Corporate Golf Services

We faltered a little yesterday but still came in tenth out of forty-nine teams which I think is great for a northern team. We were disappointed in the overall result, but we had a wonderful week here. The Sycamore Hills Golf Course, the people who served us, and all of our accommodations were superb.

I did a lot of walking, watching and listening this week. I saw fluid, balanced and consistent swings. I saw a variety of pre-shot routines that never varied. I NEVER heard anyone say “sand trap” – always “bunker.” I saw women helping each other out with raking, with ballmark repair and with yardage. I saw focus and determination and women who wouldn’t quit no matter what. I saw hugs and tears. I heard laughter and good wishes.

We made friends with other states’ players and we made friends with each other. It’s hard to see this week end; it’s gone too fast. I will always remember the joy and privilege of serving as Minnesota’s team captain in this awesome event.

Barb Hanson

It’s fun to be leading a tournament if only for a short time. Our team has played well for the first two rounds, posting a 151 and 153.  Today we’re the leader in the clubhouse – at least for another hour or two. We played this morning, so the afternoon totals haven’t been posted yet. However, we’re hopeful that we’ll still be in the top ten, maybe in the top five. Pretty good for a state that has a limited golf season.

Minnesota is known for its participation in and support of golf. Did you see the crowds at the PGA Championship a couple of weeks ago? That was Minnesota!

Tomorrow we’re going to go out and give it our best shot once again. No matter what happens we will count our blessings that we had the privilege to be involved in a USGA event, playing a game that we love to play. GO MINNESOTA!!

One of the most amazing things I’ve witnessed in the two days I’ve been here in Indiana at the USGA State Teams Championship are the old friendships being rekindled as well as new friendships being forged among women from all over the country.  Many of these women are high-level amateur players who have attended many national tournaments. They’ve been paired with each other, competed against one another, had dinner together and learned to know each other on a personal level. So when they see each other again at such an event as this, it’s like old home week. Even for those who are new to the national scene, it doesn’t take long to become acquainted with other women who share a passion for the game of golf.

This tournament is unique in that it potentially spans several age brackets. The only women excluded from being contestants are collegiate players, so we are seeing a mixture of young, middle-aged and older players.

Golf is a special game in many ways. One of the most special things about it is how it promotes friendship and camaraderie among us.