The Lynn Smith Award is not given out annually. It's awarded only when there's a particular recipient deserving of the honor — someone who makes outstanding contributions and provides a high level of service to amateur golf in Southern California. The final criterion the Southern California Golf Association considers in making this award is this: “Is golf better because this person is involved?"
In Phil Frengs' case, the answer is a resounding "Yes."
Although Phil’s philanthropic endeavors extend well beyond golf, giving back to the game is one of his truest loves, after his dear wife Mimi.
Phil is a past president and long-time board member for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. He is actively involved beyond the foundation, supporting college golf, Friends of Golf, and especially, the UCLA Bruins Women’s Golf team.
Within the Foundation, Phil served as a long-time scholarship committee chair and still serves on their scholarship committee.
Nine years ago, Phil founded the main funding mechanism for the scholarship program. The COPi Cup Intraclub Pro-Am at Pebble Beach has contributed $1.34 million since its inception and — thanks in large part to Phil — 156 students have received assistance to attend college.
According to Executive Director Kevin Gigax, "Phil loves the game of golf and his giving is extraordinary. The game is better because Phil is involved."