Verde Sputters are all smiles as they check in for putting. (Photo by Connie Kotke)
Connie Kotke
Monday mornings are lively on the main putting green behind the SaddleBrooke One clubhouse. That’s when dozens of Verde Sputters come together to enjoy 18 holes of ever-changing fun. Women of all skill levels find a sense of accomplishment as they focus on skills of aim and speed. They also find lots of supportive new friends who are willing to help. The cheers and laughter in the autumn sunshine just can’t be beat!
Grab a putter and a ball and simply show up at our check-in desk at 9:30 a.m. Putting starts at 10 a.m., and you’ll be joined by some friendly teammates. Your first visit is as our guest. Any SaddleBrooke resident or renter who does not belong to an established golf league is welcome. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Membership Chair Lydia O’Connor at 507-421-5640 or lh1017ger47@gmail.com.
While every Sputter is important, we celebrate some of our outstanding results from September and October. Those who achieve a score of 39 or lower receive a star to place proudly on their name badge:
• Low Scores of 35: Laurie Miller, Laura Berkley, Opal Larkin, and Marilyn Palatas
• Low Scores of 36: Opal Larkin and Connie Kotke
• Low Scores of 37: Laurie Miller, Laura Berkley, Connie Kotke, Lana Steinert, Gail Goede, Carol Jones, Ann Grover, and Marilyn Palatas
• Low Scores of 38: Mary Vandermast, Marilyn Palatas, Ann Sega, Opal Larkin, Jay Dunn, Hazel Roper, Virginia LaBar, Cathy Howard, Donna Gruninger, Julie Larson, and Ann Grover
• Low Scores of 39: Dawn Hecht, Jay Dunn, Ann Grover, Karen Taylor, Debbie Flato, Lydia O’Connor, Mary Jo Parker, Pam Elvy, Diana Vaughn, Hazel Roper, Pam Young, Marilyn Palatas, Cathy Howard, Janet Knowles, and Laura Berkley
Despite a four-week hiatus due to course maintenance and weather, we managed to get in five sessions of putting between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. During those five sessions, our players turned in 182 holes-in-one! Laurie Miller, Gail Goede, and Laura Berkley each had four holes-in-one during a single day of play. Lana Steinert, Opal Larkin, Lydia O’Connor, Laurie Miller, Cathy Howard, Connie Kotke, Julie Zopf, Lee Kump, Debbie Bornmann, and Ann Grover each had three holes-in-one.
Our “money hole” winners (grab those $5 bills, ladies) in September and October were Kathy Roberts, Hazel Roper, Lydia O’Connor, Sheelagh Simpson, MaryLou Cloin, Rhonda Nicholson, Denise Titus, Karen Taylor, Lisa Woolmington, Laura Berkley, and Lee Kump.
Happy Holiday Season from all of us in Verde Sputters. See you on the green!