Putts, Pearls, and Polka Dots players
Debbie Ferguson
Happy New Year, golf fans! What do pearls have to do with the SaddleBrooke Ranch Women’s Golf Association (SBRWGA)? The always exciting member/member tournament was held on Nov. 27 and 28 with a record of 72 members playing under the theme of Putts, Pearls, and Polka Dots. All the flights were named after different pearl varieties. The SBRWGA ladies did not disappoint. They embraced the theme and arrived for the first of the two-day tournament in their best polka dot and pearl outfits and accessories. The weather reminded the field that it was indeed the last week of November with the temperature at tee time of a cool 45 degrees with wind gusts up to 14 mph.
Polka dots were seen on hats, socks, leggings, dresses, and sweaters. Pearls made appearances in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Carts were elegantly draped in pearls, fringe, and crystals, a sight to behold.
Once warmups were completed and pictures were taken, knit hats, down coats, and layers were added to start the all-important golf portion of the event. As the players arrived at their assigned tees, they were greeted by original artwork, welcoming the golfers to the tee box. Each unique tee marker sign was made by the social committee and contributed to the festive atmosphere. Good-natured competition helped keep the ladies warm. This reporter is in need of a supply of Hot Hands for the rest of the winter season. Note for next year … an Irish coffee and peppermint schnapps beverage cart!
As the day warmed up the scores went down and players embraced each other’s strengths for the best net ball format. Strokes were reviewed and rules were verified on each hole.
Decisions on who would putt first to give the line, who had strokes, and who should pick up were all taken into consideration. With the scorecards completed and signed, the field made their way to newly elected VP Nancy Messner’s home to enjoy appetizers, beverages, and each other’s polka dots and pearls in the sun. The social committee provided the delicious food and the Messners were gracious, welcoming hosts. The live scoreboard was displayed while the scores were tabulated by our own Cathy Steele and SBR pros Mike and Ken. At last, teams could confirm their rankings in the respective flights.
As the second day opened, new polka dot fashions were unveiled, slightly less wind and warmer temps allowed the ladies to focus on their golf shots. As the round progressed the decisions became crucial to each team’s success, while wondering what was happening on the other parts of the course. Who was having trouble with the arroyos? Would the teams in the lead from day one prevail? Golf fans, these questions would be answered in mere hours. Live scoring was available throughout the round providing real-time positions on the leaderboard.
Some teams started commiserating with liquid refreshment before their round was complete. Ladies raced to the ballroom to follow the results, as your pros verified scorecards and completed the leaderboard.
Monika Bartko and the social committee continued the theme into the Sol Ballroom, with elegant table decorations of red high heels, bottles of wine, and pearls on a mirrored base. These beautiful centerpieces were later raffled off, and 12 lucky ladies went home with these amazing gifts. The buffet and bar were opened and the ladies discussed the trials and tribulations of the round. Finally, the crowd quieted as Diane Taylor welcomed the players and turned over the microphone to Mike for the announcement of the five pearl flight winners and overall winning team. Congratulations to all the players and we’ll be seeing you next year for this popular event.
The overall Member/Member winners were Diana Walton and Barb Simms -13.
Sea of Cortez Pearls winners: Kay Johnson and Kim Rice
South Sea Pearls winners: Mary Fung and Patti Jo Lewis
Tahitian Pearls winners: Kathi Dyer and Janice Mihora
Freshwater Pearls winners: Susan Pharr and Marci Whitehead
Akoya Pearls winners: Barb Simms and Diana Walton
Stay tuned for more great golf action, and watch out for those frost delays! All the best in 2024!