In an effort to recognize those who have shaped the game of golf in Sacramento, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento's Golf Hall of Fame has announced the honorees for 2012. This year's list is headed by LPGA luminary and Sacramento native, Natalie Gulbis, along with former PGA TOUR player David Sutherland, TFTGS executive director, Angie Dixon, and Volunteer Community awards to perennial volunteers Bob and Marilyn Hughes, and valued sponsor Bodycraft Collision Centers. The winners will recognized at an Induction Gala Friday, April 6, at The Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento.
Activities open to the public include the Sacramento Golf Hall of Fame Golf Tournament on Friday, April 6 beginning at 10am. The entertaining Sutherland, current coach of Sacramento State's golf team, will conduct a clinic at 9am prior to the 10am tee time. Induction ceremonies at The Crest Theater begin at 6pm with refreshments followed by the awards presentation at 7pm.
"We are very excited to welcome home Natalie Gulbis who learned the game on Sacramento area golf courses," said Ken Morton, Jr., event committee member. "She and David Sutherland head a worthy group of individuals for this year's event."
TFTGS' Sacramento Golf Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that had an everlasting impact on the landscape of golf in and around Sacramento. Tour players, club professionals, great amateur players and volunteers make up this unique list. The First Tee of Greater Sacramento helps children in our community live a better, more productive life by using the game of golf as a vehicle to instill The First Tee Nine Core Values, teach Life Skills, and together with the ANNIKA Foundation promote the Nine Health Habits.
Gulbis played in her first LPGA event as a fourteen year old amateur in 1997. She was the top player on the Granite Bay High School boy's golf team and accepted a golf scholarship to the University of Arizona, teaming with fellow freshman Lorena Ochoa. She turned professional in 2001 at 18 years of age and her first win came at the 2007 Evian Masters in France. She has played on three victorious U.S. Solheim Cup teams.
David Sutherland grew up playing golf at Haggin Oaks. He won the prestigious Western Amateur Championship and the 2001 Utah Classic as a professional. A veteran PGA Tour player, Sutherland competed in 215 PGA events and 83 Nationwide Tour tournaments during his 17 years on the circuit. A native of Carmichael, Sutherland recorded eight top 10 and 32 top 25 finishes on the PGA Tour. He oversees both the Hornet men's and women's golf teams.
As one of the original "Little Linkers," Angie Dixon credits SAY Golf for developing her passion for the game. That enthusiasm carried her on to a decorated amateur career, playing on the varsity boy's team at El Camino High School, receiving a full scholarship to the University of Washington, and reaching the semi-finals of the 1992 USGA Women's Public Links Championship. After graduation, Angie made golf her profession, serving as a teaching professional, playing on the LPGA Futures Tour, and coaching the Loretto High School girl's golf team for 15 seasons.
Since 2001, Dixon has worked for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento as the director of competitive activities, conducting a year round junior competitive program that incorporates The First Tee core values and life skills curriculum. In 2011, she was moved by the organization into her current position as executive director.
Also among the honorees are long time respected volunteers, Bob and Marilyn Hughes who have dedicated over 20 years serving the youth in the Sacramento area through golf council and TFTGS events and Bodycraft Collision Centers who will receive the community award for their longstanding partnership with and support of The First tee of Greater Sacramento.
This year's inductees will join a distinguished group of previous winners including Al Geiberger, Kevin Sutherland, Tom LoPresti, Walter Strand, Scott McCarron, and Ken Morton, Sr.
All proceeds from the fundraising event will underwrite the charitable programs of The First Tee of Greater Sacramento. The public is invited to play in the golf tournament at $250/person and attend the Induction Ceremony at $75/person or $25 for guests under 18 years of age.
For further information and on-line registration, visit the website at www.tftgs.org or call (916) 808-0959.
Ken Morton, Jr.
VP of Retail- Morton Golf LLC - Past-President- AGM
Event Coordinator- Golf & GuitarsAuthor-
Little Book Of Big Golf Promotions I, II & III
Board Member- Morton Golf Foundation & Rocklin Soccer Senior Writer- ThatNashvilleSound.com and Engine 145
Telephone- 916-808-0952
