by Alex Kent
Overlooking the Los Angeles coastline at twilight from the Palos
Verdes Golf Club one can see the graceful display of glittering city lights curving along the beach in the distance; some call it the Queen’s Necklace. On a clear day, one can even see the Hollywood sign. With such romantic scenery, a bride might think this would be the perfect wedding spot.
But wait… isn’t the Palos Verdes Golf Club private?
Contrary to popular belief, the clubhouse facilities of the Palos Verdes Golf Club are available for public use. Special occasions like fund raisers, private parties, corporate meetings, tournaments, luncheons and yes, weddings, too, are all available open to the public.
Many might think this to be a well kept secret… yet that was never meant to be; the Palos Verdes Golf Club clubhouse has always been accessible to the public for special events.
History:
The Palos Verdes Golf Club is at the heart of the Estates, as it all began right there.
In 1914 when Palos Verdes was but a twinkle in Frank Vanderlip’s eye, 3200 acres of his 13,000 acres of land (defining the entire peninsula) were slated to become Palos Verdes Estates, and he had grand ideas for what to do with it.
WWI put a damper on these dreams, but in 1921 things got back on track and he hired the Olmsted brothers, celebrated landscape architects who had designed New York City’s Central Park and the Capitol grounds, to name but a few of their projects. The community was zoned, roads were built, property lines drawn, and plantings were laid out.
In 1923, when Palos Verdes Estates and the Palos Verdes Homes Association were created, all property owners were considered members of the Homes Association, with one vote per property. Eight hundred acres were deeded to them for public use, and a quarter of those were to go toward building a golf course and clubhouse. Among the first sites built in Palos Verdes Estates were La Venta Inn and the golf clubhouse.
The sprawling 213 acre golf course at 3301 Via Campesina, on the western end of Valmonte was originally created to attract and entertain buyers of the residential real estate on The Hill, then covered with little else but sage scrub-brush and cactus. Its location was chosen for the spectacular ocean view, rolling hills and natural golf hazards. The fact that it is five hundred feet above sea level providing it with fog-free, moderate weather allowing it to be a year-‘round course.
The course designers, Captain George C. Thomas and Mr. William P. Bell, incorporated the natural terrain of the area for the layout, leaving existing trees, creeks and steep-walled ravines in situ.
The fairways were opened for play on November 15th, 1924 and the clubhouse became a popular meeting place until the Great Depression.
Though the City of PVE owns the facility, the PVGC operates under a concession agreement and members manage the care, upkeep and improvements of the course and clubhouse through dues and percentages of income. There was talk, at one time, of selling the concession, but golf pro Roland “Bud” Oakley, head professional and concessionaire of the golf club for more than thirty years, wanted the members to operate the club rather than sell the concession.
While the City of Palos Verdes Estate owns the facility, they allow the membership to operate it. However, there is a stipulation the City insists on: that the PVGC host the Palos Verdes Breakfast Club every other Saturday, in memory of those who participated in coast watching during WWII. Throughout the night, vigilant citizens scanned the horizon for possible attack by enemy submarines. At daybreak they would gather at the clubhouse for breakfast, thus giving their get-togethers and group its name.
[More historical information regarding the club and other aspects of Palos Verdes Peninsula can be found at the Malaga Cove Library - a wonderful resource.]
New Management:
The arrival eighteen months ago of Steve Hockett as general manager and COO has only improved the situation. Members of the board had looked long and hard for over a year to find the right person for the job. And perfect he is; Steve understands The Hill intimately – he grew up here! Attending Rolling Hills high and living near Blackhorse Road, he has already done his ‘immersion course’.
After graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Mr. Hockett went on to manage the Oakmont Country Club in Glendale for 24 years, the Shady Canyon Country Club in Irvine, the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena known as the ‘Blue Blood Club’, and the Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park.
Chancing upon someone with Mr. Hockett’s background and someone who had actually lived on The Hill previously, was a stroke of luck. Here was somebody who could relate. He was hired on January 1st of 2010 and he is just as happy as they are. “I love this job.”
Bringing with him over 30 years in the upper crust country club management business, his extensive knowledge and expertise puts a sparkle on the already fabulous gem that is the Palos Verdes Golf Club. Steve and his team work tirelessly to upgrade everyone’s experience.
Amenities:
Now that the 2007 remodeling has settled in, the facilities are better than ever.
The addition of the Bridal Tower at the western end of the clubhouse was designed specifically for the bride and her bridesmaids. Its easy access to the spacious reception area to the left, that leads onto the wedding lawn - festooned with white rose bushes, or the banquet hall featuring an unparalleled panoramic view to the right, are all testament of the members dedication to the public and their happy memories.
For fabulous photo opportunities and inspiration the wedding vows pergola probably has the best view of the Queen’s Necklace of any other spot on The Hill.
Renovations:
The recent renovation of the clubhouse has made it possible to offer parties of 300+. Before the remodeling, it was difficult to impossible to offer the premises to large parties, as the rooms were limited in size and convenience. In short, it was not ‘event friendly’.
Revamping the clubhouse has been a boon to the club in many ways; the new Bridal Tower is the crowning glory of the building imparting an elegant Mediterranean personality. The bridal dressing room, complete with couches and tables, bar sink, closets, bathroom, mirrors, and even fruit and cheese service, is also used for the occasional six-course, candlelight dinners for members.
Other areas of the clubhouse were remodeled to upgrade the member’s facilities such as the Dining Room, card room and bar, and the ladies locker room is as beautiful as any Club in Southern California. Also redesigned, is the Oakley Room, originally the Ladies Grill where the original rough-hewn log beam ceiling was saved, giving the room a historic look and feel. The main dining room now seats eighty and during the summer, weather permitting, the Terrace Patio is opened that seats forty-five.
Food:
The fare from the kitchen caters to many tastes and with the help of trained, experienced staff Executive Chef Milan Pawar provides a diverse menu, ranging from haute cuisine to casual dining, depending on the clientele and occasion. Pawar must be ready for anything; a venue of this caliber has the ability to serve the different needs of the diverse community that comprises the Palos Verdes peninsula. Mr. Hockett’s motto is “Nothing is impossible. Just ask.”
Places:
The recent eleven million dollar renovation has captured the early Californian ambience of the original clubhouse - understated yet elegant - comparing favorably to many of the most prestigious clubs in Southern California.
Décor:
To top it off, the walls of the clubhouse are decorated with numerous paintings depicting different facets of the peninsula. All were done by local artists and donated by members of the Club.
If you would like to experience the club’s service and surroundings first-hand, consider reserving your place for the reception at the 2011 Tour d’Epicure Rallye dinner on the 17th of September to kick off the weekend of the Palos Verdes annual Concourse d’Elegance, honoring the Grand Marshall artist Guy Buffet, who painted this year’s concourse artwork. (Guests are encouraged to dress as characters from Guy Buffet's paintings. (See www.pvconcours.com/road_rallye.php for more on the Tour.)
Contact:
Interested in learning more or want to book a function? Then visit the club’s exceptional website at www.pvgc.com or contact Diana Fiamengo at (310) 791-7942 or Celeste McWhorter at (310) 791-7946.
Come to Palos Verdes Golf Club for your most cherished and important affairs and let Steve and his staff take care of the details. Like Mr. Hockett, you will find peace of mind in elegant surroundings.
