Close Friends & Friendly Rivals: A Brookside Golf Story

A mutual friend brought Maggie Bova and Dawn Lynch together a few years ago, and the two quickly became regular golf partners at Brookside.

Now members of the Women's League, they found each other facing off in the 2026 Club Championship.

This is a story of how a competitive sport can lead to one beautiful friendship.

One Shared Love for the Game

Dawn has been a member at Brookside for over 15 years, and Maggie for over 20.

"We just got together and started playing together, and then we decided we were good partners," Maggie says. "We have similar playing styles and similar temperaments."

In a normal round, Dawn keeps things simple, calm and casual. The two of them are out there mainly to enjoy the day and each other's company.

"I really enjoy being around Dawn; she's very grounding," Maggie said.

Finding Community Through the Women's League

For Maggie and Dawn, the Women's League has meant more time on the course—and more connections off it.

"If you're trying to encourage other people to be out there, joining the league is a great move because you get to meet a lot of other people," Maggie says.

"We usually have lunch after," Dawn adds. "That's the best part, meeting more people and telling them to join us next time."

The Club Championship

This year, Maggie and Dawn faced each other in the Club Championship. It might have felt tense, but Dawn says their history together made it easy.

"We agreed we weren't getting caddies. We rode in the cart together, and people said, 'You're riding in the same cart together?’ We've always done that together; of course we are."

Maggie had the same attitude at the tournament. "I'm not playing to beat her. I'm playing to play my best game, and I'm cheering for her to play her best game too."

Neither woman walked away worried about the score. As Dawn puts it, "We may not be the best golfers out there, but that doesn't matter. It's still fun to be part of the whole championship weekend, win or lose."

Still on the Fence?

Maggie and Dawn both remember what it felt like to join the league for the first time. Maggie recalls being new to golf altogether.

"Somebody told me to join the nine-hole league. I couldn't hit the ball to save my life, but everybody was so nice and so helpful that first year. I'd tell anyone thinking about it to just try it."

Dawn agrees that the league is built to welcome beginners. "Everybody wants to see you succeed," she says.

Friendships like Maggie and Dawn's start with a single round, a mutual friend, or a nudge from another member to give something new a try.

Brookside is full of stories like theirs, waiting for the next member to join.