Painting courses

Shadowed Bunker at Riviera C.C., acrylic o/ canvas

Golf became a subject of mine in the late 80’s when I was commissioned to paint a portrait of a high school golf phenom, Bob May. (Years later Bobby and Tiger Woods played a thrilling sudden-death final at the 82nd PGA Championship at the Valhalla Golf Club.)

Andy Thuney's Swing, pen & ink

The portrait of Bobby led to recognition and opportunities for me in the golf world, starting with an offer from Andy Thuney, Golf Professional at Hacienda Country Club (now Professional Emeritus at Hacienda) and golf broadcaster on Fox Sports. Andy invited me to visit Hacienda to find subjects that would inspired, which I easily did. It's a lovely place! A similar offer soon followed from Eddie Merrins, Director of Golf at Bel-Air Country Club, author of Swing the Handle, and now Director Emeritus at Bel-Air.

Painting at these two beautiful and distinguished Southern California golf courses--both born in the boom of oil and Hollywood--led to other opportunities and more artwork. Among my subjects: San Francisco Golf Club; Riviera; PGA WEST; Redlands Country Club; Newport Golf Club; The PGA of Southern California at Oak Valley; golfers Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Sam Sneed, and another high school golf phenom, Tiger Woods.

"The Little Pro", Eddie Merrins, pen & ink