Page 60 - Las Vegas Golf & Leisure Fall 2019

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CON GR AT S

DonWelch shown swinging as fellow pro Mike Barnett looks on

Don Welch

(1933-2010)

As a forefather of golf in Las Vegas, Welch had a reputation as a kind, loy-
Sue May al, quiet and astute leader. In 1964, he was named the head professional at
the famed Desert Inn, and from 1976-1990 served as the Dunes Country
Club director of golf. Over the years, Welch coordinated the Tournament of
As the preeminent rules official in Southern Nevada, May has officiated Champions, was on the planning committee for the first Las Vegas PGA of
hundreds of local, regional and national tournaments, including both America Chapter and later served as the chapter’s secretary, vice-president
the men and women’s U.S. Open. She serves as the vice president of the and president. Don’s hall of fame presence continues to be felt as several of
Southern Nevada Golf Association and was a previous president of the his proteges are hall of fame inductees and his knowledge has been passed
Nevada State Women’s Golf Association and Women’s Southern Neva- on to several generations.
da Golf Association. May was one of the first women to officiate a U.S.
Men’s Open as a walking rules official. Eddie Kahn, founder of Golf Apparel Brands and former Las Vegas assistant
golf professional on Welch:
UNLV women’s golf coach Amy Bush on May:
“I remember the first week I was in business, Don called to inform me that
“Sue exemplifies what a hall of famer is all about: loyalty, professional- another company had dropped the ball on delivering an order of one thou-
ism, personal commitment, strong work ethic and success.” sand cashmere sweaters for the Hughes Invitational and asked if I could
come up with that many sweaters very quickly. I wouldn't be telling the
story if I couldn't deliver, and that order was a springboard to my new busi-
ness. I think of Don every day and was very blessed to have had the close
friendship with him and his family. Don is most deserving and long overdue
for being inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame. I am so lucky to have
had the mentorship, support and friendship of this terrific man for 40 years.”

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