Chapter News & Announcements
  • 2024 Ladies' Fall Two Person Scramble

    September 3rd was the 2024 Ladies’ Fall Two-Person Scramble put on by the Alabama Golf Association. The venue was the RTJ at Grand National in Auburn, AL on the Lake Course.

    Suntaree Wainwright & Jane McGriff were the only LPGA Amateurs that participated but they made a good showing – winning 1st Place Low Net in the 3rd Flight. It was a nice day on a beautiful course – played with very fun competitors.

     


  • 2024 Chapter Championship Results!

    September turned out to be perfect for our 2024 Chapter Championship, great weather in the high 60’s, a beautiful blue sky and a golf course that welcomed us.  Not to mention 31 of our members coming out to compete in their respective flights.  And of course, a great lunch following play.

     

    This year we had 4 flights of stroke play and 3 scramble teams competing for honors in their flights:

     

    Flight 1:  Melanie Smith, Dina Murray, Pia Todora, Courtney Williams

     

    Winners:  Gross: Melanie Smith with a score of 78   2024 Chapter Champion

                        Net: Dina Murray with a net score of 76

     

    Flight 2:  Anne Yuengert, Eleanor Strickland, Barbee Bryant, Suntaree Wainwright, Laura Johnson, Jennifer Whitaker, Jane McGriff

     

    Winners:  Gross: Barbee Bryant with a score of 80

                        Net: Jane McGriff with a net score of 74

     

    Flight 3:  Patti Reid, Anne Rankin, Judy McChester-Nedd, Tammy Dunn

     

    Winners:  Gross: Patti Reid with a score of 94

                        Net: Anne Rankin with a net score 79

     

    Flight 4:  Lisa Crean, Jackie Plott, Madge Gregg, Linda Stockton

     

    Winners: Gross:  Lisa Crean with a score of 108

                    Net:  Madge Gregg with a net score of 81

     

    Scramble Teams:

     

    Team 1:  Gail Morgan (captain), Dorothy Lynam, Christina Grinkmeyer, Sylvia Sumners

    Team 2:  Kim Jones (captain), Allison Allison, Andress Blackwell, Patti Williams

    Team 3:  Abby Salem (captain), Jennifer Causey, Kelsi Ertman, Tracy Lambrecht


    Winners:  First Place: Team 2 with net score of 59

                    Second Place: Team 3 with net score of 63

     

    Closest to the Pin: Barbee Bryant - #8 Brook

     

    In addition, we had a fun raffle for two gift baskets and 4 balloons stuffed with money for the lucky winner.  We raised $600 for sponsorship funds for our chapter.  A great big thank you from your Sponsorship team.  These funds will help to decrease your cost for future events.

     

    Your Chapter Championship Team hopes you enjoyed the tournament this year:

    Sylvia Sumners, Jane McGriff, Pia Todora, Jennifer Gowers


  • Willow Point Ladies' Invitational

    Save the date! June 5, 2025!  The Annual Willow Point Invitational takes place the first Thursday in June.  This year The LPGA Amateurs Birmingham Chapter had 6 representatives:  Angela Nash, Patti Reid, Jane McGriff, Betty Ewen, Regan Currie and Suntaree Wainwright.  If you haven’t had a chance to play Willow Point, mark your calendar for next year!

    The Birmingham Chapter did well.  Jane & Suntaree took 1st and 2nd in Flight 3.

    Hope to see you all there next year!


  • LPGA Scramble Open
    The 2024 Scramble Open was held May 17-18 at Kingsmill Resort in Willamsburg, Va. Your Birmingham Chapter was well represented by the B’ham Birdies, consisting of Andress Blackwell, Jennifer Whitaker, Patti Williams, and Anne Yuengert.

    We joined 54 other teams with high hopes of bringing home the big glass trophy as the overall winner, but the golf Gods had other plans for us. We had good weather the first day, but the second day was 60 degrees and raining, which was not our favorite, to say the least. There might have been a few bad words hurled, huddling in the bathroom around a heater to get warm, and possibly whispers of quitting, but without witnesses I can’t be sure! We had the most fun of any team, I’m very sure of that, but apparently that doesn’t count when you have to post your score…silly rules!!

    Although we played some good golf, we apparently used up all of our birdies in the practice rounds. We finished 7th out of 14 teams in our flight, and 17th overall. Considering we had not played together before the tournament, there is much to be proud of in where we placed. Congratulations B’ham Birdies!!

  • RECAP - St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Scramble!

    Waking up in the morning on St. Patrick’s Day with a fear of bad weather, I have been checking up on the forecast constantly throughout the week.  The weather had been worrying me. But the show must go on, because it would be difficult to move to another day if the golf kickoff event had to be rescheduled. I hope it wouldn’t come to that…!


    Fortunately, the weather seemed to be on our side on that morning.  The weather forecast showed that rain moved out during the time our kickoff started. I felt relieved! One frustration was down!


    Another frustration popped up when I arrived at the golf course. I checked in with the staff at the clubhouse to confirm the course rotation. It turned out the course rotation was changed from Brook/Windmill to Windmill/Graveyard. Well! I needed to let everyone know about the change. Sending an email to the group from the phone was a tad bit challenging. It was a different platform compared to the computer. It would take me a while to get that done before everybody arrived…!


    Additionally, the course condition was so wet and muddy since it rained during the week. The golf cart rule was cart path only. It was a challenge for some since the fairway was so soggy and hitting in mud was no fun!! But everyone seemed to enjoy the event even though the conditions were not great! 


    I was so worried that someone might drop out due to the weather. But everyone committed to this event. Initially, there were 28 ladies signing up but 2 dropped out due to sickness. Finally, we ended up with 26 participants with two teams of threesomes and five teams of foursomes.


    Team 1

    Regan Currie

    Suntaree Wainwright

    Patti Williams


    Team 2

    Tammy Dunn

    Karen Larsen

    Karla Young


    Team 3

    Nancy Blackledge

    Gail Morgan

    Anne Rankin


    Team 4

    Kelsi Ertman

    Jennifer Gowers

    Abby Salem

    Courtney Williams


    Team 5

    Lisa Crean

    Kim Jones

    Eleanor Strickland

    Linda Stockton


    Team 6

    Beth Curry

    Laura Johnson

    Linda Malone

    Carol Spain


    Team 7

    Madge Gregg

    Jane McGriff

    Sylvia Sumners

    Jennifer Whitaker


    Scramble Team Winners


    First place: Team 2-Tammy Dunn, Karen Larsen, and Karla Young


    Second place: Team 7-Madge Gregg, Jane McGriff, Sylvia Sumners, and Jennifer Whitaker


    Closest to the Pin:


    Windmill - Hole #5- Sylvia Sumners

    Windmill - Hole #7- Tammy Dunn


    Graveyard - Hole # 3-Madge Gregg

    Graveyard - Hole # NO ONE AKA the “Bless our Hearts”


    Best St. Patrick’s Costume Contest


    Participants-Beth Curry, Madge Gregg, Anne Rankin, and Eleanor Strickland


    Winner: Eleanor Strickland


    Congratulations to all winners!! Thank you to all who participated in this event! All of you are awesome!


    Special thanks to Karen Larsen! She donated her cash prize to Girls Golf!!


    I hope everyone had a great time…!! See you next year!


    Suntaree Wainwright

    Director of Golf Events


  • Volunteering for the 2024 Regions Tradition

    For many, many years our chapter has marshaled a hole at the Regions Tournament.  We currently marshal hole number one which is a great place to work because you see the players announced and tee off.  So what does a marshal do? 

    What do Marshals do? 

    Marshals: Provide gallery control, assist in player movement, help locate errant golf shots, and provide spectators with general information as needed. This committee requires standing for extended periods Shift start time is when you should be at your hole, and is approximately 30 minutes prior to play beginning on your hole. Your hole is easy walking distance (approx 1 minute) from Volunteer HQ (VHQ).  

    We cover a double shift on Wednesday and a single shift Thursday through Sunday and we need a minimum of 4 volunteers per shift.  Volunteers who work a minimum of three shifts receive a free round of golf at Greystone, times and dates are provided after the tournament. 

    You do need to register as a volunteer and purchase the uniform.  When you register you will select the shifts you want to work, a certain number of volunteers is needed for each shift.  After this number is met registration for that shift will be ended.  However, we can work around this and usually work out shifts for everyone. 

    Sylvia Sumners is the hole captain and will be your contact person for all questions: 

    205-482-5680 (text or call) ssumners@bellsouth.net 

     

    To register for the Regions Tradition: 

    www.regionstradition.com then click on volunteer and follow instructions.  You will sign up for the Marshal Committee,  for Hole 1, LPGA Amateurs.  Security code is “hole1”.  Then select your shifts.   

     


  • 2024 Girls Golf Kickoff!

    2024 Kickoff 

    Tuesday, April 9 , 5:00 – 6:30 pm 
    Highland Park Golf Course 
    3300 Highland Avenue South 
    Birmingham, AL 35205 

    Paul Killgallon, PGA Teaching Professional 

    Here’s how to get started: Contact Site Director, Debbie Wiechman, to learn more about the program, schedule and fees. 

     

    Girls Golf of Birmingham, Alabama 

    Site Director:  Debbie Wiechman 

    205-253-8940    trisc2002@live.com 

     

    Enroll to become a LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Member at girlsgolf.org and pay the registration fee of $85.00 at the kickoff on April 9. Or register on site – checks or cash only   

    Meet our PGA Teaching Professional Paul Kilgallon who was recently selected as a Top 50 Kids Coach. 

     


  • Chapter Challenges are BACK!

    Let The Games Begin!

    –  Jane McGriff, Competitive Golf Chair 

     

    It’s time to sign-up for both Match Play Madness and the Birmingham-Atlanta Challenge.  

     

    How to Sign-up 

    • Match Play Madness: Click HERE

    • Birmingham-Atlanta Challenge: Click HERE

    ------------------------------------------------------- 

    For our newer members – here is a brief description of these events.  

    These tournaments are unique to our Chapter.  Please see the information below, including the requirements for participation. 

     

    • Match Play Madness 

    This will be the 12th year of our Chapter’s “Match Play Madness” tournament! Open to all skill levels -- Match Play Madness is a great way to meet and play with other members and get a taste of competitive golf in a fun, low-key format.  

     

    The tournament runs from late March – October. There are 3 Flights based on handicap. Typically you will play one match every 4 weeks  - at a course of your choice. It is “double elimination” which means you are not “out” until you have lost twice.   

     

    Requirements: must have 1) a GHIN handicap* (40.0 or below) and 2) have posted a minimum of two scores since Sept 2023.  

     

    Deadline to sign-up: March 17, 2024.   

     

    For additional information contact: Suntaree Wainwright -  sunwainwright@gmail.com

     

    • Birmingham-Atlanta Challenge 


    The Birmingham-Atlanta Challenge is an annual 2-day tournament between the Birmingham & Atlanta Chapters (since 2002). The format is match play - modelled after the LPGA Solheim Cup. Each team has 12 players. Players are selected based on the results of a Qualifier round played in the summer. All handicap levels welcome. 

     

    Atlanta will host this year. We do not know the dates yet, but typically it is held in Sept or Oct. This is a very fun team event – within driving distance.  Approx cost: $500/per person (golf & lodging.) 

     

    Requirements: must have 1) a GHIN handicap* (40.0 or below) and 2) have posted a minimum of two scores since Sept 2023. 

     

    Deadline to sign-up: April 30, 2024. 

     

    For additional information contact: Jane McGriff: janedmcg@gmail.com 


  • The LPGA AM Birmingham Chapter at Regions Tradition! We need YOU!😍

     

     

     

    The Regions Tradition will be May 8-14, 2023, at Greystone's Founders Course.

    Our LPGA Birmingham Chapter (EWGA Chapter) has marshalled Hole 1 for many years and this is quite a privilege for us. At this time we need more volunteers and I am asking you to please volunteer.

    When you register, register for Hole 1, LPGA Amateurs. The password is hole1. Your hole captain is Sylvia Sumners, ssumners@bellsouth.net, 205-482-5680 for questions. You cannot use your login from 2022, you must re-register.

    All volunteers are required to work a minimum of 3 shifts over the course of the week/weekend if you want the free round of golf at Greystone. Shifts are approximately 4-6 hours long, but can vary depending on the committee. Volunteers are welcome to work more than 3 shifts or less than 3 shifts if they would like.

    Volunteer perks package:

    • One Foot Joy volunteer polo

    • Ball cap or visor

    • Volunteer commemorative pin

    • Volunteer credential (valid for event entry entire week)

    • 5 Good-Any-One-Day grounds tickets to give to guests

    • Parking pass

    • One-time use of 20% off at the tournament merchandise tent

    • Meals provided while on shift

    • Transferable round of golf on the Legacy or Founders Course during a volunteer play day to be held post tournament

    Volunteers so far:
    Norma Dodd
    Judy McChester-Nedd
    Jane McGriff
    Gail Morgan S
    Sylvia Sumners
    Jay Thompson

    If you have signed up and I do not have you listed please let me know

    Sylvia – ssumners@bellsouth.net, 205-482-5680


  • The Epson LPGA Tour is coming to Tuscaloosa!

    We are excited that there is an upcoming Epson Tour event coming to our area and your LPGA Amateurs ID will grant you complimentary access for you and a guest!  If your schedule allows, please plan to come support the best women golfers in the world!

    Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic, Tuscaloosa AL

    Sept 29 – Oct 1

    Check out the details on the Tournament Website

    Click here for the complete LPGA Tour schedule.  Click here for the complete Epson Tour schedule.

     


  • Thank you for joining us at our Season Social Kick Off at Top Golf!

    Thank you to everyone who came out to TopGolf and joined us for our Annual Kick Off Social ~ “Swing Into Spring.” It was a great day filled with good friends, information, laughter, food, games, and prizes!

    I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to so many who helped make this event successful:

    • To my incredible team ~ Regan Currie, Liz Friedrich, Fran Nagy, Mary-Noel Sellers, and Suntaree Wainwright ~ I could not have done this without you and your awesome dedication to our chapter!

    • To our phenomenal board members who were always there to lend support, encouragement, and to answer my bazillion questions! It has been a pleasure to work alongside you.

    • To all of you wonderful ladies who helped me with set up, take down, and getting things back to my car ~ a big undertaking, but many hands make light work.

    • Special thanks to TopGolf, their staff, and our sweet Event Ambassadors ~ Christina and Brooke ~ who did a wonderful job of hosting us.

    Lastly, but certainly not least, a HUGE thank you to our donors who so graciously and generously donated items for our door prizes. We received donations all the way from California, via Liz Friedrich! Please thank them for their generosity and supporting our chapter when you see them.

    PGA Superstore Bent Brook Golf
    Alpine Bay Golf Woodward Golf Course
    Southern Golf Worldwide Golf
    Van’s Shoes Pants Store
    Simply Infused Olive Oils & Balsamic's The Nail Place
    Amanda’s Wax & Beauty Boutique Salon 2000
    Lea Green Madge Gregg
    Connor Slane Fran Nagy

    Thanks again everyone! See you on the course soon!

    Lisa

     


  • Congratulations Bernadette Beavers-Forrest!

    LPGA Amateurs member, Bernadette Beavers-Forrest, is now on the board of the Alabama Golf Association!


  • The 2023 Spring Fling Golf Kick Off is Here!

    Let's get this party started!

    When: Sunday April 2nd, 2023
    Tee times starting at 1:30 pm

    Where: Woodward Golf and Country Club
    Entry fee: $50 per player and includes the golf round and meal

    Format: Team of foursomes with 3-3-3: Scramble, Alternate, and Shamble
    Field size: Maximum of 36 players

    Prizes: Winning places based on the filed size and closest to the pins for 2 holes of par 3

    Deadline to sign up: Saturday March 25th, 2023

    Questions? Contact Suntaree Wainwright, text 205.842.8600 or email: sunwainwright@gmail.com

    Sign Up through the website, or below for this is a member's only event!

    **When signing up, go to the “Register Now for 2023…” Button at the top left of the page. Ignore the dropdown menu of names. Thanks!


  • Our Birmingham Chapter sponsored a Chapter Championship for many years, since the late 1990’s.

    And if you were the lucky flight winner you could go to the sectional event and if you won your flight at the sectional you could go to the National Championship. It was always great fun. However after the 2019 year the LPGA decided not to sponsor the Chapter Championship and Chapters were left to do what they wanted to. The LPGA opened up the sectionals (regionals) to anyone that wanted to register and play, this would give everyone the opportunity to play and advance.

    But this year our Board decided to host another Chapter Championship and a lot of us were happy to see it return. On a hot July 16th, 36 members of our chapter competed on the Bent Brook course to try and claim a victory in their flight.

    Individual Winners

    First Flight Low Gross and Club Champion – Melanie Smith (76)

    First Flight Low Net – Jane McGriff (65)

    Second Flight Low Gross – Anne Rankin (92)

    Second Flight Low Net – Sylvia Sumners (76)

    Third Flight Low Gross – Tammy Dunn (97)

    Third Flight Low Net – Wanda Venhuizen (78)

    First Place Scramble Team
    Groovy Golfer Girls, net score of 60,
    won in a scorecard playoff.
    Kim Jones – Captain, Anna Fredriksson, Carol Spain, Andress Blackwell

    Second Place Scramble Team
    Fairway Angels, net score of 60
    Angela Hoskins – Captain, Bernadette Beavers, Karla Young, Marketa Dickerson

    The day ended with a great hot dog and hamburger bar with fabulous banana pudding. Tammy donated Urban Pops for everyone. A big thanks to Bent Brook for allowing us to have a weekend event.

    Let’s do it again next year!


  • Hole In One!

    One and Done!

    Pia Todora made a hole-in-one while competing in Round 2 of this year’s “Match Play Madness.” The site of the ACE was #17 at Ballantrae.

    Witnesses included: Barbara Brown, Dina Murray and Suntaree Wainwright.


  • The Eagles have landed!

    Two of our LPGA Amateur members made EAGLES in the past week!

    During our Golf Kickoff at Highlands (March 27) - Earlie Simmons sunk a long putt on Hole #2 for an eagle!

    On April 2, during our weekend league on the RTJ Valley course – Regan Currie sank her approach shot on Hole #17 from over 70 yards away for an eagle. #17 is an elevated green so that none of us saw it go in the hole. When we got up to the green and started looking for her neon red ball….we finally decided to look in the hole…and there it was!

    Congratulations to Earlie and Regan!!


  • Victory Birmingham!!!! by Jane McGriff
    Victory Birmingham!!! 
    by Jane McGriff

    Over the weekend of September 18 & 19 the long-anticipated Atlanta/Birmingham Challenge was played on the RTJ Grand National, Lake Course, in Opelika. A fun rivalry for over twenty years, the Challenge is a 2-day match play tournament involving four golf formats: scramble, alternate shot, best ball and singles. Just as in the Solheim and Ryder Cups – each team consists of 12 players.

    The team hosting the event alternates each year and this year was Birmingham’s turn. Following our practice rounds on Friday, we had our usual meet & greet with the Atlanta team. As always, it was great to see our old friends and meet the “rookies.” Rules were discussed and a bit of good-natured trash talk could be overheard!

    Even more than tournament jitters, everyone’s main concern was the weather. The forecast was for rain, rain, and more rain… and rain it did – but mainly at night and in the early mornings. The good news was that we were able to play each day -- the bad news was that it was Cart Path Only and very muddy and wet. Moving your ball out of “standing water” was a constant activity!

    For the most part, this year, the Birmingham team had lower handicaps than the Atlanta team - which meant that we had the pleasure of giving them LOTS of strokes. After Saturday’s round, Atlanta led by one point. However, on Sunday, Birmingham was able to turn the tables and won this year’s Challenge 16 to 14 – holding onto the trophy for another year!

    Despite the sloshy weather, it was a great tournament and a good time was had by all!

    Postscript: If you are interested in playing in this event – Qualifier rounds will be held in late Spring or early Summer 2022.


  • Welcome New Members, September / October!
    Welcome New SeptOct (1)

  • Welcome New Members, August & September 2021
    Welcome New AugSept

  • Welcome New Members, July 2021!
    Welcome New Members, July 2021!

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