Wrigley shoots for 4th straight title

Granted, there is a social element involved with the Spokane Area Women’s Golf Association that Beth Wrigley thoroughly enjoys.

But the part-time registered nurse and fourth-year coach of Whitworth University’s women’s golf team is quick to add that it’s the competition that really drives her.

“I just love the challenge,” said Wrigley, who will attempt to join Connie Guthrie (1973-76) and Lisette Carter (1999-2002) as an SAWGA four-peat champion when its 54-hole, season-ending tournament plays out the next three days at three area courses. “It doesn’t matter what their handicap level is, these ladies go out there to win.

“There’s obviously a social factor involved, but there’s very fierce competition at every level of this tournament as well.”

Wrigley, who started her run of SAWGA championship-flight tournament titles in 2005, is one of 116 golfers entered in this year’s event, which will feature gross and net competition in five flights. This year’s tournament starts this morning at Spokane Country Club, moves to Sun Dance Golf Course on Wednesday and winds up Thursday at Esmeralda Golf Course.

Wrigley, whose 5 handicap is the lowest in the field by three strokes, plays out of Indian Canyon and feels the Spokane Country Club layout is best suited to her game.

“They’re three such diversely different courses,” she said, “but I think the Country Club probably fits my game the best. It’s probably the most difficult of the three, and you’ll need to drive it long and straight.”

Nancy Johnson, who plays out of the SCC, is an 8 handicapper who is considered to have the best shot at dethroning Wrigley.

“And then there’s a rash of golfers with 10 handicaps that could factor in, too,” Wrigley noted. “I was thinking just the other day that I’ve got everything to lose and nothing to gain heading into this year’s tournament. And I actually do feel a lot of pressure.

“I mean, a four-peat is a big deal, so I definitely expect to go through all the pretournament jitters I normally do.”

SAWGA, comprised of women’s golf clubs from 13 area courses, was founded in 1948 and is celebrating its 60th anniversary.