North Ranch Tournament to Fund High School Golf Teams

North Ranch Country Club has agreed to allow the use of its course for a fund-raising tournament for three financially strapped Conejo Valley high school golf teams.

The tournament would be held annually at North Ranch, which stepped in when it was learned that funding for golf programs in the Conejo Valley Unified School District was to be cut.

Golf at Westlake, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park highs was scheduled for elimination as a cost-cutting measure in the district’s proposed 1991-92 budget. The programs have been kept intact with the proviso that funds to keep the teams afloat will be self-generated.

According to John Mason, a member of the North Ranch board of directors, approximately 40 parents and supporters recently formed a booster club to help stage the event, which Mason predicted would be “first-rate.”

“We’re looking for a top-notch benefit, perhaps even with celebrities,” Mason said. “We’d like it to be a model for this type of event.”

If the tournament comes off as planned, the sport would be kept alive in an area fertile with golf talent.

Westlake alone has sent 12 players to the NCAA Division I ranks over the past 12 seasons. The Warriors placed fifth in the Southern Section championships in Santa Barbara on Monday, the sixth time in seven seasons the team has finished fifth or higher.

Westlake won section titles in 1986 and 1987. Newbury Park won the Marmonte League title in 1990.

Westlake plays many of its home matches at North Ranch. No tournament date has been finalized.