CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS

Kick Off Highlights! We Are Off to a Great Start!

We had an amazing Kick Off at Sycamore Golf Club! Such a great group and we learned so much about First Tee!

Thank you to our Kickoff Committee!

Kristi Harkenrider (standing in for Allison Edmonds), Laura Getz, Lori Miller, Anne Snook, Stephanie LaFlash, Julia Tobias and Jan Gillie

Great Food

Great Prizes

Great Friends

Wonderful New Additions

Great Golf

First Tee

We learned so much about the Indiana First Tee Programs. Their programs teach both life skills and golf skills to youth in our community. Programs are offered at schools, Lifetime Sports Academy as well as at several local golf courses.

Our chapter was able to make a $600 donation to the Fort Wayne First Tee Program.

First Tee and Fort Wayne Community Schools are having a skills challenge on May 9th, 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This year 18 schools are participating. Each school will bring 10 students from grades 3-5. With 180 students participating, volunteers are welcomed and needed!

Contact Ali Beam, abeam@indianagolf.org, at the Indiana Golf Office to sign up to be a volunteer. Ali will provide more details on where to go and what is needed on May 9th. Flyer HERE

For more information on the First Tee, please visit Indianagolf.org and click on First Tee in the menu option. Here, you can see the different chapters around the state and can donate to their city's program. All money donated to a chosen city's program, stays in the that program's account. The Fort Wayne Chapter is on a fundraising initiative to be able to provide more SNAG ((Starting New At Golf) equipment for PE teachers at schools, skill challenges for more school corporations, and to offer more scholarships for those students to the green grass programs during the summer.

Throughout the Spring Kickoff Event, there were many stories shared about our much-loved Judi Stinson. It was difficult not seeing her at this event. She was such an advocate for our group and participated in all aspects of what we do. In order to keep that smile with us, we are the announcing the following award:

Celebration of Life for Judi will be:

Tuesday, May 20th

2:00-8:00 PM

Ceruti's - 6601 Innovation Blvd. 46818

The Judi Stinson Participation Award

In memory of Judi Stinson's unwavering dedication and vibrant spirit, our Chapter continues to honor her legacy by recognizing members who embody her passion for participation. Each year, the coveted award celebrates the individual who shines brightest through their active engagement in both social gatherings and golf events from Kick Off to last golf event. The award will be given out at the fall Anniversary dinner.

Judi's presence at every gathering was a beacon of warmth and joy, her smile a familiar sight that welcomed all with open arms. Whether teeing off at Chapter events or National events, Judi's flair for style and skill on the course never went unnoticed. Her legacy transcends the fairways, with accolades like the prestigious Marcy Griffin Spirit Award from the FWWGA in 2024 underscoring her enduring impact on the golfing community.

As we carry forward Judi's legacy, we honor not just her achievements but her spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that continues to inspire us all.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN APRIL

Chipping Clinic - April 24

Get some chipping tips from one of the best - our own Gary Gant!

Thursday, April 24th

5:00 PM

Chestnut Hills driving range

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MAY

Spring Trip - Memorial weekend May 23rd to the 26th

Three days of amazing golf at Manistee National Golf Resort in Manistee, MI. Manistee has two 18 hole courses - The Revenge and The Retreat. They also have a great short course.

You have the option of staying at the Inn on site or The Jones Cottage that overlooks the pond on The Retreat's par-3 No. 17. With two living rooms, two dining tables, and five bedrooms and 12 beds. There is a nice balcony and firepit in the back. Game room with ping pong table.

Inn - $614.45

Jones Cottage - $725.25

Price includes:

Three-night stay
Hot breakfast at the Grille Sat and Sun mornings
One round of golf on each of the three courses

To learn more and reserve your spot, sign up HERE, then call Manistee National (231-398-0123) and make your $100 deposit using the Group name of LPGA Amateurs Fort Wayne. Remaining payment due upon arrival.

Saturday tee times start at 9:07 am on the Retreat
Sunday tee times start at 9:00 am on the Revenge
Monday tee times ( 9 holes ) start at 10:00 am

More information will be given for additional activities as the date gets closer.

CHANGE THIS YEAR!!

Cut off for Weds. morning league will be Monday evening by 6:00 PM

Dust off the clubs - Leagues begin!

May 1st - Thursday 9 Hole evening league -Chestnut Hills Golf Club - Sign up each week based on your availability. We will have a dinner after the 1st night of golf.

May 5th - Monday 9 Hole Match Play - Chestnut Hills Golf Club - Two person teams - two 9-week halves - commitment required for each half.

May 7th - NEW! Wednesday 18 (or 9) Hole morning league - Chestnut Hills Golf Club - Sign up each week based on your availability.

May 7th - Wednesday 9 Hole evening league - Autumn Ridge Golf Course - Sign up each week based on your availability. Limited to first 16 players.

First Weekend Event

Cherry Hill - May 10

**This Weekend Event is a Scramble only event for Members only**

Teams assigned for fun but competitive play! Prizes awarded!

Tee times starting at 10:30 am.

Limited to 40 players

$63.00 per person for 18 & cart cash; +fees if using credit card

Registration closes Sunday prior to the event. Pairings and tee times will be emailed prior to the event.

Gathering after golf TBD

Contact Susan Roth 260-466-0655 gseroth@aol.com if any questions.

May 2025 Dinner and Glo Wild at the Zoo!

Bring family & friends!

Join us at Charlie's Place for Dinner - Check out their website

4201 N. Wells Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Friday, May 16, 2025

6:30 p.m.

After dinner we are headed to Fort Wayne Zoo for Glo Wild! Time slot for this event is 8:30-10:00 p.m.

Visit website and buy tickets HERE

Registration is OPEN. Click HERE

Fall Trip 2025 Southern IN/Louisville

Battle of the

Distilling Damsels vs. Whiskey Wenches

Date: Thursday Sept 25-Sunday Sept 28

Where: Jeffersonville, IN

Cost: $550

Includes:

3 nights Sheraton Hotel (dbl. Occ)

2 Rounds of golf

Friday – 11:00 am Heritage Hills - Shepherdsville, KY (Nicklaus design)

Saturday – 11:00 am Champions Pointe Henryville, IN (Zoeller design)

Limited to the first 28 fully paid players

** To be fully paid you must register on the web site by August 1, 2025.

Current Committee:

Susan Roth, Laura Getz, Ann Playter, Norma Lickey, Jill O’Leary

If you’d like to join the committee, please let Susan Roth know and we’ll add you to the fun!

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Some of our newest members Spotlight!

Welcome Laura Hammes!

We will learn more about Laura in a future newsletter

More to come on these new members too! Welcome!

Cindy Zuber, Gretchen Gerber and Nancy Townsend

What’s a fun fact or hobby outside of golf that you’d like to share with the group?

I love animals! I volunteer with the Ft Wayne Pet Food Pantry

What do you hope to gain or achieve as part of our golf league?

Getting out regularly and meeting others!

Learn a bit about Jessica Harkless!

What inspired you to join the LPGA Amateurs, and how long have you been playing golf?

I wanted to sign up for an evening ladies league to have fun and meet fellow ladies! I’ve been golfing since I was a little kid, my grandparents took us each year to the local junior league golf week.

What’s your favorite golf course or golfing memory?

My favorite course is Etna Acres in Huntington Co, nothing fancy but where I grew up golfing and we try to get back each summer!

Do you have a preferred golfing buddy, style, or strategy when playing?

My husband only started playing when we met so it’s the one thing I’ve solidly beat him at. That’s my strategy, to continue those efforts 😉

What’s a fun fact or hobby outside of golf that you’d like to share with the group?

A fun fact about me is that I’m passionate about both optometry and golf! I love how both fields are all about precision and focus. I spent an entire season with the University of Miami Hurricanes baseball team, working to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time to increase their batting statistics right before COVID shut down the entire next season.

What do you hope to gain or achieve as part of our golf league?

I think being a part of this golf league will help provide me both the opportunity to grow as a golfer and to enjoy the camaraderie of playing with others. My husband and I have two sons at home, a 3 year old named Tate and a 1 year old named Tripp. This league will allow me to have some girl time!

Learn a bit about Ali Prible!

What inspired you to join the LPGA Amateurs, and how long have you been playing golf?

I am 32 years old and have been playing golf since I was a young kid, but never competitively. I joined the LPGA Amateurs to increase my opportunities for playing golf while having fun and connecting with new people who share the same passion. It’s a great way for me to challenge myself on different courses around the area that I haven’t had the chance to play before, while also enjoying the social aspect of the game. I’m looking forward to improving my skills in a fun, relaxed environment!

What’s your favorite golf course or golfing memory?

My favorite golfing memory is from my senior year of college at Franklin College when I took a golf class as an elective. It was such a unique experience because we had the opportunity to play at a beautiful course (The Legends Golf Club), receive professional golf lessons, and enjoy the game with friends, all while still taking a 'college class.'

Do you have a preferred golfing buddy, style, or strategy when playing?

I love playing scrambles with my husband, father, and brother. We all have different strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out for a great round. I don't have many girlfriends that play golf, so this opportunity will allow me to branch out and it will be especially nice to not have to stop at two different tee boxes every hole!

Did You Know?

Hold onto your golf clubs, because here’s a swingin’ fact for you! LPGA Amateurs (formerly EWGA) has been teeing off since 1991!

As we continue our journey through time meet the members who have been with us since 2013!

Julie Fuller -- Bridget Glaser

Rhonda McDougall -- Jannie Wyatt

Judy Roy -- Mary Kay Smethers

PASSION PROJECTS/ORGANIZATIONS

If you have a passion project you need some help with or an organization in our community that you want to highlight, send an email to communication@lpgaamateursfortwayne.com or reach out to Ann Playter at 260-433-0114

Please share your passion project or organization!

Please share your passion!

We have many members that give back to a large variety of organizations or lead projects personally to support some part of our community.

We want to highlight them here and hope to drive additional support from our membership to grow their impact.

They will also be shared on our website under Community Events.

Handicap Dues 2025

You have the option to sign up for handicap service provided by Indiana Golf and your local LPGA Amateur Chapter.

The cost is $29 and is good through one full calendar year. You can download the Indiana golf phone APP to enter scores for 2025 and to access your handicap index.

If you have an existing membership through our chapter and you pay the fee for 2025, there is nothing else that needs to be done (you're ID will stay active for another year).
For LPGA Amateurs Members paying the $29 fee FOR THE FIRST TIME, the handicap administrator(s) will contact you with your World Golf Handicap ID number along with a link and information on how to access the Indiana Golf Website for the first time.
You will need to register/renew for the 2025 season to enter any 2025 scores.
Our handicap administrator is Susan Roth. She can be reached for questions at gseroth@aol.com or 260-466-0655

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities exist in many areas:

Chapter Championship
Social Events
Spring Trip
Fall Trip
Weekend Events
Leagues
Spring Kickoff
Marketing/Communications

Get Involved!

We had several members sign up for committees at the Holdiay Party, but if you were unable to attend, here's your chance to get on a committee and help make our chapter even better!

Please fill out the contact form HERE or reach out to Laura Getz at membership@lpgaamateursfortwayne.com to let her know your interest.

If you have other ideas for a unique volunteer opportunity that you are passionate about, please tell us about it!

LOCAL SPONSOR/PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS

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They have been perfecting them for 100 Years!

Your Leadership Board

In The Know

Stay connected with what is going on in between newsletters. Make our website one of your favorites. All current information is updated there. Visit LPGA Amateurs Fort Wayne website HERE.

If you have something you would like us to know including suggestions, news about you or another member or a community event you would like to share, please send an email to the appropriate board member above or fill out a contact form on our website HERE .

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Click on their links to visit their websites.

Would you or your company like to be a Sponsor?

Please reach out to Ann Playter at communication@lpgaamateursfortwayne.com

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