president was marked with the introduction of a new slogan—“Bringing Women and Golf Together Since 1907.” This slogan was chosen because it firmly represents the goals of our organization. Looking back over the past 105 years, two distinct themes emerge which I believe are the heart of who and what we are—women volunteering to support the game of golf and the lasting friendships formed within it. None of what we do
at the WGANC could be accomplished without the help of member volunteers. This year, my wonder- ful group of 14 directors brought diverse talents to the organization and filled many jobs. They organized tournaments and conducted Open Days at member clubs, provided handicap services and advice, nur- tured junior girls’ golf and oversaw how members’ dues are used to promote women’s golf in Northern California. We offered more than 70 Open Days and 10 tournaments this year with varying formats that brought WGANC mem- bers together on wonderful golf courses for competition and camaraderie. We have a highly knowledgeable certified rules committee dedicated to working tour-
By Carol Clifton Women’s Golf Association of Northern California President
naments and also educating members at ever-popular rules seminars. Our course rating volunteers annually rate more than 20 courses and also educate our mem- bers at seminars. At the WGANC tour- naments and Open Days, many old friendships are re- visited and many new ones are made. A typical round of golf lasts approximately four hours (if we are lucky); add to that a quick morn- ing meal and lunch and you can spend up to six hours in close contact with three other women. During that time together, you often share life experiences as well as encourage each other’s golf games. With that scenario, I challenge anyone not to come away from a round of golf without either strengthening an existing friendship or starting a new one. Many members have told me that they look back over the years and reflect on
(left) WGANC volunteers “coming together” for a little fun during our annual competition with Pacific Women’s Golf Association—a friendly rivalry with our sister association.
(below) K.C. Cote and Penny Wright having fun and developing a lasting friendship through golf while at the WGANC Classic tournament.
I went, I received a warm and gracious reception and overwhelming thanks for all our hard work. Looking again at our
the lasting friendships they made during a round of golf at a WGANC event. In 2012, the team of
WGANC volunteers and office staff worked even harder to fulfill our com- mitment to women’s golf. I cannot imagine a finer group of women, and I am grateful for their support. In truth, this year they did all the work and I got all the credit. They made the game of golf in Northern Califor- nia more meaningful for our 12,000 members. Through- out the year, everywhere
slogan, “Bringing Women and Golf Together Since 1907,” it is interesting to see that at the end of 1908 there were five dues-paying clubs; this year we have 107 member clubs. This is largely due to the dedication of the member volunteers who have worked so hard over the years to grow the organization. My four years on the WGANC Board of Directors have been incredibly rewarding. I have met many wonderful people during my tenure and I know I am leaving behind a talented group of women who will carry on the tradition of striving for excellence and making it possible to continue “Bringing Women and Golf Together” for many years to come.