PGA Hall Of Famer Paul Runyan Give Golfing Tips At Event

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 10/26/00 -- Dust off your golf clubs and practice your swing, 'cause the 1st Annual Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena, CA. More than 60 golf enthusiasts are expected to participate in the event that has been organized by the Pasadena Jaycees to raise funds and awareness for Orthopaedic Hospital's various charitable pediatric programs.

"The Pasadena Jaycees is proud to organize this event to assist Orthopaedic Hospital's mission of providing charitable orthopaedic care to children," said John Luck, event Chairman. "Both organizations have a rich history of serving the local community, and this tournament is a wonderful opportunity to bring them together," he added.

The tournament will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a putting contest and golf tips from PGA Hall of Famer Paul Runyan. Following an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start, players will be governed by U.S.G.A. and local rules as they make their ways along the Par 70, 18-hole course in the scramble tournament. A silent auction will be held throughout the day featuring items donated by local businesses including the L.A. Kings, Charis, Café Bizou, and P.M. Jacoy. Immediately after the last team completes the course, an awards dinner will be held.

Along-time supporter of the hospital, world-renowned golf pro Paul Runyan was elected to the PGA Hall of Fame in 1959 and is considered one of the game's finest putters. The author of Short Way to Lower Scoring, Runyan beat two of the game's longest hitters, Sam Snead and Craig Wood, in the finals of the 1934 and 1938 PGA Championships. Although he's approaching his mid-nineties, Runyan still plays golf on a weekly basis and works as a teaching pro with Callaway Golf Company.

"Several years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Orthopaedic Hospital's facilities and see how much good they accomplish with so little money," he says with a smile at his Pasadena home. "I can't help but donate a little of my time to support their on-going efforts."

For the past 72 years, the Pasadena Jaycees have been giving their time and energy to the local community and others around the world. The Jaycees, young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, have raised millions of dollars for various causes and sponsored numerous projects including the construction of parks, playgrounds, ball fields, and housing for the elderly. With a mission to make a difference in the local community, last December alone, the Pasadena Jaycees impacted the lives of over 5,000 local underprivileged children through Operation Santa.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Orthopaedic Hospital is a recognized world leader in research, teaching and patient care in orthopaedic medicine, resulting in an improved quality of life for children and adults with crippling diseases. For 88 years, Orthopaedic Hospital has been helping children afflicted with crippling conditions receive the finest care in the world to lead healthy, active lives without regard to the family's ability to pay. For additional information on Orthopaedic Hospital and its services, please visit the website at www.orthohospital.org or call (213) 742-6509.

Paul Runyan is Available for Interviews by Phone Prior to the Event and on a Reservation Basis During the Tournament.