Triple Play Heading for Home?

THE WESTERN SLOPE Triple Play, a three-day women’s tournament, has long been a drawing card for players from across the state and region. But this year’s event almost became undone when a number of the organizers went on a weekend jaunt to Moab, Utah.

“There wasn’t a soul wearing a face mask in any of the stores and restaurants,” said Vicky Riley. “They were all tourists, heading in and out of town and we were all like, ‘Oh no….’”

The idea of a similar tableau playing out in the Grand Junction area, which Riley says hasn’t been affected by the novel coronavirus as much as other parts of the state, was enough to warrant a conversation about canceling the event. Eventually, the decision was made to proceed, although an email was sent to the 130 players scheduled to attend the sold-out July 24-26 event, saying the decision could change should the COVID-19 numbers spike.

“It’s not unsettling because of the fact that you can’t do anything about it,” said Riley. “I don’t know about you, but I had a mother who worried about everything and very little of it ever came to pass—worrying doesn’t do you any good. We’re just kind of chilling out until we know more.”

At press time, Riley said only four players had canceled their registration; there were still another 20 on the waiting list for the Triple Play, which calls itself “Colorado’s only three-day women’s golf tournament.” The event is played at a trio of the area’s most iconic courses—Redlands Mesa, Tiara Rado and Adobe Creek—with proceeds going to Hilltop’s Latimer House, which combats sexual violence and domestic assault.

Unlike other tournaments in Colorado, which have moved away from shotgun starts, the Triple Play still plans on using the format.

“Here’s our problem—on the Western Slope in July, it’s hotter than heck,” Riley said. “You don’t want to penalize anyone by having them start after 8 a.m.—it’s just too hot. And the women want to get off the course early before it gets so blistering hot.”

That’s not to say there won’t be other concessions made to the coronavirus—social distancing guidelines will certainly be used, as well as the now de rigeur ban on touching flagsticks. Also, instead of the evening post-round dinners, Riley said players will likely be given vouchers to area restaurants, so that any gathering would come in smaller groups.

“We want the girls to wear their face masks when they’re out in public, at the stores or wineries, or wherever,” Riley said. “We’ll keep them safe and they need to keep us safe.”

Info on the Triple Play Tournament: westernslopetripleplay.com

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This article was also featured in the July 2020 issue of Colorado AvidGolfer.

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