On Feb. 1, 2019, Danna Raube was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. One month later, she underwent a total thyroid removal, along with 59 lymph nodes and some neck muscle. Her right vocal cord was also completely severed and, although it was repaired, she didn’t have a voice for five months.

Throughout her diagnosis and recovery, Raube’s local LPGA Amateurs chapter was there for her every step of the way.

“When I went through my roughest patch, my local chapter surrounded me with love, support, and FOOD,” said Raube. “That’s what this group of women is all about - networking and nurturing; and boy did my group prove that this year. They loved me, they supported me…It did make me feel like I had an extra family.”

Raube, a member of LPGA Amateurs of Nashville, credits the national network with putting “an absolute silver lining” on the worst time of her life. She also states that for that time, this group of women was the most rewarding she could have possibly been a part of.

“It’s been women who love the same thing, we love to get away,” said Raube. “We’re successful, we’re independent, we’re mommies, we’re not...it’s great. Some single, some married…women of all walks of life coming together for the same thing. All of a sudden, you meet all of these women in your area that you never would have had a chance to meet.”

“To have a national network of women that are there to pick you up. It’s just made it all worth it. And I’m just so thankful that I found this group and that they have brought me in so lovingly.”

After a high dose of radiation and months of healing, Raube is finally getting back to normal life – and playing as much golf as she can. She even qualified for the 2019 LPGA Amateurs Championship Finals at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

“I would love to find some way to tell women that this is just more than golf,” added Raube. “It’s everything you would ever need out of a relationship with this game. It’s just been the best decision I have ever made.”

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association (LPGA Amateurs), formerly the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA), joined the LPGA family in March 2018. With over 12,500 members in more than 110 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, LPGA Amateurs has a mission to provide a welcoming golf community for all women. Over 7,500 local and national events are played every year, ranging from individual and team championships for competitive players to social outings, league play, networking opportunities, and golf destination travel.

To learn more about LPGA Amateurs or to become a member, visit www.lpgaamateurs.com.

It’s More Than Golf: LPGA Amateurs Member Danna Raube’s #DriveOn Story

Related Articles