GOLF:

There are a few moments in golf that transcend the game and when they do, they remind us how much more important those moments are.

Augie Nieto has captured one of those instances.

It was certainly not by choice. If Nieto had his wish his life would have remained as it was before he received the devastating news in March 2005 when he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Nieto was about the last person you would expect to get sick. He was a leader in the fitness industry and was running a successful business for 30 years, living in Corona del Mar with his wife, Lynne, and their four children.

The news was not good. ALS progressively destroys the nerve cells (motor neurons) controlling muscles, ultimately paralyzing most or all voluntary movement. The average life expectancy is three to five years after diagnosis.

It would have been easy to give up and for a bit Nieto did, but he slowly realized he could be an inspiration and a person who could fight this disease.

Nieto started a foundation called Augie’s Quest ( www.augiesquest.org) and began to work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS research program and soon was serving as a national vice president.

His book, “Augie’s Quest: One Man’s Journey from Success to Significance” looked into his life from when he was diagnosed. The book was filled with his recollections of despondency and suicidal thoughts to a transformation into a skilled fundraiser, utilizing his business skills.

Nieto also serves MDA as a national vice president. As co-chairs of the ALS Division, the Nietos help raise awareness through public appearances, speaking engagements, media interviews, and public service announcements.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be working with the MDA,” Nieto said in a press release. “We’re going to help put a face on this disease and raise money for research in a fast-track format.”

The Nieto’s have raised millions for MDA’s ALS Division and one of the ways they do is with a charity golf tournament.

More than 140 country clubs and sports clubs across the country participated last Friday in an event that involved more than 25,000 club members with the goal of raising $5 million.

Three facilities, Aliso Viejo Country Club, the Center Club in Costa Mesa and Coto de Caza Golf and Raquet Club all participated in the one-day fundraiser.

“I’m awed by the combined energy and spirit of this great endeavor,” Nieto said. “It’s commitment of this kind that eventually will put an end to the ravages of ALS.”

Nieto and his wife are absolutely doing his part. In his two years the duo has raised more than $12 million for ALS, tapping into the business world.

In January the two were appointed to a third term as honorary co-chairpersons of MDA’s ALS Division

“Augie and Lynne’s passion and commitment are amazing,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “We’re thrilled to welcome them back as co-chairs of the ALS Division.”

The goal is to complete $18 million in pledges in three years as the original mark set when the Nietos were named to their first term as honorary co-chairpersons in 2006.

“Augie is as dedicated a person as you’ll ever find,” Lewis said. “He has made the decision and the commitment to turn his illness into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Nieto is working on his second book, titled “Reciprocity, Incorporated” with interviews of notable business leaders about the power of giving back.

It appears they are listening. My hope is that Nieto’s voice is deafening for years to come.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays.