Meet TPC of Louisiana's Farabaugh: Head golf pro and a lifesaver

AVONDALE

He won't admit it, but Tournament Players Club of Louisiana head golf professional Luke Farabaugh is a hero in every sense of the word.

For the many local youths to whom he devotes his time teaching the game of golf and the many positive life skills learned through the game, Farabaugh offers a positive, healthy alternative that helps keep some kids out of the rough and offers others a chance at college scholarships. And for one very lucky patron of the TPC of Louisiana, Farabaugh is, literally, a lifesaver.

On Feb. 3, 2005, as golfers stepped off a bus on their way to a golf outing at the course, Jerry Grafdal of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada had a heart attack and collapsed. Within minutes, Farabaugh had secured the perimeter around Mr. Grafdal, instructed an assistant to call 911, and -- armed with an oxygen tank/mask and a defibrillator -- began administering oxygen and successfully stabilized him. He was then taken by ambulance to West Jefferson Medical Center, where he suffered another heart attack. Fortunately, with medical personnel around, he was quickly attended to. According to hospital personnel, Farabaugh's fast response was key to Mr. Grafdal's recovery.

"I am indebted to Luke and his associates at the TPC of Louisiana for the extraordinary care and attention they gave me," said Grafdal. "I am also very thankful for the fine medical care I received in the U.S."

As do all of the Tournament Players Clubs across the country, the TPC of Louisiana keeps a defibrillator on hand at all times and trains employees annually on the proper use of the equipment.

Farabaugh's effort to save Mr. Grafdal is just one of the many ways in which he gives back. Farabaugh's service to the community has earned the New Orleans native and Class A PGA member numerous awards. He was recently honored with his second TPC Network Award for Best Area-Wide Junior Golf Clinic after hosting more than 1,500 students from the Jefferson Parish School System at an inspiring motivational golf clinic at the TPC of Louisiana hosted by world-renowned paraplegic golfer Dennis Walters.

Farabaugh regularly conducts clinics for juniors and inner-city youths, and oversees a myriad of instructional and charitable programs for both juniors and adults.

"We are extremely proud of Luke and feel very fortunate to have him as a member of our team," says TPC of Louisiana General Manager Bill Delayo, Jr. "Luke's professionalism, leadership, poise under pressure and commitment to uphold the highest standards both as a member of the management team at the TPC of Louisiana and as a citizen, set a remarkable example for the entire golf industry. He truly cares about people, and it shows in his work here at the TPC of Louisiana and through his outstanding work in the community."

Home of the PGA TOUR's 2005 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the TPC of Louisiana's stunning layout was designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, with PGA TOUR members Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson serving as player consultants. The course opened in April 2004, and has already become a classic. In January 2005, the course was named the No. 4 Upscale Public Golf Course in Golf Digest's annual listing of the best new facilities in America. Numerous other accolades have followed, including designation by Travel & Leisure Golf as one of the Best New Courses to Open in the United States in 2004. For more information on the TPC of Louisiana or to inquire about tournaments or group events, please call 866-665-2872.