Ladies’ tournament flourishes under Hoffman’s leadership
TEXARKANA – For nearly the last quarter century, Carol Hoffman has been the director of the annual Twice As Nice Women’s Invitational golf tournament, and it has flourished under her leadership.
The event, which celebrated its 52nd year in September, is held at Texarkana Country Club, and this year the field included a record number of 116 players representing seven states.
Hoffman organized and played in the tournament for a number of years, but gave up playing in the event 15 years ago, in favor of just heading up the tournament.
“It got to a point where it was hard to play in it and try to run the tournament,” Hoffman said. “So I elected to stop playing in it. Between work and all, I quit playing as much golf as I used to. Then my husband was sick, and I really quit playing regularly.
“I play occasionally, but not like I used to.”
Hoffman has been the tournament director for the last 23 years. She remembers when the event would draw 30 players, and this year’s event had nearly 64 two-lady teams registered before weather and other events cut the field to 58 teams.
The popularity of the tournament continues to grow through word of mouth by existing players.
“You have to start out with having a wonderful, beautiful course (at TCC),” she said about the allure of the event. “The club is very nice, the facilities are very nice. We try to serve the best food and the attitude and atmosphere makes people want to come back.”
Most years, the tournament begins with a welcome party, generally hosted by Hoffman at her home, on Monday night, followed by practice rounds on Tuesday. The two-day competition is held Wednesday and Thursday, with an optional shootout for the players on Wednesday afternoon.
Due to the COVID-19 precautions this year, the organizers, which includes committee members Nan Fry and Rhonda Allen, elected not to have the Monday night welcome event.
“I was playing in this tournament when it was the spring fling,” Hoffman said. “I remember when I couldn’t even get in the tournament. That was long before we had the number of players that we do now, but ladies were placed on the waiting list.
“If you are a participant, you’re going to get an invitation for the next year. Back during the time of the Spring Fling, I was a member of Northridge Country Club but not Texarkana Country Club. That made it a little harder to get in the tournament.”
One of the first things Hoffman and the event’s committee members do, upon the completion of the tournament, is meet to discuss any possible changes, additions and what they can do to make the event better the next year.
“You really have to plan and think about an event like this all year long,” Hoffman said. “It’s exciting when it finally comes around. We work really well together (Carol, Nan and Rhonda), we discuss new ideas and we listen to each other. It just keeps getting better.
“As long as you have different ideas, different opinions, and you’ll listen to each other, it makes it work. The staff at Texarkana Country Club helps in a big way, and we’re appreciative of all they do to help this event be successful.”
“You really have to plan and think about an event like this all year long. It’s exciting when it finally comes around. We work really well together (Carol, Nan and Rhonda), we discuss new ideas and we listen to each other. It just keeps getting better. As long as you have different ideas, different opinions, and you’ll listen to each other, it makes it work.
—Carol Hoffman