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 Jason Taylor likes to have fun on and off the golf course (PHOTO: Eddie Meeks). The Riverside resident, whose home course is Goose Creek Golf Club, said a perfect day would be waking up in Mexico, taking a walk with his wife and children, having breakfast outside at a cafe and repeating the first part until it was time for golf with some good friends who just happened to tag along. After golf comes a steam, massage, nap in a hammock and a brisk swim. Cocktails and a great dinner are followed by a trip to a nightclub for dancing and — well, you get the picture. Back in the real world, Taylor knows that his main task with the SCPGA is helping grow golf on a regional level. But he’s up to the task. After all, he’ll be able to mix his business with his pleasure. Explain your new role as SCPGA president. For the next two years I will lead the SCPGA, whose mission is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game. How great is that? I get to invite everyone to play golf. What will be your biggest responsibility as president? To lead an elevation and growth of the game. Golf has suffered along with everything else. Some of it is because of economics and some of it is because of the staid, conservative image we have. But I see a tremendous upside. There are millions of people who don’t know how much fun golfing is or that golf is available to them. We have to let them know how great golf is and invite them to learn and play. Describe in a nutshell the SCPGA’s importance to golf in Southern California. In most cases our PGA professionals and apprentices are the point of contact for all things golf. If you want to play, play better, buy equipment, have a tournament, understand the handicap system, know why the grass you’re playing on is a different color this month or operate a profitable golf course, who do you ask? Of course, to do this we need to work in unison with the amateur associations, superintendents, owners and every other caretaker of golf. So, in a nutshell, we are the point people. When and how did you first catch the golf bug? Pretty late in life compared to most PGA members. It hit me in my early 20s. I fell for the traditions of the game and the character and integrity of the people who play. Playing golf is — and should be — fun. Tell us about your roots in the Southern California golf community. I grew up at a family-owned and operated golf course in Riverside. My grandfather was and my dad is a PGA member. Both were very involved in the game beyond just running the family course. At what point did you begin pursuing a career path in golf? I was college age and trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. My intention was never to play for a living. I saw what my grandfather and dad did and thought I would like it. What are your non-golf interests and hobbies? I read a lot, like to play poker and listen to music. I’m a basketball fan and also love traveling and experiencing different cultures. Your greatest accomplishment on the golf course? Founding and continuing the Inland Empire Amateur Championship. You included, what would be your dream golf foursome? This is where I’m supposed to say something like Gandhi, Lincoln and Churchill. Although the conversation wouldn’t be as deep, I’d like to tee it up with friends like Doughboy, Smitty and Maxi. It’s hard to beat a day of golf with good friends. |
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