Beyond the Greens

Mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends met at the Silver Birch Golf Course on July 17, to celebrate friendship and honour the tournament’s founder.

Judy Oshanek, known as Judy O, wife, mom, grandma, active volunteer and exceptional golfer, passed in a car accident in 1991. The tournament was named in her memory.

Judy organized the first ladies golf tourney, in 1988. “Not wanting the men to have all the fun,” and as a spin off from the Oilmen’s, Judy named her tournament ‘Oil-wives.’

Not wanting to exclude anyone or any skill level, the name was changed to the ‘Non Oil-wives’ from 1989-1991.

Long time friend, Bonnie Zadderey, reminisced about champagne breakfast tee-offs, Judy’s excellent golfing and their daughter’s friendship. After all these years, Bonnie maintains a close relationship with Judy’s family and hasn’t missed a tournament in 19 years.

When asked about Judy’s legacy, Bonnie said, “She would be thrilled!”

Judy’s daughters, Kim Gorzitza, Hayley Oshanek-Gladue and granddaughter Robyn Edwards organized this year’s event. Kim grew up on the golf course, she rode around on her Dad’s golf bag, and she was told, “You will golf and you will love it.” And she does. (Source: Fox Creek Historical Association. Iosegun Reflections. Friesen Printers, 1992.)

Next year marks the 20 anniversary of the tournament. Judy’s family plans to host the event. This year was their practice run.

“We appreciate everyone who has helped us out, we realize how much work it takes to put something like this on, Thank-you.” said Robyn.

A variety of community volunteers organized the four ball in the past. Registration fills quickly and is maxed every year, even creating a waiting list.

Twenty-six foursomes from Fox Creek, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Whitecourt, Rimbey, Cochrane and Hinton, teed off under overcast skies.

In the afternoon, the clouds cleared and the sun finally appeared after many long, dreary, rainy days. Bonnie raised her arms and said, “O Judy, thank-you for the sunshine!”

Known for her sunny disposition, strong leadership and zest for life, Judy’s contribution to ‘Iosegun Reflections’, the community history book, confirms her passion for the game.

The year she died, Judy wrote: “Great golf partners are the ones who will drop everything, anytime of day and go for a round, and I have been blessed with many such ones…(we’ve) spent many hours playing hooky on the golf course, when there certainly were one thousand more important things to do.” (Source: Fox Creek Historical Association. Iosegun Reflections. Friesen Printers, 1992.)

The ‘singing rock’ located between the clubhouse and the driving range, is a tribute to Judy, who as a child loved to sit on a rock in her backyard and sing.

The rock is a solid, stable reminder to stop, sing, enjoy the view, follow your dreams and value friendship.

19th Annual Judy O results:
Winners – Tanya Zadderey, Terri-lynn Bellwood and Hayley Oshanek-Gladue
Balls in the Water – Samantha Burridge
Longest Putt – Brenda Burridge
Shortest Drive – Kate Cooke
Balls on the beach – Mary Campbell
Balls in the bush – Cindy Jackson
Chip in – Ruthy Clarke
Close to the pin – Cindy Kaufhold
Longest Drive – Tanya Zadderey
Most Honest Team – Tied between Joann Korotash’s team and Kelsey McMullen’s team

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Category: Brandi, Other Sports, Sports