GolfNewsRI

I don’t even know where to begin. There aren’t enough words to describe what Devon Quigley meant to me and so many others. He was more than a friend—he was the brother I never had, my roommate, my golf buddy, my caddy, my protector. He was the person I could always run to, who welcomed me with open arms and gave the absolute best hugs.

Devon had this way of making everyone feel safe, seen, and loved. No matter what was going on in his own life, he always had time for mine. Whether we were just sitting in silence, cracking jokes, or out on the golf course, he brought a sense of peace and laughter that I’ll never forget.

He wasn’t just part of my life—he helped shape it. He showed up when it mattered, and sometimes even when it didn’t, just to remind me I wasn’t alone. That’s who Devon was. Steady, selfless, full of heart.

Devon and I first met at an awards ceremony where my sisters and I, along with Devon’s dad, Dana and other Rhode Island athletes, were recognized for our athletic achievements. I must’ve been about 10 or 11 years old at the time.

Years later, our paths crossed again when Devon began attending the University of Rhode Island. The URI golf team practiced at Point Judith Country Club (PJCC)—the course I was lucky enough to grow up on. At that time, I was a senior in high school and Devon was a freshman at URI. From the very beginning, we clicked. It felt like we had known each other our whole lives.

We played countless rounds together at PJCC. I still remember sitting in school, hoping that Devon and the team would be at the Club when the final bell rang. The moment I spotted one of their cars in the lot, I knew it was going to be a great afternoon on the course.

After my two older sisters left for Northwestern, the URI team became my new playing partners—and Devon quickly became the most important of them all. He filled a void I didn’t even realize could be filled.

Looking back, I had no idea just how much Devon would come to mean to me. There are so many words to describe him, but if I had to choose one, I’d say: cheerleader. Devon was the best cheerleader.

I’ll never forget when he drove me to my high school powderpuff football game. It was powderpuff football, and yet he was the loudest one in the stands, cheering like it was the Super Bowl.

Transitioning from high school to college at Duke wasn’t always easy, especially being away from my close friends. But I always knew that summer would bring us back together.

After I graduated and moved to Florida, Devon and I reached new heights in our relationship. He was working at the Wanderers Club in Wellington, and thanks to URI Golf Alum, Justin Thompson, I was lucky enough to be able to practice and play there too. Devon and I got right back into our rhythm—just like the good old days.

Eventually, I made it onto the LPGA Tour through Q School, and true to form, Devon was right there beside me. Encouraging me. Supporting me. Celebrating the highs. Helping me through the lows.

Devon has been so much more than a teammate or a friend. He’s been a constant. A motivator. A light. And someone I will always be thankful to have had by my side through so many chapters of life.

When I think about Devon, I think of loyalty. I think of laughter. I think of someone who always showed up — not because he had to, but because he wanted to. He had this incredible ability to make everyone around him feel like the most important person in the room.  I shouldn’t be surprised by the countless qualities that made Devon who he was. All you have to do is know his mom, his dad, stepmother and sister. Their hearts are bigger than the world. The love, strength, and kindness that shaped Devon came from them — and it showed in everything he did.

We shared so many miles, so many moments, and more rounds of golf than I can count — but it was never just about the game. It was about the love, the conversations, the support, the silly bets, the shared love of something that brought us together and deepened our bond over time. He wasn’t just my friend — he was family.

Looking back, I had no idea when we first met at that award ceremony — two little kids — that our paths would intertwine so deeply. That he would become such an anchor in my life.

Devon Quigley Memorial Tournament

The Devon Quigley Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on August 18 (his birthday) at Crestwood Country Club. 

For those looking to participate, donate or sponsor, email gburke@uri.edu.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the University of Rhode Island and East Providence golf teams. 

GolfNewsRI is the official media partner of the Devon Quigley Memorial Tournament.

About Grzebień Vanderlinde 

Anna Grzebień Vanderlinde is from Narragansett, Rhode Island and played for Narragansett High School. 

In 2001 and again in 2003, she won the RI High School Girls Golf State Championship. 

Following high school, she went on to a collegiate career at Duke University. 

There she led the Blue Devils to three-straight National Championships in her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. 

 Following college, Grzebien turned pro, making the LPGA Tour in 2008. 

As a pro, she notched seven career top 25 finishes. 

Grezbien Vanderlinde currently serves as the Membership Director at Minneapolis Golf Club. 

Anna is also part of the leadership team promoting the Devon Quigley Memorial Fund and Golf Tournament.