Three days of golf, good friends, laughter, competition and parties no doubt play a role in longevity and health of the women that are members of the Incline Village Ladies Golf Club. No one knows how to put on a golf tournament like these women.
Each July, the Incline Village Ladies Golf Club holds the Member- Guest tournament. It is an all-out event which starts with a practice golf day and ends with a catered luncheon in one of the member’s home. On July 11-13th, the IVLGC Member-Guest Golf Tournament’s theme was “Mamma Mia, Here we go again!” Each member teamed up with their guest for the purchases of “Magic Putts”, parties, coordinating outfits and 3 rounds of golf at the Championship Golf Course in Incline Village, Nevada.
On Sunday, each team went out to play the course for practice and then headed over to a home on the beautiful Lake Tahoe. The three-acre estate located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe welcomed nearly 80 women with valet parking, a hosted bar, and Mamma Mia themed décor. The charcuterie grazing table, the bartender topping off the wine and cocktails, and homemade desserts were amazing but only second to the setting and the company. Chatter and laughter of these ladies, dressed in Greek Isle and 60’s wear, could be heard over the Mamma Mia music playing in the background as they gathered at the tables on the back deck just feet from the shoreline.
On Monday, each two-some came ready with coordinating outfits, classic Greek Isle to 60’s/disco golf wear. The golf carts were stocked with goodie bags, the rules, and the format for play. The Head Golf Pro, Kyle Thornburg, and 1st Assistant Golf Pro, Rob Bruce, welcomed each member and their guest by name. The service was fantastic. Everyone chatted, but there was a more serious feel on the first day as we headed to the driving range to warm up. The driving range was ready with buckets of balls and tees and the putting green was full of women determining how the greens were playing that morning. After a brief set of rules and instruction, it was off to the assigned hole on the course. Each person played their own ball. The best of the two scores was used for that hole. Each player had a Magic Putt. A player could use their Magic Putt when they landed on the green to make it a 1-Putt for the hole. Strategy is definitely involved in determining when to use the Magic Putt! The first day ended with a luncheon and a fancy scorecard and tee holder for each player.
On the second day of the tournament, the fresh coordinating themed golf outfits came paired with everyone’s best game face! This was the eclectic day. Each team could better their score from the day before, similar to a “do-over”, but they could not do worse. My mom and I played ok on the first day, but it was the second day that brought us up from 6th place to 3rd in our Flight! This is our 3rd member-guest tournament together and this year we were in the middle flight, 24 teams ahead of where we had placed the previous two years! We were called to the front of the crowd as our names were called out to collect our prizes: Michael Aram decorative pewter bowls. It was a memorable weekend with my mom!
Tournaments can be fun, a little stressful, and a great experience. For many golf club tournaments, the players are serious but like to have fun. They often decorate their golf cart, have matching/coordinating outfits with their partner or foursome, and have great parties afterwards. The format of the tournaments are usually beneficial to all the players and take a bit of pressure off the players that may feel a bit more intimidated by the word “tournament”. Do not misinterpret or underestimate these women! They are strong athletic women with a competitive spirit.
Join a golf club, a men’s or women’s golf group and participate in one of their tournaments! It will be one of the most memorable golf days! The competition, fresh air, exercise, and fun will help promote longevity in you, too!
By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel – lynneharrosh@me.com