Today we’d like to introduce you to John De La Torre.
John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Living in the surrounding areas of South Pasadena, I was a young boy looking for opportunities. In the search for a job, I came across Arroyo Seco Golf Course in 1973, exactly 43 years ago. The need for a job made me go back to school, as the club would not hire me without a school permit.
I decided to attend school at night while working as a Range attendant during the day. I would say that back then it was a challenge to work in the range, the work was different, and there was little technology for us to pick the golf balls. It was definitely hard work. Loving to be outdoors, I enjoyed my work and made the most out of my day at Arroyo Seco Golf Course. After 6 months of being employed, I was offered the position of Assistant Superintendent; I decided to take it as I was determined to take any opportunity for advancement I could get.
I was working side by side with the Superintendent, learning as much as I could from him and the crew that was working at the time. In the quest to become better every day, I soaked myself with knowledge, I read as many magazines, publications, and anything that had to do with the care of the golf course. Being part of the Superintendent association helped further develop my skills to help Arroyo Seco Golf Course stay in top shape every time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say we have had our ups and downs, with this said I was always looking for solutions to any challenge that came my way. I would say that going through decreasing water levels in the past few years has made it hard, but not impossible to keep up with the care of the golf course. We had to think of creative ways to use water and other resources to, both, be responsible and achieve our business goals.
It’s been a pleasure and it’s rewarding to see so many people come throughout the years and enjoy the work we had put out there. I had built many wonderful relationships with our patrons; they have been loyal to Arroyo Seco Golf Course for years.
While out on the course or having my daily coffee at the Café, I always run into someone that we can share a nice memory of our life at the Golf Course.
Arroyo Seco Golf Course – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are an 18-Hole, Par 54, 1953 yard Golf Course. Our hidden gem is located in the shady arroyo below the 110 Freeway in South Pasadena. We opened our doors in October of 1955. We are a tradition in the local community, tucked away from the surrounding neighborhoods by a mature tree-line. We have a driving range, miniature golf, and full-service café. Our Golf Course is open daily from 7:00am-10:00 pm.
As the Superintendent of the Golf Course, it is my number one priority to keep our greens and fairways in top shape for our patrons to enjoy a nice round of golf. Working with the City of South Pasadena, we are both working hard to care for the Golf Course in these ever-changing times. We are now using electric hand tools to help the pollution reduction and do our part in this process. Also, we are looking to acquire greens mowing equipment that is completely electric. I believe this is a great addition to our crew. Our Golf Course is doing all possible to become “GREEN”.
Also, our City of South Pasadena is looking to implement LED lighting and some solar improvements to the Golf Course. It’s great to be part of this new phase our Arroyo Seco Golf Course is going through now.
I strongly believe the City of South Pasadena is a great place to do business, with all the changes from electric equipment to solar and LED conversion of our lights; they are always on the lookout for new ways to help us improve our business.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would say that going through decreasing water levels in the past few years has made it hard, but not impossible to keep up with the care of the golf course. We had to think of creative ways to use water and other resources to, both, be responsible and achieve our business goals.
Pricing:
- Golf Rates 9 Holes/$12.00 18 Holes/$14.00
- Golf Rates Weeknights (After 5:00 PM) 9 Holes/$13.00 18 Holes/$15.00
- Weekends & Nights 9 Holes/$13.00 18 Holes/$15.00
- Seniors (62 & Over) 9 Holes/$8.00 18 Holes/$10.00
- Juniors (12 & Under) 9 Holes/$9.00 18 Holes/$12.00
- Holiday Rates 9 Holes/$14.00 18 Holes/$16.00
- Holiday Sr (62 & Over) 9 Holes/$9.00 18 Holes/$11.00
- Holiday Juniors (12 & Under) 9 Holes/$11.00 18 Holes/$14.00
- Miniature Golf Mini Golf 9 Hole/$4.00 9 Holes Replay/$3.00
- Range Small Bucket (40 Balls)/$4.00 Medium Bucket (75 Balls)/$6.00 Large Bucket (110 Balls)/$8.00
Contact Info:
- Address: Jose Cerrudo
General Manager
1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena, CA 91030 - Website: www.arroyosecogc.com
- Phone: 3232551506
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Arroyosecogolfcourse
- Facebook: Arroyo Seco Golf Course
- Twitter: arroyosecogolf
- Yelp: Arroyo Seco Golf Course
