Women's Golf Association celebrates end of season

By Dana Kampa
| 10:45 a.m. May 2, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Laura Muth went to the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key's recent farewell party, simply hoping to take some final swings with fellow members at their last get-together of the season. Little did she know she was about to set a tremendous personal milestone.

Muth managed a hole-in-one during a scramble on April 29, which she then celebrated with friends at a luau-themed luncheon at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom.

Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key members held a farewell luncheon on April 29 at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom.

Initially, she didn't realize she'd accomplished every golfer's dream because no one could find her ball. Everyone had three tries to make their best shot, and Muth's team thought another member had it. But after a bit of searching, they realized where her ball had landed.

Muth managed the hole-in-one with her nine iron from 85 yards. She moved to Longboat Key four years ago, and one of the first things she did was join the golf association.

The 90-plus members in attendance celebrated the season and welcomed a new board.

Lyn Haycock has been the president for two years, totaling six years on the board. Mary Taylor is now stepping up to the role.

"Stepping into Lyn's shoes is tough," Taylor said, crediting her with knowing everyone's name. "But I'm very excited to take it on with a great board."

Haycock said she is proud of how she helped advance the association in her tenure, but especially of the partnership with Golf Genius.

"This has been a great group to work with, so I'm a little sad to leave, but I know I'm still going to be involved somewhat," she said. "I'm just glad the WGA is as successful as it is right now."

Laura Muth celebrates landing her first hole-in-one shot at the Women's Golf Association end-of-season party with Terry O'Hare, director of golf.

Incoming president of the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key Mary Taylor presents outgoing president Lyn Haycock with a bouquet.

Board members celebrate the end of the season for the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key. From left, Mary Taylor, Jan Henry, Gloria Hartman, Amy Rivotto, Debbie Karlin, Lyn Haycock, Amy Renninger, Sandy Finnegan, Sandy Falkenson and Cindy Ray.

Arleen Klein, Marlene Wilkening, Becky Smothers and Elaine Cichon join in a festive luau celebration for the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key farewell for the season.

Yovishen Cavaree dishes up the roast pig at the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key's luau-themed end-of-season party.

Pam Reiter, Ruthellen Rubin, Betsy Granite and Marge Heller join in the fun after a few rounds on the green at the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key end-of-season party.

Mary Taylor, Barbara Brizdle and Marcie McGovern enjoy the Women's Golf Association of Longboat Key farewell luncheon.

Outgoing Women's Golf Association president Lyn Haycock thanks her fellow board members for their support during her tenure.

Members of the Women's Golf Association applaud outgoing president Lyn Haycock.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.