February was a wonderful month. The four weeks I spent basking in the heat of the Florida sun was absolutely energizing. The warmth and tranquility of the sun always renews my spirit especially when the “summer” sun is in February.
As I made the five and a half hour drive up the Florida Coast, Hilton Head Island beckoned me. Turning onto the road in the Palmetto Dunes section of Hilton Head Island I was mesmerized by the stately canopy of the majestic Live Oaks that graced the landscape.
Bicyclists of all ages easily navigated the well-traveled bike paths throughout the community, while couples deep in thought strolled by hand in hand. As I drove closer to the coast the laughter of young children playing in and around the beach was absolutely engaging.
The EWGA Atlanta West and South chapter hosted their 2018 Winter Get Away golf weekend at the Omni Hilton Head Resort. EWGA members from the Atlanta South and West Chapter, the Savannah and Atlanta chapters and two members from the EWGA Long Island chapter rounded out the group.
This weekend was just another example of why I love being a part of this organization. I consider myself to be an “unofficial” EWGA roving ambassador. The ability to play, hone your golf skills and meet like- minded women from all walks of life has been a life changing gift. Meeting three Southern belles from Atlanta that Friday night was reminiscent of a time when it was common to sit on the back porch, trading stories about families, golf, friendship and feelings of excitement about the weekend ahead.
The next morning prior to teeing off, we all met on the back lawn, in our red and/or pink regalia to immortalize the event with a group picture. Once again, I was warmed and delighted by the comradery and support of women I just met. As we headed to the 1st tee of the George Fazio Golf Course, all thoughts of competition and rivalry escaped me as a Scramble was a team event. Everyone in the foursome had an opportunity to contribute to the score. My drive on a certain hole may have dribbled off of the tee, but no worries, because my contribution to the score was sinking a 15-foot putt from the edge of the green in one stroke (and I promise you both scenarios really happened!)
A Scramble is a wonderful way to bolster each other’s spirits, build team confidence, maintain pace of play, and encourage new players. We were all in such awe of the two “newbies” joining us for the weekend. This was their first time playing 18 holes!
At the end of the round, the final team scores were tallied and submitted to the chapter leadership for review. The rest of us retired to the lounge for well deserved refreshments. Seeing all of the trophies lined up was noted but my team entertained no thoughts of taking one home.
Drum roll please…..The first-place winners were announced and photographed shortly followed by the Second Place Winners. Suddenly, I heard the President of the Chapter call my team’s names for third place. Incredulously we were going home with a trophy!
On Sunday, most of us played the front 9 of the Arthur Hills Golf Course before leaving the island as thoughts of the long drive home and obligations on Monday stifled the desire to play 18 holes, after all, 27 holes on two pristine golf courses in 2 days was reward enough!
As the EWGA 2018 season is rapidly approaching, I encourage golfers of all levels to seriously consider joining this world class organization. There are over 100 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia and 3 countries. In order to locate and join a chapter near you, simply access the website at:
Looking forward to playing a round with you!
rainbowkinect 