Mary Ornberg
The Wildhorse Lady Niners held its fourth annual Princess Tournament on October 6, 2015. The tournament was planned and organized by the “genius” of Carolyn Thomas. They started with 12 players consisting of Sandy Spitzmueller, Janie Farnsworth, Phyllis Formhals, Mary Ornberg, Teresa Blackburn-Korn, Sharon Dinsmore, Ann Fox, Mary Van Sant, Barb Holst, Deb Nortunen, Kathy Perry and Darla Mahan. Names were drawn to match the players with the following volunteer caddies: Skip Van Pelt, John Saunders, John Thompson, Larry Varnes, Paul Manzke, Juris Klovans, Jerry Ulrich, Doyle Hicks, Rich McDuffie, Bob Hoffenberg, Dave McKie and Randy Brewer.
Each player was greeted by Prince William Thomas at the first tee box as he presented them with their ball. Prince William graciously treated all the players like royalty. As the players attacked the first hole, a drone flew overhead to capture all the excitement. In addition, Mike Waterhouse was our official photographer documenting the entire tournament for posterity.
Each hole had a different sponsor. They included Century Insurance, Ed Heberlein/Flooring Inspirations, Leigh Anne Love/Next Dimension Home Staging, Hickory Creek Dental Group, Carolyn Thomas/ReMax, Kellie Stokes/Attorney-at-Law, School of Rock, an anonymous WLN supporter, Dick Farnsworth/In Memory Of.
Our marshals included Pete Ahrens, Larry Alford and Virginia Wheeless. The scorekeepers were: Judy McDuffie, Linda Brewer, Karen Skokan and Sue Halsted. Paula Saunders was our gallery marshal. Tina Hoffenberg and Olive Morton gave out raffle tickets throughout the day, not only to the players but also to the spectators. Jane Thompson and Shelia Van Pelt represented “grace and dignity” in pink aprons as they served the players and gallery refreshments. The pink donation pail collected $100 in tips for our local charity, Friends of the Family.
Tradition is that no one is eliminated on the first hole. On the second hole, however, two players are eliminated based on their handicapped score and are awarded a free nine hole round. As we continued the weather improved, and the number of players was reduced. Two players were left standing on hole No. 18, and the tension mounted. Deb Nortunen and Sharon Dinsmore dueled to the photo finish. Sharon Dinsmore’s ball achieved the green in two shots, and with two putts she became the 2015 Lady Niner Princess.
Our contributors of door prizes for the tournament were donated by: 5 Star Golf, RR Pro Shop and Sales Office, Ginny Estrada, US Nails in Roanoke, Dolores Esposito, Spa on the Square in Southlake, Joy Keteltas, Bev Busick and AIC Brands/Mary Kay, Doug Akins, Me Spa in Southlake, RR Venera Monahan.
Lunch and the Princess Coronation followed where Sharon received her jeweled crown. Prince William was charming, as he placed it upon her head. Her Royal Highness, Princess Sharon will reign until next October, where she will have to defend her title.