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LPGA Amateur Golf Association – San Diego
Summer Quarterly Newsletter
>>> August 2026
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| President's Corner--Karen Bridges | | | |
We are in the thick of summer!
If you missed our fun Member-Guest event at Coronado, you are in luck, there are a few more events coming up to top off the rest of summer. We’ve got the Vineyard on August 30. Then, back on the calendar is a weekday event on September 9 at Colina Park. Come on out and work on that short game.
For the second time this year, we are offering Aubree Smithey’s Body Swing Workshop on September 12. The first one filled up fast and the reviews from attending players were very positive.
Our last Ace day at Arrowood is on September 13. And rounding out September is a new event to our Chapter, at least recently, Pine Glen at Singing Hills on September 20.
Then on to October with other fun events in store like our Play for P.I.N.K. at Journey at Pechanga and our Devilish Duel, or 6/6/6, at Dos Osos.
We have many new faces in our Chapter, and I don’t think I’ve had a chance to meet them all! But welcome to all new members. If you see a new face, introduce yourself! Each member’s enthusiasm, laughter and love for the game are what makes our community feel like home.
Thank you for showing up, swinging big and making every event a celebration. Here’s to many shared fairways and unforgettable moments ahead!
| | Many thanks to Jen Faye and Barbara Ripley who helped with the Cha Cha, but didn't play! Jen checked in everyone at The Golf Bar and handed out the very important drink tickets! And Barbara helped with player check-in at RB Inn. | ...and Lisa Schmidt and Barbara Ripley registered players on the second day. | | |
Chris Shorkey, Cretia Hadley, Barbara Ripley, and Lois Spence registered players on the first day of the Cha Cha...
| Stacey Hayashi, announcing the winners at the Closest to the Pin Extravaganza at Reidy Creek. | | |
Q&A with Veronica "Roni" Rindge
Each quarter we highlight one of our Chapter members so you get can get to know her.
How long have you been playing golf?
I have owned a set of golf clubs for about 20 years now. I would say that joining the LPGA Amateurs in 2024 is the most active I have been since I first started in high school. Prior to LPGA Amateurs, I only played a handful of times a year.
What got you interested in golf?
My parents had taken the family out for a group golf lesson when I was really young. I was always in at least one sport, and high school became the time where I transitioned away from softball and into golf. I love being outside and the different ways courses are designed.
How did you find out about LPGA Amateurs?
Google! But, seriously, I was trying to find out how to play with other women and luckily found this. Trying to pick a golf course to join was too overwhelming, and LPGA Amateurs was the best entry into a women’s golf club for me.
What type of golfer are you — competitive or leisure?
I am all of the above golfer. I really love to compete, but there are times when I know I am playing for fun and want to enjoy the game and people I’m playing with.
What is your favorite course in Southern California?
I need to play more! I am limited to the San Diego-area courses, but I think my favorite course here is Mount Woodson. I just love the design and setting of that course. It’s a tricky one!
What is your favorite course in the world?
To be determined! I have yet to travel anywhere and play golf (okay I traveled one time to a course in Lajitas, Texas, in the summer and it was HOT HOT HOT).
What is your favorite LPGA Amateurs San Diego event?
The Aloha Ball!! There’s always someone new I haven’t met and I love the game format.
Do you have a favorite golf memory?
My favorite golf memory is golf practice when I was in high school. The days that we had practice at a country club and played 9 holes late in the day. My friend and I would always take our shoes off for the last few holes and play barefoot. The sun was getting low in the sky, I was with people I loved and I just felt grounded in golf.
What as been your lowest score?
78! The one and only time I broke 80 (so far) was at Encinitas Ranch.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have lived in San Diego on and off for about 13 years.
Favorite snack to bring on the course?
Uncrustables! They’re just the perfectly packed little snack. If I am able to, I like to pack some hard boiled eggs and a protein bar as well.
What is your favorite thing about being an LPGA Amateurs San Diego member?
My favorite part of this Chapter is getting to play all the courses in the county and being able to play with a great group of ladies! Especially if you get to play weekday and weekend events, you get to meet lots of the members.
Favorite golf brands?
I tend to favor Taylormade.
Favorite club?
My favorite club is my sand wedge. I feel like I can do so many different things with that club, so it is fun to use. My LEAST favorite would have to be my 5 iron, but when I can hit it well, it feels GREAT.
Most unique thing in your bag?
I would say the most obscure thing about my golf bag is I have no fairway woods. When I first started in high school, I couldn’t hit them at all. I have one 3 hybrid, my irons (up to a 5) and my driver but that’s it. I do hope to start adding them to my arsenal in the future, though.
| | | Each quarter, we love to highlight the achievements of our members both on and off the golf course. This quarter we have ... two first-time Hole-in-Ones, a personal best and winners from the SDCWGC Championship. In addition, several teams from San Diego advanced to the 2026 Cup Finals in Mesquite, NV. Congratulations Ladies!! | | Susan Crawford waves the flag on Hole 6 at Encinitas Ranch on July 21 after using her 7 iron to sink her first Hole-in-One, a 106-yard shot. "It was a beautiful day. I hit the ball a little right of the flag and it took the slope and went in!! I had been close several times, but it's so fun when it finally goes in." | |  | Adrienne Acre watched her ball hit in front of the mound near the trap on Balboa 18's ninth hole. It bounced up and back. She figured it was still in the rough, or on the edge of the green. When she walked up...no ball in the rough or the green. "I said to my gal pals, 'Look, there's nothing in my hands!'" I picked my ball from the cup. "Everyone was ecstatic!" | | | |
This year's CHA CHA champ LeeAnn Taylor accomplished a long-sought goal on August 23, shooting below par... a 69 on the par 71 Steele Canyon course (Ranch/Vineyard).
What was your previous personal best, when and where was it?
My personal best was a 73 (+1). It was at San Vicente last year during an LPGA Amateurs event. 🙂
What part of your game felt the strongest during your round — ball‑striking, putting, course management?
Luckily, I stayed out of trouble, so I guess ball-striking. My approaches were close on five holes and I was able to hole those putts for birdies. I was thankful to get a great tip from Sheri on 14. She told me, "I've only seen two putts go past the hole today." She advised me to look nine inches past the hole when putting. I ended up birding two out the last four holes. Thank you, Sheri!!!
What part of your game have you been working on recently that contributed to this score? How does this round fit into your personal goals?
My goal has been to shoot even par.
What’s one thing you’re proud of from this round?
I stunk it up the day before at Balboa. I was 1 over on the front 9 and grooving to what I hoped would be another championship. Then everything changed. I found myself in trouble and double-bogeyed 10 & 11, then triple bogeyed 12 on an unlucky bounce that put me in the bushes behind the hole! I ended up +12 on the back 9. So, after a blow-up like that someone might not be too excited to leave the house at 6 a.m. to do it again, especially in close to 100-degree weather. However, every day is another opportunity for something awesome and I was really looking forward to playing with Dianne and Jaxs and meeting Sheri. I'm proud that I let go of the day before and let whatever was going to happen, just happen. I watched the sunrise on my way to Steele, I hugged my friends as I greeted them, I breathed in the beauty of a golf course, and we just golfed. Good vibes = good golf.
What advice would you give to those working on improving their game?
1. Golf is super challenging. Embrace the challenge. When the shot doesn't go as you expected or you hit into a bunker or under a bush: take a breath, make a plan, and do your best to get back into the fairway in one shot. Avoid hero shots. 2. Do your best to be as positive as possible. Be positive with your self-talk. Find the positive in every shot—-good shots and not-as-expected shots.
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SDCWGA Championship
Several LPGA Amateurs members won honors in the recent San Diego County Women's Golf Association's Championship event. Kim Greco won the Flight 1 with a gross 79; Adrienne Acre won Flight 5 with a 92; Kelly DeMello won Flight 6 with an 89; and Meinir Heilbrun won Flight 7 with an 89. Congrats to all!
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Western Regional Cup Championship
Our San Diego Chapter had six teams competing in the recent Western Regional Cup Qualifier at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos. Teams of four competed in Four Ball and Singles Match Play over two days of competition. Three of our teams qualified to advance to the Cup Nationals on October 24-25 in Mesquite, Nevada. The three teams are shown below.
We also want to congratulate the other teams who played hard to represent our Chapter:
Birdie Bunch - Michelle Schmidt, Connie Pasterkiewicz, Lois Spence, and Christine Shorkey.
Pitchin' for Birdies - Jackie Glynn, Kim Greco, Jackie Jacquez (Jax), and Agueda Sanchez
The Neagles - Adrienne Acre, Natalie Hobson, Stacey Musso, and Suzanne Rogers
| | Rough Around the Edges - Kelly DeMello, Dina Mauger, Ashley Riggs-Zeigen and Taylor Coleman | | Birdie Bandits - Karen Bridges, Bethany Selan, Stacey Hayashi and Robin Banner | | |
Bombing Birdies -
Eunhwa Lenehan, Lisa Schmidt, Margaret Ashwell and Cathy Wright
| | Membership Update--Adrienne Acre | |
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It was a little slow the first quarter, but we did pick up 13 new members in the second quarter. I will tell you a little about them later in this newsletter. So many new faces.
The “Member Get a Member” drive is over after the fifth year running. When you referred a new member to the LPGA Amateurs between October 1, 2025 thru June 30, 2026, you had the chance to win some great prizes such as logoed golf balls, free membership and more.
This year's prize of 2027 Dues Waived went to Eunhwa Lenehan and Adrienne Acre. They each brought three guests. Deb Finlon won one dozen LPGA Amateurs logoed Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls for inviting two guests. Several members brought a single guest to various events: Ashley Stone, Christina Fletcher, Cindy Mason, Cretia Hadley, Jackie Todd, Jennifer Hunt, Karen Bridges, Linda Marshall, Maria de Lourdes Barroso, Michelle Schmidt, Mindy Sam Davis, Pam Turner and Trish Castner. Thanks to all!
Save The Date – Membership Kick-Off Event
The Fall Annual 2026 Membership Kick-Off event will be held at the Lakes at the Lakehouse in San Marcos on November 15. This will be an 8:30 a.m. shotgun and the clocks will have been set back two weeks earlier so you will have had your beauty rest. We have a lot of nice gifts for guests and members who bring a guest. Put this on your calendar!
Do you know someone who wants to join our Chapter?
E-mail: lpgaamateursmembershipsandiego@gmail.com.
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Milestone Member Anniversary
Bonnie Fannin – 5 years
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| Welcome to the new members of our Chapter .... | | |
Delia Rodriguez
Delia is an Intermediate golfer, lives in Escondido and joined us for Golf Improvement. Boy, do we have some great opportunities for great golf classes during the year. Welcome, Delia!
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Melanie Henderson
"I have been playing golf for about four years now. I probably should be playing better than I do at this point, but I’m still learning. I was playing at The Vineyard the other day and there was a group from the LPGA Amateur association playing that day. (That was us, Melanie!) I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get to meet other women players. I normally get paired up with men when I show up at a course to play, just because of the mix of mostly men.
"My favorite golf memory is when I first took up the game. I remember stepping out onto the south course at Oaks North and feeling like I did not belong there. Everyone there was so nice and supportive, I kept coming back to learn more. Now every time I go to that hole, I remember that feeling and so glad I did not chicken out.
"Golf is my favorite hobby, I love to work in my yard and Travel."
Melanie, you will find many women here of the same interests! Even some who enjoy repairing Xerox machines like you.
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Maria Manning
Maria joined because she is eager to meet other members after having just moved to San Diego from Sacramento last September. A woman she was playing with last Tuesday at Torrey Pines who told her about our organization and how easy it is to find other golfers to play with.
“I am not that competitive because I'm not good enough to be competitive. I picked up the game about 8 years ago. I am retired and so I am hoping to find a group to play with regularly.”
She loves walking outdoors so golf is a natural for her. Since she moved to Mission Beach with her husband, she has played Torrey, Coronado, Singing Hills and Balboa Park. She is very eager to explore other courses.
“I began learning to play while we were members of Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. I first joined the 9 hole group and later joined the 18 hole group. I rarely participated in tournaments but enjoyed playing once or twice a week. Thank you for reaching out. I hope I can find opportunities to play and get to know others in the community.” Glad to have you with us, Maria!
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Betty Milne
Betty has been playing golf for about 20 years. She’s looking for more opportunities to compete and wants to meet more ladies who are passionate about golf.
Since she just golf back from Ireland and Scotland, her favorite golf memory is playing at Ballybunion Golf Course in Ireland. She loved it!
She has 3 grown kids. She and her husband camp, fish and bike. She also plays disc golf. We’re so happy that you have already played in some of our events. We look forward to a long fulfilling relationship!
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Michelle Smith Johansen
Michelle has been playing golf for about 20 years and is also an award-winning writer and poet who has taken to public readings at open mic gatherings. She says, “If you only knew how shy I used to be!”
She joined us through the recommendation of a new friend who was enthusiastic about the travel golf that LPGA Amateurs sponsors.
She enjoys traveling and going on “girls” golf trips. Her friend emphasized the friendly and inclusive nature of our programs. Michelle enjoys team competition and is looking forward to doing this at different courses with us.
“My favorite golf memory is difficult to parse out. It might have been the time I scored my first subpar round when I happened to be playing with the director of golf at our Club. It might have been the golf outing to Scotland, my first overseas golf excursion. And then, I went to South Africa last year on another women's golf outing and reluctantly joined the scheduled safari. This last outing has to be the most memorable!”
“Travel is a big component of my life. I just returned from the Costal del Sol in Spain but did not have the opportunity to play golf (hope to one day soon). Whether or not golf is involved, I enjoy experiencing different cultures in far-away lands.” Michelle has a very supportive husband who is an award-winning portrait artist.
“We've been living in San Diego for about 15 years. We moved here from Monterey. But we lived in Scottsdale twice. And we had a place in La Quinta for a spell. Now we're at Fairbanks Ranch and The Bridges Golf Club.”
What an exciting life! Thanks for joining the LPGA Amateurs! We look forward to meeting you on the golf course!
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Lyn Sankey
“As challenging as golf can be, I really enjoy the process, having fun with the ladies, and the opportunity to play different courses. I have heard wonderful things about this club, and I am excited to finally be a part of it.” We won’t disappoint you, Lyn!
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Melanie Yaptangco
Melanie has been playing casually for the past 20 years. She says, “I’m looking to 'find my tribe' as most of my playing time has been with the same 3 guys (one is my partner and the other 2 are no longer able to play)." Melanie, we are all one big tribe at LPGA Amateurs. You will also find lots of little tribes within our big tribe that you will fit in perfectly!
“One of my favorite golf memories is my very first round of golf ever - at Aviara. Of course, I was a hot mess but how could you not fall in love with golf after seeing how beautiful that course is?”
She enjoys good food and good wine and has traveled to 25 countries so far. Melanie has a daughter, a son and 5 little people who call her Grammy.
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Janice Hall
Janice is a new golfer and just started playing last October. She wants to improve her game, make friends and play with more ladies! You came to the right place to do that, Janice!
She was able to play a course in Hawaii with her boyfriend that felt like Jurassic Park! I’m wondering, did it have peacocks on the course? Does Makalei sound familiar?
She loves being outside and trying new things. She has a ton of hobbies. I’m sure she will meet many members with similar interests!
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We’re also happy to introduce several other new members:
Sammy France, Joanna Savarese, Melissa Cox, Sheridan Walker, Jennifer Green, Sydney Najdach, Jennifer Hunt and Cindy Luhnow.
Welcome, ladies!
| | Chapter Championship ("Cha Cha") | |
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Our 2026 Chapter Championship was held over two Sundays in April at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The Cha Cha is one our signature events. This year, 43 participants enjoyed perfect weather for golf and much fun afterward at the Golf Bar, where awards were presented.
Congratulations to Low Gross Champion LeeAnn Taylor and Low Net Champion Stacey Hayashi, shown below. Big thanks to Stacey, who spearheaded the Cha Cha, and Chris Shorkey (below with Karen Bridges) who coordinated the 19th hole party.
If you want to see all of the Cha Cha results and more photos, please click on the button below.
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Summer is here and we have completed 29 events with 14 events to go! Mark your calendars now for our upcoming Signature events.
Sunday, October 4 – Play For P.I.N.K. Charity Special Event – Journey at Pechanga
By popular demand, we will be returning to Journey for our Annual Play For P.I.N.K. charity event for members & guests -- net proceeds to benefit the Play for P.I.N.K. organization.
Sunday, October 18 – Devilish Duel – Halloween dress up & play with a partner! – Dos Osos is a new venue for 2026. Pair up, or we can find a partner for you for this fun event. Play six holes scramble, six holes better ball, and six holes alternate shot – Best costume contest & an outdoor lunch celebration.
Sunday, November 8– Turkey Ball Presented by Sunday Golf – Steele Canyon Golf Course. Kick off our Turkey Ball event with our cornucopia putting contest, then off with your official turkey ball for a fun competition.
Sunday, November 15 – Member Guest Fall – Links at the Lakehouse - Bring your guests and potential new members for a fun day of golf!
Sunday, December 6 – Annual Holiday Celebration – Singing Hills. Join us in a fun celebration to celebrate our year!
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering to help with events, contact Stacey Hayashi, Director of Golf Events.
| | | Sponsorship--Ashley Stone | |
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Our LPGA Amateur Chapter’s success is made possible in large part by the generous support of our sponsors, including individuals, small businesses and larger corporations. These valued sponsors contribute in a variety of ways, from providing financial support for our operating expenses to donating merchandise for giveaways and prizes, as well as gift cards that can be redeemed at a later date. Our membership plays an instrumental role in strengthening our sponsor relationships by frequenting their businesses and extending recognition and appreciation whenever possible.
Throughout the year, we recognize our most generous Presenting Sponsors by pairing each one with a Signature Event. These sponsors receive enhanced visibility and promotion at their designated events. Thank you to each and every sponsor that has helped to make our LPGA Amateurs San Diego Chapter so successful.
Below is a list of our 2026 Signature Events and the Presenting Sponsors:
- Chapter Championship, presented by Vessel Golf
- The Aloha Ball, presented by GolfTec
- The Eclectic, presented by Suzanne LaTour/Raymond James and prizes sponsored by our newest sponsor Fore the Girls
- Turkey Ball, presented by Sunday Golf
- Holiday Event, presented by Singing Hills
- The Players Cup, presented by Golf Mart
Additionally, below is a list of our 2026 Sponsors who have generously extended a discount code to our members:
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Fore the Girls, 20% off orders from the Fore the Girls website with the discount code LPGA20
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Club Scrub, 20% off orders from the Club Scrub website with the discount code SANDIEGO20
- Bad Birdie, visit the Bad Birdie store at the Westfield UTC mall. LPGA Amateurs members will receive 20% off in-store purchases - just mention you are a member at checkout.
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Did you know your tee time is not your start time?
It’s often unspoken that golf courses expect players to be ready to play and checked in with the starter 15 minutes before your tee time. This helps to keep the course moving and if the starter tells you to come back at your tee time, feel free to do some putting practice.
Arrive early enough to:
• Warm up, stretch • Hit practice balls • Change shoes • Pay the pro shop • Get food and drink • Find the restroom • Get a scorecard • Place cell phone on quiet
Skills/Development Events:
Saturday, September 12 @ 11am - Register NOW! (10 persons max)
Aubree Smithey Body Swing Clinics - Learn how mobility, stability and strength influence your swing. Clinics will cover: Body Swing, Pain and Swing Characteristics, Injury Prevention and Recovery, Golf Power and Fitness.
90 min instruction, 10 per class. Cost: $10
Aubree Smithey is a Physical Therapist with 14+ years of experience and a Golf Rehab and Functional Movement Specialist.
Saturday, October 3 @ 10am - Opens September 8 for registration (10 persons max)
Master Your Short Game Golf Skills Clinic - Join us for Hands-On Instruction from an Expert Coach – Jeanette Gilliand
2 Hours instruction, 10 per class. Cost: $60.00
Sharpen your Skills in: Chipping • Pitching • Putting
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PLEASE Send Us Your Pictures and Stories
Great newsletters depend on hearing about all of the fun things our Chapter members are doing whether it was at one of our events or your local club. Please let us know if you got a hole-in-one, posted a new all-time-low score, won a tournament, or checked off an item on your bucket list. The stories and information provided to you in this publication comes from our members and we love having pictures to share as well. Please remember to send your story and photo(s) to: info@lpgaamateurssandiego.com.
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Thank You for The
Gift of Your Support
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