On a bright desert morning, as the sun rose over the Santa Rosa Mountains, golfers gathered at De Anza Desert Club for a day that was about far more than birdies and scorecards. The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic welcomed more than 100 supporters from across the region, all coming together with a shared purpose: supporting local youth and strengthening the Borrego Springs community.
While friendly competition filled the course, the true spirit of the day came from the community connections that make this event so special. Neighbors greeted one another, seasonal residents reconnected after months away, and first-time participants were welcomed like longtime members of the community. From tee boxes to golf carts, conversations flowed easily as volunteers helped ensure everyone felt at home.
The tournament benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego’s Borrego Springs Branch, which provides a safe and supportive environment for local youth after school and during school breaks. For many families in this rural desert community, the Club is more than an after-school program—it’s a place where young people receive homework help, build friendships, stay active, and gain confidence through positive mentorship and engaging activities.
What makes the Borrego Springs Golf Classic unique is the deep local connection many participants share with the community. Golfers include residents, business owners, volunteers, and longtime supporters of the Club. For many, supporting the event is personal—it’s an investment in the children and families they see every day throughout the community.
Following a morning on the course, participants gathered for lunch and awards while learning how the day’s proceeds support programming at the Borrego Springs Branch. In rural areas where extracurricular opportunities can be limited, the Club plays an important role by offering activities ranging from art and science projects to sports, skating, and leadership development. These programs help youth build not only academic and athletic skills, but also confidence, resilience, and meaningful friendships.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when several Club members took the microphone to share what the Boys & Girls Club means to them. Younger members spoke about their favorite activities, including playing sports after school and spending time at the skatepark with friends. A teen member shared how joining the Club helped him grow socially and gain confidence through programs like cooking and art. Their words were a powerful reminder that community support does more than fund programs—it helps young people discover their potential and feel a sense of belonging.
While final totals are still being confirmed, the event raised more than $100,000 to support youth programming at the Borrego Springs Branch.
The first-place team of Danny Walsh, Brad Pauly, Turbo Garcia, and Joe Canales finished with an impressive score of 61. Two teams tied at 64—Roger Runacres, Jeremy Byrd, Gwyn Grippo, and Julie Shaw, along with Rob Oswalt, Paul White, Curtiss Abbott, and Jeff Rauenzahn—earned second and third place honors. Contest winners included Longest Drive (Men) Joe Canales, Longest Drive (Women) EB Chedrick, and Closest to the Pin Graig Ghio.
Throughout the day, the beautiful desert setting served as a reminder of what makes Borrego Springs so special. Between swings, golfers paused to take in sweeping mountain views and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape—but it was the generosity and spirit of the people that made the greatest impact.
Thanks to the support of participants, sponsors, and volunteers, local youth will continue to have a safe place to learn, grow, and belong.
Special thanks to the Payne Family Foundation, the S. Hansberger Foundation, De Anza Desert Club, Martha Deicheler, Colleen Manser, Kathryn White, and our Borrego Springs Branch staff for their dedication and generous support of the youth of Borrego Springs.
