• Getting to Know 2020 President Ed Anderson

    Posted on January 31st, 2020 No comments

     

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    Ed Anderson was born in San Diego and resided in various parts of the country while his father (CWA, USN) was serving as a recruiting officer. He and his family moved to Paradise, CA  in 1944 upon his father’s retirement from the Navy.

    He graduated from Chico High School in 1954, because at the time Paradise did not yet have a high school. Failing to pass the hearing examination after receiving both a Presidential and Congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1954. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, he enrolled in Chico State University and in 1963 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

    After graduation he worked for several years for the City of Chico before going to work for a local consulting firm. In 1972 he went into business with two brothers and formed the consulting firm of Rolls, Anderson and Rolls. He semi-retired from his firm in 1995, but continues to work for several communities as their consultant engineer.

    What are you looking forward to as SGANC president?

    The Senior Golf Association of Northern California is a wonderful opportunity to meet and compete against fellow players from clubs in Northern California. It also affords members the chance to play courses that they might not play otherwise. Getting the word out to as many NCGA senior members as possible, so that they can consider joining, is a goal not only of mine, but all of the SGANC Board of Directors.

    How did you first get started with golf?

    I was a fastpitch softball pitcher for 35 years before deciding that it was too much work and the ball was losing its velocity for some reason…something like the fact that the golf courses seem to keep getting longer. I decided to take up golf seriously and participate in NCGA senior events. When I turned 53 I started taking lessons from a retired PGA professional, John Zontek, who had previously been at the Olympic Club before his retirement. In two years I had dropped my handicap from a 12 to a 1. I then began playing in NCGA and SCGA senior tournaments.

    What is your greatest golf memory or moment?

    In 1994 the USGA Senior Amateur qualifying site for Northern California was the Blackhawk CC Falls Course in Danville. Starting on the downhill par-5, 10th hole, my opening tee shot was out of bounds, but I managed to make a double bogey. The second hole is a par-3 with water on the left. I hit it into the hazard, but again managed to make a bogey. I completed my round with a two-over par score of 74, proving Yogi Berra’s theory; “that it ain’t over till it’s over.” I ended up tied with three players at 74 and proceeded to a playoff for the two remaining qualifying spots. I made par on No. 10 this time around earning my ticket to Lexington, Kentucky. I was in the top 64 after two rounds of qualifying at the Champions Club in Lexington making it into the match play portion. Two matches later I stuck my tail between my legs and headed back to California, but the experience was extremely gratifying and in addition, gave me a huge confidence boost.

    Anything you would change with the game?

    It’s been my observation that golf is on a steady decline as evidenced by the number of golf courses closing down. Participation in many organizations, not just golf organizations, is also on the decline. I attribute this to several reasons, notwithstanding the fact that we are moving at a faster pace and the cost of living is steadily climbing. Leisure time is becoming more and more precious and there are unlimited recreation opportunities competing with golf. If golf is going to continue to be a sport for everyone, not just a select few, then it might be time to reevaluate how it’s played at the amateur level and how to keep it affordable.

    What is your favorite course and why?

    That’s a good question. I relate my favorite course(s) to the camaraderie and memories of having played a course, rather than its actual configuration and condition. If you are among friends, the weather is clear and warm, the sky is blue, and the trees and grass green, every course becomes a favorite. I have played some awesome golf courses around the world, having been a member of the International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (IGFR), and the United States-Canada Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (USCGFR) for over 20-years. However, my fondest memories evolve around the friends and good times rather than the course itself.

    What influenced you to take up golf?

    If competition is in your blood, you must compete somehow at a level commensurate with your age and ability. Since my fastpitch softball pitching skill was diminishing, it was time to take up a sport that could adapt to aging. Golf is that sport, so it seemed like the obvious choice, and besides it provides social amenities and camaraderie that oftentimes takes precedence over the game itself.

    What do you enjoy doing besides golf?

    Traveling, entertaining family and friends, cooking and with a little work thrown in now and then. I also write the weekly golf column for our local newspaper, the Chico Enterprise-Record.

     

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