13th Annual Event in Palm Springs

The 13th Annual Golf Tournament of Champions took place this month at the Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City (near Palm Springs).

This May 6 event was hosted by Thompson Boxing Promotions (TBP), Thompson Building Materials and Omega Products International. Southland promoter Ken Thompson founded his boxing company in 2000 and continues to pack in the fans at their popular shows at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario and the outdoor Omega arena in Corona. On Friday, May 20, Ken and his promotional company will be celebrating their 16th anniversary with a live show at the Doubletree.

And the month of May always ushers in this highly-anticipated golf competition. President Thompson said it’s always a fabulous time getting together with the pro boxers, TBP employees, customers, sponsors and associates. Thompson, General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo, Executive Assistant Jeanette Gonzales and the TBP crew welcomed several pro fighters who arrived to take part in the day. Taking off their gloves and picking up the clubs were heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola, Thompson fighters Artemio “King” Reyes Jr. and Jose “Gato” Roman, veteran boxer Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, boxing trainer Henry Ramirez and more.

The participants enjoyed taking swings on the Vista links including the sprawling Cielo course and the beautiful Lagos course. The champs mingled with all the golfers and vendors who had special booths set up on the edge of the greens including Eldorado, Boral/Cultured Stone and Cemex.

The sluggers told me they enjoyed taking a brief break from the gym and had a great time tooling around in the golf carts and taking their best shots on the fairway. The teams received special swag bags that held a commemorative hat, golf towel, TBP golf balls and tees.

Ring card girls Connie and Evina also greeted the guests and showcased the bounty of this year’s raffle prizes which is always a fun time for the crowd. This year’s items included fight tickets to Thompson Boxing’s May 20 anniversary show, elite golf gear, gift baskets, boxing memorabilia and more.

And after 12 holes of golf, it was time for the awards ceremony. Ring announcer and emcee for the social hours and awards dinner Sonny Franco introduced all the VIP guests and the winners for this year’s tourney. First place in the celeb division was the hard-hitting Chris Arreola and second place went to boxing trainer/artist Steve Harpst. The 2016 golf champs hoisted their trophies in victory.

All in all, it was a knockout day for the athletes and weekend golfers at this yearly bash.

Check out some of my snapshots from the day and congrats to all!

Photos by Michele Chong