Notes From The Road

Posted: Thursday, August 9, 2007

Contributor: Matt Griesser

 

Peter Jacobsen's Legends of Oregon

For three of the last four years I've been lucky enough to be a part of Peter Jacobsen's Legends of Oregon. It's a nine-year young concept that Jake put together to raise money for a cause that has meant a lot to him - University of Oregon Athletics. Jake played for the Oregon Ducks' golf team in the mid-70s and he's never forgotten where he came from.

Some large coin was raised, again this year, to benefit the Duck Athletic Fund.  Former U of O grads, such as NFL Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox and NBA baller Luke Jackson, were on hand...not to mention Shannon Rouillard of U.S. Women's Open fame and now the Women’s Golf Coach at U of O!  Casey Martin (U of O Men’s Golf Coach) and former “braveheart” PGA TOUR player was in the event, as well. I must say my favorite group is the “old school” Legends.  Wilcox still looks like he should be suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers!

Here’s some of the “down low” info on this year's event – a small group of us flew down to Bend, Oregon with Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for the legendary rock band, KISS!  He’s a Portland native and Peter was pumped to invite him to play in this year’s event!

The Legends started with a Thursday night dinner and auction at Broken Top Golf Club in Bend.  Jake hosts the auction and I’m there to sidekick him and throw the occasional “barb” or “jab” while these Legends get auctioned to the highest paying foursome.  We also do a live auction for Duck memorabilia that always has some good moments.  Like the time I modeled Oregon’s new football uniforms.  Two Cheerleaders wore jerseys on stage and I squeezed, and I mean squeezed into one of the lineman’s jerseys!

The next day we had a great time teeing it at Broken Top Golf Club.  It’s a 9am shotgun start and I was lucky enough to play with some great people from JELD-WEN windows and doors.  They bid for the chance to play with me the night before and I’m very grateful they did… because we had a blast!  We were never in the running for the “pickle dish,” however, it really didn’t matter because we laughed, sprayed the pellet and laughed some more.

After the round it’s a casual lunch and awards ceremony at the Broken Top clubhouse.  Soon after we’re all headed to the airport or to our cars for the trip back home.  Not too bad a get together since in less than 24 hrs, $350,000 had been raised for the Duck Athletic Fund.  Not to mention the great time we had up in the mountains of Central Oregon.

One side note:  through my participation with the event, Peter has been kind enough to have me counted as an honorary U of O Legend (wink, wink).  To that, I say, "GO DUCKS!" 

 

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