What a wonderful evening we had April 3, 2017 at the Moon Township Historical Society’s first Speaker Series at the Moon Township Municipal Building featuring world famous golfer, The Queen of Golf, Carol Semple Thompson!
Carol had so many lovely anecdotes to share with us and everyone present was glad they came. How nice it was to see two young ladies on the Moon Area High School Golf team present too, along with their proud Moms!
So many stories! I think my favorite one was about how thieves broke into her parents home in 1980 to steal all of their silver trophies which lined one room from floor to ceiling as the whole family had championship trophies. Silver was going for $50 an ounce then. They took ALL the trophies, including Carol’s very first Second Place trophy, which was only silver plate, but which meant a lot in sentimental value. Years later, a diver was on a business mission for a company at Moraine State Park, and something caught on his thumb. It was the handle of Carol’s trophy, and we’re so glad she got it back. All the silver plate was gone after all those many years in the water, but it’s very valuable in history! “Provenance!” As the antique dealers say! None of the other trophies were ever recovered.
Carol got to meet two queens! Queen Beatrix of Sweden and Queen Elizabeth. Carol was sharing how they had to wear long white gloves and learn how to properly curtsy, etc., but it was all worth it….
She’s one of 14 Ladies ever invited to St. Andrew’s Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Seven of the women had to be royalty, like Princess Anne of Great Britain, but Carol was thrilled to be one of the “regular” seven people invited! What an honor!
Although we heard of GOLF meaning “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden,” Carol says she sometimes uses the acronym to mean “Game of Lifetime Frustration” in jest. She has had a most successful career for 40 years.
Golf, she said, is a mentally challenging game, where you need a lot of willpower and confidence in yourself. But it’s also a game of Honor, Stability, and Travel–visiting diverse golf courses around the world and meeting so many wonderful people.
Although Carol has had lots of titles, honors and awards, her greatest “gift” in life is her devoted husband, Dick Thompson, “the Love of my Life!”
She’s also now a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark! (Funny Story!)
2003. Bob Jones Award–highest honor for distinguished Sportsmanship from the U.S. Golf Association.
2005- Named First Lady of Golf.
2008- Recipient of the “World Golf Hall of Fame.”
She’s immortalized at the Heinz History Center!Carol also serves as a Golf Judge now.
Our President, Earl Edwards, opened up the meeting, sharing information about upcoming field trips and noting how our famous Oak Tree is over 333 years old! It’s located near the Polo Club.
Carol and the love of her life, Dick Thompson!
Look at all the medals Dick Thompson proudly wears denoting special times in their lives!
Dick Thompson, always the Kind Encourager!
Co-Chairs of the Speaker Series 2017, Mim Bizic and Amy Ottaviani with our FIRST Guest Speaker of the Year, Carol Semple Thompson!
Carol and Grace Nolfi
How proud these girls were to meet their “Hero,” Carol Semple Thompson!
Proud Moms take photos of their daughters who play Golf for Moon Area High School.
Amy Ottaviani, far right, remembers when Haley, on the Moon Golf team, was only a Toddler T-Ball player, with Amy’s husband as coach!
Don Maloney was recognized for his DECADES and DECADES of FAITHFUL SERVICE to the Moon Township Historical Society. Don is almost 93 and just “retired” from his duties! Imagine!
Meet our new Treasurer, Ashley Koepfinger Fullum with big shoes to fill! Thank you to hubby, Shawn Fullum too!
Charles Cooper, Rod Gartner , and our Don Maloney. Don’s sure proud of his certificate!
Vice President Carl Griffith and Grace Nolfi
Jim Koepfinger and John Kennedy, the author of the story about the Oil Wells in Moon Township!
Brian, Mary Ellen and Earl
Lannie Gardner and her husband always are faithful attendees at all MTHS meetings. Here’s Lannie with friend, Dick Thompson.
Pat Maloney stops by to say “Good Night” to Dick before leaving. What a great time we had!
Patty Zerishnek and her son, Matt. Patty, a golfer from childhood, shared the story of her learning about Carol Semple before she ever heard of Arnold Palmer before the presentation. Afterwards, since Carol didn’t want any honorarium, a donation was made from the MTHS in Carol’s name to the Tee-1 Foundation.
Amy always provides a room full of goodies after the program. Here we have cake, coffee and water as refreshments for socializing after.
Deborah Kennedy and Carol Semple. Deb had a photograph to share with Carol. They laughed!
Deborah Kennedy, playing golf at St. Andrews in Scotland! What? 
Such a fun night!