(L- R) Drew Moser – Mark Wernig – Russell Dixon – Dale Yahnke
The 2023 Legacy Golf Invitational committee bobbed and weaved like Mohammad Ali, floating like a butterfly, dodging golf course renovations and last-minute Mother Nature jabs and, like Ali, The Legacy came away looking as pretty as ever. With a very late forecast for rain on the evening of The Legacy Gala dinner, the gracious and resourceful staff at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa would jump through the necessary hoops providing for a tasteful covering to protect the patrons. Thankfully, the forecast never came true; the attention appropriately fixed on the evening’s expression of gratitude, revealing another in the long history of deserving, worthy Legacy beneficiaries, the National Conflict Resolution Center THRIVE Initiative. The inspiring initiative added to the collective collaboration amongst many organizations in San Diego, changing the lives and futures of young ladies, gentlemen, and their families. The 23rd celebration of The Legacy would mark a significant milestone, crossing beyond $9 million in contributions since the inaugural Legacy in 2001, all due to the loyal Legacy Family and their relentless generosity.
Players arrived at La Jolla Country Club on Monday morning to discover a pristine golf course basking under the sun of a quintessential San Diego day. The expansive views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean didn’t distract from the spirited competition over the 27-holes. For the first time since the inaugural awarding of the prestigious Jim Sochor Award in 2016, the deserving honoree, Dale Yahnke, would also be a member of the Championship team. His partners Mark Werning, Drew Moser, and Russell Dixon ran away from the field winning by a record margin of 10 shots.
The 2023 Legacy would come to a close following golf with a delightful dinner and the traditional Fireside Chat. In keeping with significant, inspiring, members of the San Diego community, Rolf would have an insightful and illuminating conversation with San Diego State University Aztecs Basketball Coach, Brian Dutcher. Brian shocked and amazed the basketball universe leading the Aztecs through the gauntlet of the 2023 NCAA National Basketball Tournament, March Madness, to the National Championship game against the University of Connecticut. Coach Dutcher detailed a view of their season from the perspective of the gentleman who was the caretaker of a winning, unselfish, culture, calling the plays from the sidelines of a 32-7 record. He walked everyone through the journey of his coaching career, an ever-loyal assistant to Steve Fisher who he would succeed in 2017, taking the whistle to guide the Aztecs.
The 2023 Legacy was a warm meeting of the Legacy Family, enriching long-lasting relationships, making a significant contribution to worthy beneficiaries, enabling them to change the lives of those they serve. All now look forward to the 24th celebration of The Legacy September 28th & 30th, 2024.
