With a heavy bag strapped across your back, sunscreen applied, snacks packed and the fame on your mind you take to the tee box. Introductions are made, scorecards exchanged and with nerves rattling you prepare for the first drive of the meet. It’s not until you’ve swung, connected and watch the ball arc swiftly across the fairway that you look behind you. We are there with an encouraging smile, maybe a punch in the air or a thumbs-up. 

Through good shots, and not so good shots. To the tricky shots that allowed you to show us how fare you’ve come. You keep your composer stead, your confidence unshaken and recover with a sense of accomplishment. Just look behind you; we knew you could do it. 

Throughout the fairways the teammates cross. You always encouraged one another. 

Remaining focused you walked to your next shot. If we were lucky we could catch your eye and give a thumb-up with a warm smile.

It didn’t matter if it was 45 degrees outside, raining or even hailing- we were always right there behind you. You handled each meet knowing it was yours to lose. Hot, cold, wet or dry you adapted to the conditions and played the game. 

You created a camaraderie between the teams, you made friendships and learned from experience. After every hole, scores were written down and in the end each group would trail back to the clubhouse with the fans behind you. 

The first girl in would modestly share her score, buoyed by the fans, she’d start to relax and watch for the next teammate to come in. So genuine these young ladies. So caring and strong. Laughing, sharing stories of their game and watching as the scores are posted.

Exhausted but exhilarated, the teams find chairs and the fans stand behind.

Cold drinks are bought homemade treats are shared and we all wait while the finally scores are being totaled. Winners are announced, medals are handed out and our minds are already onto the next meet. 

Ladies, as your fans we graciously thank you. We thank you for the pleasure it has been to get to know you, to encourage, love and support you. We will always be “The Fans Behind You.”