Pat Markovich & Ron Svien
This historic display of photography (and memorabilia in the Clubhouse) was originally amassed by Pat Markovich, the Head Golf Professional and General Manager of our Club from 1939-1962. It’s no exaggeration to say that Pat was our Club’s savior. He brought tremendous visibility to the Richmond Golf Club in the 1940s and 1950s by ushering in 4 PGA and 3 LPGA tournaments featuring some of the greatest names in golf from that era. Ben Hogan, “Slammin” Sammy Snead, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Patty Berg were among the superstars who graced our fairways due to Pat’s initiative, reputation and vision.
Ron Svien & Joe Astroth
Pat mentored a young man by the name of Ron Svien who was to become the General Manager of RGC for 22 years. Ron became a very close friend of Pat’s and upon his passing, Pat bequeathed his collection to him. On the occasion of our Club’s 100th Anniversary, Ron generously donated Pat’s memorabilia and photography to the Richmond Golf Club in the form of a permanent exhibit.
We are forever indebted to Ron for his generosity, loyalty and service to our club. Ron has been designated as an honorary member of the Richmond Golf Club and his contributions will forever be commemorated through this exhibit.
Centennial Gallery
Pat Markovich presents Sam Snead with an $800 check for winning the inaugural Richmond Open in 1945.
The Carquinez Golf Club Clubhouse - 1939.
Barbara Williams could smile after this perfect follow through.
Betty Jameson, winner of the 1955 Richmond Ladies Open, putting on the 18th green.
Ben Hogan, with cigarette in hand, watches his playing partner's smooth follow through.
Sam Snead hold the 1945 Richmond Open winner's check.
The perfect "brassie" follow-through off a downhill lie.
Betty Jameson on the left pictured with Peggy Kirk and Louise Suggs.
Patty Berg, Pat Markovich, Betty MacKinnon and Betsy Rawls - 1951.
The "picture perfect" follow through of "Slammin' Sammy Snead, owner of 82 PGA Tour victories and 7 major championships.
Dutch Harrison poses with his caddy and playing partner, Doug Ford.
San Francisco native George Schoux, winner of the 1947 Richmond Open, removes the headcover from his "brassie."
Richmond High School Golf Team - 1954.
Ben Hogan, deemed by many to have the best golf swing of all time, tied for second place in the 1946 Richmond Open.
Ben Hogan and Lloyd Mangrum putting on the 18th green.
Anxiously waiting his putt to drop in the hole.
Babe Didrickson Zaharias one two golds and one silver medal in Track & Field in the 1932 Olympics and, of course, the Richmond Ladies Open in 1951.
Patty Berg fires an LPGA record "64." Patty used a putter that she borrowed from Pat Markovich.
Patty Berg holding aloft her LPGA record "64" scorecard - April 26, 1952.
Steve Stymac and Pat Markovich congratulate Maurice Small for his 1953 Richmond City Golf Championship.
Members gather for the clubhouse remodel grand opening celebration - 1948.
Patty Berg mugging for the camera after shooting "64" in the 1952 Richmond Ladies Open.
Betty Jameson, 1951, PGA Hall of Fame inductee.
George Schoux, winner of the 1947 Richmond Open.
A tournament contestant blasts from a bunker.
Winner of the 1948 Richmond Open, Dutch Harrison, signs his card.
Richmond Open spectators gather around the 7th green with "Tank Farm Hill" in the background.
Sam Snead
Pat Markovich with a putter under his arm, waits to putt on the 18th green in the 1945 Richmond Open.
Barbara Williams, a member of the Richmond Golf Club, was mentored by Pat Markovich. She won consecutive California State Amateur Championships in 1959 and 1960.
Short game wizardry on display.
Toney Penna bested 3 players, including Ben Hogan, by one strike to win the 1946 Richmond Open. Penna (center) is congratulated by Partridge and Pat Markovich.
A crowd gathers on the 4th green - 1945.
