Inspiring Conversations with Rogelio Mercado of Pinecone Golf Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rogelio Mercado. Them and their team share their story with us below:

As the founders, Rogelio Mercado and Jared Lanctot of Pinecone Golf Club. We are thrilled to see how far the club has come since its early days as a group of 4 friends of various skill levels casually golfing. I joined the group of friends as a substitute for learning to golf when one of the friends was unable to make a round. Quickly my obsession with golf grew, as well as a rekindling with photography. As my photography obsession was coming back, Jared’s collegiate golf competitiveness was also rising. Jared started competing in other golf clubs and local tournament competitions, placing at the top or winning the tournaments. By then I had started @pineconegolf’s Instagram account posting my golf journey from opposite sides of the handicap index, Jared in the 70s and me then in the 100’s. The curation of pictures, graphics, and quality of photography paved the way for the Pinecone golf club brand and Jared’s club tournament set up and management balanced out both sides of the golf club as our reputation grew.

We rapidly grew out of just a foursome and found a family of like-minded golf-obsessed individuals that now call PGC home. With the help of the Southern California Golf Association, we became an official club. With a board of directors, infrastructure upgrades, and brand collaborations in the works, 2023 will be the best year yet!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Jared is a Design Director and leads a team of architects designing/constructing amazing buildings and prominent golf course architecture. I am a PM/Project Designer with several buildings under construction through Los Angeles. As demanding and taxing our careers often may be, our biggest obstacle has been finding enough time to put in the hours needed for the growth of the club. As it often makes for a second full-time job. Our challenges have been overcome by the implementation of a Board of Directors that will help share the responsibilities and duties of running one of the top golf clubs in Southern California.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As one of the founders of Pinecone Golf Club, I’m proud to say that we’ve built one of the top golf clubs in Southern California. Our goal was to create a space where golf enthusiasts could come together, play their favorite sport, and be surrounded by stunning visuals.

The graphics and photography at Pinecone Golf Club play a crucial role in the overall brand and experience of the club. Our stunning tournament graphics and obsession with photography capturing the best moments on the course really help paint a story of our club’s camaraderie, this truly sets us apart from other golf clubs.

In addition to our exceptional graphics and photography, Pinecone Golf Club is also known for hosting some of the best tournaments in Southern California. Our tournaments are a blend of competition and camaraderie, attracting golfers of all skill levels from around the area. Not only are these tournaments a ton of fun, but they also provide an opportunity for golfers to improve their skills and elevate their game.

We are huge believers in playing flighted tournaments with no strokes or handicaps turning us into fierce competitors when we play against other Golf Clubs. In 2022 with won tournaments against other SCGA family clubs including Tiny Putter, Penmar Social Club, and Griffith Park Golf Club. Those three clubs are alongside us some of the best clubs in southern California, and we love the friendships we have fostered with them. Cheers to rematches in 2023.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost I want to thank our Co-founders that have always provided moral support throughout the years. Ryan Dayag, Justin Tingue, and Shannon Sweeny. Jonathan Wagnor and Scott Wilson for the amazing Graphics, creative support, and behind-the-scenes work on an amazing website to be unveiled soon. To our 2023 Board of Directors for your continued support and elevation of the club Jeff Lamb, Ryo Kurita, TJ Izykowski, Paul Caswell, Sean Marshall, Armando Rosales, and Michael Kanatake. And lastly to Jared Lanctot, my founding partner of Pinecone GC, for his determination and always forward momentum ensuring the success and elevation of the club.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pinecone.golf/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineconegolfclub/?hl=en
• Other: https://www.foremagazine.com/golf-groups/pinecone-golf-club-a-modern-spin-for-the-modern-golfer/

Image Credits
@Raphe Wolfgang @Rogelio Mercado/Pinecone GC