by Kathy Traci, PLWGA and Lady Niner’s Publicity Chairperson
PLWGL Website
PLWGA (Women’s 18 Hole) League News
The Port Ludlow Women’s Golf Association’s (PLWGA) 2023 Opening Day on April 4 was great fun. Chairpersons Peggy Selby’s and Shayna Worley’s “Rain, Flowers, and Sun” theme for the 9 holes of play provided surprises on the greens for all. At the opening day luncheon, PLGC Pro Jim Mancill welcomed back league members, and highlighted some new changes: the course’s new Tee Signs on each green, the layout of the executive course (18 par three holes), and the next special event—the Wednesday, June 27, Women’s Invitational (2 player—best ball format). Members were asked for donations of raffle baskets for the invitational and to publicize it to other women’s golf clubs.
Co-Captain Elaine Girard ran the rest of the business meeting. The minutes were approved and the budget, presented by Linda Aho for Treasurer Linda Haskins, was also approved. Girard called on the Rules Chairperson, Bonnie Vahcic, to highlight 2023 rule changes, and Sunshine Chairperson, Debi Bozanich, to introduce new member, Mary Jo Rablin, and welcome back returning members Sharon Russell and Gina Gutler. Bozanich also called attention to the hard work of Historians, Grace Allen and Diane Germain, on the Historian Albums. Bonnie Vahcic, Spring Fling Tournament Co-Chair, introduced the tournament’s theme—“Down the Rabbit Hole.” Tournament play is Sunday, May 7 and Monday, May 8.
Lucinda Thompson invited members to play the next two Washington State Public Links Association (WSPLA) tournaments to be held in Lacey and Pascoe. Social Chairperson, Beth Weaver, announced that the 2023 Gal’s Getaway is scheduled for June in Gerheart, Oregon. The beautiful PLWGA 2023 Handbook, produced by Diana Smeland and Linda Haskin, was distributed at the meeting. PLWGA 2023 officers are as follows: Captain Elaine Raymond, Co-Captain Elaine Girard, Treasurer Linda Haskin, Secretary Shayna Worley, and Member-at Large Meryl Friedman. The league now has 41 members – 33 active playing members and 8 social members. Casual Friday Golf is being organized by Linda Haskin. PLWGA Members need to contact Linda to be placed on the Golf Genius “Friday Casual Golf” email list.
Chef Kass Swindler of the Dusty Greens Café and her excellent staff provided a scrumptious fresh fruit and greens salad and strawberry dessert for the opening day luncheon.
The Port Ludlow Niner’s News
The Niners’ (Men Niners and Lady Niners) enjoyed the Beginning of the Season Cocktail Party at the Bay Club on Thursday, March 30. Lady Niner’s Captain, Barbara Burke, shared the following information: this season the Men Niner’s groups will precede the Lady Niners on the back nine; most Thursdays league members will go out on the back nine; a putting contest/cocktail party is planned for early in the season; at least one play away day will be scheduled; and luncheons following regular Thursday golf play will be scheduled at the Dusty Green Café.
On opening day, April 6, Niners members played the new forward tees (shortened yardage), but those short course scores are not yet eligible for posting for handicaps on the GHIN system. However, the format of most other games played from the regular tees allows members to post their scores for their handicap, while still using the scores to determine Thursday Play Day Winners. Members should continue to use Golf Genius to sign up for play on Thursday mornings. The 2023 Lady Niners Officers are as follows: Captain Barbara Burke, Co-Captain Sharon Russell, Treasurer Elaine Girard, Couples Chairpersons Barbara and Mike Burke.
The first Couples Golf event will be held on Thursday, April 27. Details will be announced by email to all members. Niners’ Couples Chairpersons, Mike and Barbara Burke, have announced multiple couples’ golf game formats for the 2023 Season. Membership in the Men’s Niners or the Lady Niners is required for participation in these monthly couples’ events.
PLWGA Captain Elaine Raymond invites prospective league members to play 18 holes with the group any Tuesday. Lady Niner’s Captain Barbara Burke invites prospective league members to play 9 holes with the group any Thursday morning. To sign up to play with either league or to join one of the leagues, please contact the Port Ludlow Golf Course Pro Shop at portludlowresort.com/golf/.