’Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the room
All the Niners were assembled and dressed in full bloom…
The Niners wrapped up 2023 with a festive and fun holiday party. The party hosts got us all in the holiday spirit with beautifully decorated tablescapes, signature cocktails and goodie bags. A slideshow showcasing the past year wrapped up the day. Diapers were collected and donated to the Bay Area Crisis Center. Thank you to the committee of Linda McColgan, Pat Burgess, Channing Azzolino, Helen Tarrentino, Mary Porteous, Linda Marver and Etienne Melcher for a memorable day.
Leigh Bultman, 2024 Captain, presented the 2023 Captain’s Golf Award to Lil Giovanzana. A BIG thank you to Lil for your outstanding leadership and fostering a sense of camaraderie and promoting a positive and welcoming environment for all. Leigh will continue the Niners’ fabulous leadership with the goal of a fun and exciting year. Niners are ready for a new year of fun and friendship; on and off the course.
Niners recognition awards were announced by the tournament committee. The Ghost of Christmas Past, aka Mary Porteous, made a surprise appearance to announce the humorous awards and entertained everyone with her amusing stories about the recipients.
Humorous Awards
P.I.G. – Perseverance in Golf: Leslie Sprague
ESPN: Channing Azzolino
Golden Goose: Linda McColgan
B.A.G. Best All Around Gal: Fran Davis
Niners Awards
Niners Triple Crown Overall Winner: Terri Waterman
Charm Day Champion: Brenda McNabb
Most Improved: Lil Giovanzana
NTC 1st Flight: Brenda Carlson
NTC 2nd Flight: Channing Azzolino
NTC 3rd Flight: Fran Davis
Low Putts: Mary Jane Novak
Recognitions
Most Pars: Channing Azzolino
Most Birdies: Cassandra Boyer, Leigh Bultman, Sandy Davis, Debbie Roof, Sally Ryan & Leslie Sprage
Most Chip Ins: Joanne Knapp
Most Team Play Days: Fran Davis (27) Linda Maddalon (23) Lil Giovanzana (22)
Terri Waterman moved to Blackhawk in 1987 and joined Blackhawk Country Club in 1990. She started playing tennis during the summer when her kids were at swim team. In 2018, she joined the Birdie group after retiring and became hooked on golf and soon after joined the Niners. Terri said “how hard could golf be? That little ball has been my friend and my enemy.” She now plays 4 days a week when she isn’t busy with her grandchildren, ages 12 & 9 (both golfers!) and 4 & 2. All her hard work has paid off because she is the 2023 Niners Triple Crown winner. Congratulations!
Brenda McNabb joined Blackhawk in 1989. She and her husband lived in Alamo and belonged to Round Hill CC but decided to make the move to Blackhawk when the Falls course opened with the appeal of two courses. Brenda then joined the 18-hole group but did not play much because she and her husband were gone much of the time and wanted to spend as much time as possible with the grandkids. They moved back to Plano, Texas for 2 years and then back to Danville and have been here since. They had a home in LaQuinta PGA West where they spent 11 winters but are now full-time here and full time grandparents. She joined the Niners about 4 years ago. The 5 grandkids are older now, two graduated from college recently, and the others are 18, 15 & 12. Congratulations Brenda, the 2023 Overall Charm Day winner!
By Fran Davis