The NCGA Senior/Super Senior tournament was scheduled for play on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The rain did not cooperate on Tuesday.  Play was cancelled and players were left to hike the foothills, play cards, investigate Angels Camp, wine tasting in Murphy’s, or just relax!  With the tournament reduced to one day, players had to bring their "A" game on Wednesday.  Our chapter was well represented with more than 10 competitors in the field. 

Vicki Philpott proved that one day was all she needed.  She blew away the competition.  Vicki shot a gross 74 at Copper Valley.  The tournament used stableford scoring.  Vicki was at the top of the leaderboard for both gross, with 34 points, and net with 40 points.  The closest competitor in gross play was 9 points behind her!  I’m guessing she had all phases of her game clicking to put up those numbers!  

Other chapter members who played some great golf during the tournament include: 

Kris Corbridge, Super Senior 3^rd place overall net and first Flight D  (35 points)

Esther Garcia, Super Senior, 1^st place in Flight C (33 points)

Lori Lucius, Senior, 2^nd place in Flight B (35 points)

Sunny Shimabukuro, Senior, 4^th place in Flight D (31 points)

Congratulations to everyone who competed.  We were well represented!

The beautiful weather brought out the golfers.  Ancil Hoffman was packed which resulted in a long round!  I hope you had the chance to look around and enjoy the setting.  We are lucky to have access to a day spent in a park. 

Nanci Smith and Paula Plesha were in a golfing groove!  They ended at the top with each earning 44 stableford points, scoring net 64, and 8 net birdies each.   Nanci lead the field with a gross 78.  Closely followed by Stacey Baradit and Margie Longo who each shot 80.  Nice golfing ladies!

The top 11 stableford scores (and ties) were awarded 3 points.  Those big winners:

44       Nanci Smith, Paula Plesha

38       Doreen Freund

37       Stacey Baradit, Karen Graser, Marian Kubiak

36       Kristine Burke, Sonya Bradley

35       Tina Tran, Vicki Philpott

34       Lori Lucius, Andra Saxe, Kris Corbridge, Ramona Marshall, Rona Peters, Jeri Paik, Margie Longo, Jen Gregory 

As always, individual scores in the net 70’s guaranteed 2 points and net 72 or below guaranteed 3 point.  Net birdies were each worth .1

The updated leaderboard for the Arcade Creek Series (ACS) can be found under “Quick Links” on the website.  Remember, prizes awarded to top 10 in each Flight.  For a complete review of the Ancil Hoffman event leaderboard, you may go to Golf Genius and use the GGID:  BQEU5Q

Shout out to our Spotlight Sponsor, Tona Rose of Golf Fitness with Tona Rose.  Tona met each group at the tee box for a brief introduction and free lip balm.  Loved her energy.  She promises to join in and golf at some upcoming events.

Tona Rose talking with players at the first tee.  She's available to make us better golfers!

Jan identifies a need for careful review of a scorecard after Sonya records a net albatross!

Nicely color coordinated foursome.  All but one of this group earned 3 + points....hmmmmm

Golf Buddies!!  Tina Tran and Susan Collins

Just hit it!

News From HQ

LPGA Amateurs Member ID Easily Available 
Have you accessed your 2026 LPGA Amateurs Member ID card yet? LPGA Tour season in full swing, be sure to have it ready to enjoy complimentary entry to LPGA and Epson Tour events for you and a guest.    Click the link below for step-by-step video instructions or detailed written instructions.  

Questions? Contact membership@lpgaamateurs.com

LPGA Amateurs Team Championship Registration Phase 2 Open!

Registration for the 2026 Biggest Loser Handicap Challenge opened on Thursday, April 16!  

How low can you go?! This five-month-long, stroke-shaving competition challenges LPGA Amateurs members from across the Association. It's only $15 USD to participate! Prizes will be awarded to the member with the best overall improvement and the most improved member in each flight. Click here for rules and registration.  Questions? Email handicap@lpgaamateurs.com 

Our NCGA Club Representative, Pam Katros, has provided the following list of events likely to be popular with our Chapter members.  Check your schedule and sign up early as some of these will fill up fast.  They are fun events!  

NCGA Events | June – August

The following events will open for registration on 4/13/26.

Registration can be found on the NCGA website here. 

Several members recently participate in the “Women’s One Day” event at Lincoln Hills on April 7.  It was a fun event and we hade several Chapter members came home winners of the day. 

Big winner -  Yolanda Day (overall 2nd place, 1^st in her flight)

Great day for Paula Plesha (overall 4^th place, 3^rd in her flight)

In Flight A, 2^nd place went to Nanci Smith, and 3^rd place to Pam Katros.

In Flight C, 3^rd place, Jan Richmond.

Ursula Whitfield

The long awaited Lucky Seven Series kicked off at Teal Bend on Saturday, April 4.  We got great weather for our 35 players who came out to secure an opening spot on the Arcade Creek Series (ACS) leaderboard.  Check out “quick links” on the website to see the leaderboard.  The game of the day was singles, drop the 3 worst holes.  Top 12 players received 3 points, next 12 were given 2 points, and everyone who played was guaranteed 1 point.  Additional .1 was awarded for each net birdie. 

Our star of the day turned out to be Yolanda Day –our own recently married Yolanda Goff!  She was low net at 64.  Nice playing!  In confirmation that net birdies will matter in tiebreaking – Yolanda was edged out for top of the leaderboard by Ramona Marshall who got one more.

Low gross was a tie between pals, Karen Graser and Pam Katros who both shot 87.  Second low net went to Ramona Marshall (68) and third low net was a tie between Betty Galvez, Marian Kubiak, and Karen Graser (71). 

In an unfortunate development, I had to update the course information for scoring.  While it resulted in some additional birdies across the field, it also dropped me from the top 12 point winners!  This was great news for Joanie Lew who secured the final “3 point” spot on the leaderboard.

We already have a battle at the top with a Flight A first place tie between Pam Katros and Karen Graser!  They are now the target.  In Flight B, Ramona Marshall clings to a .1 lead!

Six Sacramento Chapter Members play in the 2026 NCGA Women's Net Amateur Championship at Poppy Hills March 30-March 31.   In the photo (Left to Right):  Ramona Marshall, Pam Katros, Vicki Philpott, Tyra Jarvis, Marian Kubiak, and Jan Richmond.  Also playing but not pictured was new member, Dana Carrigan.

Results

Celebrating post round - Karen, Margie, Pat and Rona!

That's a foursome!  Sonya, Charisse, Vicki and Tina!

Enjoying the pairing - Sharon, Paula, Doreen, and LaRhonda!

Partner Events Coming Soon

There are a few upcoming events requiring a “partner”.  I have had some inquiries from members who are interested in playing, but do not currently have a partner.  Specifically, the following events are coming up:

LPGA Amateurs Team Championship.  June 12 and 13 at Paradise Valley Golf Course in Fairfield.  The first day is fourball and the second day is a scramble.  For detailed information go to the event tab on our National website lpgaamateurs.com     Looks like we have 10 chapter members already signed up and ready to play!

NCGA Legacy Spring Partners.  June 22 and 23 at Whitehawk Ranch and Graeagle Meadows in Graeagle, CA.  Registration for this event opens on April 13.  I am aware of multiple members who have already contacted a partner and plan to participate.  One round at each course playing Fourball (better ball of the two partners.)  This is flighted by handicaps. 

NCGA Legacy Summer Partners.  July 20 and 21 at Del Rio Country Club (Modesto) and The Reserve at Spanos Park (Stockton).  Registration for this event  opens on April 13.  This tournament also has a division for “mixed” partners if you have a male friend who you would like to play with.  Again, this includes one round at each course playing Fourball (better ball of the two partners.)  This is flighted by handicaps. 

If you are interested in playing in any of the above events, but do not currently have a partner, reply to this e-mail indicating which events you are considering.  Please reply by April 1 if possible.  I will compile the list and distribute to those who are interested. 

No commitment until you have actually registered with a partner.  I’m simply trying to connect golfers who are interested in these events but do not currently have a partner.  We can all agree, having a partner to fall back on is often a fun form of golf!  Please let me know if you are interested.

The all new women's program in NCGA is now underway!  Don’t wait to join in.  

A couple of “new” things for women golfers in 2026 – the Women's One Day Series and the Women’s Team League Play Program. [NOTE: The Women's One Day Series is played during weekdays.]   Events include opportunities to play at both public and private courses.  The scoring is new this year.  For information regarding these events, check out the following links:

Women's One Day Series Points Program

Women's Team League Program

Several members kicked things off on March 10 at Elkhorn Golf and Country Club in Stockton.  It was a fun test on a course new to most of us.  Stableford format was utilized!  Our Chapter was represented by some good golfers:

Flight A

1st Place:  Pam Katros, 36 (stableford points)

2^nd Place:  Vicki Philpott, 32

3^rd Place:  Lori Lucius, 31

Flight C

1^st Place:  Jan Richmond, 34

Other chapter members playing include Ramona Marshall, Paula Plesha, and Marcia Whiting.

In the “team play” division, we currently have members who have created two teams:

Hole Lotta Fun – scored 5 points (Pam Katros, Paula Plesha, Lori Lucius, Marcia Whiting)

Bogey Blues – scored 1 point (Jan Richmond, Vicki Philpott, Marian Kubiak, Esther Garcia)

The events can fill up fast -- there is still room at Castle Oaks in Ione on April 13.  Register on the NCGA website.

On March 11, 2026 Sharon McHale got her FIRST Hole in One.  She is holding her ball that she found in the cup after hitting it 131 yards on Hole #3 on the Arcade Creek course.  She used a 5 hybrid Callaway Rogue to make the shot that was witnessed by Vicki Philpott and Jackie Richardson.

Looking for the opportunity to play 18 holes on a variety of local courses.  We have the league for YOU!  Our Tuesday league is casual play—designed for all golfers who enjoy a fun round of golf.  This is a smaller group and no tournament structure.  All handicap levels are welcome – you just need to keep up.  If you struggle on a hole, you are free to pick up, record your maximum score, and move to the next hole.  No weekly commitment required. 

Get on the e-mail list to receive a weekly invitation to play. Come make some new golfing friends!

NCGA WOMEN’S MATCH PLAY CHALLENGE

We asked for it!  They listened!  Our chapter has played match play for years.  We have embraced this format and hoped for additional opportunities to play other ladies outside of our chapter.  We know match play works best when paired against opponents with similar handicaps.  Let’s get out and support this new opportunity provided by Northern California Golf Association (NCGA).   

How to Join:

Register at NCGA.org before March 29.  (All handicap ranges are welcome.)

Cost is $25 to join.  At registration, select the “Sacramento Region”

Registration LINK

After registering, you’ll be placed in a regional bracket and assigned an initial opponent.  You and the assigned opponent will schedule your “Round of 64” match at a mutually convenient course. 

If you win, you will continue in the challenge bracket to the “Round of 32” and so on.  This continues until a winner is crowned.

Schedule:

Round of 64: April 13 – June 14
Round of 32: June 15 – July 26
Round of 16: July 27 – September 7
Round of 8: September 8 – October 11
Quarterfinal: October 25 at Poppy Ridge
Semifinal & Final: November (dates TBD)

Several LPGA Amateurs members (our chapter and others) are already signed up—more participants are welcome!   We would love to have a full field supporting women's golf.   Questions regarding this tournament, or other NCGA women’s events, contact our NCGA Club Representative, Pam Katros at pamkatros@gmail.com 

Pam Katros
NCGA Club Representative
Email: pamkatros@gmail.com
Phone: 916-879-0406

I encourage you to review these pages on the NCGA.org web site.  Call or email if you have questions. 

Women's One Day Series      Scroll down to see all information. 

Women's Series Point System - quick link

Team League Play - quick link with Team Registration button.

NOTE:  Major change in Team League Play from previous years.  Each club can register unlimited teams, however, the team must be the same four players for all events this year. (We will no longer be identifying players for teams.)  Teams can be comprised of any four players as long as all members registered with NCGA through our club – LPGA Amateurs Sacramento Chapter.  You can form your own team, but please notify Pam Katros when a team is formed.  They will be named sequentially, i.e. LPGA Amateurs Sacramento 1, LPGA Amateurs Sacramento 2, etc.   Team League Play will be scored on the Women’s One Day Series play dates.  Check with your friends and coordinate your events if you’d like to be on a team.  Don’t forget – the first phase registration opens Monday Jan 12. 

Happy New Year!

I’m honored to serve as your NCGA Club Representative and thrilled to share some exciting changes for women golfers in 2026. As someone who has enjoyed NCGA’s Monday play days and major tournaments for years, I’m delighted by the expanded opportunities now available to all of us.

NEW IN 2026 FOR WOMEN 

No Participation Restrictions: If you’re an NCGA member, you can now play in any event—including the Women’s One Day Series, all Legacy tournaments (even those previously limited to WGANC/private club members), and the brand-new Women’s Match Play Challenge.

Points Program: A new year-long points program will recognize and reward top earners at the end of the year.

More Events: The schedule is growing, with new events being added daily.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION DETAILS

First phase registration opens Monday, January 12, at 8 a.m. PST for events taking place March through May.

Featured tournaments include:

• NCGA Net Am at Poppy Hills (March 30 and 31)
• Senior/Super Senior Tournament at Greenhorn Creek and Copper Valley (April 21 and 22)

Other golf dates for nearby courses and likely to be popular with our members include:

• 3/16 – Sierra View Country Club
• 3/31 – Granite Bay Country Club
• 4/07 – Lincoln Hills Golf Course
• 4/13 – Castle Oaks Golf Course or Davis Municipal
• 4/20 – Cameron Park Country Club
• 4/27 – Cold Springs Country Club or Eagle Vines Golf Course
• 5/11 – Turkey Creek Golf Course
• 5/21 – Brookside Country Club
  

HOW TO STAY UPDATED

Visit the https://ncga.org or use the NCGA events app to see the latest schedule.  To focus on women’s events, select “Women” in the schedule filter.

Get Involved: Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and help spread the word! LPGA Amateurs are always well represented at NCGA events, and I hope that continues this year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me:

Pam Katros
NCGA Club Representative
Email: pamkatros@gmail.com
Phone: 916-879-0406