The Southland loses two golf legends

June 13, 2013

Frank Emmett Morey, Jr.

Frank Emmett Morey, Jr., a longtime golfer and former head golf professional at Wilshire CC, passed away on February 17 at the age of 84. Growing up in San Diego, Frank was somewhat of a junior golf sensation, competing against the likes of Billy Casper and Gene Littler, before a successful four years as a collegiate player at San Diego State University. During his time working at Wilshire, Frank was named the SCPGA Professional of the Year and became the President of that organization from 1975 - 1977. He retired from Wilshire in 1988 after 25 years of dedicated service.

Frank is survived by his wife, Dorothy, children Greg, Kim, and Layne, and his grandchildren Jessica, Ali, Kristina, Kirsten, Kathryn, John, James, Madelyn, and Logan. No funeral is planned, and a celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Loyola High School Todd Francis Morey Scholarship Fund. C/O Loyola High School, 1901 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006.

Ernie Vossler

Ernie Vossler, who developed 12 golf courses in the desert, including the first four courses at PGA West in La Quinta, died Saturday at the age of 84 after an eight-year battle with dementia. Along with his partner Joe Walser Jr. (both pictured), Vossler hired Peter Dye to build two courses at La Quinta Resort in the early 1980s. He was also involved in bringing the nationally televised Skins Game and Bob Hope Classic to PGA West.

Prior to his involvement in golf course design, Vossler played on the PGA TOUR in the 1950s. His best finish came at the 1959 U.S. Open, when he finished T5. He was inducted into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame in 2005.

Vossler was also involved with Landmark Golf, eventually becoming Chairman of its board. Landmark Golf, based in Indian Wells, California, is an internationally recognized real estate development company with the proven in-house abilities to provide complete real estate development services including all facets of golf course facilities design, development, construction management services and golf operations management.