For love of the game

Lou Montfort cuts a quietly dapper figure. Beneath this gentleman’s soft-spoken exterior, however, is one of Aggie golf’s biggest fans for more than half a century.

When the Sacramento-based real estate developer and manager joined the El Macero Club in 1961, he was looking for a good putting green. What he found was a new team to root for.

“El Macero is where the UC Davis team practiced, and I really enjoyed watching those young men rise up in the game and develop as athletes,” said Montfort. “[Former athletics director] Jim Sochor and I often play together, and through being golf buddies with him and many of UC Davis’ golf coaches I developed a deep respect for Aggie athletics.”

Montfort discovered his knack for the game in the seventh grade and was a 2 handicap golfer as a young man. Still fit and active at 91, he is grateful for every round he enjoys. During The Campaign for UC Davis, he directed a portion of his estate gift to support men’s golf.

“Golf opened a lot of doors for me personally and professionally, and I’d like to support the same opportunities for the UC Davis golf team,” said Montfort. “I’m pleased to do anything I can do to help this great team.”