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Jason Gore accepts his
award from former SF Chronicle Golf Writer Pat Sullivan (photo credit: Scott Seward, NCGA) |
The California Golf Writers Association
awards dinner was held Tuesday night in Pebble Beach. I
was fortunate enough to be in attendance along with hundreds
of the state's top writers and media people, plus many other
industry luminaries.
California golfers who received awards included Paula
Creamer (Rookie-of-the-Year); Bob Eastwood
(Hall of Fame Award); Bill Glasson (Hall
of Fame Award); and Jason Gore (Player-of-the-Year).
Creamer couldn't attend due to the start of the LPGA season,
and the injury-plagued Glasson -- who recently made it through
Q-School at age 46 -- was unfortunately starting out his
season with another illness and also could not attend. Eastwood, who won several Tour
events in the 80's including The Colonial, flew in for the
ceremony and Jason Gore enjoyed a front row table with his
old friend Carson Daly, who presented him with the award.
It was a touching moment as the ever-humble Gore held back tears as he thanked
his wife for giving him the encouragement to never give
up. There is a lesson there for every player at every level.
Former USGA President Frank "Sandy" Tatum,
who is more recently known for spearheading the renovation
of Harding Park, received the 'Ambassador of Golf' award
(and standing ovation). Several other speakers pointed out
Tatum and the remarkable achievement of getting the job
at Harding Park done. The complete list of award winners
follows:
Fred Merrick Scholarship Award - Tyler Galbraith
Sally Pini Scholarship Award - Linda Ong
2005 GCSANC Superintendent of the Year - Bob Lapic (Orinda
CC)
2005 NCPGA Professional of the Year - Jim Langley (Cypress
Point)
Rookie of the Year - Paula Creamer
Player of the Year - Jason Gore
Golden State Award - Jim Hanny (CSU Stanislaus)
Hayward - Newland Media Award - Vince Mastracco
John Swanson "Good Guy" Award - Phil Weidinger
Hall of Fame Award - Bill Glasson
Hall of Fame Award - Bob Eastwood
Caddyshack Award - Tom Dreesen
Ambassador of Golf Award - Frank "Sandy" Tatum