Category — Ladies Golf Association

WELGA Members Players in Captain’s Choice on Opening Day April 1, 2010.

The WELGA’s Opening Day was an unqualified success!  Gloriously warm weather, full swing and short game instruction by one of the nation’s top golf instructors (Dana Rader), Captain’s Choice with friends, a delicious dinner followed by crème brulee and Dana’s remarks about enjoying the game at all skill levels – a perfect day! Thanks to Ed, Derek, Cole, and Wayne and kudos to Robert, Chef John, and the restaurant staff for making this event a fabulous time!  A special THANK YOU goes to Tom Ulbrich (National City Mortgage) for donating $25 gift certificates for the closest-to-the-pin winners on the par 3’s: Marilyn Hanover (#2), Katy Sulzman (#7), Judy Breznay (#11), and Sue Borg (#15).

At our opening meeting, I announced the Board’s decision to endorse an EP Pro shirt (color: periwinkle) for WELGA members to wear when we play in special events such as Invitationals and the Mermaid. Many members ordered shirts during the meeting; however, if you did not, some additional shirts were ordered. The Pro Shop has a sample shirt in each size (you can also see the shirt online at www.EPPro.com – style 5150). The shirts should arrive shortly; hopefully, they will be here in time for The Water’s Edge Invitational on May 6.

For various reasons, some members wish to play nine holes rather than 18. Some are beginners learning the game and they plan to progress to 18 holes as their skills develop. Some gals want to spend less time on the course than it takes to play 18 holes. Whatever the motivation, WELGA is excited to have such a vibrant 9-hole group! Prior to the main membership meeting, the Niners were invited to discuss the 2010 season with nine-hole leaders, Joanne Stokes and Susan McCaleb. More than 20 ladies attended this planning session. Nine-hole plans include fifteen-minute tip sessions with the Pro prior to play on Tuesday mornings. These mini-clinics will cover basics and cost $5 a person per session. Call the Pro Shop to sign up for the clinics and to play with the nine-hole group on Tuesday mornings. The nine-holers will record birdies and ringers the same as the 18-holers.

Thursday is Ladies Day for both the nine-hole and 18-hole groups – play begins at 9:00 a.m. until June 4, when the tee time will be 8:30 a.m. Call the Pro Shop to sign up. The computer picks the pairings.

During the season, WELGA members have opportunities to play in invitationals. These are fun events where WELGA is invited to enjoy other area courses for a modest fee. By now, each WELGA member should have received the 2010 Ladies Golf Association Guide which provides more complete information about our golf season. If you did not receive your Guide, please let me know. If you have any questions or suggestions related to WELGA, feel free to contact me – 576-2408. Mark these upcoming WELGA dates on your calendar:

- May 4 Danville Invitational

- May 6 The Water’s Edge Invitational

- May 11 Blue Hills Invitational

- May 20 The Westlake Invitational

- May 23 Rally for Cure

- June 2 Ole Monterey Invitational

- June 10 WELGA Member-Guest

- June 17 Hunting Hills Invitational

- June 22 Vista Links Invitational

- June 24-25 WELGA Member-Member

- June 29 Tuscarora Invitational

Finally, I encourage all WELGA members to be tolerant and gentle with each other and to be especially kind to our newbies. Give “atta-girls” and remember all of us were new golfers at one time. Let’s make 2010 the season where our golf skills improve dramatically and our friendships are built to last!

 “I know I’m getting better at golf because I’m hitting fewer spectators.” ~Gerald Ford.

 Fran Nielsen, WELGA Chair

Cole and Derek await the Ladies Golf Association.

By: Fran Nielsen, WELGA Chair

The snow has finally melted and it’s time to play golf! The Pro Shop staff is anxious to assist us with lessons, golf tips, club selection, new grips, and – most of all – encouragement!

All ladies of The Water’s Edge Country Club are invited to WELGA’s Opening Dinner, 6:00 p.m., April 1, to hear guest speaker, Ms. Dana Rader, the LPGA’s Teaching and Club Professional National President. Dana was recognized in Golf for Women as one of the top 50 teachers in the U.S.

Opening Day golf will be Captain’s Choice (computer-selected teams) at 1:00 p.m., followed by a WELGA membership meeting (5:30 p.m.). Note: the start time has moved ahead a half hour to accommodate the Rader clinics. Separate reservations are needed for golf (Pro Shop 576-3343) and dinner (Clubhouse 576-1556).

The Water’s Edge Ladies Golf Association offers a fun, friendly environment for golfers at all skill levels. Throughout the season opportunities exist to play in special events and tournaments. Every week we play on Thursday, Ladies Day, at 9:00 a.m. – call the Pro Shop to sign up. The computer picks the pairings.

WELGA has a highly-motivated nine-hole group headed by Joanne Stokes (576-1225) and Susan McCaleb (309-5112). Besides playing on Ladies Day, the nine-holers will golf on Tuesday mornings about 10 a.m. accompanied by a seasoned golfer who will share hints for improved play – contact Joanne or Susan for more information.

The Water’s Edge Invitational is Thursday, May 6.  Invitees are the ladies from Forest Park, Goodyear, Chatmoss, Danville, Tuscarora, Willow Creek, Westlake, and Waterfront. Please participate in this event; this is our opportunity to showcase our beautiful course and offer hospitality to our sister clubs. WELGA’s goal is to have at least one WELGA member in each foursome of players for this event.

Some upcoming WELGA dates:

May 6 Water’s Edge Invitational

May 23 Rally for Cure

June 10 Member-Guest

June 24-25 Member-Member

“My swing is so bad I look like a caveman killing his lunch.” ~Lee Trevino.

By: Fran Nielsen, WELGA Chair 

As I write this update, over a foot of snow covers our beautiful course, with more of the white stuff predicted. By the time you read this, hopefully we will be able to see green fairways and you will start to get psyched for a new golf year.

Prior to Christmas, the WELGA Board met to shape the 2010 season. Right from the start, it promises to be great! If you have read your e-mail from thewatersedgeccgolf.com, some of this update will be old news by now. I encourage you to make certain we have your correct e-mail address.

Opening day is April 1. We’ll play Captain’s Choice at 12:30 p.m. immediately followed by our membership meeting (5:00 p.m.) and dinner. Ms. Dana Rader, the LPGA’s Teaching and Club Professional National President, recognized in Golf for Women as one of the top 50 teachers in the U.S., will be the guest speaker for the Opening Dinner.

In conjunction with the opening, Dana and her colleague, Julie Cole, will conduct four three-hour golf clinics April 1 and 2 (9 a.m. to noon; 1:00 p.m. to 4 each day). The cost is $180 per clinic. (Dana gave us a special fee and WELGA will subsidize $50 of the $180 for WELGA members.) Class size is ten students per session. The first three clinics filled up in less than a week of announcing them via e-mail and posters, so a fourth session (Friday afternoon) has been added. A few open spots remain. A check to WELGA is needed to reserve a spot. (Mail check to Fran Nielsen, 125 Low Country Drive, Penhook, VA 24137 – call me if you have questions, 540-576-2408).

Please attend the opening meeting and dinner (separate reservations are needed for golf (Pro Shop) and the dinner (Clubhouse)). Copies of the LGA Guide will be distributed after the meeting. Meanwhile, here are a few key dates:

• April 1  Opening
• April 12-14 (placeholder – Pinehurst trip)
• May 6 Water’s Edge Invitational
• May 23 Rally for Cure
• June 10-11 Member-Guest
• June 24-25 Member-Member
• July 6 Guest Day
• July 22 Junior/Senior & Mid-year Membership Meeting
• Aug 5 Mermaid (Westlake)
• Sep 23 Senior Championship
• Oct 1 Guest Day
• Oct 19  9-hole Closing
• Oct 21 Closing
• Nov 1-3 (placeholder – Pinehurst trip)

Hopefully, during the off-season you had opportunities for golf and now you’re ready for 2010 to be your best golf year ever!

“Forget your opponents; always play against par.” ~Sam Snead 

The 2009 WELGA Finale

By: Fran Nielsen, WELGA Chair

The 2009 WELGA Finale was a great success! Perfect golf weather, yummy food and the annual slide show included some pictures from the past! Award winners were pleased with their golf goodies – shoe bags, garment bags, and other golf accessories.

The 2009 winners are:

• Club Champion – Skylar Bass
• Senior Club Champion – Leslie Haycock (gross),
  Dessie Keller (net)
• Member-Member – Ann Kite/Marilyn Hanover (gross), Irma Smart/Sue Barker (net)
• Junior-Senior – Marilyn Hanover/Leslie Haycock (gross), Anne Fetterly/Linda Simpson (net)
• Ringer Winners – Ann Kite, Sandy Garrison, Sandra Brunk, Brenda Sosnoski, Marilyn Carroll
• Most Improved – Leslie Haycock
• Most Birdies – Leslie Haycock (20)
• 9-Hole Recognition – Alice Lively (most improved), Wendie Waddell (most dedicated)

Again, my sincere thanks to the gals who served on the 2009 WELGA Board! It’s through their efforts that we celebrated another great golf season at The Water’s Edge!