Kibbe Reilly and Nancy Diemoz both have won numerous championships over the years and now they can claim the newest one on the Rhode Island list as well, the RIGA Ryder Cup.
They swept to the title in the two-day event held at Crestwood CC and then at Valley CC. Diemoz and Reilly not only took the overall title, they were the leading scorers, with a 76, each day.
The event replaced the round robin competition the RIWGA held in past years. The format was suggested by the players committee at the end of last year and put into motion by Katie DeCosta, the RIGA’s director of women’s golf and member service.
Players competed with the same partner each day and were playing against the entire field in both low gross and low net. In making the event fun for the players and to give a Ryder Cup feel, the front nine each day was best-ball competition. On day one the back nine was selected drive alternate shot play, while on day two it was a modified scotch in which each player hit a tee ball, the partners hit each other’s tee shot, then selected the best with alternate shots into the hole.
DeCosta feels the format is one that will encourage participation and has taken on the event on as one of her top projects.
``We had a small field this year (two brackets) but I think this is an event that can really grow,’’ she said. ``It was fun for everyone.’’
While Reilly and Diemoz swept the top prize, the format was arranged for winners in several areas. The team of Lisa Ferrara and Gale Hanna were the low net winners, with a 69, on the first day and Jessica Brier and Laurie Given won the net prize, with a 65, in day two.
In flight two, Nancy Dufresne and Ellen Woods took low gross on both days, with an 87 at Crestwood and 85 at Valley. Nancy Avila and Doris Angers captured low net, with a 64, in day one and Melody Acciardo and Frances Wong were the victors on day two at 69.
e Reilly and Nancy Diemoz both have won numerous championships over the years and now they can claim the newest one on the Rhode Island list as well, the RIGA Ryder Cup.