Georgia Women's Golf Association

2009 Grant Announced

From left to right: Rylie Marchman, Coach Wade Marchman, Mary Helen McElreath, Stephanie Cucci

The GWGA Board of Directors announced the recipients of the GWGA Grants at the July 2009 General Member Meeting. One of the functions of the Georgia Women's Golf Association is to develop, promote, maintain, and protect the best interests of the game of golf among the amateur female golfers throughout the State of Georgia . The Board of Directors has allocated a minimum of $1,000 annually to help Georgia high school and college competitive golf programs. Funds can be used for equipment, supplies, travel or other needs proven by the grant application.

The 2009 GWGA grant has been awarded to Burke County Athletics to help with the upstart of a girls golf team at Burke County Middle School. Above GWGA President-Elect Mary Helen McElreath presents a check to Coach Wade Marchman at the middle school, with future team members Rylie Marchman and Stephanie Cucci present.  Coach Marchman said "We will use the Grant to purchase practice equipment and team wear for the girls."  This spring will mark the first time Burke County Middle School has fielded a team.

 

80th Annual

GEORGIA WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

JUNE 23-25, 2009

IDLE HOUR CLUB                  MACON, GA

  Mariah Stackhouse defeats Dori Carter in a 3-hole playoff to win the 80th Annual GWGA State Championship

 

Photo courtesy of Macon Telegraph -  Beau Cabell photographer

 

 

 

Stackhouse rallies to defend Amateur title
By John Kosater - sports@macon.com

As 15-year old Mariah Stackhouse walked toward the par-3 12th hole at Idle Hour Club for the second time Thursday, she had only one thought: She had to make a birdie.


Stackhouse was at the end of a long day in which she had overcome a five-shot deficit to force a three-hole playoff with Dori Carter. In the playoff, Stackhouse trailed Carter by one shot going to the final hole.


Beau Cabell/The Telegraph                    

Dori Carter, left, lost the Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship title Thursday to Mariah Stackhouse in a three-hole playoff.

Stackhouse knew a birdie would give her a chance to force another playoff if Carter made a par. And when Carter missed the green off the tee, Stackhouse had her opportunity. She hit her 6-iron to within 8 feet of the hole to put the pressure squarely on Carter.

Carter chipped up to 4 feet and then watched as Stackhouse calmly sank her birdie putt. Carter could not get her tricky putt to fall, and Stackhouse had made up two shots on the final playoff hole to win her second straight Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship.“I was hoping for something good to happen,” said Stackhouse, who shot a 69 to force the playoff. “I knew when she missed the green, I had a shot at keeping the match going. I was thinking that I wanted to be inside 10 feet, and thankfully I was able to do that. I knew I would make that putt. I never really even thought about her missing, though,”

Carter felt confident about the entire hole that cost her the match.

“I hit a decent tee shot that just didn’t draw like I needed it to,” said Carter, who shot 74. “I was a little disappointed with my chip. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. I felt very confident over the putt, and I hit it clean. It just lipped out. It was pretty much how my entire day went.”

Carter’s five-stroke lead was gone by the 11th hole of regulation, when Stackhouse birdied and Carter bogeyed. The two then went back and forth for the rest of the back nine.But Carter took the lead again with a birdie on the 14th only to see Stackhouse answer by a making birdie on the 15th while Carter again. Stackhouse, however, could not hold the lead as she three-putted No. 16 for a bogey and Carter had a par to pull even again.

The par-5 17th was important for Stackhouse. She hit perhaps her worst shot of the tournament on her second shot bur came back to hit a decent third shot and then rolled in a 20 foot birdie putt to stay even as Carter had an easy birdie putt.

When the playoff started, Stackhouse decided to give up her cart and walk the final three holes, despite the 95 degree temperature.

“I thought it would help get me focused,” Stackhouse said. “I have never rode a cart in a playoff before. I think walking helps keep your blood flowing, and I just really needed to be sharp. It was only three holes, so I thought it was the right thing to do.”

Carter’s day was much different that the first two rounds that saw her shoot 69-68.

“I just couldn’t get anything going,” said Carter, who said she is looking forward to a week off. “I knew early that I just didn’t feel as comfortable as I did the first two days. It was a grind all day long. I figured that Mariah was going to make a run at me, and she basically made every putt when she needed to. I thought I had a chance to put her away on the 17th, but she made a great putt. It just wasn’t my day.”

2009 State Amateur Championship Results

2009 State Amateur Forward Results

2009 State Amateur Awards

 

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USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating for the 2009 GWGA Amateur Championship

Championship Tees:  5805 Yards

USGA Course/Slope Ratings:  74.4/132

Forward Tees:  5217

USGA Course/Slope Ratings:  71.1/125

 

2008 CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS

 

GWGA President, Jodie Shepard presents the trophy to Mariah.

 

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Keeler Memorial Trophy

The Eleanor M. Keeler Memorial Trophy is awarded to the 2008 Georgia Women's Amateur Champion, Mariah Stackhouse.   Mariah won  the Georgia Women's Match Play in 2007 and 2008, the 29th Annual Georgia Girl's Championship in 2007 and 2008, was 2nd in the 2008 Greater Atlanta Amateur Championship, 4th in the 2008 Top 60 Women's Classic, and was on the 2007 winning teams for the Georgia-South Carolina Girls Junior Challenge Match Play and the 2007 27th Annual Georgia-Florida Women's Team Matches.

The trophy was donated in 1969 by Eleanor M. Keeler's daughter, Mrs. Ed Smith. Eleanor "Mommer" Keeler was the organizer, founder, and first President of the GWGA. She was elected as President five more times, was the managing editor of Southern Golf Magazine, and wrote a column called "The Ladies Tee" in the early days of women's golf in Georgia.

 

 

 

Billie Wickliffe Trophy

The Billie Wickliffe Trophy (formerly known as the Medalist Trophy) is awarded to the player who has the lowest 36 hole qualifer.  Mariah Stackhouse is the recipient of the 2008 trophy with a score of 146 after 36 holes.

 

 

 

Eleanor Keeler Trophy

The Eleanor Keeler Trophy is awarded to the runner-up of the Georgia Women's Amateur Championship. This year's runner-up is Laura Coble.  Laura has won the Georgia Women's Amateur five times (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007).  Laura and Mariah Stackhouse were tied after 54 holes of play and Laura lost in a 3-hole aggregate playoff.

At right, Laura accepting the Trophy from Dale Perry, GWGA Board Member

 

 

 

 

 

Ceil Maclaurin Trophy

The GWGA Ceil Maclaurin Trophy(formerly referred to the as the Golfer Trophy) is awarded to the golfer with the lowest 18-hole score in any round of the 54-hole tournamount. This year, the Ceil Maclaurin Trophy was won by Brenda Pictor with a low score of 70.

The Golfer Trophy, renamed this year the Ceil Maclaurin Trophy in honor of Ceil,was donated to the GWGA in 1954 by Helen Lengfield, editor and publisher of The National Golfer Magazine.

 

 

Doak Cup

The GWGA Doak Cup is awarded to the club with the two players with the lowest aggregate qualifying scores after 36 holes. The 2008 Doak Cup winners are Susan Reheny(left) and Liz Butler of Reynolds Plantation. 

The Doak Cup is named for Mrs. W. D. Doak, the first Georgia Women's Amateur Champion. Mrs. Doak won the Championship in 1930 at Radium Springs Golf Club in Albany and subsequently served for seven years on the GWGA Board of Directors in the 1930s, including two years as President. The trophy was donated by Mr. W. D. Doak in 1945 in memory of his wife.

 

 

  

 

Burns Cup

The GWGA Burns Cup is awarded to the senior golfer (age 50+) with the lowest 36-hole qualifying score. The 2008 Burns Cup winner is Mary Helen McElreath from Augusta with a score of 153 after 36 holes..

The Burns Cup was donated to the GWGA in 1956 by Mrs. Roy "Burnsie" Burns, who served on the GWGA Board of Directors for thirty years between 1933 and 1964.

 

 

 

Hole-In-One

An ACE was made on Hole #4 at the Stonebridge Golf and CC by Noreen Healy on July 28.  Noreen plays out of The Landings in Savannah.

 

  2008 Georgia Women's

    State Amateur Awards

        

                          Award                                         Winner      

Champion
Eleanor M. Keeler Memorial Trophy
Mariah Stackhouse
218
Runner-Up Eleanor Keeler Trophy
Laura Coble
218
Medalist Billie Wickliffe Lowest 36 Hole Qualifier
Mariah Stackhouse
146
Golfer Ceil MacLaurin Lowest 18 Hole Score
Brenda Pictor
70
Doak Cup Club w/Lowest Combined 36 Hole Qualifer

Reynolds Plantation

Butler-163/Rheney-149
312
Burns Cup Senior - Lowest 36 Hole Qualifer
Mary Helen McElreath
153
Hole-In-One  
Noreen Healy (7/28/08)
#4

 

Tournament Results: Championship Flight Winners

 

 

 

 

Championship Flight A


First: Kathryn Fowler, Albany (left)
Second: Tess Fordham, Metter (not present)
Third: Amira Alexandra, Alpharetta (right)

 

 

Championship Flight B


First: Brenda Pictor, Marietta
Second: Michell Griffith, LaGrange (not present)
Third: Lauren Darnell,Gainseville (not present)

 

 

 

Championship - Flight 1


First: Sarah Ross,Carrollton (center)
Second: Claudeen Lindberg, Atlanta (left)
Third: Jodie Shepard, Newnan (right)

 

 

 

Championship - Flight 2

First: Leslie Elkins, Roswell(center)
Second: Regan Freville, Augusta (right)
Third: Cheryl Grigg, Sea Island (left)

 

 

 

Championship - Flight 3

First: Deana Atkins, Dacula (center)
Second: Marilyn Nolan-Johnson, Marietta (right)
Third: Kristie McCollister, Alpharetta, (left)

               

          Low 16 Qualifiers - GWGA Commemorative Bag Tags

1)  Mariah Stackhouse 9)  Jayne Curtis
2)  Laura Coble 10)  Michelle Griffith
3)  Tess Fordham 11)  Mary Riley
4)  Kathryn Fowler 12)  Elaine Carsel
5)  Susan Rheney 13)  Jane Duggan
6)  Erin Packer 14)  Lauren Darnell
7)  Mary Helen McElreath 15)  Darlene Werhnyak
8)  Amira Alexandra 16)  Brenda Pictor

Back Row L-R:  Brenda Pictor, Laura Coble, Mary Helen McElreath, Mary Riley,

Kathryn Fowler, Mariah Stackhouse

Front Row L-R: Elaine Carsel, Darlene Werhnyak, Susan Rehney

Not Present for Picture:  Tess Fordham, Erin Packer, Amira Alexandra, Jayne Curtis,

Michelle Griffith, Jane Duggan, Lauren Darnell

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Tournament Results: Forward Tee Flight Winners

 

Flight 1

First: Debbie DeVane, Albany (center)
Second: Helen Kirbo, Albany (right)
Third: Sandra Moody, Waynesboro (left)

 

 

 

Flight 2

First: Karen Sellick, Savannah (left)
Second: Joyce Doss, Carrollton (center)
Third: Donna McMikle, Albany (right)

 

 

Flight 3

First: Sandra Doyle, Dalton (center)
Second: Nancy Abraham, Albany (left)
Third: Annie Law Ma, Kennesaw (right)

 

 

Flight 4

First: Dale Perry, Carrollton (center)
Second: Ashley Dixon, Smryna (left)
Third: Glenda Eubanks, Albany (right)

 

 

Flight 5

First: Mary Louise Rucker, Augusta (center)
Second: Betty Rich, Villa Rica (right)
Third: Julie Hebert, Marietta (left)

 

 

Flight 6

First: Jessica Doyle, Dalton (center)
Second: Jeanne Dent, Savannah (right)
Third: Tina Hawkins, Macon (left)

 

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Trophies Re-Named

"Golfer" Trophy Re-Named the Ceil Maclaurin Trophy

"Medalist" Trophy Re-Named the Billie Wickliffe Trophy

Ceil was honored at the 79th annual GWGA Championship by having the Golfer Trophy award re-named the Ceil Maclaurin Trophy, which is a large silver loving cup. It is presented annually at the Women's State Amateur Championship Tournament to the player with the lowest 18 hole score of the competition. It was first awarded in 1950 to Madge McDonald. Ceil has won this award 1951, 1959, 1967, 1968,1970, 1972, tie with Elaine Hand in 1973, 1974, 1975.

                                                                                                  Robbie & Ceil Maclaurin admiring the newly renamed                                                                                                     the Ceil Maclaurin Trophy.   

Ceil was not alone in being honored at the annual banquet held at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club in Albany.  Her fellow competitor, good friend and four ball partner was also honored, posthumously.  The Medalist Trophy, a Paul Revere silver bowl that was donated to GWGA by the Golfer Magazine to honor Eleanor Keeler of Atlanta, was re-named the Billie Wickliffe Trophy in honor of Billie Wickliffe, who succumbed to cancer last December.  This trophy is presented annually to the contestant in the Women's State Amateur Championship with the lowest 36 hole (or qualifying score) after the first two rounds of competition.  It was first presented in 1954. Billie's name is listed 1964, 1966, 1970, and 1971.  Both of these women are and have been icons in our State for Women’s golf. 

Scores

2008 Final Round Scores by Flight - Championship Tees

2008 Final Round Scores by Flight - Forward Tees

2007 Final Round Scores by Flight - Championship Tees

2007 Final Round Scores by Flight - Forward Tees

 

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Mariah Stackhouse Wins the 79th

GWGA Women's State Amateur Championship

Mariah Stackhouse from Riverdale wins the 79th Annual GWGA Women's State Amateur Championship in a 3-hole aggregate play-off over 5-time Champion Laura Coble.  The Championship was held at Albany's Stonebridge Golf and Country Club on July 29-31.

As reported by Albany Herald News Sports Writer Derek Barichello published on August 1, 2008.

Wire-to-Wire

ALBANY —When 14-year-old Mariah Stackhouse putted in for par on No. 18 to defeat five-time champion Laura Coble in a three-hole playoff to clinch the 79th annual Georgia State Women’s Amateur Championship at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club on Thursday, one thing became very clear to everyone who stood and watched: Something special just happened.

As Stackhouse received congratulations and posed for pictures after not only winning — but leading wire-to-wire — the accomplishment hit her: At just 14, she stood atop all female amateur golfers in Georgia.

“It’s my biggest win,” said Stackhouse, who won the Georgia Junior Open and was second in the Greater Atlanta Open earlier this year. “I mean, it’s the Georgia Women’s Amateur. It’s the biggest tournament in Georgia for women. I really can’t believe it, it’s an honor. It’s awesome.”

And the build-up was just as sensational.

After 18 holes, Stackhouse and Coble were tied as Americus’ Kathryn Fowler finished regulation in third place four strokes off the pace, while Georgia signee Tess Fordham — who started the day in second — finished seven behind, setting up a playoff between Stackhouse and Coble to settle the title.

Ignoring the “no spectators in carts” rule for the tournament, a convoy of about 20 golf carts followed the playoff, knowing — regardless of who came out on top — tournament history was going to be made.

While Stackhouse was vying to become what was believed to be the youngest to win in the tournament’s 79-year history, according to the Georgia Women’s Golf Association, Coble was trying to capture a record-tying sixth title.

However, it did not take long for the crowd to see which way the compass of history would point.

Coble’s first tee shot in the playoff bounced into a hazard, forcing her to take a drop and resulting in a penalty. Coble completed the hole with a triple bogey.

Stackhouse, meanwhile, came away with a smooth par — and a commanding lead.

“I let my hip and my leg get a little bit cold and I didn’t realize,” said the 44-year old Coble, who had knee surgery over the winter. “I stood up on that tee and I took a couple of swings and I didn’t realize. I hit one of those tee shots every round making the turn. I should’ve known better.”

Stackhouse, who is undefeated in playoff holes according to her father and caddie Ken Stackhouse, remained calm and parred the next two holes to remain perfect.  “It did take a lot of pressure off me,” Mariah Stackhouse said. “Actually, I knew if I could par the next two ... I’d win it.”

But before Stackhouse won the playoff, she had to make a comeback.

Donning a final-round blazing red shirt and Nike belt buckle — the same as her golf hero Tiger Woods— Stackhouse actually trailed by two strokes heading into the final two holes.

However, the teen phenom did what was necessary, paring No's. 17 and 18, while Coble bogeyed both.

On No. 18, Coble — who held a one-stroke lead — had a chance to clinch it but hit her shot just short of the green into the sand trap, while Stackhouse’s ball rested comfortably on the green.  When Coble made the green, she missed a putt just right of the cup to save par and Stackhouse two-putted to force the playoff.

“I figured that was it (to win it) unless there was something going on with the group in front of us that I wasn’t aware of,” Coble said of her putt on No. 18 for par. “I had a great tee shot every day here and even the last time I played it. I just got unlucky (to hit it into the sand trap). It just didn’t come out like I thought it would this time.”

Interestingly enough, while Stackhouse was making her charge, she was unaware of the scores.

“When I finished my round, I didn’t know who won,” Stackhouse said. “There was a lot of suspense. I know I was close to (Laura). But (Thursday) I wasn’t playing too well and when I’m not playing too well, I’d like to not know where I’m at that way I’m able to focus better.”

But when Stackhouse heard she was going to be in a playoff, that's when her adrenaline rose and her competitive edge took over.  “I reminded her of her very strong playoff record,” Ken Stackhouse said. “She knew it. It comes from her match play (at the U.S. Junior Amateur). It’s just when she gets 1-on-1 against someone, it brings out the best in her. Now, after going through that process, she sincerely believes she can win it.”

As for Coble, who missed out on a chance to tie Janet Olp with six titles, she said she will just have to wait another year.  “I’m disappointed but not devastated,” Coble said. “It was a great week for me. It’s been a year of rebuilding. I’m still working on getting 100 percent but I'll be back."

But if Stackhouse returns as well, like she said she would, circle the date on your calendars next year's event at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon on June 23-25 could be even better.

"I wish more of the younger golfers would come out," Coble said. "It was a joy to play with Mariah. She's very talented. (She's) the future of golf."

Click here for More Results

 

37th Annual  GWGA Four-Ball Tournament

                                   2009 CHAMPIONS

                                            SISSI GANN AND FRAN COODY

The weather on Jekyll Island the last week of April could not have been more beautiful.  If you were unable to compete this year, we missed you and you missed a 'chamber of commerce' three days!

After 36 years of competing in the GWGA 4-Ball Tournament, Sissi Gann came out on top!  Playing with her good friend, Fran Coody, made it even that more special.  Sissi and Fran shot a combined 118 - 59's on both the Pine Lakes and Indian Mound courses.  Sissi exclaimed "I never dreamed we'd ever win!  With 3 holes left to play I told Fran we've gotta grind.  I didn't have any strokes left and she did.  She parred 2 of the last 3 holes.  I don't think we ever sister-in-lawed as well as we did this time".  Fran, eyes wide with excitement, said "we were on fire yesterday.  I told Sissi on the last 4 holes this is making me nervous.  But I pulled through at the end."

Tied for 2nd place with a total score of 119, were the teams of Linda Marret and Francis Duncan from the Alpharetta Athletic Club East, and the mother-daughter team of Rose Mary Dixon and Ashley Dixon from Bainbridge CC.  The team of Ellen Keough, playing out of Horshoe Bend, and Patty Dicus from Rivermont CC shot a two-day total of 122.

The tournament was first played in 1973 at the Sea Palms Golf Club on St. Simons Island and has been played at Jekyll Island every year since 1984. The format is a 36-hole, low net tournament.  

Pictures of Other Four-Ball Winners

 

      

Rosemary Dixon and Ashley Dixon, Bainbridge CC – Tied for 2nd

                   

Gretchen Kicklighter and Betsy Barnes,                             Betsy Wright and Susan Goode,

Jekyll Island Club – Tied for 5th                                           Cherokee Town & CC – Tied for 5th      

                   

    Joyce Doss and Sharon Thompson                               Bobbie Lott and Marian Almon

    Sunset Hills CC – Tied for 8th                                           Sunset Hill CC – Tied for 8th


2009 Four Ball results

 

Pine Lakes              Slope: 119         Rating:  70.2

Indian Mounds       Slope:  120        Rating:  70.0

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36th Annual GWGA Four-Ball Tournament

 

TEAM ALMON AND LOTT COME OUT ON TOP!

Marian Almon and Bobbie Lott from Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton are the Champions of the 36th Annual GWGA Four-Ball Tournament.   Marian and Bobbie scored a 59 on the Indian Mound course the first day of play under a beautiful clear blue sky, and a 65 on the Pine Lakes course the second day of competition under cloudy and windy conditions for a two day total of 124.   They finished one stroke ahead of the 2nd place mother and daughter duo of Sandra and Jessica Doyle from Dalton Country Club.  The Doyles fired a 60 and 62 for a 125 total. Following close was the 3rd place team of Mary Helen McElreath and Sandra Moody from the Gordon Lakes Golf Club scoring a 61and 65 for a total of 126. Defending 2007 Champions Rose Mary and Ashley Dixon (another mother/daughter team), posted a 67 and 61 for total of 128 tied for 7th with 5 other teams.  

A total of 128 teams - a full field - competed in the 36th Annual GWGA Four-Ball tournament, which was played at the Jekyll Island Golf Club on the Pine Lakes and Indian Mound courses. Teams compete as a field, with about a third of the teams receiving recognition. The tournament was first played in 1973 at the Sea Palms Golf Club on St. Simons Island and has been played at Jekyll Island every year since 1984. The format is a 36-hole, low net tournament.

 

2008 Champions

Bobbie Lott and Marian Almon

                                                           

                2nd Place                                                                                                                   3rd Place

    Jessica and Sandra Doyle                                                                                Mary Helen McElreath and

                                                                                                                                               Sandra Moody

 

2008 Four-Ball Final Results

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35th GWGA Four-Ball Tournament

Dixon and Dixon Score Historical Repeat and More!

The mother-daughter team of Rose Mary and Ashley Dixon of Bainbridge Country Club have done what only one other team in the history of the GWGA Four-Ball tournament have done: won it twice! The Dixons join the team of Kay Bolick and Linda Nicholson, of Lake Arrowhead Golf Club, who won back- to-back tournaments at Jekyll Island in 1991 and 1992. But the Dixons' win also marks a new historical footnote for the Four-Ball Tournament with a record low round of 53, which included a hole-in-one and two birdies by Ashely.

 


Ashley and Rose Marie Dixon hold the Tournament Director's Cup as first-place winners of the 2007 GWGA Four-Ball Tournament at Jekyll Island Golf Club.

 

A Historical Tournament for the Dixons!

Rose Mary and Ashley Dixon have secured their place in GWGA Four-Ball Tournament history with four unique accomplishments: a record-setting first round of 53, the first hole-in-one by a winning team during a tournament round, a record-setting 36-hole score of 115, and being only the second two-time winners of the tournament. The Dixons followed their remarkable first day score of 53 with a second day round of 62 to finish at 115, five strokes ahead of the second place team of Patricia Smith and Kim Smaha of Houston Lake Country Club. Smith and Smaha finished 59-61-120 for the tournament. Donna Eaton and Susan Pittard of Reynolds Plantation finished In third place with a 60-61-121 score.

 

Tournament winners Rose Mary and Ashley Dixon set a 36-hole tournament record score of 115.

 

 

Tournament Director Jody Shepard addresses the players while GWGA President Sherrie Tindle and Rules Chair Bonnie Brannin listen in.

Defending 2006 Champions Sue Tucker and Suzie Tindall of Druid Hills Country Club finished with a twelve under par 132, tied for 59th with nine other teams.

A total of 117 teams competed in the 35th Annual GWGA Four-Ball tournament, which was played at the Jekyll Island Golf Club on the Pines Lakes and Indian Mounds courses. Teams compete as a field, with about a third of the teams receiving recognition. The tournament was first played in 1973 at the Sea Palms Golf Club on St. Simons Island and has been played at Jekyll Island every year since 1984. The format is a 36-hole, low net tournament.

 

  

 

 

Kim Smaha and Patricia Smith of Houston Lake Country Club finished in second place with 59-61-120.

Third place winners Donna Eaton and Susan Pittard of Reynolds Plantation finished at -24 for the 36-hole tournament.

Ashley Dixon (right) is awarded the GWGA Hole-in-One Trophy by Tournament Director Jodie Shepard. Dixon's ace is her first and the first by a winning team in GWGA Four-Ball Tournament history. She combined the hole-in-one with two birdies to lead her team to a record-breaking round of 53 on Jekyll Island's Pine Lakes course.

 

2007 GWGA Four-Ball Final Results

More Pictures from the Tournament

 

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Coble Wins Fifth State Championship

July 31 - August 2, 2007

Laura Coble felt right at home making personal history on her home course, in her home town, in front of her family, fans, and close friends as she secured her fifth Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship at the historic Augusta Country Club. Coble shot 1-under par 71 to finish four strokes ahead of 2006 Champion Jean Reynolds, who finished even par in second place in the 54-hole tournament. In third place and just one stroke behind Reynolds was Susan Rheney of Greensboro who finished the day at 2-over par 74, with a three day score of 217. The Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship is the state most prestigious women’s golf event and was contested on the 5902-yard Hill Course at the Augusta Country Club by 43 of the state’s most elite golfers.

At right, 2007 Georgia Women's Amateur Champion Laura Coble is interviewed by a reporter in front her own picture in the historic Augusta Country Club.

 

Susan Rheney of Greensboro was tied with Coble after round one, but finished at 1-over par for the tournament, five shots behind Coble.

 

Coble started the day two shots ahead of Rheney, but moved to five strokes ahead by the end of the round as Rheney faltered with three bogeys on the front nine. Reynolds, meanwhile, stayed within three shots of Coble all day, but could not make up any ground, despite her birdie on the 444-yard par 5, 15 th hole. Coble’s round was characteristic of her steady, consistent play throughout the tournament and featured just a single birdie on the 303-yard par 4, 16 th hole, known as the “Bowl Hole” for its inward sloping green shaped like a bowl.

Playing in the same foursome as Coble and finishing in fourth place overall with 37-38-75 in the third round was Tess Fordham, of Willow Lake Golf Club in Metter. Augusta State University player Kristen Bragg finished in fifth place with a final round score of 75.

Jean Reynolds watches as Tess Fordham makes her approach shot to the 18th green in the third round.

The top finishers in the tournament include:

Position

Player

Hometown

Scores

Total 54 holes

1

Laura Coble

Augusta

70-71-71

212

2

Jean Reynolds

Newnan

70-75-71

216

3

Susan Rheney

Greensboro

71-72-74

217

4

Tess Fordham

Metter

72-77-75

224

5

Kristen Bragg

Evans

71-80-75

226

6

Louisa Yang

Suwanee

75-75-77

227

7

Patti Huxford

Cumming

79-77-75

231

T8

Amira Alexander

Alpharetta

76-77-80

233

T8

Kaley Branton

Cartersville

72-79-82

233

T10

Katherine Hooks

Augusta

76-77-82

235

T10

Sarah Mooney

Augusta

84-75-76

235

T12 Cheryl Grigg Sea Island 82-79-79 240
T12 Ginette Spinucci Stone Mountain 79-82-79 240
14 Darlene Werhnyak Lawrenceville 81-80-81 242
T15 Jen King Smyrna 83-83-78 244
T15 Megan Smith Atlanta 81-79-84 244
T15 Mary Helen McElreath Augusta 84-84-76 244

Final Results by Flight - Championship

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GWGA Trophies

  

Eleanor M. Keeler Memorial Trophy

The Eleanor M. Keeler Memorial Trophy is awarded to the 2007 Georgia Women's Amateur Champion, Laura Coble, whose name now appears five times (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). Only Janet Olp has won more times than Coble, with six victories in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1997.

The trophy was donated in 1969 by Eleanor M. Keeler's daughter, Mrs. Ed Smith. Eleanor "Mommer" Keeler was the organizer, founder, and first President of the GWGA. She was elected as President five more times, was the managing editor of Southern Golf Magazine, and wrote a column called "The Ladies Tee" in the early days of women's golf in Georgia.

Eleanor Keeler Trophy

The Eleanor Keeler Trophy is awarded to the runner-up of the Georgia Women's Amateur Championship. This year's runner-up is Jean Reynolds, a 22-year old senior at the University of Georgia. Reynolds is the 2006 GWGA Champion and winner of the 2007 Greater Atlanta Women's Amateur Championship. Reynolds led by one shot after the first round, but fell to two strokes behind Coble after round two. She finished the tournament at even par, shooting 70-75-71-216. At right, Reynolds accepts the runner-up trophy from Jan Cross, GWGA Board Member.

 

 

Golfer Trophy

The GWGA Golfer Trophy is awarded to the golfer with the lowest 18-hole score in any round of the 54-hole tournamount. This year, the Golfer Trophy is shared between the Champion, Laura Coble (left), and Runner-Up, Jean Reynolds, who both carded a score of 70 during the tournament. Reynolds' low score came during the first round and had her leading the field by one stroke. Coble fired a 70 in the second round to take the lead by two strokes. Coble never relinquished the lead and finished at 4-under par and a four-stroke win over Reynolds.

The Golfer Trophy was donated to the GWGA in 1954 by Helen Lengfield, editor and publisher of The National Golfer Magazine

 

Doak Cup

The GWGA Doak Cup is awarded to the club with the two players with the lowest aggregate qualifying scores after 36 holes. The 2007 Doak Cup winners are Katherine Hooks (left) and Laura Coble of the Augusta Country Club. The Doak Cup is named for Mrs. W. D. Doak, the first Georgia Women's Amateur Champion. Mrs. Doak won the Championship in 1930 at Radium Springs Golf Club in Albany and subsequently served for seven years on the GWGA Board of Directors in the 1930s, including two years as President. The trophy was donated by Mr. W. D. Doak in 1945 in memory of his wife.

 

 

 

Burns Cup

The GWGA Burns Cup is awarded to the senior golfer (age 50+) with the lowest 36-hole qualifying score. This year, three players tied for the Burns Cup, with a 36-hole score of 161: Darlene Werhnyak of Lawrenceville (left), Ginette Spinucci of Stone Mountain (center) and Cheryl Grigg of Sea Island. The Burns Cup was donated to the GWGA in 1956 by Mrs. Roy "Burnsie" Burns, who served on the GWGA Board of Directors for thirty years between 1933 and 1964.

 
     

Tournament Results: Championship Flight Winners


 Championship Flight A
First: Laura Coble, Augusta (center)
Second: Jean Reynolds, Newnan (left)
Third: Susan Rheney, Greensboro (right)
Championship Flight B
First: Patti Huxford, Cumming (center)
Second: Amira Alexander, Cumming (left)
Third: Sarah Mooney, Augusta (right)
Flight 1
First: Mary Helen McElreath, Augusta (center)
Second: Jennifer King, Smyrna (left)
Third: Claudeen Lindberg, Atlanta (right)
Flight 2
First: Carolyn Hooks, Augusta (center)
Second: Ena Harvey, Greensboro (left)
Third: Jean Dawson, Suwanee (right)
Flight 3
First:Marci Morettinni, Alpharetta (center)
Second: Debra Partridge, Roswell (left)
Third: Deana Atkins, Dacula (right)

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Francis Rich Memorial Trophy Tournament - Forward Tees

 

  

In 2003, the GWGA Board of Directors voted to conduct a simultaneous tournament from a forward set of tees in addition to the Championship tournament. Players competing from the forward tees are eligible for the GWGA Frances Rich Memorial Trophy. This year, 59 players competed for the trophy, qualifying over two days to determine flights for the final day of competition. For the first time since its inception, determining the winner required a three-hole play-off between four players -- three from the first flight and one from the second flight. In the play-off were 2005 and 2006 winner Alice Richardson of Alpharetta, Andrea Jackson of Winder, Lori Soles of Perry, and Sue Tucker of Atlanta. The 2007 winner of the Franics Rich Memorial Trophy is Andrea Jackson of Winder, who plays out of the Athens Country Club. Jackson carded a final day 84 to move her from a five-way tie for second after 36-holes into a four-way tie for the play-off after 54-holes.

Final Results by Flight - Forward Tees

At right, Andrea Jackson receives the Francis Rich Memorial Trophy from GWGA Board Member Jan Cross after winning a four-way play-off.

Francis Rich Memorial Trophy Tournament Flight Winners

Flight 1
First: Andrea Jackson, Winder (won in four-way play-off)
Second: Lori Soles, Perry (left)
Third: Alice Richardson, Alpharetta (right)
Flight 2
First: Sue Tucker, Atlanta (center)
Second: Sam Ogden, Bremen (left)
Third: Jinna Wheeler, Canton (right)
Flight 3
First: Noreen Healy, Savannah (left)
Second: Joyce Doss, Carrollton (center)
Third: Olivia Flanaga, Albany (right)
Flight 4
First: JoAnn Setliffe, Woodstock (center)
Second: Lindsay Berry, Roswell (right)
Third: Carole Cavanaugh, Sharpsburg (left)
Flight 5
First: Sandra Doyle, Dalton (center)
Second: Ann Powell, Athens (right)
Third: Jennifer Rosenberg, Roswell (left)
Flight 6
First:Ashley Dixon, Douglasville (left)
Second: Patricia Doub, Alpharetta (center)
Third: Sue Marshall, Marietta (right)
Flight 7
First: Jan Shirley, Newnan (left)
Second: Pam Mitchell, Atlanta (center)
Third: Annie Law, Kennesaw (right)
Flight 8
First: Tina Hawkins, Macon (left)
Second: Susan Pittard, Eatonton (center)
Third: Sandra Hefner, Dalton (right

 

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2008 GWGA Directors

Position Name
President Jodie Shepard
First Vice-President Bonnie Brannin
Second Vice-President Donna McMikle
Corresponding Secretary Cheryl Drewyer
Recording Secretary / Auditor Jeanne Dent
Membership Chair Dale Perry
TPP Chair Nancy Abraham
Publicity and Historian OPEN
Registration Carol Wheaton
Scoreboard Mary Helen McElreath
Records and Information Lori Soles
Treasurer Helen Kirbo
Trophy Jane Newbern
Asst. Treasure / Computer Coordinator Cheryl Drewyer
Chair of the Board Sherrie Tindle



GWGA 2008 Grants

The GWGA Board of Directors announced the recipients of the GWGA Grants at the July 2008 General Member Meeting. One of the functions of the Georgia Women's Golf Association is to develop, promote, maintain, and protect the best interests of the game of golf among the amateur female golfers throughout the State of Georgia. The Board of Directors has allocated a minimum of $1,000 annually to help Georgia high school and college competitive golf programs. Funds can be used for equipment, supplies, travel or other needs proven by the grant application.

For 2008, the Board voted to award two $1000 grants. The grants were awarded to

Central High School, Carrollton, Girls Golf Program - $1000 University of West Georgia Women's Golf Program - $1000

Jodie Shepard, right, awards Central High School the $1000 Grant to Coach Don Riggins.  Looking on is GWGA member Joyce Doss (Carrollton) with granddaughter Kelsey, who is a member of the Central HS Girls Golf Team.

Accepting the $1000 Grant for the University of West Georgia is Coach Mike Horn and his Women's Golf Team from GWGA Board Members Jodie Shepard and Cheryl Drewyer.