Seventy-five members of the Verde Sputters arrived bright and early at the SaddleBrooke HOA One Clubhouse to kick off another year of fun, friendships and (we hope) many personal putting records on Monday, January 5. The first-of-its-kind Annual Meeting included a delicious breakfast buffet, a 50/50 raffle benefiting Sister Jose Women’s Center of Tucson, chances to sign up for volunteer activities, and a special program. After all the indoor festivities, we adjourned to the putting greens for a lively round in the warming sun. All in all, it was a successful and productive day.
Early in the program, we recognized four individuals who turned in extraordinary putting performances in 2025. Congratulations to these hard-working putters, each of whom received a gift bag featuring a Verde Sputters insulated water bottle and multi-pocket, soft carrying case.
- With a total of 55, Opal Larkin earned the Most Holes in One award.
- Gail Goede was our Most Improved player, with a ten percent improvement in her average scores between 2024 and 2025.
- Hazel Roper turned in the Low Score Average of 38.26.
- Laura Berkley earned the Low Score award with a combination score of 32 and the highest number of play days during the year.
The 50/50 raffle generated a donation of $186 to Sister Jose, and a matching cash award to Sputters member Sue Golder. Other prizes included two free luncheon certificates, three birdhouses hand-painted with the Verde Sputter logo and other ornamentation in the Norwegian rosemaling style and cash envelopes for the first- and second-place teams winning our “Tribal Trivia” contest.
The Verde Sputters have a busy 2026 on deck—including Crazy Putting Day on Monday, February 2; tournaments with the MountainView Lady Putters and SaddleBrooke Ranch Ranchettes; a round of golf with the HOA-1 Lady Niners; Summer Fun Night in August; and several luncheon meetings throughout the year. More information about the club and its activities can be found on the HOA-1 Residents Website under Sanctioned Clubs and Groups. Dues are just $48 per year for playing members and $24 per year for social members; any SaddleBrooke resident or renter (in HOA-1 or HOA-2) who does not belong to a sanctioned golf league is welcome to join.
Give us a try at no charge! Simply come to the ramada at the main putting green behind the HOA-1 Clubhouse at 9:30 a.m. (unless there’s a frost delay). Bring a putter, ball, soft-soled shoes, water and a smile. We’ll introduce you to a friendly group of ladies who will show you the ropes. If you have any questions about membership, call Lydia O’Connor at (507) 421-5640 or send an email to lh1017ger47@gmail.com.
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