FREEPORT – Since Maine Golf merged with the two state women’s golf associations in 2018, Barbara Freeman, known familiarly as Barb, has been a friendly face at our women’s events around the state of Maine. After getting her start in golf administration with the Southern Maine Women’s Golf Association back in 2013, Freeman has travelled near and far to help facilitate the busy women’s Tuesday schedule. Now after 13 years of running events for the women of Maine, Freeman is set to retire at the end of 2025.
We asked Barbara a few questions as she looked back on her years with Maine Golf.
Maine Golf: What year did you start with SMWGA? And what did you do before getting into golf administration?
Freeman: I began working for SMWGA in 2013, before technology significantly impacted tournament administration. Each week, I meticulously sorted postcards to assemble the pairings. Spread across a large table, I carefully maneuvered cards, ensuring I didn’t overlook any special requests or cart reservations. To streamline record-keeping and management, I quickly transitioned to using spreadsheets. Having retired from teaching middle school math for 32 years, I possessed a diverse skill set that proved invaluable in this new role.
MG: What will you miss most about the job at Maine Golf?
Freeman: Definitely, the women I’ve met and with whom I’ve formed meaningful connections. Tuesdays were always filled with good stories and plenty of laughter. As a result of my job at Maine Golf, I feel I’ve made many new friends from York to Lincoln.
MG: Do you have any favorite memories from your years of travelling to golf courses here in the state?
Freeman: What has been most memorable for me is the incredible support and appreciation I’ve always felt from the membership. When we transitioned to a more technology-centered tournament administration, the women rose to the occasion, even the most cyber-phobic ones, adjusting to online registration and scorekeeping. I was also delighted with how the members embraced our efforts to improve the pace of play. The courses frequently commented on how impressed they were with the women’s pace on Tuesdays.
Working with clubs from around the state has also been memorable and rewarding. The pros and general managers have been helpful and supportive, making my job much easier.
MG: What does the future hold for you after Maine Golf?
Freeman: My primary motivation for moving on is to have more options. This position kept me extremely busy from spring through mid-October, leaving me with limited time for my family, especially my five grandchildren. We purchased a camp near Sugarloaf almost four years ago, and I’m eager to spend more time there now that I won’t have to be at a golf course every Tuesday. I also plan to dedicate more time to my golf game and my newfound passion, pickleball.
MG: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Freeman: I want to express my gratitude to all the individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. Barb Rondeau, Michelle Davis, and many others from my time at the SMWGA, as well as Brian Bickford and the entire Maine Golf staff, have all made this position enjoyable and memorable.