CSUN Men's Golf Hosts Graham/Knowles Memorial Golf Tournament
8/22/2024 3:07:00 PM | Men's Golf
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BURBANK, Calif. - A fantastic day was had by all as a full field of golfers teed it up at the 2024 Graham/Knowles Memorial Golf Tournament, proudly presented by Premier America Credit Union. The tournament, held for the first time at Lakeside Golf Club, was played on Monday, Aug. 19.
The tournament, a signature fundraiser for CSUN men's golf, was one of the most successful events to date. The Matador men's golf program - and head coach Jim Bracken - offered a special acknowledgment to Premier America Credit Union and their team for their exceptional support as the tournament's presenting sponsor. The tournament committee also extended its gratitude to Mary Ellen Knowles and Family, Galpin Ford, and Under Armour for their sponsorship.
Members of the 1974 CSUN National Championship team
The foursome led by former Matadors Ryan Fowlkes and Nick Pikor - along with Casey Kirkman and John Heath - carded a 26-under par total of 114 to claim team championship honors. Numerous CSUN golfers, both past and present, were on hand for the festivities. The annual tournament has raised nearly $400,000 to benefit a scholarship and the men's golf program's operational budget.
"This tournament is a really big asset to our program," said CSUN head coach Jim Bracken. "It helps both on the scholarship side and the operations side. It enables us to upgrade our schedule, this year we're going to Washington State's tournament, Air Force's tournament, the University of Hawaii's tournament, along with trips to Oregon and Arizona so this enables us to fly to those tournaments."
The annual tournament, which was called the Ben Graham Invitational for 35 years, was renamed the Graham Knowles Memorial in 2024 to honor a pair of former CSUN legends. Graham was a member of the CSUN men's golf team from 1973-1978. He was a three-time NCAA All-American and was a major contributor to the golf program. Knowles, who lettered for the Matador men's golf team from 1974-77, passed away on September 25 at the age of 68. A local product from Agoura High School, Knowles began his Matador career in 1974 as a member of head coach Bill Cullum's NCAA Division II National Championship team. He earned honorable mention All-America accolades as both a freshman (1974) and as a sophomore in 1975.Â
Monday's event was also a special day in the program's history as CSUN celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 1974 NCAA Division II National Championship team coached by the legendary Bill Cullum. Also in attendance on Monday were members of CSUN's National Championship teams from 1969 and 1973.
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Gallery: (8-23-2024) 2024 Graham/Knowles Memorial Tournament
