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Originally published in December 2004 Born: 1921 Southern California connection: Grew up playing tennis and golf at Montebello Municipal Golf Course. Has owned and operated Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills since the 1950s. Accomplishments: Before his career as a golf course owner, he was one of the world’s best tennis players, winning 15 U.S. singles and doubles titles. He also won Wimbledon singles title in 1947. Retired from tennis in 1952 to focus on promoting professional tennis, and was influential in creating the professional tour. Invested in Los Serranos Country Club in 1953 and became sole owner in 1960. He helped design a second 18 holes on the property that measures 7,470 yards. Jack’s Blacks, as the tees are called, are the longest public tees in Southern California. He has declined numerous requests to turn the 36-hole property into a private or resort-style course. The course has been the site for numerous high-profile tournaments, including the SCGA state amateur qualifier for 20 years and the regional qualifier for the Nissan Open for 18 years. It’s also the home course for numerous high school and junior college golf teams. He still visits the course frequently and invests in race horses. Beyond the glory: Through the force of Kramer’s vision and personality, Los Serranos Country Club is a throwback to the days before corporations owned and managed golf courses. Many employees have been there for more than 20 years. Kramer’s son, David, is general manager and another son, Ron, is tournament director. At 83, Kramer no longer plays golf but he still visits the course four times a week and has a say in what happens. “He doesn’t micromanage,” said David Kramer. “If he has big decisions to make, he’ll speak up and if he really believes strongly we’ll do it Dad’s way. I think he’s been very happy watching this course grow and develop into what we feel is one of the more popular privately owned public courses in Southern California.” One of the reasons Kramer has turned down overtures to turn the course into a private facility is because it’s a nice retirement situation for his entire family, which includes five sons and eight grandchildren. “It’s a fun business and I could never replace the enjoyment I get in coming out here four days a week and driving on this 338-acre property.” Kramer said. “It gives me so much pleasure. Plus, two of my boys work out here and spending time with them is the best.” Los Serranos’ green fees are $55 and $65 on weekends and $39 and $45 on weekdays, including cart. “My dad believes strongly that public recreation should be accessible and affordable,” David Kramer said. “I think he has a great deal of pride in presenting two championship golf courses to the public for so long. He was a tennis player who came out the public tennis world and he always felt it was wonderfully satisfying and fulfilling to give recreational opportunities to the public. “And he is literally part of this course. He designed the South Course by taking a measuring wheel, figuring out the ninth and 18th greens had to be by the clubhouse and then just walked it off. You can’t get more organic than that. This really is a homemade course.” Quote from him: “I’m so glad I held onto this property. I think it’s a really great facility. We have a traditional rolling course and this long monster. It’s great just driving around, looking at the place, and everybody seems to know me. I’ve got 400 to 500 friends out here every single day.” Quote about him: “Ask any of his kids and we’ll all tell you it’s great having the greatest guy in the world being your dad.” — David Kramer ALSO SEE: Jack Kramer passes away at 88. |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
My pleasure meeting you and sharing thoughts, David...
...my memories of y'all and the 'HOOD' in Southern Pines are vivid.
Wish I had read this prior to your visit...wonderful warm thoughts exude.
Thanks. Take Care without being Careful! LFF!
Bill Johnson 910-246-0201
| Comment at 10/22/2011 |
