The thumbnail on professional golfer David Toms reads: two Ryder Cup teams (2002, 2004) and a Presidents Cup team (2003); winner of a major (2001 PGA Championship); solid ball-striker; silky putter; shrewd tactician; fearless competitor; and, away from the golf course, avid follower of Louisiana State University football.

Plus, as seen in the pages of Private Clubs magazine for the past several years, featured Tommy Hilfiger model.

To that quick sketch of the Louisiana native, a member at Southern Trace Country Club in Shreveport since 1997, add this not insignificant entry — community benefactor.

Toms and his wife, Sonya, operate the David Toms Foundation, established in 2003 to support at-risk youth, primarily in the Shreveport/Bossier City metropolitan area. The foundation raises money through donations and solicitations, as well as special events like the David Toms Invitational, a pro-am golf tournament held in Alabama. (Visit www.davidtomsfoundation.com for more information.)

Funds are allocated to charities serving underprivileged, abused, and abandoned children. Toms himself coined the foundation’s tagline, "Creating Hope for Children."

Toms decided to make children the focus of his philanthropy based on his experiences on the PGA Tour. "Throughout my career I’ve been involved [with children], whether it be junior clinics or visitation to different charities on tour, and it seems like it always hit home with me. Having a son of my own [Carter, 7] and watching him grow up, I’ve seen how much of an impression an adult can have on a child."

In its brief existence, the David Toms Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 to local and state social service programs and agencies, according to Adam Young, executive director. "There are so many people doing great work for charity," Toms says. "We try to pick the ones where the money is well spent and that directly address the mission statement that we have." That statement reads, in part, "The Foundation helps … children through funding programs that are designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem, and career possibilities."

LINKS WITH CLUB
Southern Trace, located in the southernmost part of Shreveport, has forged a tie-in with its high-profile member. Since the beginning of 2004, Southern Trace has set aside a percentage of revenue generated by new memberships for the foundation.

"We’re trying to achieve a partnership between the club and its members with the community through David and his foundation," says Charlie Lout, general manager. "We can’t think of a better opportunity, or a better representative of the community than David has been. We’re really pleased to form this partnership."

A fortnight before leaving for the 2004 Ryder Cup matches at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, where Toms would play for his close friend and fellow Shreveport resident Hal Sutton, whom he supplanted as the PGA Tour’s all-time money leader from Louisiana, Toms dedicated a member "Wall of Fame" in the club’s reception area.

The wall, adorned with photographs of some of Toms’ most memorable moments, including his rousing win in New Orleans in 2001, salutes Southern Trace members who have brought newcomers into the fold. "It’s a way to give our existing members ownership in the process, since we’re a by-invitation-only club," explains Roni Essex, membership director.

AT THE CLUB
Club members, new and old alike, enjoy a variety of amenities at Southern Trace, among them a sleek fitness center that opened in early 2004. Nearby is the club’s child care center — called "Tiggers" — that features the color scheme of a closely followed state university.

Recent developments at the club include a remodeling of the dining facilities and the creation of a cocktail lounge with a cozy, kick-back feel. The 19th hole is called "The Fairway," because, as Essex wryly notes, "That’s where everyone wants to be, isn’t it? In the fairway."

On the golf course (an Arthur Hills design ranked among the best in the state), a major project spearheaded by course superintendent Jason McDonald alleviated drainage problems, which were especially acute on the 9th and 18th fairways. "We can get water off the course much faster now, and we can get players off the cart paths and moving to their golf balls," says Reg Adams, head golf professional.

Moving and shaking has been a way of life for Southern Trace members and the club’s favorite son. "I’ve always been really close to the management and friendly with the golf pros and everyone here," says Toms, who counts several members among his closest friends. "This club has been extremely supportive of my career. People here helped me out when I really couldn’t help myself at the time. Now that I’m doing OK on the tour, the club is still supporting me and is behind what I’m trying to do."

Writer Russ Pate interviewed David Toms for the January/ February 2002 cover story for Private Clubs following the postponement, for one year, of the scheduled 34th Ryder Cup Matches in 2001.

TOMS’ TAKES
The 2004 season: "Inconsistent. Although I had a victory, I haven’t played as well consistently as I’d like to, so I need to improve upon that."

His win at Memphis: "Very special. To win there back-to-back was great. But also the fact it’s kind of a home-away-from-home for me, with so many friends and my instructor [Rob Akins] is there."

His surgically repaired left wrist: "It’s almost 100 percent. The only thing I just don’t have now is the feeling I need to have in the back of my hand, as far as the strength and everything."

The 2004 U.S. Open Championship setup at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York: "Over the top."

The 2004 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: "I enjoyed the experience. I thought it was a fantastic venue for a golf tournament."

2004 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton: "A tremendous leader."

Phil Mickelson’s 2004 Masters: "Great for Phil Mickelson and great for the game of golf."

Tiger Woods’ slump: "I think it’s blown out of proportion. When he’s on, he’s still the best player in the game. It just goes to show you how close everybody is, how close the stars are as far as ability."

SOUTHERN TRACE COUNTRY CLUB
Location: 200 Southern Trace Parkway, Shreveport, Louisiana.
General manager: Charlie Lout.
Membership director: Roni Essex.
Head golf professional: Reg Adams.
Golf course superintendent: Jason McDonald.
Director of tennis: Philip Campbell.
Executive chef: Greg Paddie.
Amenities: 18-hole Arthur Hills golf course; eight outdoor tennis courts; golf and tennis pro shops; fitness center; child care center ("Tiggers"); men’s and women’s locker rooms; cocktail lounge ("The Fairway"); dining facilities.
Web site: www.southern-trace.com