Greendale Women's Golf Association, Alexandria, Va

Hi All

Everybody by now should know that there have been over 30 rule changes that went into effect January 1 of this year.  I will be sending you one or 2  new rules weekly so as not to overwhelm you………she said optimistically!! Greta Kohlhagen, our new web Master, has replaced the old with the updated USGA Rule book as well as providing a document that highlights the 2019 Rules of Golf Changes. You can find these 2 items, in addition to other helpful rules information, on our GWGA website under the “Rules” tab. I’m currently working on updating the video’s, bag tag and the leagues hole-by-hole rules and helpful hints. I will let you know when these are completed.

The new rules are more forgiving, will help in the pace of play and are to your advantage. I would suggest beginning the process by reading the definitions on page 135 in the USGA Rule book. The 2 biggest changes to the new terms are “Through the green” is now “General area” and the red and yellow “hazards” are now “Penalty areas”. Your next piece of homework would be to read the “Highlights” document.

So, the first rule addresses a ball that is at rest that accidentally moves. If  you accidentally move your ball during the search for it or you  accidentally move your ball or ball-marker on the green,  you are no longer penalized.  Just replace (place) the ball where you think it was before it was moved. Another new rule is that you will be treated as the cause of your ball moving ONLY if it is known or virtually certain (meaning at least 95%) to be the case. The old rule stated that more than likely you were the cause and you would get a one-stroke penalty.

As always, please don’t hesitate to ask me any question. We are in this together!!!!!

Sue Spatcher

Rules Chair

Congratulations to all of our 2018 GWGA Award winners!

For a listing of Championship and Annual Award Winners, click here.

For details of final championship round, click here.

For photos from the luncheon, please post those on our closed group Facebook page for all to see!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/963135280443794/

Reminder to sign up for for our final Fall shotgun (last league day) this Thursday.  Guests are invited to come and experience our league and learn more about us.  Please invite someone and come join the fun!  Here’s a link to the sign-up.  October 25 Shotgun Sign-up

GWGA members, we are half way through our golf season!  Here are a few news items: 

Reminder – Names for 9 Hole Rounds should not be recorded in GWGA laptop.  As a reminder (announced at the Spring Meeting), those playing only 9 holes should NOT enter their names into the GWGA laptop.  This simplifies tracking Championship eligibility.  Some have been entering names, which is not needed, and we are in the process of making the necessary corrections to the eligibility reports.  

November 1 – The Annual GWGA Awards Luncheon and Business meeting will be at Mount Vernon Country Club.  There will be a business meeting followed by the luncheon and awards.  Wanda Martinson and Lynn Smith are planning the awards luncheon this year and will be overseeing the collection of door prizes.  They are in need of members who can help them collect door prizes.  If you can help, please contact one of them.  

Membership Report: We currently have 62 members – 10 new people this season!  Past members, please be sure any new members in your foursome are welcomed and have become familiar with what is required for posting their scores in both the laptop and the GHIN. Instructions on posting scores are in the Handbook.

By-Laws Committee.   A committee has formed to review and update GWGA by-laws.  Volunteer committee members include: Gary Callis, Kathy Chandler, Carey Durham, Susan Foulds, Anita Gardner, Kathi Pierce, Tracy Szczepaniak, and Betsy Triplett.  Lucinda Audey is serving as facilitator and Michelle Moldenhauer is tournament advisor.  The committee met on July 20th to begin work and is scheduled to meet again on August 10th.   

Shenvalee Golf Resort  trip, Tuesday, July 31 – Wednesday, August 1. 15 members are going for an overnight and 2 days of golf in New Market, Virginia.  Those signed up to go include:  Sally Reams, Jeanie Tulipane,  Lucinda Audey, Melanie Harrison, Shirley McKinley, Jane Barnes, Kathi Pierce, Kathy Chandler, Joan Tadlock, Wanda Martinson, Pat Walker, Cindy Peake, Suzanne McNichols, Bonnie Firestone and Kim Ulrich.   The trip is currently full, but sometimes at the last minute someone has to drop out.  If you want to be on the waiting list you can contact Pat Walker. Cost details can be found here.  

Penn National Golf Trip, October 15-18.  Trip is currently full and there is a waiting list.  The trip includes 3 rounds of golf, 2 breakfasts & 2 dinners. Cost is $349 for a double room.  To get on the waiting list contact Carey Durham.