More than 50 members & guests gathered at First Tee-Cleveland for a fabulous Master's themed Season Kick Off on Sunday, April 6th. Thank you for joining us, fabulous sponsors, Mike Koler (Koler Financial Group), and Karla Caton (KD's Crafts). Big shout out to our Events Committee for a really fun, creative day: Heidi Gallaher, Deb Wilcox, Cindy Trefny, Olga Merela, and Kate Vezdos.

Special thanks to our First Tee hosts: Pat LoPresti, Executive Director, Mary Patton, Director of Marketing, Coach Dorothy Kaspar, Program Manager, and Veronica Savitch, Program support Specialist. Your facility is stunning, and perfect for our event. We are so impressed by the great work that you do in our community and appreciate learning more about ways we can be involved.  The First Tee - also donated a big raffle gift of golf items which was won by Cindy Trefny.

Competition was fierce for Closest to the Pin - congratulations to Deb Wilcox (under 8 feet)!  Peggy Allen won the putting contest.   Bonnie Kowalski and Deb McCreery won Master's Trivia.  Judy Anderson's guess was closest to the number of tees in the jar!  It's always fun to win!

Stay tuned for the grand prize winner of the Master's "Green Jacket" Competition!  This fundraiser allowed us to donate $500 to the First Tee - Cleveland.

We are inspired and ready for the season.

Fantastic early October weather enhanced the Stay & Play at the Grand Resort in Warren. LPGA Cleveland and Canton members, 24 strong, enjoyed the courses, laughs, food, camaraderie and housing. Rain prior to our arrival made the courses a bit wet and added to the challenges. Thank you Carolyn Caplan for making all the arrangements and Wendy Shick for planning the games. Friday also was National Golf Lover’s Day. Results were:

Avalon Lakes – blind draw 2-person low net team:

1^st place – Carolyn Caplan and Wendy Shick – score 149

2^nd place – Doreen Smith and Becky Pittis – score 162 (won tiebreaker)

3^rd place – Beth Kintigh and Olga Merela – score 162

4^th place – Diane Kovachick and Kristen Miller – score 163

Low putts – Doreen Smith  - score 31

Best round of the day – Carolyn Caplan net 74

Squaw Creek – 4-person team – low net and high net total hole score, unless gross birdie then two low nets total hole score

1^st place – Kelli Chronister, Beth Kintigh, Kristen Miller, Doreen Smith – score 150 (team had 3 birdies)

2^nd place – Donna Byrnes, Leigh Murray, Wendy Shick, Andy Shimek – score of 153 (team had 1 birdie)

Low putts – Helen Oshaben - score of 32

Long putt – Judy Anderson

Closest to pin – Kristen Miller

Best round of the day – Helen Oshaben net 69

Special Awards

Judy Anderson – perseverance on putting green

Donna Schreiber – had 4 Dolly Parton putts (round the hole and lip out)

Kristen Davis – saved golf cart from rolling into water on the last hole Saturday

Donna Byrnes – late-night swim at Grand Resort (with regular clothes on) in honor of Deb Solyan

51 golfers, (most since 2021), gathered at Ironwood Golf Course in on September 21. We all traveled to the southern section of the area for a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. The weather was perfect for this late in the season. All enjoyed a gathering after with lots of baskets and door prizes. Everyone received a snack bag and Golf Dotz. A big thanks to Helen Oshaben, Donna Byrnes, Olga Merela and Wendy Shick for organizing a great day!! Also appreciate the help of many others during the day.

Mary Beth Breckenridge won the Most Improved Golfer award for 2024 based on her reduction in handicap – from 28.0 to 22.4 from April 1 to September 19. Unfortunately, Mary Beth wasn’t able to attend and missed hearing her applause.

For the 50-50 drawing, the board decided to pull two names and return all the money to the members. That means we had a 100-0. Donna Byrnes and Helen Oshaben were the lucky winners. You had to be there to understand the fun aspect of the winners – too hard to explain.

June Rickey had a great day on the course. She had the best gross and net score of the day – playing from Flight 2. She said whispered in my ear “I didn’t use her driver all day.” Very smart move and perfect way to adjust to how the course was playing.

Olga Merela was the low putts winner in the field with 30. Connie Raiche was the only golfer in the field to birdie ANY of the Par 3’s. Beth Kintigh was the only golfer in the field to birdie #14 and Leigh Murray was the only golfer in the field to par #12.

The following were flight winners – 1^st and 2 in each category. First place received $50 and second place received $30. Low putts received $25.

Flight 1 – Gross

1^st – Denise Rini – 84
2^nd – Leigh Murray – 86
Leigh Murray – low putts 31

Flight 1 – Net

1^st – Debbie Wilcox – 71
2^nd – Peggy Allen – 72

Flight 2 – Gross

1^st – June Rickey – 82
2^nd – Kate Vezdos – 93
June Rickey - low putts 33

Flight 2 – Net

1^st – Shauna Campbell – 70
2^nd – Lisa Bizjak – 72

Flight 3 – Gross

1^st – Olga Merela – 90
2^nd – Lori Spencer – 97
Olga Merela - low putts 30

Flight 3 – Net

1^st – Gloria Merritt - 67
2^nd – Ann Shamess – 71

Flight 4 – Gross

1^st – Linda Delsky – 104
2^nd – Darlene Hillis – 110
Angela Centa - low putts 32

Flight 4 – Net

1^st – Angela Centa – 70
2^nd – Margaret Lynch - 75

Skill Shots $20

#2 – Closest to pin, any shot – Jen Moissis
#4 – Closest to pin, 2^nd shot – Jen Moissis
#7 – Long Putt – Beth Kintigh
#8 – Long drive, Flight 1 – Beth Kintigh
#8 -  Long drive, Flight 2 -  June Rickey
#8 – Long drive, Flight 3 – Lori Spencer
#8 – Long drive, Flight 4 – Angela Centa
#11 – Closest to pin – Leigh Murray
#14 – Closest to pin, any shot – Cindy Trefney
#16 – Long Putt – Nicky Sulandari
#18 – Closest to pin, any shot – Marilyn Clark

Skins

Flight 1 – Beth Kintigh (2) - $66: Jen Moissis, Leigh Murray (1) - $32
Flight 2 – Lisa Bizjak, Shauna Campbell, June Rickey, Kate Vezdos (1) $32.50
Flight 3 – Susan Curtis, Olga Merela, Gloria Merritt (2) - $25: Karla Maschmeier, Connie Raiche, Ann Shamess (1) - $12
Flight 4 – Linda Delsky, Emily Gauthier (2) - $20: Angela Centa, Darlene Hillis, Marcia Frankino, Sandy Sieman (1) - $1

Chapter News - June

Our annual Kick Off was held on Saturday, April 8, at Mallard Creek GC.   The event began with  a golf simulator competition, "swap meet", sponsor Karla Caton of KD's Crafts selling her beautiful golf accessories followed by lunch and President Helen Oshaben sharing details of the upcoming season.  Speakers were teaching Pro Pam Stefanik  (440-991-6117) sharing tips,  followed by sponsor Marcia Frankino of Style-In LLC demonstrated her skills as a personal stylist with golf clothing going from course to cocktails.  Sponsor Mike Koler of the Koler Financial Group attended and donated Dick's gift cards which were raffled off along with two certificates for TeeTimes golf pass books.  Following the event, some braver soles ventured out for a round of golf in cool but sunny weather.  A special thanks to members Olga Merela and Kristen Davis from the Events Committee for their planning, and all who helped and participated in this fun event!  

Kick-Off & Upcoming SPECIAL Events

News From Chapter - January 2024

19 members enjoyed a fun filled weekend trip to play The Virtues GC and Eaglesticks GC with an overnight in Zanesville, OH.  The weather, beautiful hilly courses and laughs made it a memorable weekend.

Virtues Course

1^st place, 2 score low net team – Lisa Bizjak, Donna Byrnes, Leigh Murray, Wendy Shick – score of 136
2^nd place, 2 score low net team – Kristen Davis, Nancy DeVault, Olga Merela, Jan Slaughter – score of 141
Low putts – Olga Merela – score of 33

Eaglesticks Course

1^st place, 2 score low net team – Denise Andres, Pat Blackmon, Eileen McCarthy, Gloria Merritt – score of 125
2^nd place, 2 score low net team – Lisa Bizjak, Carolyn Caplan, Leigh Murray, Donna Schreiber – score of 133Low putts – Leigh Murray – score of 30

Special Awards

Chris Kutsko – best score ever golfed
Eileen McCarthy – best story, 2 eagles with hole outs from 80 and 100 yds
Judy Anderson – high putts

36 golfers gathered at Tanglewood Golf Club in on September 22. We all traveled to the southeast section of the area for a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. The weather was perfect for this late in the season. All enjoyed a nice dinner and plenty of door prizes. Everyone received a golf-themed wristlet bag. A big thanks to Helen Oshaben, and Carolyn Caplan for organizing a great day!!

Also, a special thanks for all those who contributed to the amazing array of gift baskets we were able to raffle off and provide door prizes for each attendee.  The proceeds from raffles help offset costs for hosting events.  Contributors were: LPGA Amateurs Cleveland Board members Helen Oshaben, Wendy Shick, Mary Beth Breckenridge, Olga Merela, Carolyn Caplan, Susan Curtis and Karla Maschmeier; Seneca, Grantwood and Springvale Golf Courses; Course Directors Bonnie Kolalski & Mary Beth Breckenridge;  Koler Financial Group; KD’s Crafts; AFLAC; Marcia Frankino - Style Consultant; Terry Baxter; Fern Grunberger; Donna Simons; Kristin Davis; Donna Byrnes; Windmill Training Center; Knuth’s; Lobster Pot Restaurant; Beach Club Bistro and Aladdin’s Restaurant.

Besides tons of skill shots, raffle prizes and a 50/50, this year Deb Solyan ran a "betting contest" on a par three.  Make a bet and if you got on the green you got double your bet back.  

Deb Warman of the Springvale won the Most Improved Golfer award for 2022 based on her reduction in handicap – from 18.8 to 15.5. Unfortunately, Deb wasn’t able to attend and missed hearing her applause. Deb is in as a spectator at the Solheim Cup.

For the 50-50 drawing, the board decided to pull two names and return all the money to the members. That means we had a 100-0. Shauna Campbell and Susan Curtis were the lucky winners.

The following were flight winners – 1^st and 2^nd in each category. First place received $50 and second place received $30. Low putts received $25.

Flight 1 – Gross

1^st – Missy Gedeon – 79
2^nd – Eileen McCarthy – 88
Missy Gedeon – low putts 27

Flight 1 – Net

1^st – Jen Moissis – 70
2^nd – Pat Blackmon – 73

Flight 2 – Gross

1^st – Rosanne Fiorilli – 84
2^nd – Lisa Bizjak – 92
Mary Beth Breckenridge - low putts 34

Flight 2 – Net

1^st – Kristina Paskonis – 70
2^nd – Olga Merela – 73

Flight 3 – Gross

1^st – Babs Liber – 98
2^nd – Shauna Campbell – 99
Kathy Lang – low putts 35

Flight 3 – Net

1^st – Deanne Lewis - 65
2^nd – Terri Lanzara – 70

Flight 4 – Gross

1^st – Deborah Griswold – 105
2^nd – Marcia Frankino – 110
Darlene Hillis – low putts 36

Flight 4 – Net

1^st – Denise Hagestrom – 66
2^nd – Kathryn Kreps-Valentine - 68

Skill Shots $20

#1 – Long putt – Lisa Bizjak
#2 – Long drive, Flight 1 – Missy Gedeon
#2 – Long drive, Flight 2 – Kristen Davis
#2 – Long drive, Flight 3 – Terri Lanzara, Carolyn Caplan
#2 – Long drive, Flight 4 – Chris Kutsko, Kristina Paskonis
#7 – Closest to pin, tee shot – Nicky Sulandari
#8 – Closest to pin, any shot – Helen Oshaben
#11 – Closest to pin, 2^nd shot – Heidi Gallaher
#16 – Closest to pin, tee shot – Ann Shamess
#17 – Closest to pin, any shot – Missy Gedeon

Skins

Flight 1 – Pat Blackmon (3) - $24: Missy Gedeon, Wendy Shick (2) - $14: Bonnie Kowalski, Eileen McCarthy, Jen Moissis, Cindy Trefny (1) - $7

Flight 2 – Lisa Bizjak, Mary Beth Breckenridge, Rosanne Fiorilli (2) $20: Kristen Davia, Heidi Gallaher  (1) $10

Flight 3 – Carolyn Caplan (2) - $30: Shauna Campbell, Kathy Lang, Deanna Lewis, Babs Liber (1) - $15

Flight 4 – Loretta Robertson (2) - $20: Marcia Frankino, Darlene Hillis, Kathryn Krep-Valentine, Helen Oshaben, Sandy Sieman (1) - $10

Kelli Chronister of the Sleepy Hollow league won the Most Improved Golfer award for 2022 based on her reduction in handicap – from 17.6 to 14.2. Unfortunately, Kelli wasn’t able to attend and missed hearing her applause. It is believed Kelli may be the first person to repeat with this award.

For the 50-50 drawing, the board decided to pull two names and return all the money to the members. That means we had a 100-0. Terry Lanzara and Mary Beth Breckenridge were the lucky winners.

The following were flight winners – 1^st and 2^nd in each category. First place received $50 and second place received $30. Low putts received $25.

Flight 1 – Gross
1^st – Wendy Shick – 81
2^nd – Eileen McCarthy – 88
Wendy Shick – low putts 31

Flight 1 – Net
1^st – Terry Baxter – 73
2^nd – Jo Dangel – 76

Flight 2 – Gross
1^st – Kit Quigley – 92
2^nd – Diane Kovachik – 96
Susan Curtis - low putts 32

Flight 2 – Net
1^st – Susan Curtis – 72
2^nd – Lori Spencer – 74

Flight 3 – Gross
1^st – Debbie Kandel – 99
2^nd – Susan Glander – 101
Debbie Kandel – low putts 32

Flight 3 – Net
1^st – Debbie McCreery – 71
2^nd – Terry Lanzara – 76

Flight 4 – Gross
1^st – Deanne Lewis – 110
2^nd – Loretta Robertson – 121 (tie breaker)
Kathy Valentine – low putts 31

Flight 4 – Net
1^st – Kathy Valentine – 72
2^nd – Debbie Griswold - 82

Skill Shots $20

#1 – Closest to pin, any shot – Helen Oshaben (chip in)
#3 – Long drive, Flights 1 and 2 – Marlayna Jacinto
#3 – Long drive, Flights 3 and 4 – Debbie Kandel
#6 – Long putt – Donna Byrnes
#13 – Closest to pin, any shot – Chris Kutsko
#15 – Closest to pin, 2^nd shot – Lisa Holland
#16 – Long putt – Olga Merela
#18 – Closest to pin, any shot – Sandy Sieman

Skins

Flight 1 – Terry Baxter, Wendy Shick (2) - $40: Jen Moisses, Eileen McCarthy (1) - $20

Flight 2 – Susan Curtis (3) $37, Allison Morrow (2) $25: Mary Hazlett, Kristen Taylor-Billups, Diane Kovachick, Kit Quigley(1) - $12

Flight 3 – Susan Glander (5) - $30: Debbie Kandel (4) - $24: Debbie McCreery (1) - $6

Flight 4 – Loretta Robertson (3) - $35: Donna Byrnes (2) $23: Denise Andres, Helen Oshaben (1) - $11

A HOT weather day was on tap for the 2022 Course Challenge at Ridgewood Golf Course on 8-20 - we had a great showing of 32 golfers. The golfers from the “East” courses (Grantwood, Manakiki, Pine Ridge) grabbed the Course Challenge title. The East team consisted of Judy Anderson, Terry Baxter, Kirsten Taylor-Billups, Joi Boyd, Janet Burnside, Donna Byrnes, Nancy Cetina, Rosanne Fiorilli, Sue Glander, Mary Hazlett, Claire Labaj, Terri Lanzara, Olga Merela, Helen Oshaben, Wendy Shick, Sandy Sieman, Janet Slaughter, Peg Walsh, Diane Ward and Samantha Wright.

The format for play was two-person teams. The first 9 holes was best ball format in which both players played their own ball and used the lower score. The second 9 holes was a scramble. After play on the course, the golfers had a putting contest from 10 ft, 20 ft and 30 ft.

The East golfers pulled out the win by scoring well in the putting contest. In the putting contest, East finished 1-2-2 with Nancy Cetina accumulating only 33 inches. Janet Slaughter and Terry Baxter added 64 inches. For the golf portion, Terri Lanzara and Judy Anderson finished first in low net with a 62. Wendy Shick and Claire Labaj had 64 and Rosanne Fiorilli and Terry Baxter shot net 65.

Other award winners were:
Terri Lanzara and Judy Anderson – low net team with 62.

Wendy Shick and Claire Labaj – 2^nd low net team with 64 (tie breaker)
Nancy Cetina – best putter in the putting contest

Skill shot winners:
Long putt – Olga Merela, Donna Byrnes

Closest to Pin – Cindy Darwal, Sue Glander

Closest to Pin-Any shot off green – Kirsten Taylor-Billups, Cindy Darwal

Long drive- Terry Baxter

Closest to pin on 2^nd shot – Rosanne Fiorilli

Special thank you for workers at the event: Olga Merela and Mary Hazlett for registration, putting contest – Terry Baxter, Lisa Bizjak, Susan Curtis, Rosanne Fiorelli, scoring – Claire Labaj and Wendy Shick.

Member Peggy Allen scored a hole in one on a trip with her husband to Ireland in June.  After the airlines damaged her golf club, her husband piece together some rental clubs.  Peggy said "It was hole #10 at Carne GC, in Ireland.  Played it on 7/10/22. Our caddie was priceless. He said aim a little right and hit it about 90 yards (118yd hole). My husband, our caddie and I all screamed for joy when it rolled in. It is my first HIO and only the second one our caddie had witnessed. And to do it with rental clubs--what fun!"