By Dianna Stein

On March 24, NCGA member Evelyn Hayes of Butte Creek Country Club will turn 100 years old. She’s had quite a journey in golf.

Evelyn’s longtime work and dedication to the Women’s Golf Association of Northern California, which is now a part of the NCGA, can only be met with a thank you from others who have benefited from all of the events and effectiveness in women’s golf that the organization provides.

Evelyn has been a golfer for many years.  She spent the beginning of her golf experience encouraging her children on the course as a member of Butte Creek Country Club in Chico. As a wife and mother of three children, golf was a family event.  Over the years, she became active in the Ladies’ Club on many levels.  She was awarded the “Most Inspirational Award” because of her good attitude, support and caring for the other women golfers and was always encouraging.

In 1979, Evelyn became a WGANC board member.  During her four years as a director, she represented the North Valley Area, served as Charity Day Chairman, co-chaired the Tournament and Handicap Index Committees and spent two years as the Treasurer.

Evelyn’s dedication alone of traveling to meetings in the San Francisco/Bay Area regularly from Chico reinforces her desire to continue to support the special opportunities that strong women built over the decades of equal playing opportunities for all members at the various clubs.  Along with the other members of the board and director assignments, she understood the work that had been accomplished before her and how her work would allow women in the future to be part of the WGANC legacy and tradition.

Soon after her time with the WGANC, Evelyn was elected as the first woman board member at Butte Creek CC.  She’s been a member there for over 50 years and played the game of golf well into her 80’s.  Until the pandemic, she was a regular participant in bridge and other activities, as well.  Although Evelyn is turning 100, she remains a positive person, lives on her own and has volunteered for many other local community groups.

On March 27, Evelyn will enjoy a special event at Butte Creek CC celebrating her 100th birthday and her years of membership at her club and involvement with women’s golf.

Thank you, Evelyn, for all of your hard work and dedication over the years!

Happy Birthday!

–NCGA Staff