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Penmar Golf Club: About Us
Who Is In Penmar Golf Club?
Get a glimpse of the wonderful diversity of Penmar GC's membership by checking out the brief Q&As below!
Profile: Carlisa Hamagaki
Q/ Where are you from?
A/ I grew up in Sun Valley, Calif., hitting balls at Hansen Dam and Whitsett.
Q/ When did you take up golf?
A/ Starting hitting golf balls at around 9.
Q/ What do you do when not golfing?
A/ I do graphic art & websites and clean up your online reputation. In the past I'd play softball tournaments or basketball. I went to college on a Univ. of South Florida scholarship. (Go Bulls!)
Q/ What does Penmar Golf Golf Course mean to you?
A/ This is a healthy break from city life. It's my therapy.
Q/ Is golf good for one's health and well being?
A/ Yes! It frees you up to stretch out. It's a nice lady sport for me. It's safe, social and outdoors.
Profile: Nate Taylor
Q/ Where are you from?
A/ Boise, ID
Q/ When did you take up golf?
A/ In my 20s, during the bubble shaft era.
Q/ What do you do when you're not golfing?
A/ I'm either working as a location scout/manager for commercials, or on the waitlist at Penmar.
Q/ What does Penmar Golf Course mean to you?
A/ Penmar is like a second home to me. If the city revives an ambassador program, I'd be first on the list. I believe the influx of new players due to Covid offers the opportunity to improve the overall stewardship of this gem of a golf course.
Q/ Is golf good for one's health and well being?
A/ Just like my early years growing up on a ski mountain, golf is more of a religion than a sport. Even though I know every nook and cranny of this place, I still find something new about myself, my community and nature every time I'm out. It's a place of peace and concentration. . . except for the 5th hole tee box!
Profile: Mahendra Lal (L) and Larry Cloud, President's Cup Champions
Q/ Where are you from?
Mahendra: I was born in Suva, Fiji Islands. I left Fiji at age 21 and stayed in England for three years before migrating to the United States.
Larry: Georgetown, TX. I first took up golf at the Univ. of Texas. My co-op house was trying for the sports participation trophy. Our president entered me in the UT Intra-Mural Golf Championship -- for my first round ever! Me: "I don't play golf!" President: "You're the only one who's available next Thursday. Go learn!" So I tried it and liked it!
Q/ What do you do when not golfing?
Mahendra: Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I worked as an auto mechanic, always dreaming of having a business of my own. In 1978, I opened my own Volvo service and repair shop. I retired in 2001. I was about 40 years old when I began playing golf.
Larry: I'm retired but serve as trustee of a charitable trust. My hobbies are hiking, playing the recorder and astronomy. I also volunteer as an SCGA Rules official. I am also a five-time Jeopardy champion, served as sergeant in the 1st Infantry, and worked on several TV series in the 1980s.
Q/ What does Penmar mean for you?
Mahendra: I like the course for its convenient location, well kept grounds, and the welcoming staff. I really enjoying playing in the club tournaments for the friendly competition and the many interesting people I've met.
Larry: I wish there were more courses like Penmar. It is easy, fun and not at all stuffy or over-competitive. A beginner can play here and a scratch golfer can enjoy Penmar. It is a place to get away from the city without leaving!
Q/ Is golf good for one's well being?
Mahendra: Playing golf is good exercise. I believe being outdoors and always trying to improve your game has mental health benefits as well.
Larry: NO QUESTION golf is good for you. It gets people out and about in pleasant fields in the midst of a busy city. No matter your physical condition, there is a way to play. And the concentration and mental relaxation can rival meditation.
Profile: Matthew (L) & Craig Jaffe
Q/ Where are you from?
Matt: Mar Vista. When I was 8, I took lessons for the first time at Westchester. My dad would also take me and my brother to Rancho Par 3.
Q/ What do you do when not golfing?
Matt: I am an insurance agent at Jaffe Insurance Agency.
Q/ What does Penmar mean for you?
Matt: It feels like home. It's a place to decompress with a summer afternoon twilight time and the perfect place to squeeze in 9 holes before work on an early morning.
Craig: To me, Penmar is a community gathering spot. It's great to get out and play, then have good food and drinks at the end of the round.
Q/ Is golf good for one's health and well being?
Matt: Definitely. If you walk the round, Penmar is about 3 miles of steps. It is good for mental health by interacting with like-minded individuals and meeting new people at the same time.
Craig: Golf is good for my health and my heart. The walking helps me stay fit, reduces stress, and I get the opportunity to meet new people. To me, there's nothing more serene than being on a golf course -- except when I inadvertently hook a 5-iron.
Profile: Jonathan Huynh
Q/ Where are you from?
A/ Born in Orange County, but lived all over Calif. Undergrad at UCSD, MBA grad at UCLA.
Q/ When did you take up golf?
A/ In my early 20s, I worked for a consulting firm. I was so embarrased when I accepted an invite at a private course and shot 120, needing to buy an extra box of balls at the turn! I was determined to never let that happen on the course again. So, about 500 Youtube views later, I self-taught myself without any lessons.
Q/ What do you do when not golfing?
A/ I was a former forensic accountant for years, working on high-profile financial crimes and fraud-related investigations. I now head up the investigations and intelligence department at SpaceX, where I look into anything and everything from insider threats to data leaks to external attackers trying to harm us.
Q/ What does Penmar mean to you?
A/ It means a lot. More than just a hidden 9-hole gem where you can sneak in a round. The club is fun, safe and full of nice people. It's a great network of folks to enjoy a common hobby.
Q/ Is golf good for one's health and well being?
A/ Absolutely. The occasional shanks and 4-putts definitely don't help, but overall it's the greatest sport for all ages and backgrounds. It allows you to take your mind off the everyday grind and challenge yourself to be better or as good as you want to be.
More Profiles To Come!
Stay tuned.