Left to right: Carol Rumberger, Linda Higdon, Katherine Rosselot, Barb Bettiga, Ann Brehm, Kayla Battistelli, Gabie Bull, Jeannie Martinez, Okcha Cummings, Becci Tomasek, and Paula DiFonzo
Valerie O’Neal
The Eclectic Tournament remains one of the WGA’s most popular annual events, and this year’s tournament was no exception. A record-setting 92 women participated, allowing the field to be divided into 10 flights.
The Eclectic format is a favorite among players because it provides an opportunity to improve scores on individual holes during the second round of play. Competitors strive to better their Day One performance, making for an exciting and rewarding tournament experience.
Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each flight, along with a special award for the Most Improved Player. This year’s first-place winners were:
* Flight 1: Becci Tomasek
* Flight 2: Okcha Cummings
* Flight 3: Jeanie Martinez
* Flight 4: Ann Brehm
* Flight 5: Barb Bettina
* Flight 6: Kayla Battistelli
* Flight 7: Katherine Rosselot
* Flight 8: Gabie Bull
* Flight 9: Linda Higdon
* Flight 10: Carol Rumberger
The Most Improved Player Award was presented to Paula DiFonzo, who improved her score by an impressive 16 strokes from Day One to Day Two.
Adding to the excitement, Flight 6 winner Kayla Battistelli began her second round in spectacular fashion by scoring a hole-in-one on her very first shot of the day. Few golfers could imagine a better way to start a round—or improve a score!
In addition to pro shop credits awarded to the winners, participants enjoyed a special bonus this year. Members of the Robson Ranch Happy Potters Club—Leslie Slezak, Lorie Gallagher, Carol Huffman, Tracie Woods, and Jane Demeter—generously donated an assortment of beautiful handmade pottery pieces as prizes. The 30 top finishers, along with the Most Improved Player, were able to select from a variety of unique bowls, platters, and other pottery creations to take home.
The tournament concluded with a wonderful luncheon in the Clubhouse following play on the second day.
Special thanks go to tournament co-chairs Leslie Slezak and Gina Clark for organizing and delivering another outstanding Eclectic Tournament.