Pink poodle skirts, white bobby socks, beehive hairdos, Mickey Mouse ears, Twinkies wrapped in cellophane and oh-so-memorable rock-and-roll music. All were on display as a full field of golfers celebrated “The Fabulous ‘50s” at the 2021 Rancho Bernardo Inn Women’s Golf Club Invitational on September 21 at RBI.
Participants got into the swing early in the day, but temperatures reached 99 degrees before they finished their golf rounds and headed into the air-conditioned Bernardo Room for some cold refreshments and a plated gourmet luncheon. At tables dressed in pink and black with “sundae” centerpieces, golfers were served watercress salad with shaved vegetables and pomegranate dressing; chicken Marsala; garlic mashed potatoes; asparagus and carrots; and a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles.
Contest judges made their rounds long before the 8 a.m. shotgun start to find the winner of the team-costume and cart-decorating contest. Black-and-white polka dot aprons and pink retro headscarves made the team of Pat Lafser, Sally Hagar, Judy Hagar and Monica Lee stand out and netted them the best-costume award.
“Thanks to all who made the ‘Fabulous ‘50s’ Invitational tournament perfect,” one participant said later. “You all are fabulous!” Another said, “It was simply the best, particularly the cherry on the carnation sundae (on the luncheon tables).” Yet another said, “Congrats and thank you for an awesome tournament! It was so well-organized, fun and festive.”
Sixteen teams won prizes for low scores for the tournament format (four-person team modified waltz), and individuals were rewarded for closest to the pin on the four par-threes, for the longest drive on hole No. 12 and for the straightest drive on hole No. 8. Camille Medina scored a hole-in-one on No. 4 and won a $150 prize donated by Club member Mary Lynne Bachman. For complete results, see here.
A large group of RBIWGC volunteers planned and produced the 2021 tournament. Kathy Christopher and Angela Schmidt served as Invitational co-chairs. Committee chairs included Joyce Dubuque, registration; Sherry Seamon, prizes; Romona Smith, tee-sign sponsors; Judi Berlin, handicaps; Liz Burchill, breakfast; Arilla Saint-Laurent, costume judging; and Diane Borden, communications. Many other Club members volunteered to serve on the various committees.
Among the Rancho Bernardo Inn staff who contributed to the success of the tournament were Evan Biundo, director of golf; Matt Loflen, tournament director; Paul Kipfstuhl, tournament coordinator; Nolan Schmuckle, first assistant; Chef Jose Sandoval; and many RBI golf staff members.
The Rancho Bernardo Inn Women’s Golf Club was founded in 1963. The first Invitational was held in spring 1964 and has since grown into one of the premier women’s golfing events in San Diego County.