The Lake Nona Golf Event: The Best Ever!

Posted November 2, 2009, 8:13 am in Health

On October 26, 2009, more than 112 women, forming 28 golf foursomes, gathered at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club for two days of tournament golf to raise money to support the mission of Women Playing For T.I.M.E., which partners with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando to defeat cancer as it affects women and their families in Central Florida.

From the moment of arrival, players were greeted by hundreds of pink flags, all personalized in memory, support or in celebration of someone affected by cancer. Each year, Sandy Thompson and her husband volunteer to produce and display the flags, a signature image at the Lake Nona Tournament.

As day one commenced, the Lake Nona golf course was covered by shades of pink, as women competed for low gross and net scores for the day. Carts were decorated; outfits color coordinated; and everyone’s spirits were riding high on a perfect Florida day. The day was superbly complimented by a luncheon of fabulous food, expertly prepared by the Chef’s at Lake Nona, at the direction of WPFT volunteer, Susie Aspinwall.

But the real highlight of the day was the keynote address delivered by golfing legend, Annika Sorenstam. Looking relaxed and poised, Annika was joined by WPFT Volunteer and former LPGA Tour player Mary Bryan. They spoke to the audience about Annika’s life as a new mother, her vast business enterprises, and the partnership between WPFT and the ANNIKA Academy. Always gracious, Annika stayed afterward to meet and greet everyone and sign autographs.

On Day two of the tournament, the excitement continued as several teams were in contention to win. Once again, Lake Nona Golf and Country Club was smothered in beautiful shades of pink, including the famous "Cart Boys" who made their way around the course offering refreshments while gathering "Tips For TIME." Throughout the day you could hear shouts of excitement as birdies and chip-ins were made.

The closing day luncheon was both exciting and bittersweet. Sadly, Co-Founder Elaine Lustig lost her husband Seymour in September. Seymour had been present at nearly every closing day luncheon for the last 17 years. Paying a special tribute to Seymour was Mickey Solomon, husband of the late Sheila Solomon, who was Co-Founder of WPFT before losing her battle with breast cancer in 2000. Mickey fondly stated, "Seymour Lustig touched many lives and I was proud to call him my friend. He was dear friend of Women Playing For T.I.M.E. too."

As is customary at this event, a check was presented to Dr. Clarence Brown and M. D. Anderson Cancer Institute – Orlando, in the amount of $453,000 representing the total amount of monies raised for the year by the Women Playing For T.I.M.E. As the luncheon concluded, awards were presented to the winning teams. Congratulations to all!

Click the play button below to watch a video of the event, including Annika's speech, produced by our friends at Growing Bolder.

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The Winners Circle:

1st Gross
Debby Haynes              Joyce McLane           301
Niki Murvin                  Shari Williams

2nd Gross
Susan Ableidinger       Karen McIntosh        305
Gunilla Sorenstam       Lisa Robinson

3rd Gross
Andrea Eliscu              Monica O’Reilly        307
Dr. Jamie Ikeda           Kathy Kahan

4th Gross
Peggy Morris              Titan Winslow            322
Debbie Keyser          Sandi Thompson

5th Gross
Lynne Bradford          Joan Murray               322
Pauli Uricchio           Marci Likens

6th Gross
Yolando Huhn           Becky Martinez          327
Megan Warlow         Mary Mahoney

1st Net
Judy Speigel               Janet Fyles                 239
Phillis Englander       Kathy Hoffman

2nd Net
Gale Hillenmeyer      Jean Henderson         240
Mary Nunis              Cindy Tibbetts

3rd Net
Patti Secrist               Darlene O’Donnel     248
Dot Richardson       Leslie Longacre

4th Net
Pati Carter                 Beachy Harrell           249
Jean Lee                    JC Conklin

5th Net
Dianeice Eldridge     Debra Fildes              253
Julie Jamieson           Sherryl Powell

6th Net
Andrea Kelly          Judy Biddle                256
Bette Grogan           Barbara Taggert

Proximities:

Closest to Pin #4    Karen McIntosh

Closet to Pin #6        Denise Brannon

Closest to Pin #13    Janet Fyles

Closest to Pin #17    Barb Hollkamp

Long Drive               Marci Likens

Straightest Drive       Kathy Kemp