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The Bakersfield Voice Sunday, February 28, 2010
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YOURSPORTS
Peninsula Coast is heaven for golfers A
h! Monterey Peninsula. God’s country. Etch-ASketch coastlines. Carmelby-the Sea. Monterey Bay. Cannery Row. Spectacular views. Stunning seascapes. And golf! Ever been to a professional golf tournament? They’re cool and vibrant. I had the good fortune of attending the recent AT&T Pro-Am held on the Peninsula courses, and it was a kick! The concept of matching up amateurs and celebrities with the pros — at this particular venue for the benefit of local charities — was formulated long ago by crooner Bing Crosby. Back then, it was dubbed the “Crosby Clambake.” Twenty-five years ago, corporate sponsor AT&T took the tournament over, but it still retains its satiating flavor as the celebs and pros keep coming back ... as do the crowds! Now, ladies, don’t turn the page on me quite yet regarding this golf stuff. I’ve got some exciting reading coming up just for you! OK, guys, the tourney was played the first three days at Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course and Spyglass Hill. Absolutely gorgeous golf courses with danger lurking prior to each shot, due to wet conditions, pin placements, hard-to-read greens and everyone’s favorite distraction:
the Pacific Ocean! My gosh! I walked Pebble Beach on Saturday, and it was akin to an out-of-body experience as the sun was shining brightly, pristine air beckoned and the course was in magnificent shape. The ocean was a bit angry that day, which made for 20-foot high sprays crashing into the seawall bordering the left side of number 18. I’m running out of adjectives here, but it was simply a breathtaking sight. The most enjoyable part of the tournament is the celebrity sightings and the interaction between them and the fans. Even though the pros’ purse total is upwards Sports columnist of $6 million, it is a pro-am and the professionals understand that there will be distractions along the way. Comedian George Lopez is a riot, as is the venerable Bill Murray. His shtick never grows old. Fergie’s (pop music variety, not the Dutchess variety!) hubby and television star, Josh Duhamel played to a 12 handi-
MICHAEL ELLIOTT
cap. Andy Garcia is a staple of the event. And Don Cheadle’s got game! All-time pro surfer Kelly Slater has even more game (3 handicap). Country singer Clay Walker was having a ball, though he couldn’t hit one very well! Huey Lewis, ESPN’s Chris Berman, Vince Gill, Kenny G. (scratch golfer), and female soccer star, Brandi Chastain were all in the field, too. OK, girls ... The largest followings were for Tony Romo and Tom Brady. I’m feeling a little jealous here, but that’s alright! Romo is a definite scratch golfer and can tee it up with the pros. He looks larger in person, probably because he’s not standing around huge offensive linemen, or hugging the turf below some 350-pound. defensive lineman. But the real stud celebrity who caught the most attention was Tom Brady. He was a magnet. Now, I’m not into this guy-admiring thing, other than watching them ply their trades, but 'ol Tom Brady is one handsome fella. He’s ee taller than he looks on the telly. A very amiable person as he shook hands, signed autographs and waved at the throng. Just a down-to-earth sort. He even took time to throw the pigskin around with people on the 18th fairway. Oh yeah! And there WAS a golf tournament going on!
PHOTOGALLERY
CALIFORNIAN FILE
The AT&T Pro-Am golf tournament was recently held at the Pebble Beach golf course in Monterey County.
Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Rory Sabbatini, Davis Love III, smokin’ (literally!) John Daly, Corey Pavin, Retief Goosen, Fresno’s Nick Watney, Padraig Harrington. Phil Mickelson had a nice following as the biggest name in the field. He seemed not as hefty in person. Very nice and appreciative.
And a ghost from the past, David Duval, came within one shot of forcing a playoff. But, alas, 25 yearold defending champ, Dustin Johnson claimed the $1.116 million dollar first prize with a birdie on the final hole. Clint Eastwood reported that the tournament has raised over $76
million dollars in 50 years, which has been some kind of blessing to those who have benefited from the charitable event. A good time is had by all for the purpose of humanity. Jack Nicklaus says that if he had only one last round to play in his life that it would be played at Pebble Beach. Amen.
YOURSPORTS
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALEX TORRES
Love of photography passed down from father to daughter!
James brothers are true champions! The Bakersfield Voice’s Star Athletes: Jacob and Noah James! Nominated by Bryan and Tricia James e would like to recognize our sons, Jacob and Noah James, for their outstanding baseball achievements. Both boys have played for Southwest Baseball and are currently on traveling teams, the 12U Bakersfield Heat and 9U Bakersfield Renegades. Jacob and Noah are both leaders on their teams. They each brought home Championship trophies from Southwest’s President’s Day Tournament for their respective divisions. What makes us so proud of our boys is that despite their busy schedules, Jacob has made “Principal’s List” and Noah has made honor roll since starting school.
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Way to go Champs!
COURTESY PHOTO
Do you have a son, daughter, grandkid or buddy who is your pick for MVP? Nominate them for The Bakersfield Voice’s Star Athlete by going to: www.bakersfieldvoice.com and posting your nomination and photo. Nominations should tell us in 50 words or less what makes this youth a
Jacob and Noah James. star athlete — and remember, your nomination MUST include a photo in jpeg format. Winners will be featured in a future edition of The Bakersfield Voice!
YOURCELEBRATIONS Local banker, Bryan Burrow, named CSUB alumnus of the year! COURTESY OF CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD
A M
y name is Alex Torres and I really enjoy taking pictures. As a kid, I was always a subject for my father’s photography, as it was once one of his hobbies as well. I would watch as I got older how he would hold the camera, position his subject, and make sure the light was just so. I soon found that photography interested me as well. When I was about 12, my parents got me my first camera. I had used their cameras before but this one I could call my own. I found that my brothers were very photogenic and a majority of my photos are of them. I am now 16 years old, and I have since learned more about my style. I like to take pic-
tures of abstract objects and make them seen in a way that we do not normally see them. I also love taking pictures of sports, and making an amazing play a standstill memory. I like for my pictures to tell a story, to open your imagination, and to put you in awe. When I am not taking pictures, I like to hang out with my family and friends. I play soccer for my school team at Ridgeview High School and I have a lot of fun. I also volunteer every Sunday teaching Sunday School for my church. My parents are very supportive of my photography and I thank them for everything. My father is the one who inspired me to start taking pictures and I thank him for
that. My mom has always supported everything I do, and I do not know where I would be without her. Thank you to my brothers who put up with me sticking a camera in there faces for hours making sure I got the perfect shot! Would you like to see YOUR photos featured in The Bakersfield Voice? You too can share your stories and photos with our Voice readers. It’s easy to do. Go to our Web site: www.bakersfieldvoice.com, create a FREE profile if you haven’t already and begin posting your stories, photos and blogs today!
s a banker, Bryan Burrow knows the importance of return on investment for his clients and his employer. He also applies the principles of investing when it comes to community volunteerism, actively lending his talents to organizations that improve the local quality of life. For his investments and leadership in support of California State University, Bakersfield, Burrow has been named the 2009-10 CSUB alumnus of the year. “We had an incredible pool of candidates and I am so proud of all the contributions CSUB alumni are making locally and far beyond,” said Adam Hopkins, Alumni Association board member and chair of the search committee. “We’re pleased to honor Bryan this year. He is a walking, talking billboard for alumni, the university and the community. “It is evident that CSUB has had a significant impact on his life and
he’s sharing that in everything he does.” Burrow moved to Bakersfield in 1997 and earned a master’s in business administration from CSUB in 2000. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University in Texas. Since 2005, Burrow has served as the vice presi- Burrow dent and senior client manager for Bank of America. Named as one of 10 ”People to Watch” by Bakersfield Life Magazine, Burrow’s community efforts are extensive. He is a past president of the CSUB Alumni Association and continues to serve actively on the board. He is a member of the CSUB Council of 100 and vice chair of the CSUB President’s Advisory Council. Beyond CSUB, Burrow’s involvement in the community includes the Leadership Bakers-
field advisory council, Kern Agricultural Foundation board of directors, Bakersfield Adventure for the Mind, and Westside Church of Christ. ”It’s an honor to be recognized by CSUB,” Burrow said. “The university has positioned itself as a cornerstone in Kern County which is why it is a big part of my community involvement. A community with a higher level of education is a community with better jobs and, as a result, a higher quality of life. I am proud to be among those who support CSUB.” Burrow and his wife, Kayla, have two young children who they hope will one day be Roadrunners. Burrow was recognized as alumnus of the year on Saturday, Feb. 27 when the CSUB Alumni Association inducted its fourth class into the CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame at the Petroleum Club. The sold out event honored Jim Bock, Irma Carson, Sheryl Chalupa, and Jeff Green as the newest members of the CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame.