Who is Jeff Gehl? Why We Honor Him With The Name of Our Golf
Why Do We Call This the Gehl Memorial Golf Tournament?
As we proudly welcome you to the 4th Annual Gehl Memorial Golf Tournament, we reflect on the remarkable legacy behind its name—a legacy of service, faith, and community. This tournament is more than just a day on the course; it is a tribute to two extraordinary men, Jeff Gehl and his father, Harris Gehl, whose unwavering dedication to others continues to inspire us.

Harris Gehl was a devoted husband, a loving father, a patriot, and a man of deep faith. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country with honor before dedicating much of his life to serving others through the Knights of Columbus. As a decorated Sir Knight and Life Member, Harris spent 65 years in the order, rising through the ranks to the esteemed position of California State Deputy. His life was a testament to the Knights’ core principles—charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jeff Gehl became a Knight and fully embraced the spirit of sacrificial service. If there was a pancake breakfast, fish fry, or a project to help those in need, Jeff was at the helm—organizing, volunteering, and working tirelessly to uplift others. His heart for service extended to the Murrieta Community Food Pantry, where he ensured that families struggling to meet basic needs received support. Yet, his kindness went beyond his acts of service. Jeff had a gift for making people feel welcome, always greeting parishioners at St. Martha’s Catholic Church with a warm smile and a firm handshake.
Jeff was also a master of his craft, a skilled painter who took immense pride in his work. If you were fortunate enough to hire Jeff, you not only received impeccable craftsmanship but might also have been treated to a fine Italian dinner while waiting for the first coat of paint to dry. And then, of course, there was Jeff’s love for golf. He not only played but organized numerous charitable golf tournaments in honor of his father, Harris, ensuring that service to others was always at the heart of his passion for the game.
Sadly, we lost Jeff to cancer in 2019, but his spirit remains alive in the Gehl Memorial Golf Tournament. Today, as we gather once again, we celebrate his memory and the incredible legacy he and Harris left behind.
This year’s tournament promises to be the best one yet—bigger, better, and filled with the same community spirit that has defined it from the beginning. Every dollar raised stays right here in the Temecula Valley, supporting local programs and making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.
So, as you step onto the course, know that you are part of something truly special. You are honoring two remarkable men, supporting a great cause, and strengthening the very community they held dear.
Let’s make this year’s Gehl Memorial Golf Tournament one to remember!
Join us June 16!

The Knights of Columbus® Annual Golf Tournament is Taking Place at Bear Creak Country Club, Murrieta.
Want to sponsor us? Contact us here: [email protected]
Want to Golf? Contact us here: [email protected]