Leaving a Legacy: “Let’s Bet On Youth” Golf Tournament Opens 2019 Season on May 16th

Tags: Youth Development

Register now:

• Call Travis Alley at 530.550.7084
• Download the E.J. Tegner registration form

On Thursday, May 16th, the North Tahoe-Truckee community will open the 2019 golf season with the fifth annual “Let’s Bet on Youth” Golf Tournament. The first tournament of the year celebrates the life of beloved community member E.J. Tegner and raises between $15,000 and $18,000 for the E.J. Tegner Golf Foundation. And there’s still time to register to be part of the season’s inaugural tournament!

Marilyn Wood started the foundation in memory of E.J., her husband, after he passed away in 2014. EJ was an avid golfer and loved a friendly wager, which is how he, and his memorial foundation, received the nickname “Let’s Bet.” Marilyn, Kevin Murphy, Kathy Hess Slocum, and Brian McGeever- dear friends to E.J. and Marilyn – opened an endowed fund at the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) to honor E.J.’s memory and to bring the virtues and values of golf to local young people. Their original goal was to raise $250,000 to be held in an endowed fund. Marilyn seeded the fund with $200,000 and the endowment today stands close to $300,000!

The vision was to bring golf to all kids regardless of socio-economic background or the interest of their parents, and to create a pathway for all kids to experience the benefits of the life skills and core values that the game instills. EJ Tegner “Golf in Schools Program” month long program is offered at area elementary schools. Travis Alley, PGA Golf Director at Tahoe Mountain Club, leads the golf in Schools Program. Like Travis, the instructors are PGA Golf Professionals. This year all 3rd and 4th and 5th grade elementary school kids in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District were able to participate.

“E.J. would be pleased to see the impact and improvement on the lives of youth through access and education in golf,” says Marilyn.

Other groups the EJ Tegner Foundation has contributed to include: North Tahoe Golf Boys and Girls Teams, Truckee Boys and Girls Golf Teams, and The Fred Alexander Memorial Family Golf Clinic. This totaled over $12,000 in grants for 2019.

“It’s tremendously gratifying to be part of the team who created the E.J Tegner – Let’s Bet on Youth Golf Foundation.  Making a difference in kid’s lives is what really matters most!” said Kevin Murphy. The beauty of the endowed fund is that it will continue to serve our community’s young people and honor E.J. forever.

On May 16th, a fun day is planned with 18 holes of golf, longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contest. It will be held at Old Greenwood Golf Course. The format is four person, two net better ball. Cost is $400 per team and/or $100 per person. If you would like to make additional donations we have sponsorships available.

Come out and enjoy the day for a great cause. All proceeds go directly to the foundation. Sign up soon, this event will sell out.

If you can’t play the golf tournament, you can still positively impact the lives of local youth through golf. Donate to: Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation E.J. Tegner Memorial Fund.