Legacy on the Links: The Evolution of the De La Salle Golf Classic

On November 11, 1985, the sun rose over the rolling hills of Blackhawk Country Club, ushering in more than just a day of golf—it marked the beginning of a tradition. What began as the first annual DLS / Blackhawk Pro-Am Golf Tournament was more than a game; it was the kickoff to the second phase of De La Salle High School’s Endowment and Expansion Campaign, with a bold mission: to build a lasting foundation of financial aid support for generations of Spartans to come.

That inaugural day brought together 180 golfers, business leaders, community supporters, and alumni who shared a love of the sport—and a commitment to ensuring access to Lasallian education. Organized by visionary leaders Jerry Slavonia and Doyle Heaton, the event was more than a fundraiser. The night before the tournament, a pre-tournament party filled with music and merriment set the tone for what many soon dubbed “the best golf tournament in Contra Costa County.”

By the mid-1990s, the tournament found its permanent home among the trees and timeless fairways of Diablo Country Club. What remained unchanged was the heart of the event: camaraderie, community, and an unwavering commitment to De La Salle.

Over the years, the Golf Classic evolved. From gourmet bites and beverages scattered across the course to a post-tournament reception and auction, each element was crafted to celebrate both sport and service. And then came the crowd favorite—the Horse Race—a thrilling short-round playoff where players competed for top finishes, while the crowd wagered, cheered, and reveled in the unpredictable excitement. Win, place, or show—it was the perfect mix of competition and fun.

Though its roots were planted in the effort to build an endowment, the tournament’s focus eventually shifted toward supporting annual financial aid, recognizing the ever-growing needs of De La Salle families. And as the mission expanded, so did the community. Many of the founding members—Peter Baldacci, Sid Thompson, Doyle Heaton, Jerry Slavonia, John Rassier, Joe Fitzsimmons Sr., Art Panella, and numerous others—passed the torch to new generations of Spartan parents, alumni, and grandparents, each eager to continue the legacy.

Decades later, what began as a bold idea and a day on the green has become a beloved tradition, an event where stories are shared, friendships renewed, and every swing of the club brings another student closer to a Lasallian education.

The De La Salle Golf Classic isn’t just a tournament. It’s a legacy.