Bien Venidos a Puerto Rico!
The Senior Golfers were welcomed to the Rich Port in January of 2024 for their first-ever trip to this US island territory. The locals had just wrapped up their two-month celebration of the Christmas season, and a lovely interval of calm had overcome the lush and beautiful island.
The SGA event began with an interesting tour of El Yunque rainforest and welcoming drinks on the outdoor terrace at the Rio Mar Wyndham, overlooking the blue Atlantic and adjacent to the area's golden beaches. SGA Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Calvert, Jeff Leech, Janie Risley, Walt Schroeder, and Bill Suehs were recognized and details were given for the week's events. A locally-influenced dinner followed in the resort's Roots Coastal Kitchen.
After the three warm but sometimes windy days of golf, Houstonian Mary Ann Calvert was winner for the ladies. "Dan and I love playing with the Senior Golfers of America," said Mary Ann. "We love the beautiful places we visit, we love the friends we meet, and we love Catherine and Cynthia and appreciate the work they do."
Winner for the men was Virginian Jim Snyder, edging out Pittsburgh's Linton Moyer by just two strokes. "I was lucky to squeak out a good day today," said Jim. "I am delighted to be one of your winners! This was a beautiful and interesting place to visit. I look forward to seeing all of you on more SGA trips this coming year." Low Gross and Low Net winners took home gift certificates, as well as colorful prints of Puerto Rico by French-born San Juan artist Nicholas Thomassin, whose work can be seen online at poetspassage.com.
Low Net winners were Dan Calvert and Janet Schroeder. Winning Best Ball team for the ladies was Mary Ann Calvert, Sue Arnold and Janet Schroeder. First place team for the men was Jeff Leech, Jim Snyder and Walt Schroeder. Close to pin winners were Sue Arnold, Mary Ann Calvert, Linton Moyer, and Jim Snyder. Runners-up were Linton Moyer and Sue Arnold. Congratulations to all!
SGA FoGs (Friends of Golfers) Carol Moyer and Cynthia Swanson enjoyed an interesting historic tour of Old San Juan, where they were delighted with many interesting sights, including the extraordinarily slim two-story house known as La Casa Estrecha, the "narrowest house in the American Hemisphere." Measuring a mere five feet, three inches across, the house was once a neglected alleyway before it was transformed into a habitable abode by architect Antonio Álvarez.
Ensconced between two regular-sized buildings, “The Narrow House” draws visitors to tour its surprising dimensions. Its facade features a vibrant yellow hue and a lush green door, making it very hard to miss! Álvarez bought the house when it was a “complete ruin," and the design is all his own. Despite its slim stature, the house has all the basic amenities of a home, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
The Senior Golfers will celebrate the next New Year in the Caribbean in January 2025. Plan to be there!
