Lifelong Friends Crosby, Turner Partner Up To Co-Chair Women's Mid-Amateur

By David Shefter, USGA

Carefree, Ariz. – From the moment Gretchen Crosby became the general chairman for the 2007 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur at Desert Forest Golf Club, she knew exactly the person she wanted to serve as her co-chairman.

The individual was a lifelong friend, someone she knew more than 50 years and who possessed extensive experience in administering USGA championships from the host club’s perspective.

“Luckily she said yes,” Crosby said of Leslie Turner.

Co-General Chairmen Gretchen Crosby (left) and Leslie Turner address reporters at Media Day for the 2007 U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur at Desert Forest G.C. (Photo courtesy of Russ Christ)

That was 2½ years ago. And with the 21st edition of the championship set to commence on Saturday, Turner and Crosby have made sure the event goes off without a hitch. From organizing the 200 or so volunteers to getting financial support from generous members and local businesses, the two ladies have accomplished it all with aplomb.

“We’ve gotten to finish each other’s sentences,” said Turner. “It’s truly been a great partnership.”

It’s a bond that was first cemented back when the two were kids. The first meeting came socially at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, where their parents were members. But over the years, it’s golf that’s brought them together, although Crosby didn’t take up the game until her mid-20s when she got married.

Crosby was the first to get involved as a volunteer, becoming a Rules official for the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association. She had been asked to join the board and a friend recommended doing rules because “it’s something where you are going to learn about the game.” Crosby, who splits time between Minnesota and Carefree, where they have a second home, has helped conduct countless USGA qualifiers in Minnesota.

When the 1988 U.S. Women’s Amateur came to Minikahda, Turner and Crosby met up again. Turner and husband, John, were the general chairmen, while Crosby headed up one of the many committees. Ten years later, when Minikahda hosted the Curtis Cup Match, Turner again served as the co-general chairman with sister Nancy Woodrow. Crosby, meanwhile, organized a special Welcome Party at the History Center that was sponsored by the Minnesota Golf Association.

By then, Turner had already served on the USGA Women’s Committee from 1989-96, and Crosby had joined the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship Committee. It was that experience that led her to volunteer as the co-general chair for the ’07 Women’s Mid-Amateur.

The two also have a supporting membership at Desert Forest that’s not only donated their time, but finances as well. Normally at this time of year, the club is closed down for overseeding in preparation for the heavy play over the winter months. Eighty percent of the club’s membership does not live in the Greater Phoenix area full-time, so most of the golf is played between November and March.

“Our members have truly been fabulous,” said Turner, who still serves on the USGA Grants Committee and is part of the five-person 2008 Nominating Committee for the USGA Executive Committee. “They want to give back to the game. A lot of them came in early [this year] just to help out with the championship.”

While the work has been tenuous and both have put in long hours, they are seeing the fruits of their labor this week.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute,” said Crosby. “The bar has been raised at every one of these championships, which is fun and exciting.”

David Shefter is a USGA staff writer. E-mail him with questions or comments at dshefter@usga.org.