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 Evans, who played professional football for 17 years now helps market and operate Pacific Palms Resort, a high-tech conference center, hotel and resort in Industry Hills with two golf courses. That suits Evans fine, since he’s been an avid golfer since hanging up his cleats 10 years ago. What is your involvement with Pacific Palms Resort? I’m one of the managing partners of the facility. It came about through my six-year tenure at Majestic Realty, one of the largest real estate development companies in Southern California. One of my projects was the former Industry Hills Sheraton, and when we ended up making a name change I became one of the managing partners. There has been a hotel and golf course on that site for years. What’s different about Pacific Palms Resort? We offer 294 rooms on 650 acres, but there has been nothing significant in terms of upgrading and improving the property since it was built in the late 1970s. When we took this over we felt that this was a property with enormous potential. So we brought it up to 21st century standards and really worked hard to reposition the facility. We’ve gone from 56 percent occupancy rate to, at times, 82 percent, and that’s because of our improvements and outstanding work force. What is your actual role with the resort? My role is trying to steer business here. I have a pretty solid sphere of influence in the business community so I try to bring awareness of the property and to introduce new clients. The amazing thing is to see how impressed people are who come here for the first time. How would you characterize the golf facilities at Pacific Palms? I would characterize them as two of the finest golf courses not just in Southern California, but in the United States. People come from all over the country to play these courses. They’ve hosted major events, and the professionals who’ve played them know how great they are. When did you begin playing golf and how often do you play? My dad exposed me to the game when I was growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, but none of my peers played it so I figured it wasn’t a game for real men. But in 1985 a friend of mine invited me to play in Denver. I wasn’t good. I was just dribbling it off the tee. But I hit one shot, a 5-iron, that was just flawless. It felt effortless and just sheared through the air. That’s when I got hooked. Now I’m just in love with the game. I just wish I could play more. When did you begin playing seriously? I didn’t have time as a football player to work on my game, but when I retired about 10 years ago I decided to try to get a respectable game. What are your favorite courses in Southern California? The Eisenhower Course (at Industry Hills) is one of those courses that no matter how many times you play it you never get tired. The challenge is the fairways can be somewhat forgiving but the greens have undulation, so it’s a wonderful, wonderful course. I also like Riviera when I’ve had the opportunity to play, along with Virginia Country Club and Pelican Hill. What’s the strongest part of your game? At this juncture it’s hard to say, since I’m not playing as much as I’d like. But my putting and chipping are OK. You were a professional football quarterback for nearly 20 years, including 17 in the NFL. How did you last so long at such a grueling position in such a physical game? I heard John Madden say recently that when you watch Brett Favre you can tell he has fun playing the game. He has fun whether it’s on the field or in practice. That keeps him going and that kept me going. I just had a passion for the game of football. How good is the USC football team this year? They are a very good football team. They score extremely well and they’re solid on defense and special teams. They seem to be very talented at all the positions. Great teams begin with the quarterback, and Matt Leinart has proven himself to be a winner the last couple of years and the team has responded to his leadership. Who would be in your ideal golf foursome? Tiger Woods, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln. What has been your greatest moment on the course? My hole-in-one on a par-3 at Los Verdes Golf and Country Club. n |
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