The relentless mission of the Rolf Benirschke Legacy Golf Invitational marched forward with the presentation of the 24th Invitational, September 28th and 30th . Opening the event at the cozy, comfortable Casa Valencia at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, the gathering of loyal members of The Legacy Family were inspired by the heartwarming stories of this year’s worthy beneficiaries. Faced with the difficult decision of selecting a traditional, singular, primary beneficiary, the Legacy Executive Committee was compelled to break that tradition in favor of supporting two.
The mission of the Armed Services YMCA’s Pendelton Pantry at Camp Pendelton, and that of Rady Children’s Hospital Chadwick Center’s creation of The Confident Closet in collaboration with the Alex Morgan Foundation, shared the marquee. Like their ancestors, Legacy’s support of these projects will allow each to grow far beyond their current place in their development, to a future of growth and the opportunity to serve many, many more of those in need.
One of the pillars of Legacy selection of a beneficiary is there is a specific effort a donation will help fund. The effort must have a long life, far beyond the horizon, that will continue to impact those they serve for generations. The Pendelton Pantry and Confident Closet promise to be quintessential Legacy beneficiaries. The relentless generosity of The Legacy Family has now seen contributions cross the $10M threshold, seeing a list of selfless organizations make a significant impact on the San Diego community over 24 years of giving.
The annual naming of the Jim Sochor Award was set aside this year in deference to a heartwarming, sober, tribute to Mr. Richard C Helmstetter. Fondly referred to as, simply, Mr. H. He was a member of the inaugural Legacy Executive Committee in 2000 at The Farms. His guidance and endless generosity for more than two decades were central to the foundation on which The Legacy Family will stand for eternity. He was recognized in 2016 as the first recipient of the coveted Jim Sochor Award, given in memory of Rolf’s football coach at U.C. Davis. Mr. Helmstetter sadly passed away at the age of 82 in August. He will be missed by us all.
With the Legacy Gala dinner with its feet up, relaxing comfortably, The Legacy Golf Tournament sprang into action. Returning to the beauty and tranquility of The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe following a brief, successful, detour to La Jolla Country Club in 2023 while The Bridges underwent an extensive bunker renovation, 100 players teed it up in a friendly, spirited competition. The unique format of three nine-hole rounds highlighted by each player having three different partners each nine, never playing with the same person more than once, makes for the opportunity to meet and reconnect with nine different players across the day. As the sun slipped into the western horizon, the team of Rick Weitzen, Dave Shafer, David Trice, and Dave Baratta, would stand atop the podium, having carved out a single stroke title over the runner up team of Jeff Tadder, Bob and John Gilbert, and Rick Ray. The show team of Ira Robb, Phil Cameron, Charlie Joiner, and Kenny Abrams were the final team in the prizes.
The evening following the golf featured the ever-intriguing Fireside Chat. This year’s subject of Rolf’s conversation was Bill Harmon, one of the most notable golf instructors of the famous Harmon family. Bill has dozens of fascinating stories relating to a golden era of professional golf headlined by the likes of Ben Hogan and his father Claude Harmon. Claude was the famed golf professional at Winged Foot Golf Club and the only club professional to have won the Masters. Bill’s personal story is a compelling one, having overcome challenges to emerge as a strong advocate for a better way of life for those facing similar hurdles. As the Legacy came to a close, the emotions of success and gratefulness traveled with everyone. A significant milestone is spotted in the distant future when The Legacy celebrates its 25th anniversary in the Fall of 2025.
