🍁 Fall Fairways & New Beginnings ⛳

There’s something special about golf in the fall—the cooler temperatures, colorful trees, and those beautiful crisp days that make you want to squeeze in just one more round!

While our 2026 season may be winding down, we still have some great golf and good times ahead.

Here’s to fall golf, and a great finish to 2026! 🍂🏌️‍♀️⛳💙

Warm regards,

Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

email: president@lpgaamateurscnj.com

GOLF WITH GRACE: FALL RULES

Weekend Away Saratoga Springs

Over 20 golfers braved uncertain weather to make connections and explore new golf adventures in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY!

REGIONAL CUP QUALIFIERS

Team Jersey Fore. Team Pinseekers. Team Scrambler.

THREE TEAMS. ONE MISSION. ONE BIG WEEKEND! 🔥⛳

We had three LPGA Amateur Central NJ teams that played in the Regional Cup Qualifiers at the Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun, Maryland!

Sue Franson and Lynda Beam playing for The Jersey Fore, and Indira Rampersad and Diane Peterson playing for the Scramblers won their Singles matches. Donna Beland and Sue Stager playing for the Pinseekers, won their four ball match. And, of course, everyone had a great time.

Congratulations to the Scramblers, Pinseekers and Jersey Fore for making it to the Qualifiers and representing all of us!!

GOLF WITH GRACE: UNCOMMON RULES

Save a Stroke with the Rules Nobody Told You About…

Welcome to Golf with Grace – as we explore the rules and etiquette of golf. A handful of situations come up all the time — and most golfers get them wrong. Next time someone tries to slap you with a penalty stroke you don't deserve, you'll have the receipts. Here's your cheat sheet.

Ball falls off the tee? No penalty. Just pick it up, re-tee it — you can even move to a new spot within the teeing area — as long as you haven't taken a swing yet.

Loose Impediments (Leaves, Twigs, Stones)

You're free to move natural debris almost anywhere on the course, including in bunkers and penalty areas (water hazards). The one catch: if your ball moves while you're clearing debris, that's a one-stroke penalty — so go slowly around your ball.

Free Relief Situations

Stuck with a bad lie next to a man-made hazard such as a cart path, sprinkler head, or ground under repair? You get a free drop — no penalty — within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole. Sorry, water, trees and tall grass are not free relief situations.

Unplayable Ball

Ball buried in a bush or otherwise unplayable? You've got three options, each costing one penalty stroke:

• Stroke-and-distance – Go back and replay from your previous shot.
• Back-on-the-line – Pick a spot behind the ball, keeping it between you and the hole, and drop anywhere along that line, as far back as you like.
• Lateral relief – Drop within two club-lengths of the ball, no closer to the hole.
  

On the Putting Green

• Spike marks, animal damage, or damage from a person or ball — you're allowed to repair almost all of it.
• Touching your line of play is fine, for any reason, at any time — including on the green.
• An unattended flagstick left in the hole? If your ball hits it, there's no penalty.
• You accidentally bump your ball while searching for it, or on the putting green? No penalty — just put it back where it was.
• Once you've marked, lifted, and replaced your ball on the green, that spot officially belongs to it. If it moves again for any reason — including wind — you always replace it there. No exceptions.
  

In the Bunker

You can touch or move loose impediments in a bunker — just be careful not to move your ball in the process (that's a one-stroke penalty). What you still can't do: ground your club in the sand near your ball, touch the sand during your backswing, or touch it anywhere to test conditions or take a practice swing.

Know these, and you'll not only avoid a bogus penalty — you'll probably teach your playing partners something too.

🔍 Case Closed! The Mystery Event Location Reveal!

The secret is out!! The Mystery event was held at Twin Lakes in Allentown, PA. From morning beverages to bus BINGO, a fun time was had by all our adventurous golfers!

Hello Central New Jersey LPGA Ladies! ⛳ 🏌️‍♀️

Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Grab your favorite red and green golf attire and join us for one of our most fun-filled events of the summer—Christmas in July! 🎄☀️.

Also see below for the July 12th Garden State Classic hosted by The Northern New Jersey Chapter of LPGA Amateurs. Chapter members from Central NJ, Coastal NJ and Northern NJ are invited to participate.

It’s also time to sign up for our September weekend getaway to Saratoga — one of our favorite traditions filled with golf, laughter, dining, and unforgettable memories with friends.

Don't forget to save the dates for our August event!

• Mystery Event - (Shhh, it's a surprise) - (Nope, we're not telling) - August 1, 2026
  

🌞 Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep making memories both on and off the course. We can't wait to see you at our next event! 💙❤️🤍

Warm regards,

Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

email: president@lpgaamateurscnj.com

Open Board Positions

🌟 We’re Looking for Amazing Women to Join Our Board! ⛳💙

Are you passionate about golf, love meeting new people, and want to help shape the future of the LPGA Amateurs Central New Jersey Chapter?

We’re excited to announce that we have open Board positions for the 2026–2027 season!

• President
• Events Director
  

Whether you’re full of fresh ideas, enjoy planning events, or simply want to give back to our incredible community, we’d love to have you on our team.

✨ It’s a great way to:

• Meet amazing women
• Make a lasting impact on our chapter
• Share your talents and ideas
• Have fun while growing the game!
  

📧 Interested or have questions? Contact Jen at president@lpgaamateurscnj.com.

Come help make the 2026–2027 season our best one yet! 💙🏌️‍♀️

Christmas in July (July 25, 2026) Since July 25 is a Saturday this year, let's celebrate Christmas in July! Fun games and prizes are planned, all in the spirit of Christmas! Santa outfits optional, but holiday golfing dress is encouraged! Let's all be merry and bright! Royce Brook Golf Club Hillsborough Township, NJ July 25, 2026 Tee times from 1:00 PM $90.00 for cart & fees Register

Golf with Grace - Golf Balls Welcome to Golf with Grace – as we explore the rules and etiquette of golf. This month, we're addressing golf balls. Personalize Your Balls While you can customize golf balls online, most amateur players carry a sharpie or stamp to mark their balls with their initials or a fun icon such as hot lips, a sparkle or a heart. Marking your ball insures you are hitting your own ball and not someone else's which is a no-no and can cost you two penalty strokes – and a possible lost ball stroke as well. Look on https://golfdotz.com/ for fun stickers. TIPS for FINDING BALLS – you officially have 3 minutes to locate your ball after you hit. It's important to watch not only for your ball but for the balls of the people you play with. What works is to say outloud - the ball is next to the second tree, in the rough - past the stick. Find landmarks because when you get to the spot - it will look different. You'll be amazed how much faster it goes when everyone gets to their ball right away. Be the ball tracker for your group! Mark Balls on the Green When you are on the green, you should mark your balls with a coin or ball marker so your ball is not interfering with other players and won't accidentally get moved. Again the choices are super fun. See our sponsor pages for picking up fun ball markers you can put on your shoes, hats or carry in your pockets. Since marking correctly can have penalty implications, you can learn more on this topic, by clicking here. TIPS for READY GOLF – The green is where you can really pick up time for pace of play. "Ready Golf" just means we don't follow all the etiquette rules of playing the ball furthest away from pin first if someone is ready to putt and it's still a minute or two for that person who is farther away to be ready. If you are ready to putt – go for it! Parking carts and placing your wedges where you exit green on the way to the next hole also saves you steps and is safer. You can putt out and start walking to the next hole to save time as well. So long as someone is on green with last person putting.

Vineyard National at Renault Winery Here are a couple photos from the beautiful outing at the Renault Winery! We did not ask how the wine was after since what happens in the Winery, stays in the Winery. 🍷🥴

Our summer calendar is really swinging into full gear, and we have so many exciting events ahead! We’re looking forward to our mid-week outing at Renault Winery 🍷 and don’t forget to save the date for our always jolly Christmas in July celebration 🎄☀️.

It’s also time to sign up for our September weekend getaway to Saratoga — one of our favorite traditions filled with golf, laughter, shopping, dining, and unforgettable memories with friends.

As the temperatures rise, remember to stay cool, hydrated. Try to finish at least 1.5 to 2 standard 16 oz bottles per side (9 holes).

Here’s a fun golf fitness fact: walking 18 holes is the equivalent of walking approximately 5–7 miles, while 9 holes can add up to 2–3 miles 🚶‍♀️⛳️. Golf truly is a great way to get your steps in while enjoying the outdoors.

Wishing everyone a month full of fairways, friendships, and plenty of par-fect moments 💙❤️🤍

Welcome to Golf with Grace – as we explore the rules and etiquette of golf. This month, we tackle simple scoring. Believe it or not, scoring makes golf more fun, not less.

Golf is more fun with others...

Golf is more fun with other people, so if you want to explore golf opportunities (outings, fundraisers) - you need to establish an average score for 9 or 18. Remember a handicap is just an average of your best scores. But just having an average is enough to start. Even if you think your average is terrible, there is always someone else with a higher score average.

So you can pick up...

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or experienced golfer. Everyone blows up a hole or three. Players keep score so they know when to pick up their ball and keep pace of play. Some local rules tell you to pick up after "X" strokes or double par. Just so you aren't slowing down your group and the groups behind you. Even the handicap apps auto adjust your score if you take too many hits on a hole. No one wants you to take too many hits on a hole because it slows down course for everyone. And it's frustrating for you. Golf should be fun. When you hit 10 or double par - just reset and move on with a smile and a new hole. If you aren't sure - just ask the league coordinator or event manager what the pick up rule is for that day.

Getting better...

Keeping score, just like tracking water, sleep, steps, etc. is the sure way to know how your game is trending. When you need to work on your putts or practice on the driving range. When you can celebrate a lower score or average.

Penalties...

Many people aren't sure how to score lost balls, penalty strokes, etc. And that prevents them from scoring. Here's a few simple rules.

• You are hitting your third shot from tee or drop zone if your first drive is lost into water or woods. One for ball you lost. Two for penalty. Three for the new ball.
• Use this method if you lose a ball on fairway. One for the ball you lost. Two for penalty. Three for the new ball you dropped @ where you lost it or in designated drop zone.
• This also works for an unplayable lie. The only alternate scoring rule is if you need to move your ball from ground under repair or cart path. You do not need to take a penalty for those. We'll cover all penalties in another newsletter. But a USGA guide is online.
  

Hello Central New Jersey LPGA Ladies! ⛳ 🏌️‍♀️

Now that the season is officially underway, I wanted to take a moment to welcome you all back to the fairway!

If you haven’t already signed up for league play, don’t "putt" it off any longer—registration is still open, and we’d love to have you join us. Click here for League Signups.

We have a full calendar of events coming up, and you won’t want to miss a single drive, chip, or putt. Be sure to check out all the upcoming events and golf clinics listed on our website—there are plenty of opportunities to sharpen your skills and enjoy time on the course with fellow members. We shared sign up links for Spring Fling, Member/Guest and Weekend Away in this month's newsletter. 

This month, we’re also focusing on playing with poise both on and off the course. Our “Golf with Grace” initiative is helping us brush up on proper golf cart etiquette—because smooth rides and thoughtful habits help keep our course (and friendships) in great shape!

Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our progress, and remember: it’s not just about the scorecard, but the memories we make along the way.

Wishing you straight drives, short putts, and plenty of laughter. ⛳

Warm regards,

Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

email: president@lpgaamateurscnj.com

Golf With Grace - Golf Cart Management

Top Golf Event

Seven hardy league members braved the cold in April to play Tamarack East. To their surprise, they encountered hail, but only on one hole.

Hello Central New Jersey LPGA Ladies!

Spring is here and golf season is officially in full swing! 🌷 The fairways are waking up, the greens are rolling, and we’re ready to tee up another fantastic year together.

First, a big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Tee Off Luncheon. It was a huge success! Dr. Courtney Krathen from Deborah Heart and Lung gave an informative presentation and thanks to your generosity, we raised $490 for Deborah Heart and Lung Center in loving memory of our dear friend, board member and golfing partner Diane Anderson ❤️. We also filled a Subaru Outback with hundreds of dollars in shelf-stable items for the Rise Pantry Food Bank in Hightstown, NJ.

We’re also excited to share that we have 46 new members joining our association this season! 🎉 Our group is growing faster than the tall grasses at Mercer Oaks. When you see a new face at leagues or outings, please take a moment to say hello and welcome them.

⛳ Season Opener – April 25

Our Season Opener at High Bridge Hills is set for April 25th. Be sure to check the details below and register to secure your spot.

🏌🏿‍♀️ Spring Clinics Now Open

Looking to sharpen your swing or finally conquer that tricky chip shot? Our Spring Clinics are now open for sign-up! They’re affordable, fun, and a great way to improve your game.

Speaking of learning something new… make sure you read all the way to the end of this month’s newsletter for “Golf with Grace.” This month’s topic tackles an important part of the game: Handicaps and GHIN Registration—and no, you don't have to be a good golfer to have a handicap. In fact the handicap lets players of different abilities compete fairly. 😉

Watch for our upcoming Zoom call on Handicaps!

And save the date for two upcoming outings:

May 17th - Spring Fling - Cranbury Golf Club (opens 4/22)

June 17 - Midweek Outing - Vineyard National at Renault Winery

Here’s to a season filled with long drives, short putts, and plenty of laughs along the way. See you on the course! ⛳

Warm regards,

Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

email: president@lpgaamateurscnj.com

Season Opener 

Let's kick off the season with some great golf at a favorite course!

Join us afterwards for a bite to eat or a cool beverage in clubhouse (refreshments after are not included in registration).

High Bridge Hills Golf Club

High Bridge, NJ

Saturday, April 25, 2026 

Tee Times from 11:30 AM

Registration closes April 19, 2026

Register Now

SPRING CLINICS ARE ONLINE!

One Hour Clinics!

Check out these affordable clinics!

April 19- Galloping Hill - 10 AM - Putting - $25

April 26 - Rutgers- 10 AM - Irons- $25 

May 3 - Galloping Hill - 10 AM - Chipping- $25 

May 9 - Mercer Oaks - 12 PM - Irons/Wood- $45

REGISTER FOR CLINICS

GOLF WITH GRACE: HANDICAPS

Hello Central New Jersey LPGA Ladies!

Hope you are staying warm! 🥶🏌️‍♀️

While the courses may be snowed under, golf season will be here before we know it — and we’re already teeing up your events, leagues and clinics for another fantastic year together. ☃️⛳

Join us as we officially kick off the season at our Tee Off Luncheon. It’s a great chance to reconnect and learn what’s ahead for the season. I'm sure you've also seen emails about Top Golf on Feb. 22nd, which is always a fun way to warm up that swing and catch up with your LPGA besties. 🏌️‍♀️💛🏌️‍♀️

Don't miss out on our upcoming events!

• Topgolf Event – February 22, 2026 (Closes for registration February 13)
• Tee Off Luncheon – March 28, 2026 (Opens for registration February 15)
  

This is a friendly reminder to please renew your membership if you haven’t already done so. Check out the LPGA Amateurs National “Member Get a Member” promotion, where you can earn up to $500 in Callaway merchandise prizes. If you have any questions about your renewal, don’t hesitate to reach out.

While winter keeps us indoors, it’s still a perfect time to work on one of the most important parts of your game — putting. See below for a simple indoor putting drill you can do right at home.

Thank you for being such a wonderful group of ladies. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the greens soon!I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to tee off into 2026 with a swing and a smile!

Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

email: president@lpgaamateurscnj.com

TOPGOLF EVENT FEBRUARY 22, 2026 - Winter Golf Fun w/Brunch

Join us for a morning of fun, laughter, friends and GOLF! Enjoy a delicious breakfast: French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Muffins, Bacon, Sausage, Juices, plus Coffee and Hot Tea. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to get together!

Top Golf in Edison, NJ on

Sunday, February 22nd from

10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Register Now

2026 Tee Off Luncheon Let's kick off the season with a lovely luncheon.  Vendors • Gift Baskets • 50-50 Door Prizes • Cash Bar   Learn more about our season's exciting leagues and events. Meet our board members and league coordinators.    Guests are very welcome! Knob Hill Golf Club, in Manalapan Township on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM Registration Opens @ Feb. 15 INDOOR PUTTING DRILL While winter keeps us indoors, it’s still a perfect time to work on one of the most important parts of your game — putting. Here's a simple indoor putting drill from LPGA Certified Coach Cindy Miller who walks you through how to keep those three foot putts on line every time. You can do right at home with items you have already around the house. Use yardstick and replace cup with a quarter. The smaller the target, the bigger the hole will seem when the season starts! It’s an easy way to keep your stroke smooth and avoid any springtime three-putts. Check it out today!

Dear Central New Jersey Chapter,

It’s starting to look a lot like winter out there — and while our Volunteer Appreciation Outing at Springdale Golf Club may have required a few extra layers, it was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible 2025 season!

What a year we’ve had together. From our Tee-Off & Season Opener, to weekday leagues and weekend getaways, to our MANY unforgettable events and our chilly-but-charming Volunteer Appreciation Day… this chapter played, laughed, learned, competed, explored, and supported one another every step of the way. 

And we didn’t just shine on the course — we made a meaningful impact off the course too. This season, our chapter proudly supported several local organizations through our charitable efforts. I am deeply proud to be part of a group of women who not only love the game, but who come together as a community and give back in ways that truly matter.

 As we close out this amazing season, I want to wish each of you a joyful holiday season and a very Happy New Year. Here’s to warm weather, new adventures, and an even more exciting 2026 golf season just around the corner!

See you on the greens….

 Jennifer Taddeo

President, LPGA Amateurs of Central New Jersey

Renew by January 31 for a chance to win.

Membership renewal is now open for 2026 season.

Renew your LPGA Amateur/CNJ membership early (by January 31) to be entered into a drawing for three event certificates valued at $75 ea. to be used towards a weekend or weekday event (not the Weekend Away or Mystery events).

Three lucky winners will be drawn at the Tee Off Luncheon in March.

If you've already renewed, you will be automatically entered. Board members are not eligible. Click to sign in and renew below.

Renew Now!

SAVE THE DATES

Tee Off Luncheon - Knob Hill - March 28, 2026

Weekend Away - Hilton Garden Inn in Saratoga, NY - September 11 - 13

Details to follow in Jan. 2026

HELP US MAKE 2026 OUR BEST YEAR EVER!

We've just launched our chapter survey. Please consider taking a few minutes to respond so we can better serve you with exciting leagues, education and events for 2026.

Take Our Chapter Survey!

Volunteer Opportunities

We heard you are great at chipping in.

Join one of our committees to help with marketing, event planning, rules, or mentorship!

Email Jen Taddeo, president, to discuss.

Over 30 golfers came out to play at the LPGA Amateurs Final Putt outing on October 18th. We raised $300 in the 50/50 raffle which will go to Womanspace (now called Younity) in Princeton, NJ. Younity is the leading non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County, NJ.

Play for Pink raised almost double what was collected in 2024. Many special thanks to our participants and volunteers for a fantastic outing to support those fighting breast cancer. Also a special shout out to our chapter members who donated auction items that helped push our fundraising over the top for this very worthy cause.

Congratulations to Dee Pasternick for shooting a Hole in One at the Bunker Hill August outing in Princeton, NJ. Dee made a hole-in-one on the par 3, 15th hole.

Get ready to relive the fun!

The Great Golf Hunt took over the course on June 28th — a wild scavenger hunt full of laughs, surprises, and plenty of searching for all things fun. Whether trying to coordinate a synchronized swing, spotting a divot that looked like a recognizable shape, or simply finding a flower near a tee box… the day was nothing short of unexpected moments and pure joy. Huge thanks to our amazing Events Director, Lynda Beam, for always keeping it creative and making the day unforgettable!

Congratulations to Dot Garrihy for shooting a Hole in One at the Lehigh Valley invitational, Bethlehem Monocacy course, She made her Hole in One on the 16th par 3.

Click below to get more information about a charity golf outing hosted by Sheltered Yoga on June 2. Let's support the non-profit that our fellow member Tina LeMar founded in 2014.

More info about Sheltered Yoga Golf outing

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to brush up on your golf skills! Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate golfer, we have the perfect clinic for you. Don't miss out—registration opens is open now.

Mercer Oaks Spring Golf Clinic Series

📍 Mercer Oaks, 725 Village Rd W, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

📅 Six Saturdays at 12:00 PM | May 10 – June 14

🏌️‍♂️ Beginner, Advanced Beginner & Intermediate Golfers

👥 Limited to 8 golfers per class

💰 $250 per player for 6 lessons

📝 Register by May 4th at 8:00 PM

🔗 Register Now

Galloping Hill Spring Golf Clinic Series

📍 Galloping Hill Learning Center, 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth, NJ 07033

📅 Six Sundays at 3:00 PM | May 18, June 1 – June 29

🏌️‍♂️ Intermediate Golfers

👥 Limited to 8 golfers per class

💰 $200 per player for 6 lessons

📝 Register by May 11th at 8:00 PM

🔗 Register Now