, we chose the two best gross scores and added them together and also the two best net scores and added them together, and the same lady’s score could be used for both gross and net. At the end of the day, there was a total gross and total net score.

It was a very challenging course with lots of sand and water and we didn’t feel that we had played extraordinarily well; however, when we got in, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that we had scored second best gross and first best net! We were nearly speechless (except for Shirley, who is never speechless).

It rained really hard the evening after the first round. In fact, we got about 3” of rain. As we had dreaded, it was cart path only on the second day. But the good news was that the bunkers were unplayable. We didn’t play as well on the second day, but I guess no one else did either because we still ended up second in the whole field for gross and first for net. What a great surprise! We each got a huge, heavy crystal vase to take home for our efforts.

While the entry fee may have seemed a bit “pricey” to start with at $225 per person, I can guarantee you that it was well worth the money. That price included the practice round with cart, welcome dinner and party (including drinks), full hot breakfast each morning, a sit down dinner after the first round of tournament play, awards luncheon, and each person received a nice windbreaker with zip-off sleeves.

These ladies really know how to put on a tournament. You would give yourself a treat if you plan to attend next year. We hope to plan with them around our own area tournaments so that there won’t be a conflict next time. It’s only a 2 ½ hr trip from Shreveport, and well worth the drive.

Enjoy the slideshow presentation.

SSWGA Championship

This year's SSWGA Championship was held at Fox Run Golf Club on May 11-12.  Twenty-four ladies played for the championship honors, but it was Teri McGuire of Stonebridge Country Club that took the championship with her rounds of 85 and 89, also taking the Medalist honors.

All other winners are listed below:

First Flight:
1st Gross: Teri McGuire (WGAS)
2nd Gross: Marge Snyder (NHGC)
1st Net: Donna Phillips (STCC)
2nd Net: Jimmie Zey (PCC)
Low Putts: Joyce Middleton (ERCC)
Closest to Pin: Joyce Middleton

Second Flight:
1st Gross: Kyong Lee (BWGA)
2nd Gross: Joanne McDonald (STCC)
1st Net: Donna Ihle (WGAS)
2nd Net: Grace Ireland (PCC)
Low Putts: Theresa Kruse (FRLGA)
Closest to Pin: Theresa Kruse

Third Flight:
1st Gross: Pat Miller (BWGA)
2nd Gross: Tommye Englecke (BWGA)
1st Net: Pat Rice (BWGA)
2nd Net: Mary Welch (BWGA)
Low Putts: Jean Brown (STCC)
Closest to Pin: Tommye Englecke

Most Accurate Drive: Kyong Lee

Enjoy a few pictures from the tournament:

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Southern Belle

This year's Southern Belle Tournament was held on May 4-5 at Southern Trace Country Club.  Twenty-one 2-lady teams enjoyed the fun and fellowship.  When the strokes were counted, Overall Low Gross went to Teri McGuire (WGAS) and Moise Allen (STCC) with their score of 144.  Overall Low Net was won by Mary Jo Gray and Suzanne Tinsley (both WGAS) with a 125.5 net score. 

Other winners are:
First flight:
Low gross: Maggie Sagabaen (WGAS) and Mary Coker (STCC)  147
lst Low net:  Joan Meyer and Connie Kennedy 128.25
2nd Low net: Joyce Middleton and Kip Anderson (both ERCC) 135

Second flight:
Low gross:  Joyce Libbey and Sherry Boles 153
lst Low net:  Margo Myatt and Vien Wheeler (both STCC) 135
2nd Low net: Shirley Branham and Cindy Sayes 136.5

Closest to the Pin:  #4 Lisa Russell, #6 Shirley Branham, #13 Joyce Libbey, #16 Donna Richards
Accuracy Drive:  Ada Bryant
Longest Drive: Maggie Sagabaen (WGAS)

Enjoy slideshow presentation:

Friday, April 29, 2011

Palmetto Classic

Forty-four 2-lady teams did some "Swingin' in the Swamp" at the annual Palmetto Classic on April 26-28th.  We had a weather swing that started with heat, followed by tornadoes in the area, gale force winds on the first day, and a really chilly start of a beautiful day on the final day. 

As usual, the Palmetto ladies put on a great tournament and the course was in wonderful shape in spite of the weather.  We had 17 local-lady teams, and of those, we had 8 winning teams!!!  The overall winners were Mary Jo Gray and Suzanne Tinsley, both out of Stonebridge CC.  They shot a smooth 72 on the first day of best ball, tied with Tina Essler and Shirley Pettitt of Broadmoor.  On the second day, they ended the scramble with a 71 on the scorecard, beating the Broadmoor ladies by three strokes total.  Congratulations to all of you winners!

Enjoy the slideshow.  There are alot of pictures to see. 

Friday, April 22, 2011

SSWGA Playday at East Ridge

Thirty-eight ladies "broke in" the pro shop at East Ridge Country Club, thanks to the terrific sale they offered during the SSWGA Playday on April 21st.  The new pro shop is a delight, both inside and out, and we're sure the East Ridge ladies are very proud of it.

The day started out a bit "nippy", followed by a few rain sprinkles, but ended with a warm, windy day.  As usual, the course was in great shape and great fun was had by all.  For complete list of winners, see the right column of this blog.

The next SSWGA event is the annual Championship which will be held at Fox Run on May 11-12 with the practice round on May 9th.  There is information and an entry form on this blog.  Entry deadline is near, so let your Club Rep know if you plan to attend.

Monday, April 18, 2011

LWGA State Match Play Tournament

If you've ever wanted to play in a State Tournament, this is the one to try first! Not only is match play the most pressure-less format to play, but this year it's at a truly fabulous course:  TPC Louisiana.  For those of you that are thinking "I don't want to go to New Orleans....", well, it's not in New Orleans.  It's close, but on the western side... in Avondale. 

If you don't like the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, you never have to go there.  Dates are June 26-29, with some variations depending on whether you're qualifying for the Championship Flight and if you win your first two matches.
Go to www.tpc.com/louisiana  and take a look at the course.  For $150, you will get two rounds of golf; a night of food, fun, bowling, music and drinks at Mid-City Rock 'n' Bowl; a very nice tee gift; and winner prizes.  Take a look at the Rock 'n' Bowl website and you'll see what to expect: lots of dancing, singing, good music and great food, with a little bowling thrown in for competitive fun.
If you lose both of your matches on Monday and Tuesday, then you're done and can go home.  If you win either of the first two matches, you go on to play the third day, for which there is an additional $25 fee.

The practice round which you will surely want to play is an additional $50 and tee times can be made now for the Sunday practice round.

For more information, Click Here.  For a printable entry form, Click Here.

Friday, April 15, 2011

NW Louisiana Sr. Olympics Golf

Approximately 40 people participated in the Sr. Olympics Golf event at Crooked Hollow Golf Club on April 15th.  Unfortunately there were only four ladies who competed this year, but it was a fun time, in spite of the challenging greens that are in the transition stage right now.  There were just two age categories, so everyone was a medal winner. 

In one group, Marge Snyder (NHGC) took the gold medal with a score of 94 while Susan Berry (NHGC) tool the silver with her 101.  In the other age group, Cathy Buckley (BWGA) won the gold medal with an 87 and Kathleen McCoy (BWGA) got the silver with her 90.  In order to qualify for the State Competition later this year, each winner must score 100 or less, so we had three that can go on to the next step of competition.  Hopefully we will see more of you ladies at next year's event.

SWGA Fox Run Playday

Can too much beautiful weather spoil us?  Who knows.  Who cares.  We loved it.  In fact, fifty of us loved it on April 14th at Fox Run.  Didn't get alot of pics, but those I got are in this slideshow, while the list of winners is in the right column.

Wine and Roses Tournament

Once again, this was a GREAT tournament.  And we had such wonderful attendance from the Shreveport ladies' group!  There were nineteen of us participating this year.  The new-comers really enjoyed themselves....and took home some prizes.

Lillian Granger (STCC) and partner Lisa Russell took first place honors in a nail-biting playoff to win the Championship flight with their score of 71.  Congratulations ladies!
Jeanette Bohringer (BWGA) and JoAnne McDonald (STCC) won 3rd place in the Second flight with their 83, while Jackie Wood (BWGA) and Pat Rice (BWGA) won 3rd place in the Third flight with an 84.


I am so sad to tell you that all the first day pictures (34 of them) that included the super duper welcome party were LOST after I downloaded them onto my computer, so ladies, we have no evidence of the partying!  If I can find pictures that someone else took, I'll include them in the slideshow presentation at a later date.  This has never happened before, and I have searched in every spot I can think of on my computer.  I had even cropped them and got them ready for the blog.  But when I got home, zap, they were not there, so there are only pictures of the second day.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

LWGA State Senior Tournament

The Bluffs on Thompson Creek.  Even the name is fabulous.....and it fits the course!

Ninty-two ladies made the trip to St. Francisville for this year's Senior Championship.  This was a new venue for this tournament, but it's a keeper.  The course is postcard pretty and enough challenges to make you pull out your hair.  But it was a wonderful tournament, in spite of howling winds on Monday and very nippy temps on Tuesday morning. 

Six of our local Shreveport ladies participated this year, but we had only two winners.  Mary Jo Gray from Stonebridge won Low Gross in the second flight (on her birthday, I might add), with a very nice 83 on the first day, followed by an 87 on the final day. Gayle Gansfuss of East Ridge won 2nd Low Net in the third flight with her net scores of 70 and 74.   Great playing ladies!

The next LWGA event will be the oh-so-much-fun Match Play event June 26-29 at TPC New Orleans, which is actually located at Avondale, outside of New Orleans.  Entry forms will be coming out soon and I'll post it on this blog for your convenience.

Enjoy a slideshow presentation of the Senior Tournament.  Click on any picture to get full size photos.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

New Southern Belle Format

Southern Trace Country Club is very excited to have made some changes to the Annual Southern Belle 2-lady tournament......... including a LOWER ENTRY FEE! There will be a Wednesday afternoon start for round one and a Thursday morning start for the final round, accommodating those traveling from out of town. They will offer a 1/2 price guest fee for those that may want to come in early for a practice round and the host hotel is The Eldorado Resort and Casino. The rate for Southern Belle participants is only $74 per room. Please call 877-602-0711 and tell them you are a Southern Belle participant.

Please click here for full information and entry form.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

SSWGA Playday Palmetto CC

SSWGA Events Chairman Susan Berry is proud to announce that 42 ladies participated in the first SSWGA event of 2011 at Palmetto Country Club.  The weather was picture-perfect and the course looked great.  Susan is extremely happy with the hospitality and cooperative spirit of the entire Palmetto staff. 

Posting the lowest score of the day, Mary Coker (STCC) shot a nice 87.  Congratulations Mary! 

The next SSWGA Playday will be at East Ridge Country Club on Thursday, April 21, with a 9:30am shotgun.  Sign up NOW before you forget!

For full scoring results, see the article in the right column.  To view the small slideshow in full size, click on any picture.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Muscular Dystrophy Tournament

The National Association of Letter Carriers (Branch 197) is hosting a 4-person scramble to aid in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy.  The tournament will be held on Sunday, April 10, at Crooked Hollow Golf Club, 8667 Elysian Fields Rd, Greenwood, LA.  There will be a 1:00pm shotgun start.

The $65 per person entry free includes greens fee, cart, and a great dinner.  Entry fee is due by Friday, April 1st.  Contact Donna Sterner at 318-470-7512 for more information or to sign up.

This will be great fun for a worthwhile cause.  I have my team.  Have you got yours?

Friday, March 18, 2011

First SWGA Playday.... a Great Success!

Fifty-four ladies showed up to play our first playday of the year at East Ridge Country Club.  The weather was beautiful and the course was "greening up" nicely, as was the participants.  Since it was St. Patrick's Day, nearly every lady was sporting green attire of some type....some of which were a bit "over the top"....Robbie.  It was great fun. 

This was also the first event for our new Events Chairman Gayles Gansfuss, who did a great job having things run smoothly.  We will be spoiled with such hospitality as that shown at East Ridge.

Winners and scores are shown in the right column and a slideshow presentation is shown below.  Click on any picture to get a fullsize view.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

"Gearing Up For Spring" at Shreveport Country Club

Mary Lynn Stuart has put together a women's golf extravaganza at Shreveport Country Club on March 29.  There will be a  trunk show featuring shirts, shorts, skirts, shoes, bags, Sky Caddy, and maybe a few more things.  The clothing lines will be Antiqua and Monterey Club.  Golf bags are by R. J. Sports and Sassy Caddy.

SCC is offering the SWGA ladies a special $30 fee (plus tax) and will arrange to have a 9:00am shotgun start for all who plan to attend.  There will also be options for lunch at an additional charge.  They will also offer the women a FREE V-1 Swing Analysis.

As a reminder, SCC doesn't sell alcohol, but golfers can bring the beverage of their choice to the course.  As soon as possible, a link to a flyer about the event will be added to this posting.  If you have questions or want to participate, call Shreveport CC and give them your name.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Volunteers Needed

The first ever Golf Classic benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is being hosted at East Ridge Country Club on March 28.  Our own Robbie Gaiennie is handling this project and she is in need of volunteers to help with the event. 

In addition to watching for the hole-in-ones, she needs people to sit and watch Kyle Sawyer (long drive champion) smoke em over the ditch on 14 and take money for him hitting their ball; someone to take money on two holes for paying to move up to the ladies tee. 

Watching for the hole-n-one on #9 will be tricky because it is also a betting hole.  Volunteers will have to watch for hole-n-ones and watch to see if they hit the side of the green marked and stay to double a bet.  Ladies at the bottom will take the double or nothing bet or pay them if their ball sticks.  Thats about it! For volunteers who choose to stay for the banquet, there is also free wine/beer and a cash bar in addition to the $25.00 Prime Rib Buffet (paid by volunteer).  Lunch is free for the first shift (11:30am - 3:00pm).

If you are interested in helping, contact Robbie asap.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Senior Olympics Golf

One of our very own, Susan Berry, is in charge of the Golf event for the NW Louisiana Senior Olympics this year.  Please put the date of April 15 on your calendar and plan to play in this Louisiana Senior Olympics qualifiying event.  If you place first, second, or third in your age range or shoot a qualifying score, you can move on to the State event which is held in October in the Baton Rouge area.  From there you can move all the way to Nationals!

To partipate in this event, or any of dozens of Senior Olympics events, you must first pay a $15 general entry fee which entitles you to participate in three different sports.  That $15 also gives you a beautifully designed Sr. Olympics tee shirt.  Some of the events involve an extra fee and Golf is one of those.  You will need to pay an additional $30 fee for the golfing event which will be held at Crooked Hollow on April 15 at 8:30am.  In addition to the golfing, you will also get a free lunch which is always VERY GOOD as well as some other freebies.

The entry form and all the details can be found online at http://www.nwlsog.org/Please be advised that the date shown on the entry form for the golf event is INCORRECT.  It SHOWS April 22 but the correct date is APRIL 15.

Susan is also in charge of the new Miniature Golf competition which will be held on Thursday, May 5, at Pary Central in Bossier City at 6:30pm.  There is a $4 fee for this event.

In addition to these two golf events, there is a Golf Chipping and Putting event at the Practice Tee on Benton Rd at 1:30pm on Sunday, May 15.

Check out the list of events at the link shown above and join in the fun.  You might win an Olympic Medal!

Monroe Area Golf

The Monroe area golfing ladies have an organization similar to the SWGA and is called the Bayou DeSaird Country Club LGA.  It appears to me that their association includes 6-8 different golf clubs.  They have contacted me providing information on tournaments in their area and expressing interest in attending tournaments in our area.

The dates and locations of their seven tournaments are listed in this blog under "Other Golfing Events" and as I receive entry form information, I'll add links to them.  This gives us even MORE options for our golfing experiences in an area that is within commuting distance.

Please take a look at their tournaments and we'll see if we can get a group together to attend some of them.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

GOLF SEASON STARTS!

Hoorah!  It's time to get out and play some golf.  Clean out your golf bag.  Have new grips put on your clubs.  Buy a new pair of shoes so you'll have the whole year to break 'em in.  And then....sign up to play the first SWGA playday at East Ridge Country Club

As it happens, our first playday is on March 17....St. Patrick's day; so you can come as a leprechaun, or bring a pot 'o gold, or maybe just wear something GREEN!  But whatever you do, plan to come and start the year with 100% participation.  The shotgun start is at 10:00am.

You need to contact your Club Rep (they are listed in the right column of this blog) if you plan to play and you should do that by March 12th.  Hope to see you there!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

LWGA Individual Sponsor

Here's a chance for you to support the Louisisana Women's Golf Association and Junior Golf in Louisiana....by becoming an individual sponsor!

Since 1925, the LWGA has promoted women's golf in our state by conducting championships which encourage the development of sportsmanship, amateurism and skill in the game for all ages, as well as camaraderie among golfers from all over the state.

As an individual sponsor, you will receive news letters with golf news from across Louisiana, and invitations to tournaments will be sent directly to your address.  The cost is $25 which covers the cost of printing and mailing.  Please demonstrate your pride in our state organization and all it is doing for the game by sending your check.  You may opt to receive your tournament information via mail or electronic entry forms.
Click here for Individual Sponsorship form

LWGA Senior Championship

The 20th Annual LWGA Senior Championship will be held on April 3-5 at The Bluffs Country Club in St. Francisville, LA.  This stroke play event is for ladies you have reached thier 50th birthday by April 4, 2011.  Registration and practice round is Sunday, April 3rd, followed by two days of play.  The $160 entry fee includes two days of play, lunch on Monday and Tuesday, a social and dinner on Monday night, and all prizes.  The practice round is an additional $40.
Click here for Tournament Info
Click here for entry form

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Goodbye University Club

The SWGA had it's final meeting/luncheon at the University Club on Friday, Jan. 14th, when forty-three of our ladies attended our Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon.  As usual, the Club's service was exceptional and we will all miss this meeting place.

The meeting ushered in the new slate of officers for 2011 and highlighted our past year in words as well as a slideshow presentation of the year's activities.  The new officers and reps are listed in the right hand column.

One of the highlights of our meeting is the announcement of winners of the special year-end awards that are presented to ladies who had a minimum of five SWGA golf scores, using the lowest five scores to determine averages.  

Joyce Middleton (ERCC) averaged the lowest gross score of 85.8 while Shirley Pettitt (BWGA) received Honorable Mention for her 86.6 average.  Lowest net scores went to Marge Snyder (NHGC) with a 67.6, followed closely by Kathleen McCoy (BWGA) with a 67.8, then Gayle Gansfuss (ERCC) and Donna Phillips (STCC) who tied with a 69.4, and Donna Cobb (BWGA) with a 70.4.  Low Putts awards went to Donna Phillips with her average of 31 putts, followed by Kathleen McCoy with 31.8.

The Most Improved golfer was Theresa Kruse (PCC) who improved by a whopping 5.7 strokes!  Theresa was followed by Martha Lawhorne (BWGA) who was no slouch with her improvement of 4.1 strokes.

Six ladies received 100% Participation awards:  Donna Cobb, Gayle Gansfuss (ERCC), Paulette Lee (WGAS), Kathleen McCoy, Joyce Middleton, and Phyllis Ryan (ERCC)

Congratulations to everyone.  We are hoping to increase the dollar amount of the end-of-year awards and/or the number of awards in the coming year, budget permitting, so keep up the good work!

Click on the slideshow presentation to enlarge the pictures.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

New Handicap Revision Dates

By now, those of you who use the Louisiana Golf Association for your handicapping system have received an email giving your current Handicap Index AS OF JANUARY 15th.  When I saw my email, I wondered if I had slept through half a month, because we always get this information on the 1st of the month.

According to Lee Rainwater of the LGA, the USGA has adopted a national revision schedule which all golf associations in the U.S. must begin using no later than 2012. The LGA, the governing body for amateur golf in the state of Louisiana, has chosen to implement this schedule one year early.

The new Handicap Revision schedule took effect on January 1, 2011. It is important to note that, beginning in 2011, revisions must be provided on the first and fifteenth of each month. All Louisiana clubs must follow this revision schedule in order to issue approved USGA Handicap Indexes to their members. So, Louisiana golfers maintaining a USGA Handicap Index will now get twice as many revisions throughout the course of a year.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Real Call to Pro Shop....

Staff: Golf course, may I help you?
Caller: Yes, I'd like to get a tee time tomorrow between 12 o'clock and noon.
Staff: Between 12 o'clock and noon?
Caller: Yes.
Staff: We'll try to squeeze you in.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

An Inspiring Story

I don't know who first put this story out to the public, but I found it on patriotfiles.com in order to verify it.  It's a great tribute to Ping.

******************

My wife and I have just returned from a short trip to Disney in Orlando to decompress from the Thanksgiving holiday. Our plan was to see the holiday decorations at Disney and while she shopped, I would play a little golf.

On Monday, I played the Disney, Lake Buena Vista course. As usual the starters matched me with three other players. After a few holes we began to get to know each other a bit. One fellow was rather young and had his wife riding along in the golf cart with him. I noticed that his golf bag had his name on it and after closer inspection, it also said "wounded war veterans".

When I had my first chance to chat with him I asked him about the bag. His response was simply that it was a gift. I then asked if he was wounded and he said yes. When I asked more about his injury, his response was "I'd rather not talk about it, sir".

Over a few holes I learned that he had spent the last 15 months in an army rehabilitation hospital in San Antonio Texas . His wife moved there to be with him and he was released from the hospital in September. He was a rather quiet fellow, however, he did say that he wanted to “get good at golf.”

We had a nice round and as we became a bit more familiar I asked him about the a brand new set of Ping woods and irons he was playing. Some looked like they had never been hit. His response was simple. He said that this round was the first full round he had played with these clubs.

Later in the round he told me the following. As part of the discharge process from the rehabilitation hospital, Ping comes in and provides three days of golf instruction, followed by club fitting. Upon discharge from the hospital, Ping gives each of the discharged veterans, generally about 40 soldiers, a brand new set of custom fitted clubs along with the impressive golf bags.

The fellow I met was named Ben Woods and he looked me in the eye and said that being fitted for those clubs was one of the best things that ever happened to him and he was determined to learn to play golf well enough to deserve the gift Ping had given him.

Ben is now out of the service, medically discharged just a month ago. He is as fine a young man as you would ever want to meet.

Ping has the good judgment not to advertise this program. But the next time I am in the market for a club, I know what I am going to buy.

God Bless America and the game of golf.

2020 SWGA playdays

  • ALL OF THE EVENTS LISTED BELOW COUNT TOWARDS YOUR 100% PARTICIPATION RECOGNITION Except those marked with an (*)
  • If you miss ONE required event, it can be replaced by ONE day of play in Team Matches
  • March 17: Scramble at East Ridge CC, 9:00am
  • April 16: Playday at Bomber Bayou GC, 9:00am
  • May 19: Playday at Stonebridge, 9:00am
  • June 9: Playday at Northwood, 9:00am
  • July 2: Playday at Southern Trace CC, 9:00am
  • *July 16: Team Matches (Day 1), East Ridge CC, 8:00am
  • *July 21: Team Matches (Day 2), East Ridge CC, 8:00am
  • Sept 21-22: SWGA Championship, Huntington Park GC, 9:00am
  • *November 10: SWGA/SSWGA Turkey Scramble, Crooked Hollow GC, 9:00am
  • *December 8: SWGA/SSWGA Jingle Bell Scramble, Northwood, 10:00am, Bring a Toy

2020 SSWGA Events

  • Dates marked with (*) do not count toward 100% participation
  • March 31: Stonebridge Scramble, 9:00am
  • April 7: Playday at Southern Trace CC, 9:00am
  • May 26: Playday at Northwood, 9:00am
  • June 16 : Playday at East Ridge CC, 9:00am
  • July 14: Playday at Bomber Bayou, 9:00am
  • October 13 and 15: SSWGA Championship, Crooked Hollow GC, 9:00am
  • *November 10: SSWGA/SWGA Turkey Scramble/annual meeting for SSWGA, Crooked Hollow GC, 9:00am
  • *December 8: Jingle Belle Scramble, Northwood Hills GC, 10:00am, bring unwrapped toy

2020 Local Tournaments

  • May 5-6: Southern Belle Ladies Tourney, Southern Trace CC, Shreveport, LA
  • May 13-14: The Tradition Ladies Tourney, Stonebridge GC, Bossier City, LA
  • June 6-7: Stonebridge Couples, Stonebridge GC, Bossier City, LA
  • June 26-28: Bonnie & Clyde Couples, Northwood Hills, Blanchard, LA
  • October 21-22: Roadrunner at East Ridge CC, Shreveport, LA

2020 State/Southern Events

  • April 18-19: Womens' Four Ball, Atchafalaya at Idlewild, Patterson, LA
  • May 7-8: Womens' Mid-Am Championship, Koasati Pines GC, Kinder, LA
  • June 21-24: Womens' Match Play Championship, Tchefuncta CC, Covington, LA
  • August 22-23: Womens' NET Championship, Greystone CC, Denham Springs, LA
  • Oct 8-9: Womens' Senior Championship, Southern Trace CC, Shreveport, LA
  • Oct 26-29: Southern Senior Championship, West Point, MS

Other 2020 NON-LOCAL Golfing Events

  • April 23: Lady Calvert Tourney, Calhoun, LA
  • May 28-30: Couples Invitational, Hot Springs Village, AR
  • July 23-24: Ladies Invitational, Hot Springs Village, AR
  • Aug 5: Diamonds in the Rough, Hollytree CC, Tyler, TX
  • Sept 15-17: Twice as Nice, Texarkana CC, Texarkana, AR
  • 2019 State/Southern Events
  • Oct 2-3: Texarkana Couples Tourney, Texarkana CC, Texarkana, AR
  • Oct 10-11: Dudes 'n Darlings Couples Tourney, Hollytree CC, Tyler, TX
  • Nov 12-14: LaDiDa 4-Lady Tourney, Crown Colony CC, Lufkin, TX