Fore-Family Legacy: New Golf Club GM Brings Passion and Expertise to the Greens
Among breathtaking views, classic courses, and elegant clubhouses, Palos Verdes Golf Club is steeped in history dating back to the 1920s. The traditions and camaraderie surrounding the storied grounds and facilities are not to be taken for granted. The Club celebrates its 100th anniversary on Nov. 15, 2024.
When we heard that the Club had appointed a new General Manager, we eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet this enigmatic figure who was poised to take the reins at one of the most renowned golf courses in the country. Meet the new General Manager, along with his family whose captivating journey promises to bring an unforgettable new chapter to the Palos Verdes Golf Club.
David Stocke, CCM, the new General Manager, understands the nuances of exclusive country clubs, professional golf, and business management, making him the perfect choice to lead the legendary club. David grew up the son of a golf course superintendent, “Fast Eddie,” and went on to play NCAA D-I college golf for the University of Portland before turning pro and becoming a certified club manager (CCM). Although he, his wife Holly, daughters Peyton and Parker, and son Dawson have lived here a short while, they are enjoying life on the hill.
2001 David and Holly married on Catalina Island and bought their first home in Windsor, CA. David owned a residential/commercial painting business and Holly was a corporate payroll accountant. An entrepreneurial spirit drove both. David invented the Painter’s Utility Belt and was awarded a U.S. Utility Patent in 2001. He was busy running a 34-man professional painting & decorating business, while simultaneously trying to get his invention into big box chain stores, including Kelly Moore Paints, and made it to final submissions for the popular TV show, Shark Tank.
Meanwhile, Holly was doing software implementation for start-up companies and interior design projects in the East Bay. In 2003, David sold his painting business and Holly left her corporate job, so they could work together as real estate investors and professional home flippers. David earned his California real estate license in 2009 and began researching upcoming foreclosures to purchase at auction, while Holly served as lead designer and project manager. Together with former business partner, Jon Andersen (Pro Strongman, Pro Wrestler, IFBB Bodybuilder), they founded Andersen-Stocke Real Estate Development Company. The new endeavor allowed David to turn pro in golf, while Holly fulfilled her passion and talents for interior design with a focus on architecture and perfecting floor plans.
In 2004, they sold everything and moved to Palm Springs so David would have the best opportunity to pursue the PGA Tour. They continued flipping homes and started a family in La Quinta, CA. Shortly after, Peyton was born. In 2005, David started working as Membership Sales Manager for PGA West Private.
“La Quinta was a good place to start our family, but after five years, we were ready for a new adventure,” says Holly. “David had an opportunity to be the Director of Membership & Marketing for Arizona Country Club, and we lived in Scottsdale from 2009 until July 2017.”
The family’s next stop and transition was the tranquil beauty of the Edna Valley wine region on the Central Coast of California. San Luis Obispo Country Club was David’s first experience as a General Manager for a private country club. This followed his early years as an entrepreneur and 13 years of serving in club management for two esteemed clubs, PGA WEST Private and Arizona Country Club. David had also been diligently working towards the distinction of becoming a Certified Club Manager (CCM) through the nationally acclaimed Club Management Association of America, a distinction only earned by few and considered the hallmark of professionalism in club management since 1965.
As General Manager, David went on to lead San Luis Obispo Country Club from July 2017 to November 2022, making strides in nearly every area of the operation and consistently improving the member experience. This included multiple capital improvements while creating a capital reserve study to help navigate the club’s future. In the fall of 2022, he received a professional recruitment phone call for the extraordinary opportunity to become the General Manager of Palos Verdes Golf Club. After an international search, he was one of 17 General Manager candidates interviewed by the Board and selection committee. His private club and hospitality background, entrepreneurial experience, and vision for the Club’s future, aligned with the goals for PVGC. David took the lead at PVGC on Nov. 7, 2022. Now, just nine months in, it seems like a perfect fit for both the Club and the Stocke family.
The Stocke’s older daughter, Peyton, 17, a rising senior at Palos Verdes High School, looks forward to joining the girls’ varsity golf team this fall. She has played as a varsity player since her first year at San Luis Obispo High School, earning MVP honors as a sophomore and the lowest-scoring average in both her freshman and sophomore years. She has played in over 85 golf tournaments since beginning to compete as a 9-year-old on various junior tours. Her tournament schedule has included the California Junior Girls State Championships, Cal Women’s Amateur Championship, U.S. Kids State Invitationals, Future Champions Tour events, qualifiers, and Drive, Chip, and Putt, where she has made it to the Sub-Regionals twice. She is also a talented artist and has a love for fashion and skateboarding.
Parker, 14, will be a freshman at PV High School this fall. She also looks forward to joining the girls’ varsity golf team, playing out of PVGC under Coach Ray Rivera, Assistant Golf Professional. Parker has also competed in State and Regional Championships, including the 2018 U.S. Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, NC at Age 8. She has made it to the Sub-Regionals of the Drive, Chip, and Putt event three times and has accumulated over 65 trophies, medals, and ribbons since learning to play golf at Age 6. Parker has a passion for fashion, jewelry/crafts, and hanging out with friends.
Recently turning 13, Dawson, will be an 8th grader at Palos Verdes Intermediate School this fall. Currently, he plays on the PGA Junior League Team for Palos Verdes Golf Club; this is his fifth season on a PGA Junior League team. He has made the PGA Jr. League All-Stars multiple times and competed on the SLO Junior Golf Tour. He looks forward to playing more junior tours in the future and joining the team at PV High. He enjoys STEM, and coding and can already type at a blisteringly 95 WPM. He also likes to shoot hoops and boogie boards with the family.
Holly shares,
The thing we’ve noticed is that Palos Verdes can be as big or as small as you want it. We are off the hill several times a week for the beach, dining out, and shopping. Rather than going to a gym, I like walking and hiking all over the Peninsula. The views are spectacular, and have been a great way for me to spend time with friends and get to know the neighborhoods. We are a very active and adventurous family. David and I enjoy snowboarding; Peyton likes the new skatepark in Redondo; Dawson likes going out and golfing with Dad, and Parker likes hanging out at the Pen Center with friends.
David is honored to lead a club that was built by world-renowned architects. Palos Verdes Golf Club is the only club of its kind with stunning South Bay Ocean views on multiple holes, where you can see from Redondo Beach to Malibu. The course is green and lush, with natural slopes and elevation changes, providing interest for players of all levels. The greens are fast and true, the fairways are pure, and the views will make your mouth drop. Combine that with a charming, down-home ambiance and an exceptional member community, and you’ll find a truly winning combination. The members and residents deeply cherish the unique history and traditions of Palos Verdes Golf Club and the PV Peninsula.
The Board of Directors, committees, members, and professional staff take great pride in the Club. They are passionate about promoting the game of golf and delivering excellence in dining, recreation, and events for fellow members, guests, and the City of Palos Verdes Estates residents. The Club recently hosted one of the most prestigious women’s collegiate championships for its 27th year in a row, the Therese Hession Regional Challenge Presented by Northrop Grumman. This event brings the Club and community much admiration and praise.
The 2022 LPGA Palos Verdes Championship and the 2023 LPGA DIO Implant LA Open add to the lore of PVGC. It was an honor to host two prominent LPGA championships in back-to-back years, and the Club is signing an extension to host again in 2024-2025.
David concludes,
Add it all up and you have hit a hole-in-one – something I have still not done. My only hope is that my wife and children beat me to the punch, knock down some pins, rack up some aces, and match my father’s fab four aces. In the meantime, I will enjoy the great stories of the many PVGC members and toast to their victories, holes-in-one, and continue to watch the history of this great Club unfold.
Holly, being the heart of the family, sums up their PV experience so far, ’The best thing about Palos Verdes is that it leaves nothing to be desired. If you took the favorite parts of our lives in the Bay Area, Palm Springs, Scottsdale, and San Luis Obispo, then merge them into one, you would get the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We have lived in all these places, but Palos Verdes is the only place that has it all. We have traveled and moved enough to appreciate the good life, so when you find it all in one place, you can relax and not worry about what’s next. That is peace of mind and the best thing about living here.’
