In 1969, I was a single girl, teaching at Melrose High School, and enjoyed playing golf. There were tournaments run by the Womens’ Golf Association of Massachusetts, but one needed a handicap to enter. At that time, handicaps were available only through private clubs. I was coaching tennis at the time and had two girls whose parents were Bellevue members, John and Ruth Christoforo. After meeting me, they agreed to sponsor me into Bellevue. I became a member in the fall of the year and enjoyed playing with the Saturday Girls, a tournament that was held weekly midday for working women. It was in this group that I made many life long friendships including Anne Filoramo, Jo Field, and others who are no longer with us.

In February of 1970, I was married to my husband, Neal, and he came in as a member in the spring. I always told him it was the best thing I ever did for him. We both loved Bellevue and played many rounds of golf together as well as in our gender groups. The center of our social life revolved around Bellevue as a sport venue and social setting. We made many friends and had many happy times. Both of us served over the years in various capacities to give back to a place we believed in.

I won my first championship in 1970, and the last time was in 2010. During that time span there have been 16 championships. There were years when I did not play and there were years when I was beaten. I still love the game and the camaraderie found on the course, in the 19th hole, and in the dining room.

It is my goal as President to maintain Bellevue as a premier local, private, neighborhood club. The club has always and will always evolve with the times. The roller coaster ride of a golf course has been ever-present. People age and move on, and younger members find more time for the club as their children grow up. The economy always factors into our goals and decisions as well. One basic principle of the club never changes though: our team of staff and dedicated member volunteers works constantly to improve the club experience for ALL members. Each member is as important as any other and deserves good value for the financial investment in Bellevue.

May 2011 be the year that we move even closer to perfection.

Andrea Taffe
President