The winners: Shari Watkins, Bonnie Kohnert, Darlene Lamb, Val Bottoms, Laura Ford, Connie Metzler, Sue Halstead, Kathy Calloway, Shirley Green, Ana Corey, Jeanie Martinez, Pam Kanawyer, Cheryl McCally, and Paula DiFonzo; not pictured: Kerri Kay and Becci Tomasek
Ana Corey
What does Punxsutawney, Pa., have in common with Robson Ranch? Groundhog Day! The RRWGA Groundhog Day Tournament, also known as the Eclectic Tournament, was held on July 17 and 18. Like in the movie Groundhog Day, players had the opportunity to repeat the game on the second day. So, during the two-day tournament, the players tried to improve their score on each hole on the second day. The same foursomes played together both days with flags and tee boxes set up exactly as the previous day.
Long shadows were cast in the early morning sun, ensuring the day would remain hot. Each of the 53 women hoped their putters would be hot as well, with long and straight drives leading to easy approach shots to the greens, helping them to play well the first day and even better the second day, thus improving their score. The fairways were glistening with the sprinkle of well-watered grass as day one began with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. Day two, just as in the movie, began the same, with a slight change in the starting hole and a few less players, as the heat from the previous day led to some players opting out.
Co-Chairs Malinda Hall, Deb Nortunen, and Ok Cha Cummings put together the tournament, with club pro Craig Pullen on hand to ensure a successful two days on the course. The tournament was a wonderful success, with the heat being the only hiccup in an otherwise fantastic event. Capping off the second day was a wonderful meal in the clubhouse. Jeremy’s crew made sure there were plenty of Bloody Marys topped with shrimp, candied bacon, and lime. The build-your-own salad was followed by delicious and cooling ice cream sundaes.
The following players were celebrated as the most improved and, ultimately, the top finishers: A Flight: First place Sheri Watkins, second place Val Bottoms, third place Kerri Kay; B Flight: First place Kathy Calloway, second place Jeanie Martinez, third place Ana Corey; C Flight: First place Pam Kanawyer, second place Sue Halsted, third place Laura Ford; D Flight: First place Cheryl McCally, second place Bonnie Kohnert, third place Darlene Lamb; Most Improved: A Flight: Becci Tomasek, B Flight: Connie Metzler, C Flight: Shirley Green, D Flight: Paula DiFonzo.
Next year with the sun high in the sky and minimal shadows forecasting another Groundhog Day at Robson, the Robson Ranch Women’s Golf Association will once again take to the links. Until then, each day of golf presents another chance to improve and live the good life! Punxsutawney Phil, do what you will. Every day at Robson Ranch is Groundhog Day!