President’s Message - American Singles Golf Association

CELEBRATING 16 YEARS OF SINGLES GOLF IN AMERICA

Pinehurst Chapter - American Singles Golf Association — December 2008

President’s Message grams, great relationships with other I enjoyed the time I spent working for the
chapters, true friendships, community group. Just like most of you, I have a love
"Golf is twenty percent mechanics and service through Empty Stocking and the for the game of golf and wanted to find a
technique. The other eighty percent is phi- golf scholarships. We can all be proud way to play more often with other single
losophy, humor, tragedy, romance, melo- of the impact this group is making. people. Who knew when I dipped my toe
drama, companionship, camaraderie, in the water 3 years ago at a Knollwood
cussedness, and conversation." I thank my board for all their hard work: clinic that I would soon after become in-
~Grantland Rice Doug, Jolly, Mikey, Hollie, Bill, Tim, volved in ASGA so deeply?
Judy, and Charlie.
“You are a fortunate person, indeed, if you Some of my fondest memories from the
can begin each day accepting the fact that I look forward to working with Larry past two years:
during that day there will be ups and Heiden and his new board next year:
downs, good breaks and bad ones, disap- lots of the same names, which means 1. The camaraderie, the competitive-
pointments, surprises, unexpected turns of the transition will be seamless: Jolly,
events. At the same time, wise golfers Judy, Mikey, Hollie, Tim and Charlie. ness, and the fun of the Pinehurst Cup
have learned to accept those adverse con- tournament rank number 1 for me. Each
ditions on the golf course as representa- I hope to see you all at the Holiday year we brought together a mixed group of
tive of real life challenges.” Party on the 13th at Camden Villas Club- golfers to compete in one of the most diffi-
~Roy Benjamin house in Mid South….great fun awaits! cult formats a golfer can play. Each time
the resulting play and the spirit of the com-
Oh no, it’s my last column! I still have so Have a wonderful holiday season! petition were overwhelming. Excellent golf,
many quotes to go…. tongue-in-cheek trash talk, dedication,
~Jean Peters [email protected] partnering skills, and high team spirit all
I thank you for the opportunity to serve combined to make these tournaments the
as president for two years: it’s been a Golf Committee Report best events of the year.
blast! We have accomplished so much:
growth of the chapter, solid ongoing pro- This will be my final newsletter article 2. The road trips rank next on the list of
as Golf Chairperson for the Pinehurst
Chapter of the ASGA. In reflecting back activities I cherished. Although there was a
over the two years I have served as the lot of planning and coordination involved
Chairperson I am reminded of how much for each of the trips, the end result each

NEXT BIG NATIONAL EVENT: New Year’s in Orlando Regular Meeting Date: SECOND THURSDAY of each month
**** Stay at 4-Star Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Next Meeting: TBD
Info at www.SinglesGolf.com/newyears Meeting Location: TBD
Our Website: www.pinehurst.singlesgolf.com
Other Multi-Chapter Events: SinglesGolf.com/events Our Hotline: 1-888-465-3628
National Website: www.SinglesGolf.com
E-Mail: [email protected] (See next page for list of officers and board members.)
New Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm, M-F (Eastern) To join, renew dues, make a change of address, phone, etc.,
National Office: 704-889-4600 or 1-888-GOLFMATE call National Hotline at left.

To join ASGA or renew your dues, contact the National Office
at above number or go to www.SinglesGolf.com/join

Pinehurst Chapter time was very rewarding for me. You get to memorable day of golf. I’m not sure any
know much more about your friends when member of that group of eight has yet ven-
of the you spend several days together on the tured out to play in colder conditions since
American Singles Golf Association golf course and get together over a meal that fateful day.
or a cocktail (or two!). We were fortunate
President enough to play some first class courses all 6. Dan Runk’s hole-in-one! Although we
Jean Lawson Peters over the regional area and to share time
[email protected] with members from ASGA Pinehurst along have had two hole-in-ones scored while
with other ASGA chapters and with some playing ASGA events (Barbara Price at
(910) 295-1673 friends of friends. Do you remember: Whispering Pines scored the other ace), it
was Dan’s ace I will remember because it
Chairman of the Board a. College Weekend in Raleigh/Durham came on a difficult par 3 at Southern Pines
Ed Garrison and it was his first swing of the day! I was-
b. The Mountain Getaway at Mount n’t fortunate to witness it but I will always
[email protected] Mitchell remember it!
(919) 776-1660
c. The Big Cats at Ocean Ridge 7. Bad weather luck at Pinewild ranks
Social Chairperson Plantation
Mikey Delle number 7. For two years we tried to play
d. Murrell’s Inlet Spring Weekend golf at Pinewild on the Azalea or the Mag-
[email protected] nolia courses with a relaxing cookout at
(910) 725-0367 e. 1st Fall Trip to Myrtle Beach (28 the picnic pavilion to follow. Each time all
people!) the plans were in place – the course, the
Golf Chairperson caterer, the food, the music - except the
Doug Hardisty 3. Nine and Dine evenings come in next. weather. An incredible rain storm drowned
Started by Jean Peters, the nine and dine the course the first time (2 inches of rain in
[email protected] outings have become our most popular 30 minutes). No one was able to play and
(910) 221-9885 format. We eschew formal games and we were force to retreat to Jane Walde-
instead pair up and play golf just for the mar’s house for dinner. The second time
Jolly Erickson – Assistant fun of it with our friends. It has always we were able to finish our golf under the
[email protected] been a nice way to introduce our newer threat of black skies only to have it pour
(910) 692-6047 members to the fun of our group. It would torrents of rain and blow umbrella smash-
just be nice if the sunset would hold off a ing wind as we invaded Rick Hand’s home
Membership Chairperson little longer each year so we could play to finish the cookout.
Bill Freitag more often.
4. Socials/dinner after golfing. These get- 8. Teaching and sharing my golfing
[email protected] togethers always bring out the best in con-
(910) 949-3241 versation and fun. It was always a nice knowledge. I have really enjoyed playing
opportunity to hear about each other’s and working with some of our newer golf-
Communications Chairperson game, catch up on life and just enjoy a ers. The enthusiasm and respect they
Hollie Thomson relaxing time with our friends. Within the show the game as they learn how to play
ASGA community of chapters it seems like is very heart warming. I take pride in the
[email protected] we have mastered the planning and the pairings I put together in order to try to put
(910) 215-5760 execution of these socials. No other chap- golfers at ease and let everyone enjoy the
ter we know of seems to have as much fun day. It hasn’t always been perfect – the
Secretary or participation for after golf activities. My accidental “all hard of hearing foursomes”
Judy Wimmer sincere thanks goes to Mary Barnicoat – the accidental “all single sex pairings” –
[email protected] and Mikey Delle as the Social Chairper- putting the accidental “all world slow four-
(910) 420-2312 sons I worked with each year in helping to some out first – and the accidental “all
coordinate these activities. You guys did a beginner” foursomes have sometimes
Treasurer GREAT job! cropped up when I least expected.
Charlie Hughes 5. It was a blustery day in January of
[email protected] 2007 when eight intrepid members played 9. Although we had a difficult time
(910) 603-4540 an outing on Pinehurst Number 5. The
weather forecast several days before was scheduling and completing our 2007
encouraging. However, the actual weather Match Play tournament, the matches I
was, shall we say, less than perfect? The played against Hollie Thomson, Ed Garri-
wind blew at a constant 15 to 20 miles per son, and Peggy Clark were some of the
hour on a 42 degree day resulting in a very most enjoyable days I have had on a golf
challenging? A very cold! and yet, a very course. Both Peggy and I have reminisced
about our match many times as one of the
BEST matches we have EVER been a part
of. The competition was intense and the
golf was incredible. I thank each of you for

some great golfing memories. Villa’s clubhouse at the Mid South Club In Memoriam
10. Finally, I want to thank all of the peo- on December 13th. I hope you are able
ple who helped me along the way. We to come and enjoy the catered dinner We want to extend our deepest sympa-
have molded our group into a very suppor- and festivities. Details for both activities thy to Bob Halterman on the death of his
tive and helpful cast of characters. It surely have been emailed to members. daughter Kelli.
would not have been as much fun along
the way if everyone wasn’t willing to help There are so many wonderful things Useful Internet Links
out now and then. My special thanks go to about this time of year. May your holi-
Jean Peters who was the President of the days be filled with love, hope, joy, faith, • The USGA: www.usga.com
chapter during my entire time as Golf friendship and laughter. I quote Tiny • Need to know your handicap for a
Chairperson. Her support, her advice and Tim….”God bless us everyone”. Merry certain course and you know the slope and
her encouragement of new things made Christmas & Happy New Year! rating – here is the place and you can find
my job as Golf Chairperson much easier out what you playing partners are also at
and much more enjoyable every step of ~Mikey Delle [email protected] the same time http://www.usga.org/
the way. playing/handicaps/calculator/
Communications Committee course_handicap_
There you have it – my top ten memo- calculator.asp
ries. I now pass the torch to Jolly Erick- I am looking forward to once again be- • Handicap Tracker System: great for
son who, ably assisted by Judy Wimmer, ing your communications chair for 2009. those who do not have an established
will serve as our next Golf Chairperson for If any of you don’t have an email address handicap through a club, and includes a
2009. Please support Jolly and Judy in the and want your Evites sent to you, please subscription to Golf Magazine:
same warm manner you did for me. I know give me some stamped self addressed www.golf.com/gdc/homepages/
I will do all I can to help… envelopes and I would be more than handicaptracker.asp
happy to send them to you. Call me once
~Doug Hardisty you decide whether you will attend or not Visit our website for all the details:
[email protected] call me at 215-5760 and I will post your www.pinehurst.singlesgolf.com
reply.
Social Committee Report January newsletter deadline:
With all the things that have gone on December 21st
I have really enjoyed being the ASGA this year with our country lets hope that
Social chairperson this year and look for- going forward into 2009 things will be ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
ward to 2009. Even though we don’t get better for all that have lost love ones,
out on the links very much in the winter I jobs, etc and that our soldiers who are Happy Birthday to these members:
plan to have some social activities. Per- protecting our wonderful country will Donna Bicchieri - 12/26
haps we can get together for cards, bowl- come home safely and soon. Jollyn Erickson - 12/22
ing, bunco, or dinner and a movie. If you Doris Gwinn - 12/28
have an idea let me know. I hear it is go- May God bless you all with a Merry Robert Halterman - 12/05
ing to be a cold winter so maybe sledding Christmas and Happy New Year 2009! Jim Noyes - 01/13
and hot chocolate or spiked cider. Scott Sheffield - 12/28
~Hollie Thomson ASGAGolfpine- Sook Shin - 01/09
On December 11th at 6:30 PM, members [email protected] Hollie Thomson - 12/24
are invited to Mikey Delle’s workshop to
wrap gifts for the two Empty Stocking fami- Additional note: If someone you know Welcome newest members:
lies that ASGA adopted. Chip in for pizza and they are not a member but they want Patty Allan - Joined 11/20/2008
and BYOB. to read our newsletter they can go to our Doris Gwinn - Joined 11/17/2008
website and download it: http:// Josephine Nagy - Joined 11/11/2008
Our Christmas dinner is at the Camden www.singlesgolf.com/chapter.php? Rita Mae Taylor - Joined 11/20/2008
chapter_number=3404
These members recently renewed:
Jamie Fisher

These members did not renew their
dues:
(date shown is date membership expired)
Larry Daugherty - 11/30/2008

Our chapter currently has 56 members.

AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION — DECEMBER 2008

Almost 200 Registered for New time, the two of you would easily spend $400 more for the same
things you’ll receive under our standard package. The standard
Year’s Event in Orlando package includes:

Okay, “last chance for romance” doesn’t really mean that. But • 4-days, 3-night’s stay at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions-
since it rhymed, it was a good find. (Okay, I’ll quit trying to be the Gate, based on double occupancy (you’ll have a roommate)
poet!) We do hope you find some romance these holidays!
• Breakfast at Trevi’s Restaurant at the Omni each day
And by gosh, by golly, aren’t travel expenses dropping like • 2 rounds of golf, one at the National Course, one at the Int’l.
those 20 foot putts? Expedia.com’s even got something going
whereby if you book a flight through them they’ll give you two courses (site of annual PGA Father-Son Event)
hundred bucks towards a future vacation. Gas prices are down • Cart, range balls and prizes for winner
and so are the amount of holiday travelers (so the experts at • 6 food functions: Cocktail Party / Welcoming Reception with hors
AAA say), so there’s simply no excuse to join nearly 200 of your
fellow golfers for a fun-filled event this coming New Year’s in d’oeuvres, buffet dinner after first round of golf, 3 breakfasts and
Orlando, Florida. New Year’s Eve plated dinner.
• Dancing with the DJ at the Omni on first and third nights
This 3-day event is • Welcoming Gift, spa and David Leadbetter group discounts
open to all ASGA
members. It’s an Registration Form Included
opportunity for you to
meet friends you did- In This Newsletter. Details and online registration
n’t know you had and at SinglesGolf.com/newyears
to renew friendships.
New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday this time around and this event
Here are the basics: actually beings on a Monday. The beauty of this arrangement is that
you can arrive as many as three (3) days early and stay up to three (3)
Who: Open to all ASGA Members days late and it will only cost you $64 per person (based on dlb. occ.) to
When: Monday, December 29, 2008 - Thursday, January 1, 2009 stay an additional night, or $128 to room by yourself.
Where: Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, 1500 Masters
Blvd., ChampionsGate, Florida 33898 Phone 407-390-6664 So check out all the details at SinglesGolf.com/newyears and get
What: 3-Night Stay - 6 Food functions - 2 Rounds of Golf with your registration form to us early. See you there!
Optional Day-of-Arrival and Day-of-Departure Golf
Why: To meet friends you didn’t know you had and to have the time A Time to Give a Little Thanks
of your life!
“Thank you’s” are something we should and probably do hand out
Standard Package Rate is $ 450.24 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, daily. At this time of the year, we do look back and can be very thankful
IF PAYING BY CHECK and $469.00 if paying by a major credit card. for all of the folks who’ve made this year a success. But special thank-
you’s go out to our chapter presidents. These are the folks on the front
Our annual trip for warm climates in the winter have landed us line who accept as volunteers the burden of anything headed their way.
back in Orlando once again. It’s really tough to beat what this When someone else doesn’t do their job, it’s the chapter president who
city offers to golfers. Yes, we could have chosen a venue less fills in. So take a little time this year to thank your president and other
expensive but a vacation should feel like a vacation. This hotel chapter leaders who’ve made a difference. Give ‘em a big hug!
will make you feel like “you have arrived.” It is four-star from the
rooms to the pools to the on-site golf courses, quality of food, Poor Tiger
etc. Check out the hotel’s website (OmniOrlandoResort.com)
and you’ll see what we mean. We heard this week that General Motors is pulling its $9-million an-
nual contract from Tiger Woods. There’s doing everything, and right-
We know gas prices are high, but you’ll easily make-up for high fully so, to keep themselves afloat.
gas prices with the savings you’ll get on this one. If you and a
friend visited this resort as a non-ASGA member at the same It’s just so sad to hear that Tiger lost this contract right before the
holidays. Seems like GM could have waited until first of the year.

How will he get by?
- Tom Alsop

President / Founder
American Singles Golf Association