On June 10, CLIC/CLASS Fund hosted its 31st Annual Golf Tournament at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. The event brought in more than $36,000 and honored the life of renowned concrete professional, Francis "Sully" Sullivan.
From Left to Right: Ryan Damato: South Coast Lighting and Design, Dave Pagano: d.d. Pagano, Inc., Patrick Helmer: South Coast Lighting and Design, George Schmok: Landscape Communications, Inc., Javier Cuellar: Toro Irrigation, Mark Pagano: d.d. Pagano, Inc., Phil Burkart: Toro Irrigation

Warm sunshine, beautiful greens, a nine-iron in your hands and a chance to catch up with some old friends"?usounds like a perfect day. On June 10 CLIC/CLASS Fund hosted its 31st Annual Golf Tournament at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif. It was dedicated in memory of Francis "Sully" Sullivan, who passed away earlier this year.

"This tournament is a great opportunity for people in the green industry to come together and raise money for student scholarships," said CLASS Fund board director and co-chair of the tournament Andy Bowden. "These students are enrolled in landscape architecture, ornamental horticulture and irrigation science programs at six universities in California."

Francis Sullivan was recognized as one of the pioneers of stamped and textured concrete and an acknowledged expert in the field. In 1970 he became the Bomanite Corporation's first franchise partner, a contractor licensed to use the ornamental concrete process.

Last year the tournament had 100 participants and this year it ballooned to 124 players. Bowden said he expected the biggest event of foundation's year to raise more than $36,000. The current endowment has about $1 million for student scholarships.

"This tournament is a lot of fun, because everyone is out for the same goal: to raise money for CLASS Fund," said Danny Wehunt of Park West Landscape, who has played five years in a row. "I'm hoping to shake hands with some old friends, even though they may be competitors. Everyone just puts that aside."

Prior to the CLIC/CLASS Fund 31st Annual Golf Tournament, Paul Kroger of Sandpiper Land Care hit some practice balls at the driving range at Newport Beach Country Club in Newport Beach, Calif.
Photo Credits: Larry Shield

Wehunt said that the golf tournament was specific to the landscape industry, which gives the younger generation opportunities to join this type of field.

Paul Kroger of Sandpiper Land Care played in the tournament for the second time in three years. He was invited by Ewing Irrigation, a client for 22 years.

"My goals for today are to beat a few people and make some contacts in the industry," said Kroger. "Golf is always a privilege to play and it's nice to be around some people I haven't seen for a while."

Patrick Helmer of South Coast Lighting said his company was the proud sponsors of the carmel corn. Bowden sent out emails and convinced Helmer to play in the tournament.

"I'm enjoying the heck out of it," said Helmer. "I'm not as bad as I thought I was. My goal is to not look like I haven't played golf in 20 years and to meet some industry people. I also hope there's a steak involved."