Ruth Femali – 2018 IWGA Hall of Fame Inductee
Ruth Femali of Bloomingdale, was inducted into the IWGA(Illinois Women’s Golf Association) Hall of Fame on September 12, at Metamora Fields Golf Course during the 49th Illinois State Women’s Amateur Golf Championship. She was honored because of her exceptional dedication and service to women’s golf in the state of Illinois. 
Ruth learned golf in the early 1940’s and still enjoys playing today. Since her first IWGA tournament in 1950, she has competed in many IWGA tournaments, over a period of 50 years. She has also volunteered at many IWGA events and is proud of the opportunities and the support the IWGA provides for women golfers. For nearly twenty years, Ruth has served on the board of the IWGA, dedicating most of that time to fundraising for the Victory Fund, which supports women’s collegiate golf programs, veterans and cancer research. Ruth’s enthusiasm and love for is evident through all she has given back to the sport that continues to bring her so much joy.
Below is a poem written by Ruth and read at her induction.
ODE TO THE WOMAN GOLFER
By RUTH FEMALI (Utilizing Kipling’s poem “IF”)
If you can keep your head when all about you are
losing theirs and blaming it on you.
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting.
If you can resist the temptation to move the ball to a
better lie, when none are looking!
If you can take two bad shots from the sand trap and
never breathe a word about misfortune…
If you can make one heap of your total score and risk
it on a perfect shot over water on a par 3.
If you can putt once, putt twice and stoop to mark
the ball again with worn-out tools…,
Then force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve
you long after they are gone.
If you can shake hands with your opponent without
wanting to break her wrist.
If you can sincerely cheer and applaud the winners
and never utter a word about your loss.
If you can accept your pairing without complaining
about the makeup of your group.
The golf course is yours and everything that’s in it,
And—-which is more—-you are a golfer and a lady,
my friends!