The original members of the Discovery Bay Women’s Golf Club met recently at the group’s 25th anniversary celebration. In the front row, from right, are Idie Williams, Julie Blotz and Sue Arlotta; back row: Mary Ann Hansen, Earline Dal Porto, Lee Allen, Bobbie Pearson, Fran Ranalli, Donna Johnson and Nancy Lencioni.
Photo courtesy of Hilary Frigillana
Photo courtesy of Hilary Frigillana
The event drew 72 ladies, 30 of whom were past members. Many came from a long distance – the farthest from Indian Wells; some from Auburn, Bakersfield, Lincoln and Reno. The evening was a wonderful opportunity for old friends to meet up again.
After sharing hors d’oeuvres, the ladies shared stories from the past. The celebration focused on the two founders of the club, Earline Dal Porto and Bobbie Pearson. Dal Porto told how in 1986 she managed to find enough ladies to get the club started and become recognized by the Women’s Golf Association of Northern California. She was the first club champion in 1986 and captain in 1987.
Co-founder Pearson was the low-net champion in 1986, 1987 and 1992 and captain in 1990. She shared many stories of good times on and off the course. The 1987 club champion, Lee Allen, recounted how the ladies eventually were allowed full access to all tee times at the course. The oldest member present was Idie Williams, who is in her 90s, and many of her past opponents told of how she always beat them on the putting green.
The theme of the 25th anniversary party was We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, and judging from the amazing stories shared that night, these ladies certainly have.
The evening was rounded off with cake and champagne glasses raised to recognize all the ladies of the Discovery Bay Women’s Golf Club, past and present.
– Contributed by Hilary Frigillana
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