Corey La Russo was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Pacific Palisades. He attended and graduated from Palisades High School and is the son of former NBA All Star, The Late Rudy La Russo (Lakers ‘59 — ‘67, Warriors ‘67 — ‘70, All Star ‘62, ‘63, ‘65, ‘68, ‘69).
To say the least Corey grew up around sports standing out as a prep basketball player and golfer. By the time Corey graduated high school, he had dropped basketball and joined forces with Eric Monti at Hillcrest Country Club to focus on golf His high school career included, three team L.A. City Championships and Corey was named to the first All-City in all three years of competition. Following his senior year, Corey was named to the first team All-State Southern California Section and heavily recruited. In 1985 Corey accepted the invitation to play at the University of Arizona by coach Rick La Rose.
In Tucson, Corey played with Mike Springer, Larry Silveira, Robert Gamez, and other great players while studying Media Arts. In 1991, Corey completed school and turned professional touring the world on different tours from ‘91 to ‘94, playing in Canada, South America, Asia, and attempted the PGA Qualifying School three times unsuccessfully. Injuries and focus became a hinderance and in 1994 Corey turned his focus to creating “BackSpin The Golf Show” on KGME 1360, “The Game
In 1996 Corey fell into the broadcasting world full time as the Executive Producer of “Femino On Sports” with talk show host Tony Femino. The show was one of the highest rated programs of it’s time in Phoenix, and allowed Corey the opportunity to get up close to players, coaches, and other sports personalities. While working, reporting, and hosting, Corey was given the opportunity to cover the 1997 Superbowl in Tempe, Arizona, among other events.
in 1999, Corey left the “Femino On Sports” to work for a non-profit organization and return to competitive golf Emcee-ing events and playing on the Western States Tour with a final attempt at PGA Tour School.
In 2000 with his Father’s health on the decline, Corey dropped his interests in Phoenix to return to Los Angeles. He began partnering with his family interests in the investment banking world and International athlete representation.
Currently Corey hosts “Backspin The Golf Show” twice a week, is a representative for
Nanko Investment Banking, and a Sports Agent with several players in the Italian
Basketball League.
COREY LA RUSSO @ YOUR EVENT
Since 1994, Corey La Russo has been announcing, hosting and raising money for Arizona based charities with his golf and announcing talents. He has hosted hundreds of dinners, banquets, and golf tournaments to aid in the fundraising of a particular event. In addition, Corey has generated over $500,000.00 dollars to events in the valley for noble non-profit causes~
WHAT IS BEAT THE PRO AT MY EVENT?
Corey La Russo was a touring professional golfer for over ten years and still carries a scratch handicap. On a given par three hole during the tournament, Corey will play the hole from 20-40 yards farther than the foursome. Each player may wager $5-$20.(Usually $20 per team). He will hit first. If Corey puts his ball on the green, the players must then be closer to the hole with their shot to double the wager. If, by chance, Corey misses the green with his shot, the players must simply hit the green to win. When it is all of the shots have been hit, if Corey has the best shot, the team (usually playing a scramble format) can use his ball for their team shot and play from there.
WHAT IS BEAT THE PRO ON “BACKSPIN, THE GOLF SHOW?
“Beat The Pro” is a weekly contest on “Backspin The Golf Show” sponsored by Vans Golf Shops in Arizona. Our pro and co-host Rick Levy, will pick a player to win the weeks P.G.A. Tour event. We will then ask three trivia questions on the program to have three winners thus three other selections for the tournament, if the player beats the “pro pick” they get a dozen balls of their choice at Vans Golf Shops. If their player actually wins the tournament outright they get a sum to spend at Vans. As of this date the “Vans pot” is up to $250.00 and will increase by fifty dollars if nobody picks the winner on Tour this week for the FBR’Phoenix Open. The “Beat The Pro” contest always has significantly more to win during the four major tournaments of the year.
Corey La Russo Appearances Fall ‘05 (Revised)
--SEPTEMBER--
Saturday September 3, Hillcrest CC., Live Show Remote
Monday-Tuesday September 12-13, Arizona Open Pro-Am, Troon CC.
Thursday-Saturday September 15-16, Arizona Open. Tvoon CC.
Friday, September 23, Mercedes Benz Invitational. Ocotillo C.C
--OCTOBER-
Thursday, October 6, I-Iooters Restaurants Invitational, Longbow G.C.
Saturday, October 22, Arrowhead Honda, Live Show Remote
--NOVEMBER--
Thursday, November 3, Avnet Annual Golf Classic, Grayhawk CC.
Monday, November 7, Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation, D.C. Ranch
Monday, November7, Autism Society Invitational, Arrowhead C.C.
Saturday, November 12, Avnet Windy City Softball Tourn., Live Show Remote
Sunday, November 13, “Backspin Shootout @The Duke” Show Tournament
Monday, November 14, Arizona Myeloma Network Golf Tournament, Arrowhead C.C.
Friday, November 18, 10~ Annual Pro Players Classic Dinner/Auction, Terravita C.C.
Saturday, November 19, Coach & Willies, Amer. Cancer Society Tourn., Foothills &C.
Saturday, November 19, Bob Ben Invitational, Native American Fund Raiser, Terravita
Sunday, November 20, Make—a-Wish Foundation Dinner Auction, M.C.@Four Seasons
Monday, November 21, Make-a- Wish Foundation Golf Tournament, Grayhawk CC.
Monday, November 21, A Stepping Stone Foundation Tournament, Moon Valley C C
Monday, November 28, Glendale YMCA Golf Fundraiser, Arrowhead C.C.
--DECEMBER--
Thursday, December 1, Sonlit Foundation Golf Tournament, Legend at Arrowhead C.C.
Saturday, December 10, Van’s Golf Shops Demo Day Extravaganza, Westworld, Scotts.
Saturday, December 10, Tailgaters Classic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Arizona, Legends CC.
