My handicap may not reflect it, but I love golf! My passion for it puzzled my sister Manuela for a long time. She did not understand how chasing a ball into small holes in the ground for several hours could possibly be considered fun. Growing up in Switzerland, we did not play golf. Golf is considered more of an elite sport there. Land in Switzerland is at a premium, which means golf courses are not as abundant and the cost of playing is accordingly high. Still, about four years ago, my sister decided to take some golf lessons after all. Much to her surprise, she came to understand us golf nuts much faster than she expected.

Learning to play golf in Switzerland is serious business. Initially, a novice golfer is restricted to hitting balls on the driving range and can only play on the course under the direction and coaching of a golf professional. During this time, one must also pass a written test about knowledge of golf etiquette and golf rules. Passing the test still doesn’t allow the new golfer to go play on the golf course on their own. A golf professional will evaluate the golfer’s progress and, at their discretion, will in time issue a certificate of competence. My sister finally got the thumbs up a couple of years ago.  In order to play on most Swiss golf courses, your handicap must be a minimum of 36; some courses even require a minimum handicap of 24.  

Soon after Manuela started playing, she faced one of the most difficult phases of her life. Her beautiful and larger than life husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. During his illness, he encouraged her to keep pursuing golf. Golf provides a place to disconnect, meet with friends old and new, and escape in that space and peace for a few hours. He knew that these were things she desperately needed while trying to cope with their reality. Sadly, he passed away about a year and a half ago. Golf has played an important part in my sister’s healing, and we are so grateful that he supported her in her new found love of the game.

Earlier this year, we started planning Manuela’s summer visit. She had visited us at our home in Singletree several times before. This year, she was adamant that she wanted to play a lot of golf together, especially the Sonnenalp Golf Course. Serendipitously, I received the Sonnenalp’s weekly newsletter during that time. It featured this year’s annual Calliope Ladies’ Member/Guest tournament. The tournament dates coincided with her scheduled visit. The theme for this year’s tournament was the Olympics. I immediately realized how much fun it would be to play in a golf tournament with my sister for the first time… and it was obvious that we would have to be ‘Team Switzerland’.

Convincing my sister to participate was not easy. She still considers herself a beginner golfer and not good enough to participate in a tournament. It required all my persuasive skills that the goal was not winning. We were going to have nothing but fun, enjoy our time doing something together that we had never done before, and allow ourselves to laugh at every bad shot. I even used the argument that we would be very popular as the team who would come in last, sparing anyone else from that dubious award.

She finally relented, and we started planning how to represent ‘Team Switzerland’. Before we knew it, we were out of control! Etsy became my best friend. I ordered anything and everything with a Swiss cross on it, including the gaudiest dresses to wear on the first day of play. Much to our surprise, we won the Best Dressed category with those things! On the evening before the tournament, Manuela arrived. One of her suitcases was filled entirely with all things Swiss: Lampions, Bells, Sweatshirts, Wristbands, Swiss Golf Balls, Tees, Edelweiss Jewelry, Towels, Socks, Temporary Swiss Tattoos, even the most adorable little Swiss Cows, crocheted by one of our Swiss childhood friends. When we surveyed our ‘loot’, we questioned whether perhaps we had gone overboard.  

The next day, we played our practice round, followed by the welcome reception. We met the loveliest ladies. The golf staff ceremoniously lit our tournament’s Olympic flame… white tunics, torches and all. It was obvious that everyone was just as invested in the spirit of having a fun tournament as we were.

We were incredibly nervous on the morning of the first day of play. Fortunately, we were paired with the nicest ladies, Annie and Jan. They had us relaxed and laughing in no time at all. After the first round, there was a putting contest. The golf staff had set up the most fun and precious 9-hole putting course. Everyone had a blast playing it, trying to win those coveted bragging rights. Day two of the tournament was just as much fun. On both days, the club served a beautiful breakfast buffet as well as great lunches afterwards.

Nobody was more surprised than my sister and me when our names were announced for winning Low Net. We had zero clue leading up to that moment. That being said, we didn’t win because we are that good - we were simply lucky enough. The format was a Best Ball on both days, and we ‘Ham and Egged’ it just right. This can happen to anyone. Individually, we had plenty of bad holes. We were fortunate that we didn’t seem to ever have them at the same time.  

I have played in several guest tournaments at different clubs. The Sonnenalp Golf Club outdid them all! Their commitment to this event went above and beyond. Kudos to the tournament organizer, Carling Bennett, our General Manager, Jim Miller, our head pro, Kirby Lee, and his golf shop staff.  They were out in full force every day.  I can’t think of a single thing which they could have done better.

I want to encourage all female members of the club to consider playing in the Calliope Ladies Member/Guest tournament next year. Only 14 teams signed up this year - compared to over 40 teams in the Men’s Member/Guest event! We are so fortunate to have a club that is willing to invest this much energy to ensure a first class and fun tournament for the lady members and their guests.  

I hope we can award and encourage them with greater participation in the future. You don’t have to be part of the Tuesday Ladies’ Golf League. Nobody cares if you’re a 10 or a 30 handicap. My sister entered with a 32 handicap and I’m pretty sure we had the highest combined handicap of all the teams. With some luck on your side, anyone can win - my sister and I are proof of that. Nobody will remember how well or how badly you played or where you finished. But I’m convinced you will remember the fun you had, how much you enjoyed meeting new friends, and having had the chance to catch up and make great new memories with a sister or a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Hope to see you there next year!