ONTARIO, CA — The SCGA and the Southern California PGA inducted its inaugural class into the newly launched Southern California Golf Hall of Fame on March 15, 2023, at Industry Hills GC. The event was emceed by golf course architect and author, Geoff Shackelford.
This unified regional program celebrates luminaries who have helped transform and shape the Southern California golf landscape. This year’s inductees include golf course architects, professional golfers, industry leaders, PGA golf professionals, and trailblazers who have made a significant impact on the game and golf community.
The SoCal Golf Hall of Fame welcomed the following individuals:
Pearl Sinn-Bonanni quickly became a dominant force in the Southern California amateur golf scene after moving to the United States at the age of eight. A three-time All-American at Arizona State University and SCPGA Junior Alum, she became the first female golfer to win multiple USGA titles in the same calendar year – the 1988 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links, followed by the U.S. Women’s Amateur just a few months later.
She later enjoyed a 15-year professional career on the LPGA Tour, which culminated in winning the 1998 State Farm Rail Classic. After her retirement from professional golf in 2006, she became the California State University, Fullerton head women’s golf coach from 2009 to 2017.
Jim Vernon’s career in golf administration is nothing short of exemplary. He served as president of Lakeside GC in 1990 and would later serve as president of the board of directors of the SCGA and California Golf Association in 1997 and 1998, respectively, before becoming president of the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation in 2013. In 1998, Vernon began volunteering with the USGA and was ultimately named its 60th president in 2008 and 2009 after years of serving on several committees.
As president of the USGA, Vernon tirelessly led the Association’s staff and 1,400 volunteers and focused on championships, equipment, creating a strong online presence, and preserving the game’s history. Dedicated to serving the game, Vernon continues to be active in Southern California golf.
Also recognized at the event were six posthumous inductees: TaylorMade Golf founder Gary Adams, “Father of Playing by Yardage” Gene Andrews, golf architect Max Behr, professional golfer and former Braemar CC head professional Ralph Guldahl, PGA, LPGA founder and instructor Shirley Spork and Jimmie DeVoe, the first African American to gain PGA membership.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
The Southern California Section was established in 1924 and today is comprised of nearly 1,700 golf Professionals working at over 500 facilities within the Section. The mission of the Southern California Section (SCPGA) mirrors the purpose of the PGA of America: To promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. For more information on the Southern California PGA, visit scpga.com, follow @scpga on Twitter, Instagram, and find us on Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Bryce Seiver, Communications & Marketing Director | Southern California PGA
951-331-4714 bseiver@pgahq.com
Danny Cross, Communications & Marketing Manager | Southern California PGA
951-331-4727 dcross@pgahq.com
