March 25, 2016
NCGA Mixed Team Formats a Hit With Members
You don’t have to convince Ralph and Anna Irvin that the NCGA’s Mixed Team Spring Championship is a one of a kind event.
The couple, who tee it up together regularly in casual play, drove up all the way from Calabasas (about 300 miles) to compete in this year’s event. It’s the first time Anna has ever played in a competition.
“We joined Poppy Hills Club just so we could play in events up here,” Ralph said. “I can play with my male buddies in a tournament whenever I want. So this is special. What’s cool to is that the format requires you to play as a team.”
Getting that rare opportunity to play with a spouse or friend–be it a weekend golfing pal or co-worker, a sibling or with a child–in a competition that is open to players of all ability is the main reason the NCGA’s Mixed Team Spring Championship has become such a hot ticket. The event normally sells out the first day tee times are available.
But there are also other chances to tee it up with your favorite of the opposite gender. For couples 9 Along with the Mixed Team Spring Championship, the NCGA also offers the Foursome Championship (July 16-17 at Poppy Ridge), the Mixed Team Fall Championship (Oct. 28-29 at Poppy Hills and Quail Lodge) and the Two-Person Scramble (Dec. 12-13 at Poppy Hills). The NCGA also recently added its new One-Day Competitions for those who may be more time challenged.
Among the veterans of the NCGA’s Mixed Championships are John Lee and Kimlien Tran of Stockton. Winners of the Mixed Team Spring Zinfandel Flight title in 2014, Lee and Tran have played in the events since their inception a few years ago. Or in their case, enough to collect every placing medal (Gold, Silver and Bronze).
“We play a lot of golf together but we compete together very rarely, so we really look forward to the Mixed Team Spring and Fall Championships,” Lee said. “Outside of the NCGA, we maybe play in one other Mixed Team event all year.”
Also regulars in the fields of the NCGA’s Mixed Team Spring Championship are friends and co-workers Denise Kam and Iain Farquharson. This year marked their third appearance in the championship.
“We just totally love golf and it’s a chance for us to compete together,” Kam said. “We love it.”
NCGA Mixed Team Spring Championship
