Michael Brannan

I think of dear Michael often when I play golf. I still play PING's inspired by his great advice many years ago. Every time I see the Oakland Bay Bridge on TV I think of our getting up to cross it east to west before 6AM on our way to play Olympic. I treasure his memory and was blessed to be his good friend. I am also very blessed to know Shelley and wish her good health and all the best in 2026.

While most friendship get togethers with dear Mike involved golf, I will share a fun dinner experience and great memory. I visited him and Shelley up in Walnut Creek. We went to Danville's Bridges restaurant which I did not know since I had never been in that area of California before. When we entered I asked Mike "why does this place seem familiar?" He gave a big smile saying it was where the scene for the movie Mrs. Doubtfire was filmed. I laughed. Another great memory for being with Mike...

Miss your gentle warmth and humor. You were an inspiration to all who met you and all my fond memories of golfing in Nor Cal always include you. If there is a Cypress Point in Heaven, I´m certain you are an honorary member!

I grew up with Mike in Salinas and we were rivals in baseball and golf- although in golf I couldn´t keep up with him. Anyone who would hit balls in a net at night after practicing all day was a force to be reckoned with, and he certainly was to all the world. There was a very kind and generous side to Mike that was apparent, even at a young age. Later on in life he was my Ping Rep and he was absolutely the best. I love seeing his generous smile again. Love you Mike!

I am pleased to offer yet another loving memory of my great friend. I invited him to be my guest at Paradise Valley Country Club. As we were walking with a caddie on the 9th hole he kindly shared with me that Golf Digest named him as one of the 5 best American amateur golfers. I thought that was spectacular. But then, Michael was a spectacular husband, father, friend, and golfer. I really miss him! Clint Gibson

Michael was most importantly a wonderful husband and father. For golf, he was the ultimate gentleman and game ambassador. I always felt that he could be a Ryder Cup host as a steward of the game. He is greatly missed!

Mike was always a class act..God bless.

You asked for another memory besides what I shared last anniversary. I so treasured flying up to Walnut Creek to see Mike, Shelley, and the boys. That was special in itself. My fun memory was Mike graciously invited me to play at Olympic, the US Open course, but we had to cross the Oakland Bay Bridge by 5:30 or he said it would have taken hours to get across. We came to this really narrow toll booth where a young lady listening to a SONY Walkman was able to spin around quickly and collect...

Mike...A true Professional and a great guy. We had many lunches together and fun talks about golf. We miss you Mike and your great smile. God Bless your family.