PGA Standout Rickie Fowler Returns to Murrieta For Longtime Coach's Funeral

Under a small grove of bowing Eucalyptus trees, golf instructor Barry Lee McDonnell's friends met to honor him at a memorial that was informal and intimate, just like he was.  

A crowd of about 150 people, including his most renowned student--PGA Rookie of the Year Rickie Fowler--met at Murrieta Valley Golf Range Thursday to remember their mentor and friend.

McDonnell suffered a sudden heart attack and died May 24. He was 75.

"This is his place, it is fitting," Fowler said about the location and informality of the memorial service. "He wouldn't want it to be all official."

"It was obviously tough, it wasn't something I was looking forward to hearing," Fowler said about receiving the news.

"So I talked with Bill [Teasdall, owner of Murrieta Valley Golf Range], and we kind of arranged it around my schedule so I could be here," Fowler said.

Fowler, 22, who lives in Florida now, received instruction from McDonnell from the age of 7. Many of their lessons took place at the golf range, which McDonnell helped Teasdall open in 1992.

"He was the only coach I ever had," Fowler said. "Other than my family and closest friends, he was probably one of the most important people in my life."

With McDonnell as his personal swing coach, Fowler’s impressive amateur career took off during his freshman year at . On his home course, he posted an all-time course record of 62. As a senior, Fowler won the Southwestern League finals and led the Nighthawks to the state finals.

Fowler joined the PGA Tour in 2009. In 2010, his first full season, he won the Rookie of the Year award. He was also one of the captain’s picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

He attended Oklahoma State University, posting his first collegiate victory in 2007. He won two tournaments in 2007, including the Players Amateur and was the No. 1-ranked amateur player in the nation. In 2008, he played in his first U.S. Open and was one of three amateurs to make the cut. He finished tied for 60th.

After Fowler left Murrieta for college and eventually his professional career, he said he kept in touch with McDonnell a few times a year. McDonnell would attend his tournaments if they were close by in Los Angeles or San Diego, he said.

But Fowler wasn't the only one who came to pay respect to the beloved instructor. Seasoned golfers of all ages turned out to share stories. Some had been coached by McDonnell up to 40 years ago.

Friends and family took turns sharing their memories of McDonnell, but Fowler did not speak during the service.

McDonnell leaves behind his wife and longtime partner, Emily McDonnell; a daughter, Carrie Wood;  son-in-law Brenden Wood; and 14-month-old grandson, Emerson Wood.

"He would not want us standing around looking sad," his daughter said. As McDonnell's sole child from a previous marriage, Wood brought his only grandchild into the world just recently.

"I am glad he got to see the first year of my son's life," she said.

Some guests sat, while other mingled, hugging and sharing memories. Food from The Mill Restaurant was donated for the service, and photographs of McDonnell as well as his artwork--his other passion--were arranged on floral-decorated tables.

Keven Holliday, 20, was another of McDonnell's students. Now golfing for the University of La Verne, Holliday is a graduate of Murrieta Valley High School. He was coached by McDonnell for four and a half years.

Keven's mother, Dana Holliday, recalled with tears in her eyes how McDonnell coached her son for free when he was diagnosed with leukemia at 16. Keven is in remission now, but still takes medication to control it.

"Barry made sure all his lessons were free. I would send the envelope with money, and he just started sending them back to me," Dana said. "This is the first place Keven wanted to come when he got out of the hospital--he was the first person he wanted to see."

Keven recalled McDonnell's battle with skin cancer.

"He would be gone for two weeks at a time, but he would always come back," Keven said. "We are all going to miss him--just his simplicity and the way he got the message across. He was a master at the short game. I owe my short game to him."

Lisa Dhondt, who manages where McDonnell could be found most days giving out pointers to the locals, said the death was unexpected.

Dhondt met McDonnell 18 years ago when she started taking lessons from him.

"His experience was invaluable. He has taught 60 kids over the years that have gone on to do well. But everybody he taught, they reached their full potential," Dhondt said.

"Golf was his life."

Cindy Rhodes contributed to this article.