With over 200 golfers and approximately 90 SCGA member clubs represented in the field, the Women's Four-Ball Championships returned to Desert Willow GR this year to crown four new pairs of champions. Three of those champions are determined in the net format, as the majority of the 224-person field was split into three flights (Arroyo, Mission, Mountain) based on Handicap Index to take on Desert Willow's Firecliff and Mountain View courses.
Open to all female SCGA members, the championship requires just a Handicap Index and a willing partner to enter. Now in its sixth year, the Coachella Valley has emerged as the favored setting, attracting passionate golfers to one of Southern California's premier golf destinations.
Three generations of golfers were represented amongst the field, with ages ranging from as young as 13 to as old as 81. The diversity in background, skill and perspectives fostered a welcoming and fun atmosphere. It also helps when 61 of the 112 two-person sides finished their 36 holes under par. Scores were low, the weather was even better and it was a true celebration of a vibrant women's golf community.
Arroyo Flight
Chi Wilson and Christina Trujillo emerged as the clear cut winners, shooting net 65-64 to finish at 15-under and win the flight by four strokes. Trujillo accumulated three net-eagles, the last of which on Hole No. 1 on Tuesday likely made the difference and provided the necessary cushion for a comfortable victory.
Mission Flight
It quickly became a two-team race between Jacquelyn Jacquez/Kim Greco and Debbie Clement/Eriko Hirano, though Jacquez and Greco proved to be one stroke better. The two teams were fighting down to the very last hole, and while Clement/Hirano maintained pressure on the leaders, Jacquez/Greco would not let go. The eventual champions finished at 12-under (66-66).
Mountain Flight
Kelly DeMello and Sally Hagar proved that it's really tough to beat a team when they shoot 20-under, and that's exactly what they did. A pair of net 62's from the San Diego duo landed them the crystal in their flight, clearing the rest of the field by four strokes.