How did Triangle Women in Golf get started?
Triangle Women in Golf (TWIG) was originally founded August 10, 1997 as Ladies in Golf. The organization was founded to promote golf among African American women and youth in the Triangle area. The charter members were Delores Tally, Evelyn Holton, Lawrence Turner, Rhonda Bridgers, Erica Colleton, Gwen Hurt, Gwen Macon-Belmont, Loretta Hicks, Winnona Swayze, Effie Merritt, Ursula DeLaine, and Carolyn Stroud. LaRee Suggs, an African American black professional on LPGA tour, and Charles Foster served as consultants to get the group off to a good start.
In October 1997 our name was changed to Triangle Women in Golf (TWIG). The year ended with the restructuring of TWIG under the leadership of the first president, Jackie Lewis. In the Spring of 1998, we began our first clinics, with 66 members participating at the River Ridge Golf Course under the direction of Ronnie Reitz, PGA Golf Pro.
Over the years our activities have consisted of golf trips, golf tournaments, playing golf at local courses, practice parties, Christmas parties, dinners and movies. Our first golf trip was held in 1998 at Fripp Island, South Carolina, in conjunction with a ladies golf group from Atlanta. In October of 1998, TWIG had their Fall Tournament and outing at Bull Creek Golf Course in Louisburg, one of five African American-owned golf courses in the country. Eighteen ladies played and Mr. Massenburg, the owner of the golf course, gave us the history of Bull Creek. Our first Member-Guest Tournament was held in Raleigh at Heddingham Golf Course in the Fall of 2000. The Fall of 2000 also marked the first publication of our newsletter, Tee Time.
How many members does TWIG have?
Approximately 40, although it varies.
What if I've never played golf before?
TWIG will provide you with a How To Get Started kit. Here you will find suggestions for golf clinics, when to invest in golf equipment, recommended video tapes and books, along with other helpful information.
How can I improve my golfing skills?
Taking golf lessons, spending lots of time practicing, playing golf often, and studying professional golf swings have helped many golfers improve their golf swing. You may also want to get your golf swing videoed.
What types of events does TWIG sponsor?
TWIG's Youth Program, TWIG KIDZ, introduces young women (ages 8-18) to golf with the
intention of inspiring them to continue playing. In addition to learning a life-long
sport, TWIG KIDZ can learn other values associated with golf such as learning responsibility,
gaining confidence, building character, and possibly winning college scholarships.
TWIG provides TWIG KIDZ with lessons, golf play, and equipment.
Do I have to be an experienced
golfer to join? No.....most of our members are new or beginning
golfers who have improved their game after joining TWIG. When does TWIG meet? TWIG has quarterly business meetings, and
also has TWIG Club events beginning in January and ending in December
with a holiday event. How do I join? To join Triangle Women in Golf, simply print
the online membership application
and mail it to the address on the form. Don't forget to include your dues.
(Best viewed in Internet Explorer.) Your application will be processed promptly.