Whether aiming for a birdie or simply enjoying the fresh air and friendship, these women prove that age is no barrier to fun on the fairways.
Visualize a sun-dappled landscape reminiscent of Amorsolo or Monet: vibrant greens undulating beneath a crystal-blue sky, a laughing stream weaving through serene meadows, and a tranquil lake reflecting a distant, mystic mountain. Golden orioles flit through canopied trees, their melodies mingling with the laughter of spirited women preparing for a day on the links.
It’s a scene par for the course where golfers embrace the joy of the game, proving that fun knows no age limit.
You’ve heard of Ladies Who Lunch, Women Who Work, and Girls Who Rock. Now meet Women On Course, who drive, swing, chip, pitch, and putt in their outdoor office!
These fairway ladies are members of the Philippines Senior Ladies Golf Association, founded by the late Alice Lluch Andrada four decades ago to bond women golfers aged 55 and above. Alice left an indelible mark on local golf history. She was the first female member of the male-dominated National Golf Association of the Philippines and a respected president of the Woman’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP). The Iligan-born lady golfer also initiated the annual Southern Ladies Golf competition, bridging women golfers across the islands.
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Alice’s legacy for Philippine women golfers is flourishing under the dynamic leadership of Virginia “Gie” Bote, who practices the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” finding joy and purpose intertwined with a shared passion. In just four years, this Manila-based group has experienced a marvelous mulligan, with membership surging 400% from 30 to 120 and still counting.
One of the 19th Hole winners, Cynthia Heusaff
Her enthusiastic spirit and charismatic leadership have drawn ladies from all golf clubs to join. The goal “is just to create energy by having fun — a perfect aim for seniors. Each of our monthly gatherings is unique, so the board members need to constantly evolve,” she said.
Together with Gie, the board members Marilyn Reyes, Carol Nielsen, Joyce Duque, and Renee Francisco meticulously organize each tournament. Marilyn and Carol manage the logistics of flight pairings and scorecard auditing, while Renee and Joyce handle the group’s finances. The board also decides the much-debated OOTD, from fiery reds to red, white, and blue, to colorful flowers.
Founder of the Senior Ladies Golf Association, Alice Andrada, who just passed at 93.
A member for almost 30 years, Aloma López said, “Gie infused the group with her infectious enthusiasm, introducing new ideas that bring excitement to each gathering. From themed attire — ranging from fiery reds in February to stripes in July — her creativity adds a special touch to every event. And I love it.”
Renee pointed out the distinct fun of playing solely with the senior group. “I stopped joining WGAP. I’m more relaxed and don’t care if I win or not. I’m there to bond and socialize with my fellow seniors.”
Still hitting balls at 91: Sonia Ongkiko
For 2024, the Women on Course have played half of their scheduled meets: Tagaytay Highlands, South Forbes, Splendido, Canlubang, Riviera, Caliraya, Summit, Tagaytay Midlands, Santa Elena, TAT, Malarayat, Anvaya, and, for the first time, a travel getaway to Vietnam in November.
Members like Sonia Ongkiko, 91, Lally Trinidad, and Leni Cabili, 82, embody the group’s ethos of staying active and upbeat through golf.
The ageless Leni, a former Bayanihan dancer and businesswoman who’s on St. Luke’s Hospital’s board of directors, declared, “Golf keeps me invigorated. It’s more than a game; it’s a joyful routine that brings us together.”
Lively Lally enthused, “I feel young except when I look at myself in the mirror. I love golf and it keeps me healthy. I turned 83 on July 5. I like the discipline and competition.”
“Nothing too far for golf,” declared Charito Barter, 75, a recently retired New York and Los Angeles lawyer who’s now a Baguio hotelier. “I have calendared all the senior golf games.”
Former banker Mayenne Varua opined, “The value of playing golf with women of a certain age cannot be monetized. The bottom line is beyond numbers.”
While writing this story, Gie reported another five new members: businessperson Bern Wong from Alabang, former United Nations peacekeeper Lette Alejandro from Tagaytay Highlands, Alexis Lewington of Southwoods, accountant Jojo Sales of Tagaytay Midlands, and entrepreneur Chris Yao of Canlubang and Anvaya.
The Women on Course arrive as early as 5 in the morning, ready to whack balls through an 18-hole, five-hour game. The inimitable fun arcs, rolls, and sinks into the 19th hole, where winners are recognized, raffle prizes distributed, and milestones celebrated. The most cherished gifts are the signature potted plants from Gie, who is the CEO of Batangas-based Agrikultura Inc., greening residences, golf courses, and shopping malls throughout the country.
For the doyens or “donyas” of golf, the sport is a way to stay connected, demonstrating the timeless joy and camaraderie found in the game from sunrise to sunset. Whether aiming for a birdie or simply enjoying the fresh air and friendship, these women prove that age is no barrier to fun on the fairways.
Cheers to the lolas, grandaunts, and great grands who show that life on the golf course is indeed grand!
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