Husband-to-be proposed on Swilken Bridge after Curtis Cup victory

Meghan and Danny Stasi at Ganton after she received her trophy as beaten semi-finalist (image by Cal Carson Golf Agency).

Meghan Stasi, US mid-am champion

for third time, will make another

bid for British title

at Royal Portrush

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Colin@scottishgolfview.com
After losing at the 19th to Scottish champion Kelsey MacDonald in the semi-final of the British women's open amateur championship at Ganton in June, Meghan Stasi - Meghan Bolger when she played in the 2008 Curtis Cup match at St Andrews - went home to cap her 2010 season by winning the United States women's mid-amateur championship for a record-equalling third time (USGA picture on left).

Meghan had previous won this title in 2006 and 2007 but this was the first time as the wife of Fort Lauderdale restaurant owner Danny Stasi.
Mrs Stasi is a career amateur golfer whose one-time aspiration to play professional was sidetracked when, at the age of 23, she was appointed women's head coach at the University of Mississippi, a post she held for several years when she had to put the golfing needs of her students ahead of her own game.
Originally from Haddonfield, New Jersey, Meghan went to Tulane University, New Orleans. She now lives in Florida with her husband who popped the question on the Swilken Bridge at the Old Course after the American victory in the Curtis Cup. How romantic is that! 
Meghan enjoyed herself so much on her first golfing trip to Europe and her debut in the British women's open amateur championship that she fully intends to come back over again next June when the tournament will be played at the classic Royal Portrush links in Northern Ireland.
I have suggested to her that she should try to persuade as many Americans of her golfing calibre to come with her to give the British championship a transatlantic boost.
If enough US players came over, we could have an unofficial Europe v America one-round match on the Sunday prior to the championship.
"The trouble is that there are so many amateur tournaments in the States they can play in, and you have commit to your schedule months, even a year in advance. I would love to see more Americans play in the British championship but it's not easy to travel," said Meghan who had this to say about her trip over to Ganton last June.
"It was my first British open amateur championship. I've had the opportunity to play in so many great events in the United States but I really wanted the experience of playing overseas. As a player and competitor, I want to play against the best players in Europe and across the world.
"My husband and I enjoyed all aspects of the championship. I've been fortunate to continue many friendships that have formed over the years (meeting Stirling University players on the Florida circuit and the Great Britain and Ireland players at the 2008 Curtis Cup).
"The generosity of the Ganton Golf Club staff, members, captains, volunteers, and LGU made our trip memorable. I cannot name one thing we did not like during our trip to Britain. We were surrounded by natural beauty, great competitors, and perfect Florida weather!
"When planning any golf tournament trip there is always creativeness to our travel arrangements. My husband and I love to travel and explore the local expertise and flare.
"I flew to Manchester the final day of the Women's Eastern Championship in Scotchplains, New Jersey. I enjoyed the day in Manchester, watching the locals cheer on the England soccer team! My husband flew in the next day and then we made our trip east to Scarborough by train.
"The only thing I had to get used to was my husband driving on the other side of the road! He did a fantastic job - hit only one kerb!
"We had a few back-up plans made in case I didn't make it through the week of match-play but we did not mention them. We concentrated day by day, round by round (Meghan is pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency) with her husband-caddie on the 18th tee in the semi-final against Kelsey MacDonald.

"We did make travel plans to spend the day in Dublin and fly to Moscow for a few days. We had blue skies in Dublin, played the Island Club course, enjoyed a few pubs and then off we went to Russia!
"Not your typical vacation spot but we went to see so many places and we took in a lot of walking, sightseeing, and indulged very good food! That's what happens when you love different food and your husband owns a restaurant!
"Husband has owned Shuck 'n Dive Cajun Cafe in Fort Lauderdale for 12 years. It is the New Orlean Saints and Louisiana State University headquarters for South Florida, so we were a little busy on the Superbowl weekend entertaining our Saints fans (the Superbowl was played in Miami).
"I will definitely be making the trip across the Atlantic again next year. We only hear great things about Royal Portrush and it will be a great chance to explore Ireland.
"I am fortunate to have the support of my husband and family and I puruse by golfing life's goal to play amongst the best and continue to improve my game. I want to play for a very long time - with my children (one day!), nieces and nephews. My parents, brothers, and sisters play - we all love competing so it makes get-togethers entertaining!
"Yes, my husband did propose the evening of the final day of the Curtis Cup. He waited until we won and spirits were high! It was a misty Scottish night and our assistant Donna (who was in on it) captured on camera the proposal on the famous Old Course bridge.
"Danny Stasi, aka 'Staz,' my husband, has been instrumental in my success and support system. As difficult as it is to watch outside the ropes and inside the ropes as a caddie, he is always there for me. I would rather be playing the shot than watching it.
"I know it is so difficult to watch your loved one compete. My family only wants the best but is always there when things don't go as you want them to. 
"I learned a long time ago to enjoy every second of my life. Life really is too short to let the little things affect who you are and who you want to become. Golf is just a game but I always try to do everything to my best potential."