Richard C. Helmstetter. Known by his colleagues, associates, and friends fondly, and far more casually and affectionately as Dick, RCH or, simply, Mr. H.
Dick’s stars would align beginning with his luxury pool cue business, a move to Japan, Ely Callaway persuading him to consult with Callaway, a desire to educate his kids here that led him to The Farms and, finally, to us. He had a seat at the table when the seeds of The Legacy were just being sowed. He was amongst the “Founding Fathers” at meetings creating a vision that would become The Legacy as we know it. In many ways, RCH was our George Washington.
His was a career steeped in golf, a member of the revered R & A, creator of the Big Bertha Driver that would, forever, change the game of golf. His thoughts and opinions would echo through the canyons of golf around the world. His voice mattered. With his significant knowledge and leadership, he would be an irreplaceable counselor to those charged with laying a foundation on which The Legacy has stood for 24 years. His significance to The Legacy was clearly revealed in 2016 following the passing of Rolf’s football coach at UC Davis, Jim Sochor. In a tribute to Coach, Rolf established the esteemed Jim Sochor Award to honor a special person in The Legacy Family who best reflects the values Coach lived by, kindness, gratitude, generosity, and integrity. Dick was honored as the laudable inaugural recipient. He carried himself with quiet dignity.
His contributions to the establishment of The Legacy went well beyond his golf IQ. Personal contributions to The Legacy tee prize packages of Callaway clubs, backpacks, and other significant items, set the standard for the years that would follow. To our delight, year after year he would donate wines from his personal cellar to be enjoyed at Legacy dinners.
It is likely every member of The Legacy Family has their own, personal, connection with Dick. The stories are eternal of brief moments on a practice tee; Mr. H stopping by for a few minutes to give the slightest, yet enlightening bit of swing advice. Discussions about the business of golf, of interest to us all, were insights into the pressing matters of rules changes, reigning in distance, what direction would the ban on anchoring a putter go, and many more.
It has been a blessing and distinct privilege to have had Dick in our lives. He treated us with the utmost respect. While his friendships extended to every corner of the globe, we all felt his relationship with us was one he held close to his heart. The emotion was mutual. Dick’s Legacy is in our DNA. His presence in our lives will not simply be remembered. All of us…all of us, will miss him
