GOLFING
A Tale of Three Tournaments

For this issue I am going to share three terrific stories of golf. For two of them, we already know the ending. For the other, you still have a golden opportunity to play the golf course of everyone's dream, the proud home of the "Winged O," the famed Olympic Club of San Francisco. Two of these tournaments were held at the renovated and rebuilt Metropolitan Golf Links, a Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss design just to the south of Oakland's airport at 10051 Doolittle Drive. This golf course is an experience waiting for you. In 2005 this course achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary." For tee times, call (510) 569-5555 or visit www.playmetro.com.

The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) has long been known for its ability to coordinate cities and counties around the Bay Area on issues related to housing and transportation and other government-related "things that go bump in the night." This year marked the playing of the 18th annual ABAG golf tournament on July 27th. I was fortunate to be able to play in this tournament and had a terrific day of golf. The weather was perfect, and the course was in perfect condition.

128 golfers from the Bay Area participated in and competed for individual and team awards in longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt, team low gross, team low net, and special team award. Approximately $36,000 was raised through player fees, sponsors and prize donations, with major sponsorships provided by the Port of Oakland and Windemere.

The 2007 ABAG golf tournament benefited the San Francisco Bay Trail Project and the Tranter-Leong Management Intern Program. The Bay Trail project is a nonprofit organization, administered by ABAG that plans, promotes, and advocates for completion of a 500-mile shoreline trail around San Francisco and San Pablo bays. When complete, the Trail will link the shoreline of all nine counties, pass through 47 cities and cross the major toll bridges. Currently over 290 miles of Bay Trail provide easily accessible recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and nature lovers of all ages to explore. The tournament actually took place next to a Bay Trail segment currently under construction. Nearby projects in San Leandro and Oakland will ultimately connect Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline with Arrowhead Marsh in Alameda County.

The Tranter-Leong Management Internship Program funds an ABAG internship for students interested in public sector careers. This program was established in 2004 by then-retiring executive director Eugene Leong and executive director emeritus Revan Tranter. For more information, contact Kathleen Cha, ABAG senior communications officer, 510/464-7922; KathleenC@abag.ca.gov. I am sure they're already planning for the 19th annual tournament.

And for the second tournament, conducted again at the ever-popular Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, along with his long-time friend and supporter Leonard "Googie" Kirtley, Jr., raised money for the Oakland TurfGrass Education Initiative, which allows young people to learn about golf courses and turf management. This organization teaches young students the business intricacies of maintaining and preserving the surfaces of many of our golf courses. This free program has helped more than 300 young students. Councilmember Reid expects to increase the number of students who may take advantage of this exciting program. There are some very real success stories for this unusual, long-term career for people who care about the environment and maybe just happened to also love golf.

As for the golf, again the weather couldn't have been better. And, of course, considering the goals of the OTEI program, the course was in perfect condition. I am sure the folks flying into Oakland, just above the course, were all wishing they could be there as well. Of course it's never too early to start planning for next year's tournament. Door prizes, hole sponsors, foursomes and charitable donations always enhance the tournament and ensure a successful event. If you want to be involved in this exciting event next year, and for additional information, contact Councilmember Larry Reid's office at (510) 238-7007. For information on the OTEI program, please visit www.oaklandturf.org.

And now for one of THE most exciting golf tournaments in the San Francisco Bay Area: The BASHOF Golf Classic. The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) conducts two major annual fundraisers: the Enshrinement Banquet, honoring Bay Area star athletes, which is held in the spring, and a Golf Classic featuring Ken Venturi and scheduled for October 22 at the renowned Olympic Club in San Francisco. This worthwhile organization, founded by Lou Spadia, grants Youth Fund monies to local organizations to assist with the tangible parts of youth sports — bats, balls, hats and gloves. You name it — if it's necessary for youth sports, they'll support it. The BASHOF Youth Fund has given nearly three million dollars for athletic equipment to more than 540 youth organizations in the 11 San Francisco Bay Area counties since 1980.

But first, you say, what about the Golf Classic?

The 12th annual Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Charles Schwab Golf Classic is an all-day event on the beautiful Lake and Ocean courses. Hosted by golf legend Ken Venturi and featuring his golf clinic, the 1964 U.S. Open Champion will demonstrate the delicate art of the chip shot. Last year's tournament was a fantastic day of golf with a record sell-out of 256 golfers. The morning fog cleared by tee time and it was a warm 78 degrees. It is anticipated there will be another sell-out of this beautiful venue, with the revenue helping "kids play sports." After play, golfers may relax in the clubhouse at the 19th hole for cocktails and golf awards, followed by dinner with entertainment and a live auction featuring many special items, including Masters Tickets. Golfers receive green fees, lunch, cart, prizes, cocktails and dinner.

Sponsorships may still be available for this incredible golf tournament. Tee-sign sponsorships provide a souvenir poster, consisting of your company name or logo. It will be framed and autographed by Ken Venturi. Three tee-signs are provided: one on the Lake course, one on the Ocean course, and one near the Clubhouse on the way to the putting green and driving range. Enshrined athletes and businessmen and women who play this tournament will know about your support of our kids. Better yet, for more information and/or to reserve a spot to play, contact Kathy Killmeyer at BASHOF, One California Street, Ste. 2630, San Francisco, CA 94111. Phone (415) 296-5607 or visit the web site at www.bashof.org.

"Golf is a game of finding what works, losing it, and finding it again."

— Ken Venturi