By Rhonda Glenn, USGA
That Great Old Song…
Early this morning, just as Mina Hardin and Terri Frohnmayer hit their shots from the first tee and the final was underway, a train whistle sounded in the distance. Couldn’t help but think, “Pardon me, boys. Is that the Chattanooga choo-choo?”
A Challenge?
Joe Richardson, president of this fine club, had a thought after the semifinals. “We won’t have a true champion here until she tees it up with Betty,” Richardson said with a laugh. Betty Probasco, the honorary co-chairman of the Senior Women’s Amateur, is a member here. Probasco has a wonderful playing record and was a stalwart competitor. On media day, Betty fired a 74, which is a few strokes below her age.
The Honors Course
Could there be anything better than enjoying a fine breakfast on the back porch of The Honors Course? We don’t go to that many clubs that offer a side dish of grits which, as Southerners know, stands for Girls Raised In The South, but they’re a favorite. These well-travelled players know of such delicacies and even the Northern and Western women enjoyed the dish.
Natural Wonders
The Honors Course is such a lovely, peaceful layout. It’s in the middle of virtual wilderness and wildlife has a fine time here. There are two black bears on the property, we’re told, but they must have been in hiding this week. Leaving the course late one night, I saw a lovely doe amble across the road toward the practice area. We don’t see many deer in Florida, so the sight of one is a blessing. It also brings a smile to watch the 12 ducks that frolic in the little cut of stream that empties into the pond next to the ninth green. This morning, it was quiet and no one was about when we watched them circle overhead and glide in to land on the fringe. Ten sat resting, while two ducks stood as sentinels, ever vigilant. Soon they made it to the stand of cattails in the stream, and they ducked and splashed and gamboled about. It was recess for these feathered friends and you could almost hear them laugh.