The American Ireland Fund West Coast Golf Classic was held on Monday, October 17th at the spectacular Bel-Air Country Club, with panoramic views overlooking Los Angeles. It was an opportunity to play this challenging course of hilly terrain, masterfully weaving through four different canyons. There are some terrific bunkers, designed by George C. Thomas in 1925, and superbly-manicured greens with beautiful trees and shrubs. Notable vantage points were by the Swinging Bridge (older than the Golden Gate Bridge) at the tenth hole. What views!
The event was chaired by Tom Barry of UBS and Jim Layden of D.A. Davidson. In spite of a wet and foggy start to the day, skies brightened and it was a sunny afternoon with ideal golf conditions. The Classic was won by Matt J. Hart who led an enthusiastic foursome for best score in a scramble format with Matthew Doran, Shane Dwyer and Dave Larkin. Bill Folan, along with his team of Harry Hartford, Tim Fitzgerald and Ray Conboy placed second, followed by Ed White in third place with Troy Adams and Stephan Desjardins.
The Golf Classic was followed by a reception and awards ceremony in the Top of the Tee with a traditional Irish band playing. Vice President of Major Gifts & West Coast Director Marjorie Muldowney welcomed everyone and provided an update on the Fund’s activities. She was joined by newly-appointed Vice President of Major Gifts Jonathan Loughran. Tom Barry and Jim Layden presented Matt Hart and his team with a striking Golf Swing trophy produced in Ireland by Celtic Roots, hand-carved out of a piece of bog oak wood almost 5,000 years old. Also attending were AIF Board Director Harry Hartford and Los Angeles Regional Advisory Board Members, Alan Hearty and Conor Shalloe, along with last year’s team winners Barry O’Brien ad Brian O’Cuiv. The group of players also included Tyler Barth, Ko Yada, James Kearney, Dermot Tuohy and Mark Werts. Thanks also to Brendan Carroll and Colin McCafferty for their generous support.
“Bel-Air is Utopia…with a golf club”, according to Will Rogers and our players agreed wholeheartedly. This was the Fourth Annual West Coast Classic and it was a fabulous experience for everyone. We look forward to returning to Bel-Air in 2017. Special thanks to Event Chairs Tom Barry and Jim Layden.
