News - Morton Golf Foundation

PGA HOPE Receives Adaptive Cart from Morton Golf Foundation

Last year, Suzy Schneider, Program Manager for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) was asked to speak at a Morton Golf Foundation Board meeting regarding their programs and helping Veterans through the game of golf.

When Suzy ended up telling us all the wonderful things that PGA HOPE does one of our board members asked, “What does PGA HOPE need?”. Suzy answered back, “An adaptive cart to continue to help our wounded Veterans play with everyone else”.

When Suzy left the meeting our board of directors voted to buy PGA HOPE an adaptive cart so they could continue their mission.

Just recently a VertaCat cart was delivered to Swenson Park Golf Course in Stockton because PGA HOPE knows that would be the best location to reach as many wounded veterans as possible.

The founder and creator of the VertaCat adaptive cart is Anthony Netto. He was a huge part in making this happen. He is not only the designer of this cart but also spends his time growing the non-profit “Stand Up and Play” Foundation. Their mission is to give wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges the chance to stand up again, to experience the empowerment of looking someone in the eye, and to experience the freedom to play sports. It’s simple. Their goal is to give as many people as possible the gift of standing up.

Morton Golf Foundation continues to be proud of these relationships as we all grow golfers one player at a time.

In Loving Memory of Ted Ghallagher, Morton Golf Foundation Volunteer

Teddy Ray Gallagher was born on May 27, 1943, in Oregon. He was the third child born to Ray and Dorothy Gallagher.

The family moved to Ducor, California, and later Aptos, California, after Ted graduated high school. While living in Aptos, Ted attended Cabrillo Junior College for two years. After college, Ted went to work for Wonder World department stores. He became the supervisor for the jewelry, camera, and luggage departments for stores from Fresno to Redding.

Ted met Mary while she was working at the jewelry department in the Redding Wonder World store, and they began to date. Ted left his supervisor position to join the Technicolor company until he and Mary decided to open their own jewelry store, T & M, in San Jose, California.

On June 28th, 1969, Ted and Mary were married in Redding, CA. Ted returned to Technicolor, later bought out by Kodak, and the two moved to Sacramento to start their family. Ryan O’Shea Gallagher was born on September 12th, 1977, and Sean Christian Gallagher came two years later, on September 4, 1979.

Ted’s days were spent working for Kodak in various Raley’s and Bel Air store branches and watching the boys play several sports, from soccer and swimming to tennis and golf. Ted was known for being the guy everyone loved; he put together yearly golf tournaments that were not only successful in raising money, but from all the stories we’ve heard, all who attended had a lot of fun!

Ted had a passion for photography. He could be seen taking pictures at family functions, weddings, holiday parties, and one of his favorites, Grant High School football games. He had a unique way of capturing beauty in all his subjects, leading to memories that could be cherished forever.

After retiring from Kodak, Ted worked for a local senior newspaper and started volunteering for the Junior Golf Program at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. Later, Ted’s grandchildren, Aubrey and Connor Gallagher, would join the program leading to the entire family’s love of golf.

Golf would take center stage for the years to follow. He would be joined by Mary, the boys, and the grandchildren. He had a standing golf date on Mondays and Thursdays with friends at Haggin Oaks, and he organized a monthly tournament for a group of fellow NCGA members.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, Ted passed away in his home surrounded by family. Before he passed, he made the selfless decision to donate his body to the UC Davis Body Donation program.

Ted is survived by his wife Mary (Healey) Gallagher, son, Sean {Cassie) Gallagher, his grandchildren, Aubrey, Connor and Nettie. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan.

2nd Annual Trick or Treat at Haggin Oaks on October 26, 2024

The 2nd annual trick or treat held at Haggin Oaks was attended by over 150 families!

Under beautiful sunny skies Haggin Oaks was turned into a scary haunted Halloween theme by the guidance of Brandy Legay, Food & Beverage Assistant Manager at Haggin Oaks.

Thanks to Morton Golf Foundation volunteers who helped at the 10 candy sites greeting and handing out candy to the little ghosts and goblins. “Trick or Treat” could be heard far and wide over the golf course.

Special activities were set-up near the candy sites. Families were able to stop and spend time having fun before moving on to the next site.

The fun started with 9-holes of free mini-golf on the MacKenzie Putting Course. Then the families proceeded to a coloring station, putting through carved out pumpkin’s along with several photo stops by the 4 “very scary” decorated golf carts.

It was fun to see how creative the families were with their costume selections. The Super Hero definitely won that category.

The buzz as the afternoon ended was families already taking about what their costume will be for next year.

Happy Halloween & see you there!

The Andy Classic Memorial Golf Tournament Benefiting Junior Golf

Andy Paisal, past Golf Rep for GT Golf and Bag Boy passed away last year. Andy was a recognized junior golfer in the Northern California and well known by Haggin Oaks staff.

His family wanted to remember him for what Andy did best, giving back to junior golf. When Andy was ever asked to support Junior golf, he never said, No. Every time he continued to give back and pay it forward.

Last Friday, October 4^th was Andy’s birthday and that was the day his family chose to remember him in a charity golf tournament called “The Andy Classic”.

The proceeds were given to Morton Golf Foundation who will continue to pass it on to local youth, disabled and underserved throughout the year.

Thanks to Andy as he is still putting smiles on the faces as his good deeds continue.

LIVE from Pebble Beach at The PURE Championship

LIVE from Pebble Beach at PURE Championship

Once a year the PGA Champions TOUR partners with the First Tee juniors from Chapters across the country.

This year, five juniors were selected from the First Tee – Greater Sacramento to play in this event. They were Sahil Nathoo, Abigail Lin, Gianna Singh, Ish Sodhi, Hannah Stouder.

On Saturday they play once again with their chosen PGA Pro hoping to make the cut so they can play again on Sunday.

Every junior player said the same thing when asked if they were having a good week at Pebble Beach, “This is as close as I have been to playing on the PGA TOUR.” They are all living their golf dream.

L5 Investments Capital Cup 2024 Final

The 10th Annual L5 Investments Capital Cup was held September 13-15, 2024

Jane Siebers, Tom Morton and Mike Woods hold Capital Cup Check for Morton Golf Foundation after tournament

For the past 10 years 32 golfers from our Greater Sacramento have come together to play 3 days of golf to raise money for the charity of their choice.

Morton Golf Foundation is proud to have our President, Tom Morton playing for the Morton Golf Foundation. These players play 3 days straight in a Ryder Cup format with the winning team playing for an additional $100,000.00 split between the 16 team players.

This year Tom Morton along with the Morton Golf Foundation raised $137,439.00 going directly back to local youth, adaptive and underserved.

Since the inception this event has raised $18,105,209.00.

This year alone these 32 players have raised $2,626,522.00!

The 2025 goal is set at raising over $20million for the total 11 years.

Next year the date for the 11th Annual Capital Cup is set for September, 2025. Looking forward to growing our charity along with this event.

Special Olympics Golf Regionals Held at Haggin Oaks on September 13, 2024

Nearly 500 athletes and their caregivers gathered at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex for a day of fun, and skill-building, and camaraderie at the Special Olympics Golf Regionals.

For the past fourteen years Morton Golf Foundation has been a key sponsor of Special Olympics Golf Regionals at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex.

This year, nearly 500 Special Olympics Athletes & their caregivers showed up with a positive attitude knowing they were going to spend a fun morning at the golf course.

Several athletes arrived early to play golf on MacKenzie Golf Course along with a separate group playing a Shotgun scramble on Arcade Creek Golf Course. While they were playing on the course the remaining athletes went to the back of the range to showcase their golf skills. There were 5 different skills stations set up with over 30 Morton Golf Foundation volunteers guiding them through their contest.

The morning ended with the Haggin Oaks famous burger bar to enjoy while they cheered on each Athlete as they received their metal.

Several volunteers have already approached us to make sure they stay on our volunteer list for next year. The first time we ask them and from then on, the volunteers ask us to help.

This event is always our best event of the year as we all believe that the Special Olympics Athletes are the real winners. Thanks for everyone’s support & we look forward to seeing you back next September.

LIVE from 76th Walter & Olga Strand Junior/Senior City Championship

On Sunday, September 9, The 76th Annual Walter and Olga Strand Junior/Senior Championship Tournament occurred at Barley Cavanaugh Golf Course.

The Lee sisters, Sophia & Olivia teamed up with Sacramento City Golf Council members Nanci Smith and Mark Perry for a competitive round of golf.

Sophia & Olivia Lee along side Sacramento City Golf Council members Nanci Smith and Mark Perry on green at Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course

Both of these teams shot 68 with their handicaps in this event.

This event uses the Champman Scotch format which was a lot of fun to watch as they hit alternate shots.

To sign-up for next year’s event just watch for the 2025 schedule at www.sacgolfcoucil.org & invite the junior of your choice.

Fun Updates on Past MGF Junior STARS

Where are they now? We have an updated on a few of our past MGF Junior STARS!

Wheare are They Now Image Red Background with Pink writing

Nikki Chindavong: MGF Scholarship winner 2023, MGF Jr Grant winner 2017 to 2023 (7 years). Sophomore at UNR, currently working at Jr camps for

NCIG, continues to volunteer for MGF.

Darla Dela Torre: MGF Scholarship winner 2024, MGF Jr Grant winner 2016 to 2024 ( 9 years, started at 9 years old). Committed to Sac State for 2024, will play

on the golf team. Qualified for 2024 USGA Junior Girls Championship.

Jack Fidler: MGF Scholarship winner 2022, MGF Jr Grant winner 2019 to 2022 (4 years). Currently works for Morton Golf LLC, active MGF volunteer, loves to

act in community theater.

Richie Gibbs: MGF Jr Grant winner 2015 to 2020 (6 years). Currently works for Morton Golf LLC, working on his PGM degree, while teaching lessons, running Junior camps and completing his degree online. Continues to be a MGF volunteer.

Emily Guan: MGF Grant winner, 2022 and 2024 (2 years), Age, 16. Current 2024 Sacramento City Junior Girls Champion. Also, a competitive Junior Skier.

Ashley Knepshield: MGF Scholarship Winner 2020, MGF Jr Grant winner 2015-2020 (6 years), continues to be a MGF volunteer. Graduated from UCLA 2024. Seeking employment in the film industry.

Taylor Morton: MGF College Scholarship Winner in 2018, Age 24. Graduated with an Engineering Degree from UNR and immediately got an Engineering position with PING Golf in Scottsdale, AZ. He has been the Lead Engineer on Blueprint S irons, Blueprint T irons & GLE3 Women’s hybrid clubs.

Emily Zedek: MGF Scholarship winner 2022, MGF Jr grant winner 2021-2022 (2 years), Currently attending UNR, plays golf at club level, Works summers at Morton Golf LLC running junior camps.

Where Are They Now? Cameron Champ

Cameron Champ came to Morton Golf Foundation when he was a Junior in High School looking for funding. His thoughts were to play in International golf tournaments to increase his awareness for his future to play on the PGA TOUR. The rest is history. . .

Cameron Champ and his caddy looking at green

Cameron, now 29 years old graduated from Texas A & M, is married & resides in Houston, TX.

He just finished his 2nd round in the Barracuda Championship with 2 days to go with a score of 20 as they play the Stableford method.

Sacramento, his hometown continues to cheer him and on & wish him well in his PGA TOUR future.