Now that the golf season at White Eagle Golf Club is underway, I keep coming back to one thought after attending the ladies’ golf kickoff: I left not just informed but inspired to get more involved.

I walked in expecting a fun, social evening, and that is exactly how it began. The event was beautifully put together, and the room quickly filled with about 50 women reconnecting after the winter. Conversations came easily. As I made my way around, I kept hearing the same themes, how long they had been part of the league, how many friendships had come out of it, and how simple it has become to set up games.

While not every White Eagle resident is a member of White Eagle Golf Club, the club remains a central part of community life. With the goal of reaching 355 golf members alongside a thriving sports/social community, it continues to be a meaningful way for many residents to connect, compete, and spend time together.

At the kickoff dinner, it felt welcoming. Comfortable. The kind of place where you could see yourself belonging right away. Nick Fauerbach, Lead Assistant Golf Professional and coordinator of the ladies’ golf program, encouraged everyone to branch out this season, saying, “If you see someone on the tee sheet you haven’t met yet, invite them to join you. That’s how you really get to know everyone out here.”

But somewhere between dinner and dessert, something shifted. When Nick began walking through the rules and structure of the season, the tone in the room changed. The casual chatter faded, and people leaned in. Questions became more detailed. You could feel the focus sharpen. Then came the rules quiz, and it turns off I still have a few things to learn.

What could have been a light moment turned into something surprisingly energetic. Answers were called out across the room, confidently and quickly. There was laughter, but also a clear sense that people knew the game and took it seriously.

That is when it clicked. This group is incredibly welcoming, but they are also competitive. There is something at stake, whether it is Player of the Year points, Most Improved Player, or simply a little friendly bragging rights. And instead of being intimidating, it was motivating.

Now that the season is in full swing, I find myself thinking about that moment often. It made me want to get better. I have even started thinking about playing more consistently, just to be part of that energy out on the course each week. And it turns out, that is exactly how many of these women started.

Another member told me about a woman in the league who improved her handicap by nearly 10 strokes after joining and playing consistently, and even earned the Most Improved Player award. Hearing that was not just impressive, it was motivating. Others echoed the same advice, play often, and do not be afraid to play with people who are better than you. It is the fastest way to improve.

But what stood out most was not the competition. It was the encouragement. Before the night ended, one woman introduced herself, gave me her number, and told me she would be happy to play anytime. That simple gesture said everything about the culture of the group. It is competitive, yes, but it is also supportive, welcoming, and genuinely invested in helping each other grow.

That is what makes it special, and that is what makes it such a meaningful part of the White Eagle community.