Left to right:  Linda Buckland-Morando and Maureen Higgins prepare to tee off at the Jimmy Fund Classic in Bolton, Mass.

Linda Buckland-Morando and Maureen Higgins met eight years ago when they became members of the Boston Chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA). The EWGA is a national organization that provides opportunities for women to learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf.

From the Fairways: How did you become involved with the Chip In for Cancer Golf Classic?

Linda Buckland-Morando/Maureen Higgins: When the EWGA decided to host a golf tournament to benefit Dana-Farber, we both immediately wanted to become involved. We started out as participants and later joined the committee. This year, we took on the role of co-tournament directors. We feel very strongly about the cause as cancer has touched all of our lives in some way.

LBM: I was particularly anxious to get involved because my best friend had stage IV cancer and is alive and well today because of the wonderful care she received at Dana-Farber. I am so grateful that she is a survivor and to have this opportunity to help others.

FTF: When you are not busy working with your committee on the tournament, what do you do?

LBM: My husband and I own Forever Fit Health & Fitness Center in Watertown, Mass., and I am also a real estate agent for the Homeowners Advantage Team of C. Walsh Realty.

MH: I am a vice president with William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. in Boston.

FTF: With such busy schedules, what has been your biggest challenge this year in planning the tournament?

LBM: Four weeks prior to our event, we had to change venues due to problems at the scheduled course. I contacted Walter Hannon III, the general manager at Granite Links in Quincy, Mass., and was able to secure the course without having to change our date. Granite Links truly rescued us from what could have been a devastating situation. Granite Links is located just 10 minutes outside of Boston and aside from the spectacular views of the city, the course is pristine and challenging for any level of golfer…and for the first time in years, we sold out the event!

FTF: What advice would you give someone who is considering starting a Jimmy Fund Golf tournament?

MH: We have benefited from having a great committee and dedicated volunteers. We have a group of 13 on our committee, and 23 volunteers lined up to help the day of the tournament. We couldn’t do it without them! My advice is to establish a solid committee right at the beginning.

LBM: Running a Jimmy Fund Golf tournament is truly a rewarding experience. My best piece of advice would be to be as flexible as possible, especially when faced with the unexpected.