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A Personal Look at the USWDGC by Carla Gomez (PDGA# 25732)

BY CARLA GOMEZ: This year, I took the long 10 hour or so drive from Kenosha, Wisconsin to Huntsville, Alabama for the 10th Annual USWDGC. This just happens to be the 3rd trip for me to this top notch event. This year, this one of a kind tournament, was run by Tournament Director, Chris Jaskolka and the many helping hands of the Rocket City Chain Gang. My story of the USWDGC begins in 2005 but comes full circle this year in Huntsville.

In 2005 I headed to Peoria, IL not really knowing anybody there. First stop is McNaughton Park for a practice round on Thursday with Terry Miller, Tournament Marshall. The first people we meet are Chris and Karen Jaskolka. Little did I know that 3 years later I’d be crashing at their house as they host the 2008 USWDGC! My experience each time has kept me coming back for more. I returned in 2006 and again in 2008. (if you’re wondering, I had a wedding I could not miss in 2007) For me, the real magic is the mutual respect and camaraderie among the women. It’s true, Women just have more fun. By the time I left I had made many friendships that have continued until today. I felt like I could sit next to anyone at the lunches (provided by our gracious hosts) and come away with yet another cool disc golfing friend.

This years USWDGC had not 1, but 2 players parties including a fly mart, food and beverage galore, sweet games and cool people. I had the chance to watch my travel buddy; and your 2008 Pro Masters Champion, Barrett White smoke the entire field in the Pressure Putting Contest with a red hot 43. A short time later I get to see the legendary Elaine King match Barrett with a 43 of her own! Elaine won the finals and donated the new basket to the Can Am series. That just seems to be the way things are at the USWDGC. For example, I get to see my good friend, Tracee Spencer from Colorado because I know she will be at this event every year. We met in 2005 when we got to play our 5th round at McNaughton in the remnants of Hurricane Rita. It made for a 4 hour round but Tracee and I had blast playing together regardless. In 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting Team Michigan and Liz Carr. I saw Liz again this year as she crashed with Karen and Chris as well. Oh yeah, she also took home $425 this year in the largest payout ever for women.

The USWDGC has given me the opportunity to play with women from all over the country: North Carolina, Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, California, Washington, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan and of course, my home state of Wisconsin. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the most elite women in the game with ease (Juliana, Des, Elaine, Burl, Angela and Valarie to name a few). In my experience, the USWDGC raises the bar every year. I am compelled to come back to see what can be bigger and better the next time. I am happy to say that I don’t think I’ve ever had to manage a scorecard during a USWDGC round. Scorekeepers have always been provided. This year, there was a box of fudge for the top and bottom of each card after the first round. A lady can really become quite spoiled at this event.

This year was like the others in that it exceeded my expectations. I’ve always had a great time at this event although it was especially sweet this year because I was able to bring home the Advanced AM championship trophy. Kudos go out to Chris and his entire gang of helpers. Tons of work went in to make this years the best USWDGC to date. I look forward to 2009 in the Quad Cities to see how it will improve yet again, and I would NOT want to miss that!

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- By Carla Gomez (PDGA# 25732)
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***We would like to thank Carla Gomez for writing and submitting this article
***All images were graciously provided by and are a © of Carla Gomez