Denise Cashmore
The 2026 MountainView/Preserve Women’s Golf Association Club Championship, sponsored by Robson Resort Communities, was held on April 28 and 29. Golfers competed in a two-day, overall low gross score tournament to claim the Club Championship and grand prize. There were additional flight prizes for low scores, and for KPs (Closest to Pin) on all Par 3s. Day one play was at The Preserve Course, where conditions were a bit windy and many (disappointing) high scores were reported. The wind, and players, calmed down on day two at MountainView Golf Course.
Karyn Engel took the top prize this year. As a newcomer, she has taken the club by storm, and has already won a number of events. Engel shot a 74 at The Preserve, and a 77 at MountainView for a low gross of 151. When presented with this year’s trophy, Engel joked, “It’s been great to meet everyone—it’s only been 6 months. I didn’t mean to steal the trophy!”
The awards luncheon was held at the MountainView Ballroom, where Resident Pro, Mike Karpe, announced winners, and also recognized Assistant Pro, Susie Gietl, and her eight month internship with theSaddleBrooke TWO Golf Community. Gietl will be returning to college in the fall where she will continue her studies and play golf. Gietl gave a heartfelt and emotional goodbye to the group, expressing her appreciation that “everyone has been so welcoming.” From all of us to you Susie, you have been a wonderful asset, and we wish you great success in all your future endeavors.
Event results are listed below (Champion=$125, 1st=$80, 2nd=$70, 3rd=$55, KP winners=$15):
Club Champion – Karen Engel (151)
Tortolita Flight – 1st-Donna Watson (167), 2nd-Cathy Quesnell (170), 3rd-Ann Martin (171)
Santa Rite Flight – 1st-Ralene Peters (176*), 2nd-Carey Ricard (176*), 3rd-Jane Megrdle (182)
Rincon Flight – 1st-Karen Erickson (182), 2nd Judy Grow (190), 3rd-Jacque Twitty (194)
Tucson Flight – 1st-Ann Van Sickel (184), 2nd-Debbie Mielke (186), 3rd-Claire Baragone (201)
Catalina Flight – 1st-Lan Nguyen (151*), 2nd-Andrea Gray (151*), 3rd-Jeana Hodges (153)
KP winners (sponsored by Moore Advantage Team and Andy’s Irrigation):
TP Course Hole #4 Ralene Peters, #6 Karen Erickson, #11 Ann Van Sickel, #14 Karyn Engel
MV Course Hole #4 Lan Nguyen, #8 Andrea Gray, #13 Andrea Gray, #17 Ann Martin
*denotes scorecard playoff
May brought beautiful weather, vibrant desert blooms, and the Monthly Ace event (sponsored by Weathersby Windows and Doors). Playing at The Preserve, Lori Stegink captured Low Ace Gross honors with an impressive 83, while Karen Erickson secured Low Ace Net with a stellar 72. With these victories, both players have qualified for the 2026 Ace of the Year tournament. Per event rules, qualifiers are limited to one Low Gross and one Low Net win per calendar year, all leading up to the decisive championship playoff in January.
See MPWGA.com for more information about upcoming events, and club news.