Golf is a common interest…but when it comes to community service, these ladies definitely don’t play.

Every Tuesday morning at Elkins Lake Golf Course in Huntsville, the turf decidedly belongs to the ladies.  At 8:00, the 18-hole group gathers.  The roll is called to match up with the signup list, information is shared, announcements are made, and then the group are off to the course to play their match.

At 9:00, the process repeats for the 9-hole group, before they also tee off.  When their play is complete, both groups gather at the clubhouse to share lunch and conversation. On days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, a time of table games ensues in the clubhouse.  We visited with Diane Eddington, president of the organization, and quickly learned that the bonds that join this group together transcend Tuesdays and tee times.

Special Events and Causes

The Tuesday player groups are considered the “mini-meetings” of the organization.  The group has full (non-golf) meetings in March, July, November, and December.  The organization has several events during the year, including tournaments and a Christmas gathering.  For each event, a charity of choice is selected to benefit.  On April 23-24, ELWGA will be holding their annual Divot Damsels Invitational Tournament, with proceeds going to benefit the Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County.

Another annual event is the Ladies Member-Guest tournament, which will be held this year on September 24-25.  Last year, nearly $14,000 was raised and donated to the Sam Houston State University Food Pantry, which was a record-setting total for ELWGA, in large part due to the work of Shirley Enloe in obtaining sponsors.

While their Christmas event is a large social gathering minus the golf, the group selects a cause to support from that event as well.  In line with the holiday season community needs, that giving is usually connected with food items and toys.  The Christmas event includes a luncheon, awards ceremony, and installation of officers for the upcoming year, as well.

Other past beneficiaries of the organizational giving include the Huntsville Educational Foundation; Parkview Place Apartments, Sundale Living Center, and Creekside residents; local HFD toy drive; Good Shepherd Mission; Hospitality House; SAAFE House; CASA; and HISD teachers.

Growing Giving for Growing Needs

Eddington credits the growing success of the groups charitable arm to crossover relationships and improved communication through technology.  “With the Nextdoor app, as well as email and our Facebook group page, it feels like there is more giving now that we have all these ways to disseminate the information.  And it’s not just getting the word out about the fundraiser itself.  We are finding people are more willing to give when we put out more information about the need and the group who will be benefiting.  People want to know about the cause they are supporting.”

Jan Simmons, who passed away a few months ago, had the idea for the group to go in and decorate the doors of seniors at residential facilities for Easter and Christmas.  They also put together grocery and supply gift bags for the seniors.  “Jan, who didn’t even play golf, is the one who spearheaded it, and Norma Diamond.  They kind of were partners in crime, said Eddington.  “Barbara Barnes is our ‘crafty one,’ and she would pick the craft we would make to decorate with.”  A lot of needs are communicated and shared through ELWGA members who are members of (or friends with members of) other groups, such as the Elkins Newcomers or Bark Park group or local churches.

A favorite past project was when the 9-hole player group came up with the idea to provide care dolls to memory care patients. Similar to music, these patients seem to respond well, take comfort, and do better when given a doll.

Last year, Nancy King, with the help of “a bunch of Elkins Lake ladies and a friend of hers from Minnesota” put together an additional tournament in 84 days.  This event raised $16,000 for the Huntsville Memorial Hospital imaging center to perform mammograms for non-insured and underinsured women, and it set another new record for the organization.  “And she had never run a golf tournament before in her life,” said Eddington.  “She did an amazing job. But that’s the kind of spirit so many people have here.”

A Place for All

Eddington points out that their group, over 120 strong this year, also has many members who don’t play golf.  “We have members who used to play, but can’t currently due to health conditions; members who have since moved away, but are still connected across the miles; and strictly social members, who use their strengths to support our events or giving with decorating, cooking meals or providing transport for ill or bereaved members, or working on logistics, crafts, projects, and such.”  With exceptions for special events (there are also annual couples and men’s member-guest events), guests of members, and prospective residents, Elkins residency is required to play on the golf course; however, Eddington says there are several active non-golf members of ELWGA who live outside the community. She adds, “The same applies to Elkins Newcomers and to the bunko group that meets out here.  You don’t have to live here to participate.”

The 2025 ELWGA officers are Diane Eddington, President; Sandra Clark, Vice President; Nancy King, Secretary; Julie Newberry, Treasurer; Cindi Slaughter, Tournament Chairman; Julia Woods, Rules Chairman; and Carol Cole, Parliamentarian.

Community really is larger than golf…or a subdivision.  Concludes Eddington, “We have an amazing group of ladies with giving hearts for those in need—and there is so much need.  We are blessed to be able to help make a difference.”

For additional information, visit elkinslake.net/Golf/WGA.