Early last spring, I asked the local Senior Center to start a golf league for women in their prime.  “We’re NOT going to do that,” was the emphatic reply. Hmm, I was disappointed and, no surprise to those who know me, I voiced that disappointment to others including Amy Riley, the Recreation Supervisor for the City of Hagerstown.  With her ever positive and creative problem-solving style Amy made a suggestion: “Why doesn’t Prime Time for Women (PTFW) start a golf league for women?”

Well, there you go…problem solved!  I remember over dinner that night telling my husband that, on behalf of PTFW, I was going to start a golf league.  With his head shaking as if trying to determine if he heard me correctly, he said in an incredulous voice, “But you have NEVER even touched a golf club!”  Who I wondered would ever let a little thing like that stop them from doing what they want to do???

Thus, Prime Time for Women’s Connections Over Competition Golf League was born!  The league promotes healthy aging by emphasizing the benefits of positive social connections, lifelong learning, healthy lifestyles and time spent in nature.  Our league is welcoming to women who have never played golf and to those who played in their 20’s but not in the last 40 years and everyone in between.  In addition to playing weekly at The Greens at Hamilton Run, the City of Hagerstown’s beautiful 9-hole golf course, the league arranges group golf lessons, trips to Top Golf and opportunities to socialize on and off the golf course! 

The members of Connections Over Competition collectively demonstrate that it’s never too late to learn or pursue a new hobby. Not by talking but in action we are rewriting the script of healthy aging!  Come watch us play and you will see that we are not done, yet!  We have more to explore, lots to learn, and new passions to discover.  And over time we are definitely improving our golf game while having tons of fun.  We play a scramble format, (yes, it’s true a year ago many of us didn’t even know what that meant) which is perfect in that it lowers expectations, instills confidence and allows everyone to contribute to the team’s success. 

But you don’t have to take my word for it!  Below are some quotes from the league commissioner, league members and supporters of Connections Ove Competition Golf League! 

Barbara Neiman, Commissioner and Member: I am a lifelong learner who has always been interested in science, which is why the recent research emphasizing the relationship between social connections and women’s health is no surprise to me. I’ve long believed that women who have the support of other women are happier and healthier than women who lack meaningful friendships. I think women sometimes need to be reminded to “take care of themselves.” Pursuing golf as a hobby in a friendly, supportive environment is a great way for women in their prime to do just that! Golf is a great activity for our members.  We challenge ourselves, we laugh, we strive, we fail, we try again and sometimes we hit fantastic shots!  But hey, golf is a game that is meant to be challenging, exhilarating, and totally humbling…all in the same round! That’s what makes is so much darn fun! What I like about PTFW’s golf league is that it is open to players of all skill levels and is particularly welcoming to beginners. The ladies all help and support one another, which makes learning fun.  And believe me…they are learning.  In fact, this year several of our members will be playing in the Senior City Championship Tournament! Way to go ladies!

Linda Murry, Member:  I played golf in my teens but didn’t start playing again until my mid-sixties. I really enjoy playing with Prime Time for Women’s golf group. I have made so many new friends and love our motto “Connections over Competition.” We are there to enjoy each other’s company and also celebrate our successes. It has been a wonderful experience for me, and I would highly recommend any PTFW sponsored activity for living your best life at any age! 

Lisa Barron, Member: Last year I decided to try something new – my hubby had been wanting me to take up golf (his favorite hobby) for years.  But I never had time…I was a mom raising kids etc. Finally, I said it’s time for ME!   I then searched out “women beginner golf leagues” and found PTFW…and what a blessing!! I not only found an amazing group of fascinating women but a sport I LOVE!!   Playing now for 13 months I have not only enjoyed the ladies but the outdoors, and the game! But best of all, it has helped me physically.  Since joining PTFW, I have lost 55 pounds (and counting)! On top of losing weight, I am more flexible, have more energy and just feel better overall!   PTFW I will be forever grateful for helping me not only learn something new, but for teaching me it’s never too late to try new things! 🥰

Diane McCormack, Member: After 20 years of not playing golf, I decided to join PTFW’s Connections Over Competition Golf League. It has been fun making new friends and being able to play an enjoyable round of golf every week. It is amazing to watch how everyone has improved, especially the women that had never played before. I invited a friend, upon her retirement, to join PTFW Golf League.  I was not able to be there on her first day, but she said it was a very welcoming group of women.

Marti Haywood, Member: I had always planned to learn to play golf when I got “old.” As my 70^th birthday approached, I thought I better get started! I began lessons but Life got in the way. After I finally got “all my ducks in a row,” where would I to find someone to play with? Luckily, I was introduced to Prime Time for Women. I was accepted into the golf family without judgment for my age or lack of ability! The golfing ladies have been welcoming and gracious and, through them, I have found an avenue to pursue a new hobby and a source for new friendships. Thank you, Prime Time for Women!

Yvonne Bell, Member: Last year, I decided to join PTFW’s new golf league because I heard it was a golf league for beginners as well as experienced players. I joined because Bernadette emphasized that the league was all about “connections over competition “, which meant that I didn’t have to worry about being the worst player on the league. (I’m way too competitive for that). What I learned last year that has continued this 2nd year of the league is that this league is more about building relationships than competing against each other. This league is about supporting and caring about each other as we grow and develop new skills and improve our personal golf goals while encouraging each other to do the same.

Anila Haq, Member: Before joining Prime Time for Women, I couldn’t even imagine playing golf.  I was so nervous but everyone I met at Connections Over Competition was welcoming. They taught me how to hold the clubs properly and how to hit the ball. With lots of patience, they continue to teach and encourage me. I have met many wonderful ladies. Being a Muslim, I cover my head on the golf course, which is not typical.  But all of the wonderful ladies I have met are accepting and even joined me at my home for a traditional Pakistani meal!  For me, learning to play golf has been a wonderful adventure! I am so grateful.

Sally Dozier, Member: Having recently retired I hadn’t really thought about what my next chapter might be.  Of course, there was now the wonderful blessing of being able to visit my granddaughters whenever I wished but I really hadn’t thought about me… what was something that I wanted to do for just me.

Fortunately, I learned about PTFW’s golf league and in fact, knew some of the women involved.  By joining, I not only was able to renew friendships, but I’ve also had the good fortune to meet many others! I had played golf many years ago and had played rather poorly!  This time around I’m not only playing in the golf league but also taking lessons with other women from the group.  It’s been challenging at times, but the ladies have been extremely helpful and encouraging. It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so glad I became a member of PTFW!

Mary Ann Harne, Member: I am so thankful Bernadette stopped me as my husband and I were leaving Dick’s Sporting Goods to invite me to play golf with an amazing group of ladies. I have been truly blessed.

Michelle Emerick, Member: I’m enjoying being part of a great group of women who inspire you to be your best. I moved to Hagerstown right before pandemic started so I was isolated like everyone else. Once things opened up, I was looking for a group of women to connect with. I definitely found that with PTFW golf. We’ve had lots of good laughs on the course and lots of encouragement! Golf can be intimidating and frustrating but being part of a supportive group of women makes it possible.

Achala Bonde, Member: After a major health crisis and surgery, I was grateful when my friend encouraged me to join Prime Time for Women (PTFW), take golf lessons and play in the Connections Over Competition Golf League. It meant a lot to me. I found a new meaning to life.

I can’t describe the joy I experience when all the caring, friendly soulmates on the golf course are kind, helpful and offer tips/suggestions to improve my skills. This is my first year of playing golf and I didn’t know the ABCD of golf. I am thankful to Bernadette, Diane and Anila who have been great friends for more than 30 years and grateful for all my new golf friends! I will definitely encourage my friends and family to join PTFW and play golf. Wishing everyone a great time in life 😍🤗💖✌️✨

Janese Wells, Member: I only recently became familiar with the Connections Over Competition Golf League through an invitation from my son-in-law’s mom, Yvonne.  My husband and I were previously regular golfers until he injured his shoulder eight years ago.  I was excited about the opportunity to play again but was nervous to join the COCGL as my golf skills were a bit rusty.  Nevertheless, I accepted the challenge and to my delight I’ve experienced a renewed love of the sport with some new friends. It has been my pleasure playing golf with a lovely group of ladies where all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged.  Most of all, I’ve enjoyed the easy camaraderie we share.

Jule Martin, Member: To me, “Friends are like seashells on the beach. Each one is special and beautiful.” I am so glad to be a part of P rime Time for Women. Each friend I have met is a blessing and I love playing golf!

Amy Riley, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Hagerstown: “What an amazing opportunity to partner with Prime Time for Women on the women’s golf league!  We welcome new golfers to our course of all ages and abilities.  We have been eager for many years to start a women’s golf league so it’s truly a win-win for The Greens at Hamilton Run!  The best part of the league is seeing how much FUN these women are having and the connections that they are making with each other on the course.  Thank you, Bernadette for helping to bring this idea to fruition and making memories for these women that will last a lifetime.”