Rio Communities Women’s Golf Association keeps busy with April tournaments

The Women’s Golf Association filled almost every week of April at Tierra del Sol Golf Course, turning Rio Communities’ spring golf season into a steady run of play, social connection and low-cost recreation for local women.

The month opened with an April 1 scramble that put Kathryn Bayless, Edie Redfearn-Moore, Fran Griffeth and Marilyn Winters in first place. Marilyn Jaramillo, Paula Valdez and Joanne Romero finished second. Two weeks later, the Wednesday, April 15 Partner’s Tournament brought another full field of results, with Berta Murzyn and Bayless taking first, Jaramillo and Griffeth finishing second, and Jennifer Montano and Tinky Ulivarri coming in third. Murzyn led the month with three birdies, while Fuller and Jaramillo each posted two. Bayless added both a chip-in and a chip-in birdie, and Regina Chavez scored an eagle on April 11.

That kind of week-to-week activity has long been part of the association’s value in Rio Communities. Tierra del Sol Golf Course became operational in 1968, women in the area formed the Women’s Golf Association a few years later, and Barbara Romero won the first club championship in 1972. More than a half-century later, the group still offers a built-in way for residents to stay active without the cost or formality of private-club golf. The regular rhythm of Wednesday and Saturday play also gives members a dependable place to gather, compete and keep playing through the spring.

The month closed with the association’s April 29 Pro-Am, which brought together seven professionals and 21 ladies. Patrick Valerio led the winning team, with Victoria Valerio, Redfearn-Moore and Bayless on the card. The team led by Max Montoya II finished second, and Clinton Tabet’s group took third. The variety of formats, from scrambles to partner play to a Pro-Am, helped keep the schedule moving and gave members more than one way to take part.

May playdays were scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays, and prospective members were invited to call Edie Redfearn-Moore at 505-859-2304. For Rio Communities women looking for affordable exercise, time outdoors and a standing social circle, the association remains one of the community’s most established ways in.