First Annual Golf Tournament Plays Out at Echo Falls Golf Club
By Sue McMurray
When 14 teams of players stepped onto the tee at the Snohomish Echo Falls Golf Club, the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management’s first annual golf tournament swung into action.
The September event hosted 62 alumni, supporters, faculty, and student participants who shared a connection with SHBM. Many stories were shared during the tournament and over food and beverages at Strikers’ Bar & Grille, the club’s signature restaurant overlooking Echo Falls’s scenic seventeenth and eighteenth holes.
“We designed the event as a four-person team scramble to build community among our young alums and give our participating students professional experience with event management and networking with donors,” said Robert Harrington, SHBM director.
Riddhi Hospitality LLC and Siddhi Hospitality LLC were the signature donors, represented by TJ Patel (’99 Psych.), director of operations for both entities.
“The Echo Falls Golf Club and course could not have been a better venue for the first annual golf tournament. Although I didn’t golf, as a new member of the SHBM board of directors, I enjoyed the camaraderie and fun conversations with my fellow board members, faculty, and WSU alums,” Patel said. “For me, it was paying it forward in a way—especially when our sponsorship helps our WSU students’ learning experience. We were not looking for recognition, but if this can help further student education, it is more than we can ask for, and we hope to do it again.”
Other donors included Columbia Distributing as the beverage sponsor, and hole sponsors included Washington Hospitality Association, The Hotel Group, Withco Cocktails, Ecolab, Marco Polo Bar & Grill, and Marriott International.
Hospitality industry supporters provided numerous donations supporting awards for the winning teams including the men’s and women’s longest drive, closest to the pin, and closest to the line competitions. Awards included bookings at regional hotels including the Inn at the Market, Hotel Andra, Hilton, Doubletree, Westin, the Alderbrook Resort & Spa, and the Resort at Port Ludlow.
Other prizes included a chef’s wine dinner from Fire & Vine Hospitality, gift certificates at Tutta Bella, and Lord of the Swings golf books coauthored by Harrington and Jeff Bender, PGA professional.
“As an alum, it was great to be back for a round of golf, see friends and peers, meet students, and support a dedicated business program that continues to develop leaders in the golf industry in and around the Greater Seattle area,” said Matt Schuldt (’94 Crop. Sci.), golf course superintendent at Seattle Golf Club.
SHBM is planning the 2024 tournament with the date and location to be determined.
Photos from the Event
