CGCOA Insider

professional events. But he realized that now in his mid-40s, his body couldn't keep up with the demands of repetitive completive play, so he opted to use his golf-related professional skills in another way. "I returned to PGCC as a professor teaching a class that I called Golf Course Law," he said. "My research indicated that nowhere in the continental United States was a class being taught that was dedicated to the study of how the law impacted the world of golf and how the game of golf impacted the law." Smilow quickly realized that the golf indus- try seemed more dedicated to developing posi- tive relationships and creating win-win situations. Seeing the need in the business for a strong voice and legal advocate who could use his tal- ents to preserve and protect the game, he began devoting his time to educating its future leaders as well as serving the present interests of the industry. Smilow says he has no regrets about em- bracing golf as far more than a recreational pastime. "Golf truly is the greatest game ever played, an opportunity for constant learning about ourselves and the world to bond with others, to stay healthy and be happy," he said. "On the golf course I experience unity with the physi- cal forces of the universe and the philosophies of the ages. There is a timelessness to the game. The course is my church where I find peace and connection with all there is. Every shot presents an opportunity. Every round is a journey. Every moment a joy." WINNING MOMENTS Past CGCOA award recipients: 2017 Course of the Year: Dad Miller Golf Course Community Environmental: Indian Wells Golf Resort For the Good of the Game: Johnny Hakim, Greenskeeper.org Employee Excellence: Matt Muhlenbruch, Superin- tendent, Poppy Hills Golf Course Ted Horton Distinguished Service: Ron Zraick, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club 2016 Course of the Year: Presidio Golf Club Community Environmental: Cinnabar Hills Golf Club For the Good of the Game: Tom Addis III, CEO/ Executive Director of the Southern California Section of the Professional Golfers' Association (SCPGA) Employee Excellence: Don Chelemedos, General Manager, Presidio Golf Club Ted Horton Distinguished Service: Dawn Prebula, Senior Vice President for VGM Club, Resorts & Gaming 2015 Course of the Year: Poppy Hills Golf Course Community Environmental (North): Yocha Dehe Golf Club Community Environmental (South): Olivas Links Golf Course For the Good of the Game: Mike Huck, Irrigation and Turfgrass Services Ted Horton Distinguished Service: Steve Plummer, Championship Golf Services 2014 Course of the Year: Indian Wells Golf Resort Community Environmental: Dairy Creek Golf Course For the Good of the Game: Craig Kessler, Southern California Golf Association Ted Horton Distinguished Service: Scott Hoyt, Pasatiempo Golf Club 2013 Course of the Year: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex Community Environmental: Little River Inn For the Good of the Game: Emmy Moore-Minister Ted Horton Distinguished Service: Ted Horton, Ted Horton Consulting "Golf is truly the greatest game ever played, an opportunity to bond with others, to stay healthy and be happy." – ED SMILOW, Winner of the Ted Horton Distinguished Service Award

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