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Molly Hastedt and Nancy Murphy are avid leaders of the George Mason golfing
groups.
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George Mason Women Take to the Links and Enjoy Tee Time
By Patty Snellings
In spring 1995, as lawns and trees sprouted new growth, so too sprouted a
new sporting tradition at George Mason. Molly Hastedt and Sheri Stewart, avid
golfers who worked together in the former University Activities office at the
Fairfax Campus, recruited a few of their golfing colleagues and organized the
first George Mason women's golf group.
"I was part of a similar group when I lived in Germany," Hastedt explains,
"and it's a great opportunity for camaraderie and encouragement."
But George Mason is known for constant growth and change, and the women's
golf group followed the same course. Hastedt moved with her family to Arizona,
and Stewart traded in her golf clubs for baby bottles and diapers. Fortunately,
Nancy Murphy, administrative assistant to University Life Vice President Karen
Rosenblum, stepped forward to continue the tradition.
Hastedt returned to the university in late 1997 at the Prince William Campus
and in spring 1998 started a Prince William contingent of George Mason women golfers.
Both groups continue to thrive, with the original premises of fun, support, and
encouragement as a guide.
Murphy says the only rule her group follows is that you can't talk shop. "We're
very laid back," she says. "You can cheat all you want, just announce it first."
Calling themselves the George Mason Women Golfers, the Fairfax golfers are found
at the Penderbrook Golf Club on Wednesday afternoons from April through October.
Although the group comprises mostly George Mason employees, women outside the
university also are regulars in the group.
Hastedt, information and events coordinator at Prince William, took her group
in a slightly different direction. "Because of the community outreach aspect of
my job, I felt golfing was a great networking opportunity for local businesswomen."
Mixing business with pleasure has definitely paid off in this situation. "It's
a rebound effect of community involvement," she explains. "George Mason has gained
extensive visibility in the community through contacts made on the golf course."
The Prince William group, known as the Mason Swingers and Friends, plays at Broad
Run Golf Academy on Thursday afternoons throughout the spring and summer.
Murphy and Hastedt explain that their groups are not part of a golf league,
so there are no fees or commitments. New members, regardless of skill level, are
always welcome. "It's an opportunity for women to learn from each other, improve,
and play their game," says Hastedt.
Their enthusiasm for the game and the friendships they enjoy are evident.
"When I look back at the highs of my years at George Mason," says Murphy, "one
of my best memories will be sitting on the deck after playing nine holes, sipping
a cold beer, and enjoying a good laugh with my friends."
"LPGA wannabes unite!" is Hastedt's motto. "It gives me great solace in being
on the course, whether I have a good round or a bad round," she says. "Everyone
needs to have an outlet for fun."
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