Cheryl Thomas, born January 13, 1946, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, June 28, 2010 with her beloved dog, Baby Whisper, by her side. She was a long-time teaching professional and beloved member of the Inland Empire golfing community.

Cheryl grew up traveling the world with her parents, her father being a proud Tuskegee Airman. She developed an interest in golf during her youth and it is said she shot a 78 on her very first round of golf, making it a surprise to nobody that her natural athletic ability and strong determination would lead to her entrance into touring with the Ladies Public Golf Association.

After five years of touring with the LPGA in the 1970s, Cheryl answered her calling and became a golf teacher. It was during this time on the tour that she began to help other players with their game, which in turn helped them to qualify. With her best finish being third and tiring of the constant travel, Cheryl decided to leave the tour and began devoting her time to what she truly enjoyed, teaching golf.

For Cheryl, it was not only about teaching her students how to hit the ball. She instilled the etiquette and heart of the game into each of her students. With a brash attitude and a “say it like it is” mindset, Cheryl wanted the best out of her students and she would not settle for less.

For over thirty years, Cheryl Thomas lived and worked in the Inland Empire, including being the teaching professional at both San Bernardino Golf Club and Shandin Hills Golf Club. She was a pillar in the Inland Empire golf community and throughout her years teaching, Cheryl touched countless lives and inspired numerous people to become golfers.

Cheryl is survived not only by her friends and family, but also by the entire Inland Empire golfing community. As Cheryl would say, “The point is, golf is not only a game of skill, but it is also a game of integrity. Golf is about being honest in the dark.”