The late Stanley Liang showing off his orange golf knickers.

IF YOU GO:

What: Stanley Liang Memorial Golf Tournament

When: Noon Saturday, April 1

Where: Quail Run Golf Course, 9774 W. Alabama Ave.

Quail Run Golf Course
9774 W. Alabama Avenue
Sun City, AZ
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The second annual Stanley Liang Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Sunshine Service will be played Saturday, April 1 at the Quail Run Golf Course, 9774 W. Alabama Ave.

That is no April Fool’s Joke.

The tee-off time is noon, with a Beer and Beef feast to follow at 2 p.m. Following the tournament, the Beer and Beef tradition will be offered with lots of beef rounds sizzling on the grill with beans, corn bread and salads nearby. In addition to the usual tournament challenges, like the longest putt and most accurate drive, there will be some memorable moments, like stopping on hole No. 4 to raise a toast to Liang, whose home adjoins the fairway. On hole No. 5, players will use Liang’s specially designed putter to sink the ball in the cup — another fun challenge.

Registration is limited to 72 players. The entry fee is $30 and does not include green or cart fees. The format is a 4-person scramble. The entry deadline is 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Call Linda Liang at 603-252-8511.

Last year the day-long event was conducted under sunny skies where 60 golfers, all friends, golf buddies and fans of former Sun City resident Stanley Liang gathered to have some fun and excitement. They raised more than $1,500 for the service group.

Stanley Liang and his wife, Linda, moved to Sun City in 2013 from West Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was a familiar site on the golf course with his orange knickers, matching hat, white shirt and socks. A great golfer, Liang never hit a hole-in-one, but golf, next to his family, was his passion. He also was known for his Beer and Beef Memorial Day festivities where friends, old and new, gathered.

The Liang family have been long-time supporters of Sunshine Services.

In 1961, area residents were appointed to the Sunshine Committee to help residents who were unable to pay their $40 Recreation Centers of Sun City dues, the organization’s brochure stated. Four members of the former Sun City Civic Association, now the Sun City Home Owners Association, each contributed $40 to establish a fund for the Sunshine Committee. From there, a Sick and Visiting Committee was established, led by the late Rev. E. Duane Thistlethwaite.

After learning that a Sun city resident had to rent a hospital bed for $35 for one month, the committee purchased three hospital beds as well as other second-hand equipment. In addition, Sun City residents also donated items and the first bed and wheelchair was loaned out in April 1962. The equipment was all stored on the reverend’s lanai, the brochure added.

The need for equipment and storage area grew and the Del Webb company stepped in and donated a building site and constructed the first Sunshine building on Coggins Drive. It opened in 1965 with $8,000 worth of equipment. Then in 1971, Del Webb again donated land and constructed a building at 9980 Santa Fe Drive, the agency’s current location. Additions were added over the years and now the organization has 22,000 square feet to house everything from medical beds, to wheelchairs, to bedside commodes, crutches, walkers and rollaway beds. It’s all free for use by Sun City residents.

Although there is no charge for the equipment, donations are appreciated and that is where the Liang family stepped in. Stanley and Linda Liang, and their three children, last year planned the memorial tournament with an eye on donations for Sunshine Service. They accomplished their goal.