Pebble Beach, CA – The Northern California PGA Foundation paid tribute this week to two inspiring figures in the game of golf, sports icon Jack Nicklaus and past President of the PGA of America, Tom Addis, III, at the 5th Annual “The Langley – A Tribute to Legends.” The Langley is a golf tournament and social event designed to honor the game’s legends and those who have made immeasurable contributions to the sport, and at the same time, the event raises impactful funds for various community programs. This year’s event was held at the Inn at Spanish Bay & Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. As an extension of the event, teams of four amateurs and a PGA Professional competed in The Langley Pro-Am Golf Tournament.
Jack Nicklaus, a man synonymous with golf greatness, has changed the sport as a player, course designer, philanthropist, and good-will ambassador. His amateur and professional career spanned six decades and was marked by 120 tournament victories as a pro, including a record 18 professional major championships. He has also enjoyed parallel success as a businessman and designer. His firm, Nicklaus Design, has created more than 370 golf courses in 36 countries, and is considered the industry leader. Golf Inc. Magazine named Nicklaus the “Most Powerful Person in Golf” for a record six consecutive years.
“The game of golf has given my family and me so much, so I feel blessed when we have the opportunity to give back to and impact many worthwhile charitable causes,” said Jack Nicklaus, who was recognized by almost every major media outlet in the world as Golfer of the Century or Golfer of the Millennium, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor given to any U.S. civilian. “I am honored to continue these efforts today through the Langley and the NCPGA Foundation.”
Tom Addis, III, who is Executive Director/CEO of the Southern California PGA, has worked at every level of administration for the PGA of America and is considered one of its most committed members. He has devoted his career to the game and business of golf, improving the experience for everyone. Tom Addis, III added, “It is an honor to be associated with the NCPGA Foundation’s work in providing education and programs for the underserved through these outstanding organizations.”
“Jack and Tom are continuing the tradition that began five years ago, and today they join an impressive list of past honorees including Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, Ken Venturi, Tom Watson, and our event’s namesake Jim Langley, former PGA TOUR player and long-time PGA head golf professional at Cypress Point Club in Monterey,” explained Chris Thomas, NCPGA executive director and COO. “Time is a valuable commodity these days and we appreciate their time and participation at this event. It generates a positive impact to the many worthwhile charitable organizations and educational scholarships we support.”
As a result of The Langley, the NCPGA Foundation will make donations to Folds of Honor, Saving Strokes, The Langley Scholarship Fund, and Meals on Wheels of Monterey.
