Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo was the latest 'golf tournament' on the Gals Who Golf Ladies Night circuit. Ladies Nights at Cottonwood Golf Course are on Thursdays, with the shotgun start beginning at 5:30 pm.
Ladies Nights are teams of three or four golfers. Unfortunately, all our gals were busy, so only Britt and I (Anne) were available for Cottonwood Ladies Night. We decided to just show up and beg for forgiveness if teams of two were not allowed.
We got to the pro shop early to check in and inform the manager that we only had a team of two. Fortunately, Rob, the Director of Golf and Assistant General Manager at Cottonwood, is really friendly and non-judgmental. He didn't question why we have no friends but instead said playing with a team of two is OK, but we won't be eligible to win with the best score.
(The idea that we're ineligible to win is hilarious, as it implies Britt and I are ringers showing up to hustle Ladies Night when in reality, we need all the teammates we can get to help us out on the links!)
Before we set out to our first hole (hole 6!), we needed to fuel up with a pre-game snack. Britt brought Babybels and granola bars, and we decided to eat the Babybels first because nobody likes warm cheese (unless it's a nice melty brie, or queso or...). OK, nobody likes warm Babybels, at least.
Clearly, I'm not going to be a Babybel/cheese influencer any time soon (but omg, how does one become a cheese influencer? I am v. interested.) because I can't even remember to face the label out in my photos.
Once we ate our pre-game snacks, we were ready to head over to our first hole and see if Rob at the pro shop had added anyone to our little team of two. It was pretty hot, so we opted for a power cart.
We aren't as familiar with Cottonwood's golf course, and set off in the wrong direction, taking the scenic route to hole 6. What a bunch of amateurs.
Meeting Marge at Cottonwood Ladies Night
Once we finally found hole 6, we found a new addition to our team: Marge! Marge is a member at Cottonwood Golf Course and a damn good golfer. Britt and I nervously introduced ourselves, hoping that Marge would be OK playing with two golfers who would keep the stroke count high.
It turns out that playing with Marge was a delight! She is a fantastic golfer, but more importantly, she was friendly, encouraging, and laid back. Thanks to her, we also had our best Ladies Night ever, scoring very low!
The highlight was at hole 1, a par 4 when we used Britt's drive, my fairway shot, and then Marge chipped from the fringe RIGHT INTO THE HOLE LIKE SHE WAS ON TOUR WITH THE LPGA! It was an actual team effort, with each of us contributing to our birdie! The crowd (OK, it was just us) went wild!
[Source: GIPHY]
Cottonwood Ladies Night: Nanaimo Golf Course
After Marge played the game of her life (or maybe not, we're pretty sure she's just this good all the time), we went inside for the dinner and prize portion of the evening.
We had a buffet dinner at Cottonwood, and it was delicious! The prize table was also packed with great prizes, including lots of balls, which the gals always need more of.
The cool thing Cottonwood does is that they draw names and allow the winners to pick their prize, so if your name is one of the first drawn, you have your pick!
Cottonwood Golf Course also has this silly thing: they always have two garden gnomes as prizes. These prizes are the last ones awarded, and you can't pick them. I know logically that a new pair of golf sunglasses, a pack of balls, or a new polo are the best prizes, but the fact that the gnomes are special prizes at the end made me and Britt want them so bad...
Here's live footage of me to Britt after seeing the gnomes and knowing I can't have them:
[Source: GIPHY]
Cottonwood Ladies Night Review:
Cottonwood was a delight! Rob in the pro shop who runs the event is so nice and friendly. He creates a welcoming atmosphere. Playing with Marge was fun too! Having great people at the course, both professionals and members, make it a fun and positive experience for newer golfers and those who aren't regulars.
We didn't win any prizes or the gnomes, but we did have the thrill of our teammate Marge winning ladies' longest drive. Go, Marge!
We will be returning to Cottonwood Ladies Night, and next time I hope we have a full team (though I wouldn't mind playing with Marge again!).
FRONT 9 PAR: 35 GALS WHO GOLF SCORE: 33 (Thanks, Marge!)