For Randy Fox it’s Always Been About the Relationships

Randy Fox For It’s Always Been About The Relationships

For the past 22 years as Edgewood Tahoe’s director of golf, he’s represented its heart and soul among visiting golfers, tournament groups, professional peers, friends, business associates, celebrities and personalities, Men’s and Ladies’ Club members, management, co-workers and staff, and community.

And now that the 66-year-old recently eased his way into retirement following a celebrated career, it’s the relationships that have always mattered most – with his wife Karen and family.

“Family is always the priority and now we’ll have more time to spend and enjoy with each other,” said Fox. Those times will include winters in Maui and Palm Springs, and summers in Tahoe, not a bad trifecta.

For Randy, his Tahoe odyssey began early. A native of La Mirada, Calif, near Buena Park, his family had vacationed here as he was growing up. When he turned 21, he purchased a house with his dad in Incline Village, at the northeast corner of the Lake, then moved here.

An accomplished golfer in high school and junior college, he was looking to real estate as a profession. At the time, he operated a drywall business but didn’t envision a long-term future there, and then the golf bug bit. He took a parttime job at Incline Village Golf Course in 1985, then entered the PGA apprentice program at Edgewood Tahoe in 1987 and worked summers there through 1992. Both jobs came about through unsolicited references from friends – relationships Randy had developed.

At Edgewood, Randy worked with Lou Eiguren, longtime director of golf, and previously at Olympic Club. “Lou was my mentor. A great guy who helped me along the way. I learned so much about golf, the profession, and how to treat people,” reflected Randy.

Fox became a PGA Class A member 1993 and when Genoa Lakes Golf Course opened that same year, it was with Randy as head golf professional. In 2000, the head golf pro position at Edgewood became available and Fox, with his previous experience and relationships – once again, was the natural choice. His Edgewood career has totaled 28 years.

“I look back on all those personal bonds that formed with so many people at Tahoe and from out of the area during that time. Some have become close friends we vacation with now,” said Fox.

One of those close friends is Chris Stein, head golf professional at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. The two initiated an annual home and home tournament with members of both clubs traveling to compete for bragging rights, but in reality, more for good times on and off the course. It’s stood the test of time over some 30 years as an endearing tradition.

Stein recalled a memorable round at Edgewood with Randy when they were in a tight match on the 15th hole and Randy holed out his second shot from the fairway for eagle. Then I stepped up to my ball, looked down, and said, ‘Sorry Randy, but you hit the wrong ball.’ Instead of being mad, Randy just started laughing. I know he had to be hot inside, but he didn’t show it.”

But what Stein admires most about Randy is “his ongoing kindness and caring for others. He rarely talks about himself. I remember Randy got an invitation to my surprise 50th birthday party and he drove to the Bay Area and had to drive back to Tahoe that same night. That’s the sign of a true friend and I will never forget that.”

Randy has displayed that similar demeanor over the years with Edgewood Men’s Club groups during home tournaments or when

“I look back on all those personal bonds that formed with so many people at Tahoe and from out of the area during that time. Some have become close friends we vacation with now,” Randy Fox organizing road trips and herding cats. While he’s a straight shooter and competitive, his easy-going personality always made it look easy no matter how many last-minute changes or unique personalities. An endearing Fox family tradition had the three generations playing golf together on Sunday of the U.S. Open. Randy’s dad, Bernie, and his two sons, Dustin and Parker would play an early morning round, have a big lunch, head home to watch the final round, then go back out to Edgewood for another 18. “When I think back on all the good times, the most favorite days were when my wife Karen, was handling the bar cart, Dustin was caddying, my future daughter-in-law Jessica was in the Pro Shop, Parker worked the cart area, and Bandit, our dog, was the official goose chaser. Then we’d all come home and everyone would talk about what happened during the day.” When asked about his accomplishments, Randy, of course, mentioned family. “I’m proud of Karen, how she’s dealt with her health issues. My boys, Dustin and Parker for the people they became. Seeing the golfer that Dustin is but more importantly, how he gets along with people of all ages and how he treats everyone with respect. “As far as Edgewood, when I look at all that’s happened, it’s about being stewards of the property and leaving it better than we found it,” he said. “I was here for the first three Celebrity tournaments, 1990 to 1992, and for the last 21, so to realize what it’s become and to have a small part in that is gratifying. Just seeing Edgewood grow over the years, from the 1985 U.S. Senior Open when Orrin Vincent helped put us on the map; now with the American Century Championship on NBC – Edgewood is in Golf Digest’s Top 100 and it’s world famous.” Randy’s impact in the South Lake Tahoe community has extended far beyond the golf course. Jude Wood, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe said, “As founder and trustee of the Parker Fox Memorial Fund, Randy has been a major supporter of local non-profits and in particular, the Boys & Girls Club. His impact on that program is far reaching. In addition to installing a putting green at the Club, Randy has worked each year with Edgewood to provide complimentary golf lessons for the kids. In addition, he has supported the Club through the Memorial Fund with personal donations and also served on our board of directors for more than five years. And as the chief organizer of our Annual Golf Classic at Edgewood – with all green fees donated, he has ensured its smooth operation.” So, what’s next? “Well, for now it’s go slow and try to do as much as can, see what feels right and go from there,” said Randy. “I’ve been presented with a lifetime membership at Edgewood, so I definitely plan on being around and playing some golf.”. And carrying on the relationships he’s forged with so many.