The California Rodeo Salinas’ Cowboy Shoot Out got its start over 27 years ago as a result of Larry Balentine, a Rodeo Committee Member, and Walt Garrison, a Steer Wrestler and former National Football League player, golfing together when Walt was in Salinas for the California Rodeo Salinas. Walt suggested that Salinas should have a tournament for rodeo contestants during Big Week because Reno Rodeo had one during their rodeo and it was successful. Walt secured a $1,500 sponsor and baseball caps for the players and Larry gathered a committee and started producing one of the most successful Big Week events. Sadly, Larry passed away in July of 2016, but the California Rodeo Association and the Golf Committee wanted to honor him and the tournament is now known as the Larry Balentine Memorial Cowboy Shoot Out.
The Shoot Out will take place on Wednesday July 19th, 2017 at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch, which was where the original tournament was first played when it was known as the Salinas Golf & Country Club. The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch is located at 475 San Juan Grade Road in Salinas. Presented by Hastie Financial Group, the format will be the same as in the past: a shot gun start at 8am following a cowboy breakfast at 7am, with some new contests various holes. The Cowboy Shoot Out is a fun filled golf tournament where local rodeo patrons get a chance to mingle with rodeo contestants, bullfighters and Rodeo Directors.
The cost per entry is $175 and includes breakfast, ½ cart, tee prizes, and a steak barbecue to end the day which is held on the Mike Storm Directors Patio at the Salinas Sports Complex at 1034 N. Main Street in Salinas. The tournament has sold out for several years so participants are encouraged to register early. Entry forms can be found at: http://www.carodeo.com/events/2017/cowboy-shoot-out-golf-tournament
The 107th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 20th-23rd, 2017. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returns over $300,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100. -‘Like’ the California Rodeo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for updates, photos and more.