Susan Gordon, of Auburn, and Rachel Therrien, of Sabattus, both worship the game of golf so much that they have decided to tee it up in all 50 states.

They met on a golf course in 1990 while playing in a ladies league at a local course and have been best of friends ever since.

Over the next few years, typically in March, Gordon and Therrien, along with a group of other ladies, headed either south or west on golfing retreats.

“It was the beginning of a life-long and beautiful friendship and the two of us continued to play together,” explained Therrien. “We have so much in common, between golf and working for local law firms.”

“We just have the best time,” said Gordon. “We really just enjoy each other’s company.”

One day, on the 19th hole, while toasting to yet another day on the fairways, the two women reminisced about all the places they had chased their little, white balls.

“We realized that we had played in seven states, so why not all 50!” smiled Gordon. “We knew it would be a lot of fun and we’d get to see the entire country.”

In 2004, the two golf buddies took off on their first trip, adding another five states to their list.

“It was a wonderful trip,” said Gordon. “We combined it with a visit to Rachel’s brother, who is retired navy and we got to play at the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.”

“We got to see three helicopters escorting President Bush from the White House to the Air Force Base,” added Therrien. “Shortly after, Air Force One took off right over us.”

Since 2004, Therrien and Gordon have filled out scorecards in 33 states.

Their most scenic was Sky Mountain in Zion National Park, Utah.

“We were 3400-feet above sea level!” exclaimed Therrien, “with the most beautiful, panoramic views.”

“It was ironic too,” added Gordon. “We had just played in Death Valley, the lowest course in the world at 214 feet below sea level.”

Both women agree that the most unforgettable moment was flying from Colorado to Wyoming.

“We were in an eight-passenger plane,” said Gordon. “When we were landing, a loud alarm went off and we immediately ascended and made a large loop. We finally landed on the third try; needless to say it was a bit unsettling.”

“We found out later that there were dangerous cross winds,” explained Therrien. “If we had not been able to land that last time, we would have had to go back to Denver.”

The women almost had to leave Nebraska without touching a golf club.

“It was 35 degrees with rain and sleet, but the owner said he would only charge us for the holes we played,” said Therrien.

“We did all 18!” exclaimed Gordon. “He was so impressed he didn’t charge us and made us hot cocoa to boot.”

The women have kept scrapbooks and journals from their excursions; with a souvenir from each course played, be it a golf ball, towel or divot tool.

“We also keep the score card,” laughed Gordon. “Rachel always beats me there, but we are pretty tied up when it comes to playing putts.”

This year, the women plan to add at least four more states to the list and have set a goal of signing their last scorecard within five years.

“We are saving Alaska and then Hawaii for last,” said Gordon. “Our goal is to play in Alaska at midnight on the longest day of the year.”

They may not be alone when they rim their last cup.

“We are getting offers already from friends to be our caddies in Hawaii,” smiled Therrien.  “We’ll open a bottle of champagne and toast to our friendship.”

Gordon agreed.

“That will be a perfect ending.”

“But, an ending is just another beginning!” exclaimed Therrien, as she turned to her friend. “So, Susan, what do you think about playing Europe?”