By Loanne Rube
What a wonderful day in The Villages! Mild morning, and a bit smaller than usual crowd for Captain’s Trophy. I’m grateful for my golf buddies, my rusty but reliable golf game, the friendly competition of Captain’s Trophy, some birdies and chip-ins to celebrate and the big smile on the face of Renee Woolard, our Captain’s Trophy winner. Renee shot a gross 88, net 65 and she sank 29 putts, wow! So, she will hover in her spikes over the trophy all this month and also have a sleeve of new balls in honor of her big win. Joining Renee with low putts at 29 are Eileen Parks and Jay Lee. These three ladies are frequently at the winner’s circle for putts. Maybe they will give us group lessons.
Chip-ins were had by frequent fliers Jay Lee #11, Jane Hong #6 and MJ O’Neill #17. Good job ladies; you’re in the money! Birdies were found on the club faces of Helen Varenkamp #7, Janelle Salvatierra #8, Renee Woolard #11 and Jay Lee #11. Special, special notice of Kathy Apgar’s birdie at #4. Kathy’s tee shot landed within 4 inches of the hole and she knocked that ball firmly into the cup for her birdie. Nearly a hole in one! Way to go, Kathy and the birdie crew.
On Deck is the Member/Member Tournament which starts this week. The second biggest tournament of the year for our 18 hole ladies. It’s a two day blast and fun carried over two weeks, August 13 and 20. Thanks to Vicki Krattli and Janis LeCompte for their leadership on this event. Also On Deck is the Club Championship September 10 and 17 with the Hole in One Party at Foothill Center later in the evening of September 17. Vivian Brown and Judy Rodriguez take the prize for chairing this tournament.
I’ve been musing about why I like golf so much. I’ve played golf for years, or maybe, I should say golf has played me. Razor sharp borders of character and integrity have been carved deeply onto the edges of my sticks and in my heart. After a challenging tee shot, I sometimes find myself in a tough jam of my own creation. You know, ball in the 8-inch rough on a steep hillside with a side hill, down hill lie, my shot needing to go under a tree limb and over a bunker with water on the right … gosh, what a mess! Father, give me strength! I no longer fret. I give it a quiet chuckle and an able try. I have learned to play golf the same way I play life… as it lies. You can complain about anything to make yourself feel victimized or belittled, but the truth is you are the one who put the ball in that position. Now, you MUST play it as it lies… humbly, golf prepares you for challenges, gives you insight into your strengths and weaknesses, requires fair play and an honest effort. If you cheat and win, it is a hollow victory, and how can you crow (or grow) about that? A focused effort, a sweet, easy swing, good impact and solid follow through does it. Head down. Aye, keep your eye on the ball. That tiny orb flies so effortlessly, lands softly and rolls nimbly back to the hole and slides in. Another quiet chuckle. Play the ball down, keep your head down and watch your character and integrity soar. Granted, it may take me 9 to get into the hole, but it is my 9. I own it. I am very passionate about it because my character is showing and growing. It’s how I play and how I get played by golf. Truthfully, my clubs have done such an awesome job in honing my integrity and character that my club face is now whittled into the shape to a light saber. I can mangle an awl shaped club face on my 3-iron and still get the ball back in play. I’m playing the game of life. Watch me!
Captain’s Trophy Results — August 6, 2026
Captain’s Trophy Winner: Renee Woolard (Net 65)
Low putts: Jay Lee, Eileen Parks, Renee Woolard (29 putts)
Flight 1 – 3/2 combo
Low Gross winner: Helen Varenkamp (87)
1st Low Net: Hanhi Min (71)
2nd Low Net: Jini Kang (72)
Flight 2 – 2 Tees
Low Gross winner: Priscilla Piper (87)
1st Low Net: Renee Woolard (65)
2nd Low Net: Judy Owen (70)
3rd Low Net: Jay Lee (71)
Flight 3 – 2 Tees
Low Gross winner: Betty Sharps (98)
1st Low Net: Carol Zaccheo (73)
2nd Low Net: Christine Leisy (73)
3rd Low Net: Kathy Apgar (76)
Flight 4 – 2 Tees
Low Gross winner: Kathleen Kyne (104)
1st Low Net: Delma Juarez (72)
2nd Low Net: Suzy Kim (73)
3rd Low Net: Judy Rodriguez (77)
Flight 5 – 2/1 & 1 Tees
Low Gross winner: Janis Kiernan (97)
1st Low Net: Barbara Nilsen (74)