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July 16
The links that bond them

Area family finds common interest through golf game

Christopher Barrows Abington Journal Correspondent

They say families don’t do enough together these days. Liz Rightor, Janet Veltri, and Joan O’Peka would beg to differ. The trio of women began golfing together one Mother’s Day. They now share a common bond. The three generations of women did not begin to play the sport together. They took separate paths that ultimately led to each other.

Family members Joan O’Peka, left, Janet Veltri, center, and Liz Rightor say finding a common interest in golf provides for a great exercise and a perfect opportunity to bond.

Abington Journal Photo / Christopher Barrows

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Rightor, the youngest of the three, was never interested in playing golf. It wasn’t until college that her best friend Tracy Harte introduced her to the sport.

“The first time I was asked to go golfing, I told them that I’d go to drive the golf cart, that’s it,” said Rightor.

Her mother wasn’t as hesitant. Veltri, of Dalton, began to play in 1982 while participating in a league through work. She previously played golf with her husband. She didn’t expect to find an interest that would last as long as it has.

“I had gone out a few times with him [her husband],” said Veltri, “I didn’t expect it, but it turned out to be a lasting event.”

O’Peka , Veltri’s mother, started playing golf nine years ago. After receiving lessons with some close friends, she became part of the Forest City Ladies Golf League.

“If you don’t join a league, you’ll never play,” said O’Peka. “That’s what I was told.”

With the common ground established, the women took advantage of the opportunity to spend time together on and off the golf course. While they can’t always get the time, they were all smiles at Lakeland as they got together for nine holes of golf on Saturday.

“It’s great to be able to do something together. Family is important,” said Veltri.

“It’s nice to have a common interest. Our entire family can play, its fun,” added Rightor.

Each has established herself as a proficient golfer. Able to compete on the golf course, the three aren’t competing with each other. When it comes to who is the best of the bunch, the consensus seemed to point to Rightor.

“She’s got a great tee shot, we noticed it right away. If you could combine her and I, we’d be a very strong player,” Veltri said, pointing out the strength of her own short game.

Course of choice differs for each. Rightor likes Pine Hills and Rock Creek. O’Peka, a Forest City resident, enjoys playing a round at Sleepy Hollow. All three agreed that Lakeland was among their list of favorites.

Playing the game of golf isn’t just about family, though. For this trio, it’s about getting outside, and the challenge the sport brings. It’s about trying to improve yourself through patience and skill.

And it’s one more thing - fun.

“When you have a good game, it’s exhilarating,” said Veltri, “Funny thing is, you can be having a bad game, and it only takes one hit, and there you are, right back into the game.”

The matriarch of the family liked the fresh air and exercise as well.

“It’s getting out in the fresh air and sunshine,” said O’Peka, “I like to walk the course, I don’t take a cart.”

Whether it’s the fresh air, the thrill of the course, or simply being together, this family truly enjoys the time together on the golf course. What started as a simple Mother’s Day outing has turned into something that these women treasure.