A Little Lagniappe on the Links: Our Mardi Gras Ladies Member-Guest 🎭⛳

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix golf, glitter, and a group of spirited women who know how to throw a party… let me introduce you to our Mardi Gras–themed Ladies Member-Guest at The Club at River Wilderness.

We kicked off the festivities on Monday evening at the beautiful home of Dianne Roberts, who transformed her space into a scene straight out of New Orleans. The décor? Over the top in the very best way. Think purple, green, and gold everywhere — including themed trees decked out for the occasion.

The food spread was beyond belief (the kind where you say, “I’ll just have a little of everything”… and then go back twice), made by our own LGA member Janie Ewert. And front and center was a show-stopping jambalaya lovingly made by Jonathan and Susan Hill — rich, flavorful, and exactly what a Mardi Gras celebration calls for.

And our guests fully committed. Beads, masks, sequins, feathers — if it sparkled, it showed up. It was festive, joyful, and exactly the kind of energy you want heading into a two-day golf event.

Of course, no great party runs itself. The men of the club — husband Jonathan Hill, son Cory Ewart, our head golf professional Duncan, and our favorite staffer Steve — made sure our glasses were never empty. They kept the good times rolling and capped off the evening with chocolate martinis for dessert. Yes, they were as good as they sound.

Then came Tuesday: game day.

The creativity of the planning committee carried seamlessly onto the course. Each member-guest pair was teamed with another duo, taking on the course in a traditional two-woman scramble. There’s something special about that format — collaboration, strategy, a little friendly pressure, and plenty of laughter.

Competition was spirited (as it should be), and our victors were awarded beautiful logo glassware — a well-earned prize and the perfect keepsake from the event.

After the final putt dropped, we gathered for a Mardi Gras–inspired lunch featuring sausage and chicken pasta, fried green tomatoes, and bananas foster that would make Bourbon Street proud.

More than anything, what made these two days magical wasn’t just the theme or the food or even the golf. It was the camaraderie. The friendships strengthened. The new connections formed. The shared laughter that carried from Dianne’s living room to the 18th green.

It was festive. It was competitive. It was community at its finest.

And if this year was any indication… we’ve officially raised the bar for next year. 💜💚💛

Niner’s Member-Guest Leaderboard

Flight 1 - 1st Place: Sue O’Connor & Margaret Somerset (net score 68) | 2nd Place: Chris Andries & Andrea Wastel (net score 62) | 3rd Place: Kathy Spence & Patrice McGovern (net 72) — ties were played off in a scorecard playoff

Flight 2 - 1st Place: Joanne Allen & Laura Ferguson (net score 75) | 2nd Place: Carolyn Keegan + Jill Nelson (net score 82) | 3rd Place: Carlene Braun & Maria Smith (net 85)

LGA Member-Guest Leaderboard

Flight 1 - 1st Place: Patty Slaton & Nancy Christenson (net score 66) | 2nd Place: Joe Ann Hurst & JoAnn Ribaudo (net score 66) | 3rd Place: Barbara Curry & Loralie Clark (net 68) | 4th Place: Beatriz Niemeyer & Maria Flinn (net 68) — ties were played off in a scorecard playoff

Flight 2 - 1st Place: Joanne Haseltine & Kristy Cameron (net score 66) | 2nd Place: Judy Aarnes & Nancy Kaltenbach (net score 69) | 3rd Place: Dianne Roberts & Sandy Drach (net 69) | 4th Place: Gayle Gridley & Joanna Crouse (net 70) — ties were played off in a scorecard playoff