No other event exemplifies gender equality more than the US Mid-Nationals. Everyone plays together strictly based on their skill level regardless of age, gender or pro/am status. At last year's inaugural event, Karen Jaskolka of Alabama set a PDGA record becoming the first woman to win a national title in a mixed gender division. Several guys in the division, mostly over 40, tried hard to catch her but she hung on with determination to win by three.

Last year, a scheduling glitch didn't allow the top pro women to compete since they had an NT in Columbus. This year, the schedule was set so there's not even an A-tier to tempt the best women in the world to show their skills in possibly the largest division they've ever entered with players right at their skill level. I'm one of the old guys they can try to defeat in the Blue division.

This event is not just for top pro women, but for every woman who's a current PDGA member with a rating. It's even more "fair" than the Women Nationals since no one in your division can have a rating more than 49 points higher than yours. You might even be top seed in a division with a rating of 774, 824, 874 or 924. The courses are great (see PDGA Course Evals www.pdga.com/course/eval/intro.php (http://www.pdga.com/course/eval/intro.php) ) and matched to player skill levels. The weather is usually very pleasant in northern Wisconsin around July 4th. Check out the information at: www.midnationals.com (http://www.midnationals.com) where you can register online or by mail.

Hope to see even more women than last year. Consider reserving a chalet at Whitecap, our host hotel, for up to a dozen women to hang out together at tremendous offseason rates.

Chuck,

I've talked to a couple of pro women who might be coming just for a preview of the 2007 Worlds courses, if for no other reason.

Chap

That's as good a reason as any. Des has already been to Highbridge for an EDGE program so she knows what to expect.

Mid Nationals is really a great event. Coming from a women, it's nice to play in a large division that consists of people in your skill level. Everyone I played with last year was really nice and fun to play with. Unfortunatly I may not be able to make it this year because of lack of vacation at work, but I would highly recommend this tournament to all women! Beautiful courses, fair divisions, and great payouts.

Thanks Chuck. I really enjoyed Mid-Nationals. Being from Alabama, I thought it would have been cooler. LOL My husband and I had a great time. We will be going to Worlds this year. We hope to make it back up there in a year or two. The courses at Highbridge were very nice! I would definitely recommend playing there.

Karen

Thanks Karen. Registrations are real slow this year. Don't know if gas cost is impacting advance registrations. Hopefully, you can persuade a few other women to make the trip and try to carry your banner forward. See you at Worlds.