Women’s organizations open with small events
Golf organizations for women in the Capital Region are successfully kicking off competitive seasons starting with smaller events with no frills.
Interclub competition, featuring two teams of eight players in a mix of doubles and singles matches, is under way for nine teams from the Capital Region. Several matches have been played with minimal schedule disruption.
And the region’s first tournament — a two-person 6-6-6 Pinehaven Invitational event — will be held next week at the course in Guilderland.
“Everyone is anxious to get out and play golf. Although we can’t gather as a group, we can at least enjoy a round of golf with others in our group,” said Lynn Cummings,
who is the lead organizer of both the Interclub League and the Pinehaven Invitational. “We are making modifications and we are doing what we can under the current circumstances.”
Some of the modifications for the Pinehaven tournament include a reduced field of 24 teams, walking or one-person cart, box lunch before the event to take on the course, and no prizes other than a complimentary round of golf to the winners of each flight.
“We have decided to donate the prize money to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY,” Cummings said. “And we will ask each participant to bring a pantry staple to also give to the food bank.”
The Northeastern Women’s Golf Association — an organization in its 91st year — has postponed many events because of COVID-19. Organizers anticipate tournament play will resume in July.
The NEWGA Championship, scheduled for Aug. 19 and 20 at Pinehaven, and the NEWGA Senior Championship, scheduled for Sept. 1 and 2, are still scheduled.
“It is a group effort to keep things on track for this season and NEWGA has a great group willing to pitch in to the effort,” said league president Donna Heskett. “We will continue to monitor and adhere to the NYS restrictions. The safety of our membership will be a primary consideration.”
The New York State Golf Association on Monday announced its decision to cancel many of its championships this year. On the women’s side, the Women’s Amateur and Mid-amateur at Teugega Country Club June 29-July 1 and the NYS Girls’ Junior Amateur (18 and under) are still planned.
The LPGA Amateurs Capital Region Chapter has opened for league play at several courses, including Ballston Spa, Stadium in Schenectady, Fairways of Halfmoon, Pheasant Hollow at Castleton-on-hudson, Orchard Creek in Altamont and Saratoga Lake.
LPGA Amateurs Chapter president Stephanie Brown said the lack of league play at two Capital Region courses has impacted many of the chapter’s golfers. The city-owned Capital Hills off New Scotland Avenue in Albany is the only Capital Region golf course not operating.
Schenectady Muni is open but has chosen not to allow league play. Brown said there are no plans to hold a chapter championship.