Volunteers from the American Lake Veterans Golf Course receive award

Mary Bea Porter King presenting award to Bruce McKenty

The Volunteers from the American Lake Veterans Golf Course (ALVGC) received the Mary Bea Porter Award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association (MGWA) for 2010 – 2011.  This award is presented to an individual or group who saves lives or makes a significant improvement in people's lives through golf.  The Volunteers at American Lake epitomize this attribute.  This award was presented to representatives of the golf course management team in Westchester, New York on June 7, 2011.  The MGWA's National Awards Dinner is the longest running golf dinner held annually in the U.S.  All of golf's governing bodies support the dinner – the USGA, PGA of America, LPGA, PGA Tour, and Champions Tour.  About 600 industry leaders and local golfers attend.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Volunteers was golf course manager Bruce McKenty, along with assistant manager Roger Gatts, greens superintendent Jim Jackson, and vehicle maintenance manager Bob Funseth.

In addition to the AMVGC volunteers, other notables who received awards that evening included  PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem who received the Golden Tee Award for his outstanding leadership and achievements. Ernie Els received the Winnie Palmer Award for his foundation work on behalf of autism. CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz received the Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism Award. The Donald Trump family received the Family of the Year Award. The Metropolis Country Club received the Club of the Year Award. And Mary Bea Porter King received the Distinguished Service Award.  That is a very impressive group to be associated with at an awards banquet!

A special treat for the management representatives was Robert Trent Jones who sat at our table. He is the architect and builder of Chambers Bay Golf Course here in University Place, where the 2015 U.S. Open will be held.  Robert Trent Jones plans to visit and play the American Lake Veterans Golf Course this summer.

Pepper Wins Brotherton Community Champions Award

The Seattle International Film Festival took a break from its regular programming last night to honor local heroes who’ve gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on their communities.
The Brotherton Community Champions series asked filmmakers to submit short documentaries about local men and women who fit the community champion mold. The films were then posted on komonews.com, where viewers voted for their favorites. Read the whole story here.

Jack Nicklaus Shows Us the Magic

In a whirlwind 24-hour visit to American Lake Veterans Golf Course and Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus held a golf clinic, walked the grounds of the proposed New Nine that he'll be designing at ALVGC and hosted a fundraiser to get the New Nine built. Read more about his visit here and to see videos, click here.

A New Rehabilitation and Learning Center

Igniting a veteran's interest in golf begins with new skills to play within their set of limitations. Skills assessment, physical therapy, fitness training and golf lessons are available in this 8,400 square foot facility with important space for social rehabilitation and recreation. For more details click on the picture to the right.

Honoring Our Medal of Honor Recipients

Hole No. 3 at American Lake Veterans Golf Course

Dedicated to Medal of Honor Award Recipients

Hole No. 3 at American Lake Veterans Golf Course, considered the course's "signature" hole," was dedicated as the "Medal of Honor" hole during a special event on June 25. The recognition honors recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. For more details click on the picture to the left.

Governor Gregoire Declares a Day for
American Lake Veterans Golf Course

Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire
issued a proclamation celebrating the ongoing
achievements at American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
See the entire proclamation here.