Back in the 1970's Phil Galvano, who was named as one of 18 people who had the greatest influence on the game of golf by Golf Digest, lived in Manatee Florida from 1969 to 1981.
He was the golf pro for some of the biggest celebrities of the day. Some of them include Bob Hop, Morey Amsterdam, Jackie Gleason, Carol Burnett, Milton Berle,Vic Damone, Perry Como, Joey Bishop, and Johnny Carson. He was considered the "golf coach to the stars". He is also considered the first celebrity golf pro.
Last week was the 18th annual Phil Galvano Classic Golf Tournament was held with a private outing at Long Boat Key Club followed by a huge tournament the next day with 36 teams playing at the Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County. All were playing in Phil Galvano's honor raising money for the Manatee Education Foundation. Last year the two day golf tournaments raised $289,000 for teacher grants and programs.
Phil's son, Bill Galvano is still in Bradenton serving as our state senator said his father would be delighted at the money raised for such a good cause.
Phil married in 1957 and honeymooned on Anna Marie Island, Florida in Manatee County. At that time Phil and his wife fell in love with our tropical area. Phil and Betty with their five children moved to Bradenton in 1969 and opened a golf course in Bradenton named The Santa Rosa golf course. It was named after his mother Rose
Just one of the incredible people who have found Bradenton, Florida their home.
Wow, I never realized that!
ReplyDeletevery cool. keep me up with the history on Bradenton, since you helped me get a home in Waveland, MS
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