Skill levels span widely for MWGA golfers

From left) 2012 Division 1 medalist and MWGA state champion Darci Stocker, D1 overall low net winner Donna Benford, D2 overall low net winner Pat Shelton and D2 medalist Ruth Wilson.

DETROIT – Course handicaps ranged from 1 to 43 among the 45 women who competed in the two-day Michigan Women's Golf Association State Championship held at Timber Ridge GC in East Lansing last year. This range is indicative of the types of amateur female golfers who enjoy competitive golf and make up the more than 200 members in MWGA.

It annually organizes 12-15 handicapped competitions that allow women golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete on equal ground for first and second low gross and low net prizes.

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In the championship last year, the field was split into two divisions of two flights each.

The Division 1 medalist and MWGA state champion, Darci Stocker of Flint, playing with a handicap of 8, shot a two-day low gross total of 153. Donna Benford, a 5 handicap player, captured the Division 1 overall low net honors with a 145. In Division 2, the low-gross medalist with a 184 was Ruth Wilson of Chandler, AZ, a 19 handicapper. Pat Shelton of Farmington, with a 34 handicap, was the Division 2 overall low net winner, shooting a two-day total of 139.

Membership in the MWGA is available to amateur female golfers of all ages and skill levels --- from students in high school and college to experienced, super senior golfers and women of all ages in between. In addition, MWGA members may sponsor a male for membership, allowing an avenue by which to obtain a USGA Index. An association membership is also offered to organizations and businesses wishing to support and receive information from the MWGA, which was established in 1986.

The MWGA provides a variety of golf competitions that offer optional contests, rules and skills seminars and a match play league. Since 2005, with the support of the LPGA and USGA, the MWGA, a 501(c)(3) organization, has provided a Girls Golf Program through which Metro Detroit girls ages 7-15 receive professional golf instruction, use of golf clubs, on-course playing time and healthy snacks, all at a nominal fee. Scholarships are available in the program.

For additional information about the Michigan Women's Golf Association, visit them at www.mwgolf.org or on Facebook.