Golf Course Superintendents Association of Southern California hosts 25th annual Duff Shaw Classic

Event raises over $70,000 for benevolent fund to assist association members

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Southern California (GCSASC) hosted the 25^th annual Duff Shaw Classic at North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, Calif. on Dec. 12. 

 

The event honors late North Ranch Country Club superintendent Duff Shaw who passed away from cancer in 1994 at the age of 32.  At the time of his death, Duff left behind his wife Kristi and a 15-month-old daughter Erin.  

Erin spoke to the participants during this year’s event in a tear-jerking speech that highlighted the importance of carrying on her father’s legacy through helping others in times of need.  Erin is a 2015 graduate of Tulane University where her education was funded in part by GCSASC and North Ranch.

190 players participated in the silver anniversary of the event over North Ranch’s 27-hole layout and more than $70,000 was placed directly into a benevolence fund that benefits GCSASC members facing medical or other financial hardships.  

“The Duff Shaw continues to grow yearly and allows us to expand our benevolent outreach,” said GCSASC executive director Cyndy Neal who along with the tournament committee provides much of the heavy lifting required for putting together the event.  “Our sponsors, vendors and volunteers continue to step up and provide us with the financial resources and tools we need to run a first class fundraiser.”  

Funds raised come from a number of sources including entry fees, raffles, sponsorships and a live auction that follows play.  

John Pollok serving as auctioneer

The auction features numerous product and golf packages from vendors and golf facilities in Southern California.  John Pollok, Southwest agronomist at Ewing Irrigation and Landscape serves as the auctioneer.  Pollok was a close friend and classmate of Shaw’s at Penn State University.  “It’s an honor to raise funds in Duff’s memory and ensure that his legacy will live on forever,” said Pollok.  “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss or think about him.”  

The 2016 tournament committee was made up of Dave Geery, Mary Harmon, Speedy Lipari, Scotty McBeath, John Pollok, Michael Sommer, Steve Sinclair, James Ward and Bill Wrinker.  Each member of the committee has participated in all 25 years of the Duff Shaw.  

The Duff Shaw has raised more than $1 million since its inception in 1992 and is one of the largest GCSAA affiliated chapter fundraisers in the country.  “We have already scheduled next year’s event for Dec. 11 and look forward to continued success in the future,” said Neal. 

For more information on the event or to sponsor, contact Cyndy Neal at cyndy@cmnsupt.com.