June 2, 2009

Photo Gallery

AUSTIN, Texas -- It wasn't just your typical day at the University of Texas Golf Club, and this was apparent way before Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" was overheard spewing from golf cart speakers in Major Applewhite's group.

On Monday, the Longhorn Foundation, in conjunction with the Texas Men's and Women's Golf teams, hosted the Longhorn Pro-Am, and it was a collection of UT's living lore, past and present.

Masters champion Ben Crenshaw talked shop with David Gossett on the driving range. UT president Bill Powers enjoyed 18 holes with Mark Brooks. And, of course, Applewhite's group provided the soundtrack.

"It's just a good time," UT Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds said.

It's actually more than that. Monday's tournament, along with the Sunday night pairings party and auction, help raise funds that are poured directly back into the golf programs. Events like these have enabled the recent golf course redesign, which added bunkering, contouring and about 300 yards of extra length.

The state-of-the-art UT Golf Academy is another benefit, and it, along with players' lounges and indoor hitting bays, was on display for everyone on Monday.

Before a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start, a handful of pros staged a Tour Clinic on the back end of the driving range. Gossett described his warm-up routine, and Heather Bowie-Young enthralled everyone by hitting a driver -- from her knees.

Two-time U.S. Women's Amateur champion and former UT All-American Kelli Kuehne is a regular at the UT Golf Club.

"The University of Texas has amazing history, and some incredible players. It's very, very cool to be amongst them when you're practicing," Kuehne said. "It's usually not just me down here on the range. You'll see the current team, or some of the pros. It's a nice place, because the Club welcomes all of us with open arms."

Touring pro Joe Ogilvie's group of Will Muschamp, Cleve Bryant, Bill Duvall and Marshall Wilson earned first-place tournament honors. Lance Lopez teamed with Jim Plasek, Darrell Spaulding, Robert Long and Steve McMillon for second place.

Third place went to the musical group of Applewhite, Charlie Holland, Mac McWhorter, David Pettle and Lucas Patterson.

"It's always great to see all the great players and great people from every sport and every era out here," Crenshaw said.