Vernie Tupa, 2016 Founders’ Cup Champion; photo by Bob Koblewski
Elaine Kienitz
The new year started with our Founders’ Cup Tournament and luncheon. The Founders’ Cup gives us a chance to pay tribute to the ladies who founded our club in 1990. The winner of the tournament is determined by the best overall low net score. The winner of the 2016 Founders’ Cup is Vernie Tupa. Congratulations, Vernie!
The Arizona Women’s golf Association (AWGA) held the State Medallion Tournament on January 16 and 17. Hosting the tournament was PebbleCreek Golf Resort in Goodyear, Arizona. The sixty 18 holers were divided on the two days, half played on Saturday and half on Sunday. The 18 pairs of Niners played on Sunday with 15 clubs represented. SaddleBrooke Niners were represented by Vernie Tupa, low gross and Elaine Kienitz, low net. Team members played together and the low gross and low net scores were combined. Adding interest to the luncheon that followed the tournament was Marilyn Smith, one of the founders of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). Her recently released book, Have Clubs-Will Travel, recalls all the adventures and challenges of getting the professional golf association for women accepted and organized. She has some great stories. All in all the tournament was well organized, fun and a nice opportunity for meeting new people and experiencing another golf course in the sun.