One could say that Cambria resident Craig Cornell discovered an unexpected treasure.
A bit over 20 years ago, Cornell stepped out to grab a bite at the local Sea Chest Oyster Bar, which was owned by former NCGA Board of Directors members Jim Clark. While at the bar, Cornell began chatting with Clark, who suggested Cornell ought to look into becoming a course rater.
“I told him (Clark) that I was maybe interested and would take a look,” Cornell recalled.
A few years later in 2010, Cornell officially joined the NCGA course rater ranks. Since then, it’s been a great pairing.
This past season, Cornell was named Course Rater of the Year. For the last three years, he’s been the captain of Area 3, which stretches from San Luis Obispo County through parts of the Central Valley towards Nevada.
“What I enjoy about being a course rater is going out and studying the aspects of each course,” Cornell said. “It’s fun to take the course apart shot-by-shot.”
As one would expect, diving into the world of course rating wasn’t simple at first. As Cornell explained it, there’s a learning curve for everyone. But there is also help available.
“You’re always paired with an experienced person, so that helps a ton,” Cornell said. “It’s a constant learning process, but at the same time, it’s enjoyable.”
Kind of like the private golf lesson that Cornell had with Tiger Woods in 2019. As the winner of a national sweepstakes, Cornell got a one-on-one instruction session with Woods, who at one point cried out, ‘Nice shot, Craig!’
“Still the highlight of my life in golf,” Cornell said.
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