At the age of 23, Mark read “Golf in the Kingdom” by Michael Murphey. This book inspired him to examine the parallels between the game and how we live our lives. At the same time, a friend who was dying of Hodgkin lymphoma provided perspective on the fact that life is precious, advising him to pursue his passion. The combination of reading the book and his friend’s advice set my path to becoming a golf professional.
Mark played golf for two years for the College of Sequoias JC and quickly became more interested in helping fellow teammates and the coaching staff than competing.
He began his apprenticeship in 1991 at Sierra View golf course in Visalia, California under the tutelage of former PGA Tour player Jerry Heard and Ralph Lomeli, the club’s teacher.
In 1995 he became a certified club fitter for Slazenger Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina. It was there and then that he fell in love with the South. When the opportunity presented itself to become a head golf professional in Hickory, North Carolina he jumped at the chance and officially became a Southerner.
Mark became a PGA Professional in 1996 and spent the next 14 years working at several clubs before landing his dream job at Highlands Falls Country Club. Nearly 30 years later, he remains forever grateful that he took his friend’s advice and followed his dream.