The California coastline's newest golf course acted as both a heat refuge and a golf getaway for dozens of couples last Friday, all for the benefit of the SCGA Foundation.
The SCGA Couples Golf Getaway was sponsored by Rancho Palos Verdes' Terranea Resort and Todd Eckenrode/Origins Golf Design, who donated full use of the nine-hole, par-3 Links at Terranea to the Foundation's fundraising efforts. A total of 29 couples participated in the Best Ball Nine-Hole Par-3 Tournament, while 15 singles competed in an individual event.
With support of Origins' Eckenrode and Charlie Davison, along with director of golf Buddy Nichols, nearly $10,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation's growing list of programs, including Grants, Scholarships and the popular Youth on Course program, which allows certified youth access to $1 range fees and $1-$5 green fees at more than 90 Southland courses.
"Even though the wind was blowing like crazy during the afternoon portion
of the tournament and I didn't play all that well, I throughly enjoyed myself," said SCGA member Tony Martinovich. "The resort was beautiful, the accommodations were very nice and the staff was very cordial. It is my hope that this will become an annual event."
Origins Golf Design built The Links at Terranea in 2009, with both the oceanfront resort and course opening that summer. Far from a pitch-and-putt par-3 course, The Links at Terranea draws inspiration from some of Eckenrode's favorite par-3 holes, while showcasing sprawling views of Catalina and keeping in mind what will be playable and enjoyable for all ages of players.
"Through the use of different angles, we created a course that juniors can play anywhere from 60 to 100 yards," Eckenrode told FORE Magazine in March. "It's satisfying to have designed a course that can be played by a wide group of people."
As part of the Couples Getaway promotion, SCGA member John Barberis of Long Beach won a weekend getaway at Terranea, including two nights accommodations, four rounds of golf and two gift certificates for dinner.
“This was our first couples event and we couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the day," said Foundation Executive Director Kevin Gigax. "Not only was our fundraising successful, but the experience at Terranea Resort and the golf course was wonderful -- great weather, blue whales out in the Pacific, and a beautiful sunset to finish the day.
"Thanks again to both Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design and Terranea Resort for putting together such a special day.”
Click here for more information on Terranea Resort and The Links at Terranea.
Learn more about Origins Golf Design's projects by clicking here.
View photos of the event at scga.fototime.com.
Want to learn more about the SCGA Foundation and how to become involved? Click here.
