Sargent receives send-off at Mesa Verde Classic

Tom Sargent has earned the admiration and respect of the Costa Mesa community with over two decades of service at Mesa Verde Country Club.

The club’s head professional has been credited with helping to bring about one of the city’s key fundraisers in the Mesa Verde Classic golf tournament, which took place for the 14th consecutive year on Monday.

A firm believer that the country club should play a role in giving back to its community, Sargent built the proverbial bridge that created the charity event. He reached out to Costa Mesa United, bringing the organization together with the country club to put on the annual event.

It is only appropriate, then, that as the golf tournament came to an end and the awards ceremony commenced, Sargent was honored under the fading light. The sun has nearly set on his 22-year run at the club, as Sargent plans to retire on Jan. 31.

“I’ve always believed a private country club should have a part in the community,” Sargent said in a press release. “If you want to change the future, start with the kids.”

As a token of appreciation, Sargent was given a framed photo of Ben Hogan using a one-iron in the 1950 U.S. Open.

Mesa Verde has opened its 18-hole course at no cost to Costa Mesa United, a charity that raises money for youth athletics in the city of Costa Mesa. The group said it was able to raise $176,650 at this year’s tournament, the second most in the history of the event.

Metro Pointe, a team captained by David Ellis, won the tournament with a score of 129.

Sean Caliqiuri (South Coast Toyota) and Becky Salazar (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore) won the respective men’s and women’s longest drive contests.

Chris Lamm (The Triangle) won the closest-to-the-pin competition, and Marty Junor (Graphic Decisions) took the putting contest.

Costa Mesa United said it has raised more than $1.5 million. The organization was established in 1991.

andrew.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @ProfessorTurner