Nestled among rolling hills and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, at the heart of the legendary Palos Verdes Golf Club lies a story of dedication, perseverance, and a deep seeded love for the game of golf.
As PVGC marks its centennial milestone, Mark Pfeil, a witty, modest, and extraordinary professional golfer, is thankful to have crafted his life around the fairways of the Palos Verdes Golf Club where his journey began in childhood and continues to flourish to this day.
For Pfeil, golf isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life, a passion that has shaped his experiences and defined his character. Born in Chicago and moved to Palos Verdes at the age of 5, his introduction to golf came at an early age, under the guidance of his parents who were avid golfers themselves. “My mom was a great golfer, my dad was an average golfer. I played a lot of baseball and some basketball, and I played some golf and I always loved the sport,” he recalls, reflecting on his formative years. “Most importantly, I had the good fortune of having Bud Oakley, PVGC Head Professional, as an instructor and mentor all the way to the PGA Tour.”
It was this early love for golf that propelled Pfeil into the world of competitive play. He graduated from Palos Verdes High School, winning the CIF Championship. He attended University of Southern California and was named an all-American. Mark was selected to the 1973 Walker Cup Team, the highest honor in amateur golf. He then embarked on a journey that would lead him to the highest echelons of professional golf. “I think I survived in golf because I played a lot of it,” he muses, reminiscing about the countless hours spent honing his craft on the fairways of the Palos Verdes Golf Club.
His dedication bore fruit when he qualified for the PGA Tour in 1975, a feat that underscored his talent and tenacity. Reflecting on his journey through the qualifying school, Pfeil fondly remembers the camaraderie shared with fellow players. “We all became very good friends,” he recalls, highlighting the bonds forged amidst the rigors of professional golf.
Throughout his 20 year PGA Tour career, Mark achieved 5 professional victories. His many years of tournament golf has left an indelible mark on his memory. Among his favorite memories was the opportunity to play in The Masters at Augusta National. The courses played, the people met along the way, and the camaraderie and competition shared with fellow professionals was the greatest experiences.
Beyond his achievements on the tour, Mark’s connection to Palos Verdes remained steadfast. Raised in the shadow of the PVGC, Mark’s roots run deep in the community. “When we moved to Palos Verdes, we moved to a home opposite the 17th hole,” he recalls, painting a wonderfully vivd picture of his childhood antics amidst the fairways.
Mark’s contributions to the game extend beyond his accolades on the tour. His role as mentor and ambassador for golf is exemplified by his involvement in his community. From coaching aspiring young golfers to inspiring the next generation of players, Pfeil’s impact transcends the boundaries of the golf course. Mark and his wife, Diana, are 20 year members of Peninsula Chapter Children’s Hospital support group which raises funds for the hospital. Mark helps with the group’s annual golf tournament, Seahorse Classic.
Mark and his wife both attended Palos Verdes High School. They married in 1975, just before the tour. “It was a remarkable time for us. I knew I was headed to qualifying school, so we planned the wedding shortly after that. We had around 500 guests at our wedding, all thrilled because I not only got married, but also made it through qualifying school. We always joke that it would have been a downer if I had missed qualifying school before the wedding,” he says amusingly.
Fortunately, everything worked out. Mark and Diana got married at Neighborhood Church and had their reception at PVGC. Mark is a family man first. He and his wife have two daughters and three grandchildren. Kimberly and Chris Brandon reside in Palos Verdes with sons, Luke and Rece. Daughter, Kathryn and Lance Young reside in Miami, Florida with 16 month old daughter, Sienna.
“This club means a lot to us. I get emotional talking about it. It’s a significant part of my life. And now, it’s even more special to share golf with my two grandsons, Luke 10, and Rece 7. It’s a joy to come to the golf course with them to play golf and do all the things I enjoyed at their age.”
As Palos Verdes Golf Club celebrates its 100th anniversary, Mark’s reflections on his journey come full circle. From his formative years on the greens to his storied career on the PGA Tour, Mark’s legacy is intertwined with the rich tapestry of PV’s history.
In the end, Mark’s journey is not just about golf; it’s about the values of perseverance, integrity, and community that define him as a person. As he looks back on a lifetime spent chasing birdies and pars, Mark’s story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the game and the timeless beauty of PVGC.
