San Francisco, CA -- This past weekend, members of both of the Academy of Art University golf teams got to rub shoulders with Bay Area dignitaries at one of the most famous golf courses in San Francisco. Volunteering at the Mayor's Cup at TPC Harding Park, the Academy of Art women's and men's golf teams not only helped raise money by hitting shots for tournament participants, but also met some of the most influential people in The City By The Bay, including San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and Vallejo Mayor Osby Davis.

"It was an honor to be able to volunteer and help raise money at the Mayor's Cup this year," said women's golf head coach Elaine Harris, a former tournament director of the Mayor's Cup. "As a coach, I believe it is my responsibility to share all aspects of the game of golf with my artist athletes. One of the largest advantages to golf is that it can open young women and men up to a diverse and influential network that can help them moving forward to find jobs and enrich their lives. The Mayor's Cup was a success and I am so proud of the maturity and professionalism that the Academy of Art golf teams displayed at this great event."

The event raised money for three charities that are deeply involved in the San Francisco community. The tournament was sponsored by First Tee of San Francisco, which teaches golf and life skills to young San Franciscans. It also benefited the Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus and Mayor Lee's Middle School Leadership Initiative in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District.

"Volunteering for the Mayor's Cup was a great opportunity for our team and for me personally," said men's golf head coach Andy Moren. "Since I'm not from the area I feel it is important to make myself accessible to events like these in order to meet new people and to support good charities. Since ART U's golf program is still in its early stages, most people are unaware we offer have a scholarship golf program. Volunteering in the community and at fundraisers gives our players the chance to meet people who are interested in our progress and want us to succeed."

The course where it was held, TPC Harding Park, was just the site for the PGA Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which was held only days before. Also in attendance were Mark Buell, President and Commissioner of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, as well as Rodney Fong, President of the San Francisco Planning Commission.

"Caddying for Mayor Lee was an honor," said women's golf senior Sierra Sanchez. "Golf is one of the only sports where you are truly able to spend quality time with your opponents or teammates. During the six hours on the golf course we were able to get to know Mayor Lee and Mayor Davis in another light. We got to know them as men trying to get a ball in a hole, which tends to be both the most exhilarating and humbling experiences there is."

For the Urban Knights, who are in their off-season until the golf schedule resumes next spring, it was an opportunity to share the ART U golf program experience with the San Francisco community.

"I think participating in an event on such a grand scale could be considered a treat in some respects," said Sanchez. "Not only did we just volunteer for a cause, but we actually got to learn what it was like to network and compose ourselves in front of such esteemed company."