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UWGA Lady Award Given to Karen Gardiner at UGA Annual Meeting

Karen Gardiner was the recipient of the UWGA Lady Award at the UGA Annual Meeting Wednesday at Alpine Country Club. The award was presented by UGA board member Amy Mayberry. The award was established to recognize a Utah woman golfer and is based upon what she gives back to the game locally, on her participation in women’s golf, her passion, love and respect for the game, for teamwork that makes a difference, and being a friend, leader and inspiration to her peers. 
The award will recognize one recipient each year and carries the name of the Utah Women’s Golf Association in tribute to the end of an 86-year-old ladies association when it merged with the Utah Golf Association last year.
The printed program noted that Karen Gardiner embodies the meaning of the award. She has been a familiar name and friendly face to women golfers in Utah for the past 15 years. Gardiner served four years on the Utah Women’s Golf Association (UWGA) Board of Directors in the early 2000’s as the organizations Handicap Chairperson and was also vital in the growth and development of the UWGA website and tournament programs during her tenure on the board.  Gardiner who is a retired IT Professional for Boeing started playing the game in 1984 and organized the Boeing Golf League for 22 years.
While playing with her best friend at Hubbard GC, she recorded her first hole in one. Over the past two years she has continued to give back to the game by serving on the UGA Women’s Advisory Committee and assisting with UGA Women’s Team Play activities. She is active in several golf associations serving as NUWGA Team Captain for Schneiter’s Riverside as well as Tournament chair for The Barn and HAFB Ladies Associations.
Karen and her husband, Ron, raised their family of three girls in western Weber County. Prior to taking up golf, she was an active horsewoman. Now, she leaves the horses to her husband as she heads to the course. Golf was always an activity during family vacations. She hopes to interest her five grandchildren in a game that has been such a joy in her life. With so many beautiful golf courses in the area, she plans to enjoy time spent with good friends and family for many years to come.