Multi-Talented Vernon Ready To Grab Reins

By Ken Klavon, USGA

Houston - Jim Vernon has always enjoyed using his hands to craft or build something. His fascination for such exploits was borne from his aptitude for mechanical engineering, which relies on analytics and precise execution.

Now he has the opportunity to figuratively call on those hands again as he helps mold the future of the USGA.

On Saturday, the Pasadena, Calif., resident will become the fourth Californian to ascend to the USGA's most prestigious position as he is handed the keys to the gate from outgoing leader Walter Driver Jr.

Vernon

An old adage once advised that a house built on sand will ultimately sink, but a home constructed with a concrete foundation will stand the test of time.

The 58-year-old incoming president has little interest in sand even if he does live near the shores of southern California. Vernon's proclamation is to leave the Association in rock-solid shape by the end of his two-year term.

"It is certainly the apex of my involvement in the administration side," said Vernon on Thursday. "I think it's not only an honor but I'm humbled to have been given the opportunity to take over this position."

Those who meet the bespectacled and sinewy diamond broker for the first time might mistake him for an Ivy League professor. It's not a criticism by any means. He is cerebral and exudes a quiet confidence. That evolved from his days at Stanford University where he earned engineering and law degrees. His intellect no doubt also helped him achieve a remarkable 98 out of 100 on the Rules test. Despite his myriad duties as president, he'll remain active as a Rules official.

"Being a Rules official has been described as 99 percent boredom, one percent sheer panic, but it's just a thrill to be involved," he said.

Vernon's presence looms larger than his 6'3 frame. Conversing with him, he is engaging and affable. He can be droll too, calling himself "boring" and someone who "likes crossword puzzles" with a flourishing smile. Those are the extent of his hobbies, really. Most of his time is spent on golf matters because that's where his passion lies. No fib. That confession first bubbled to the surface two years ago over dinner in Hollywood, Calif., with wife Gail and himself. Supportive of his endeavors, she laughed a ' let me tell you' chortle when asked how deep his commitment to golf delved.

The man is driven by the pursuit of excellence, in a low key way.

"Generally I don't say a lot unless I think I have something to contribute," he said. "I need to change some of that. I need to be directing more."

He needn't worry, according to past USGA president (2002-2003) Reed Mackenzie. Vernon got his start with the Executive Committee on Mackenzie's watch.

"He's a great listener," said Mackenzie. "When you're having a conversation with Jim, he processes everything so well and addresses the core functions of what's being said. His people skills are very good. He's very straight forward; no circular paths are taken with Jim."

As president, one of Vernon's challenges will be to lead all of the Association's constituents in the United States and Mexico. That includes thousands of volunteers, USGA Members and millions of amateur golfers. In addition, he plans on continuing the transformation the USGA is undergoing, begun on Driver's watch, in terms of its business practices.

"I think he's going to be forward with organizational changes and growing the Association in certain areas," said Mackenzie.

Said Vernon: "Some of [the challenges] are changes in culture. Anytime there is a culture shift or change, there are always challenges as far as everyone understanding how it's happening and why it's happening, and why it's for the betterment of the Association."

He cited the progression of the USGA's Internet properties, particularly www.usopen.com , as important and exciting. He would also like to see the Association work more closely with state and regional associations.

A Calling

Vernon's former presidencies at Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, Calif., and at the Southern California Golf Association prepared him for a higher calling.

	Jim Vernon, 58, has been immersed in USGA committees since joining the Association. (John Mummert/USGA)

Mackenzie recognized the innumerable talents Vernon possessed.

"I knew right from the start when he got involved," said Mackenzie. "We were in a handicap meeting and there was a rather contentious issue going on. But he was calm and level-headed. He allayed some fears."

While on the USGA's Executive Committee, he put his engineering talents to work and served four years as the Equipment Standards Committee chairman. He's also been the USGA's vice president the past two. In all, he has been heavily involved in 11 committees.

There's little doubt Vernon has his supporters. Tom Morgan, the former executive director of the SCGA, worked closely with him during his one-year term as SCGA president in 1997.

"All of us were hoping that the USGA would recognize Jim's talent and allow him to ascend the ladder," said Morgan. "He'll make a marvelous president. He's got a wealth of information. And, he brings a very practical approach to resolving things at the USGA level.

"He had great respect for the staff and worked well with the staff. He was very active [on the board]. And he stays active as a past president. He doesn't have a direct role, but the SCGA still uses past presidents for a lot of advice."

Peter James succeeded Vernon as the SCGA president and served as secretary of the USGA from 1999-2002. He's also a member of the five-person USGA Nominating Committee.

"I've watched Jim work in a whole variety of settings and he's well respected," said James. "He's just a very capable leader. He listens and effectively pushes people in the right direction. He's not someone who strives for the spotlight. He just likes to get things done."

Life Path

While at Stanford, Vernon focused on his studies even though he had developed a decent golf game by competing in junior events. He had been introduced to the sport at age 11 by his father, Frank, a Hungarian immigrant. It was from his father that he learned, respecting the trials he underwent. When his dad was 17, he left home in Budapest and was taken under the wing of a local diamond dealer, who taught him the trade. Frank sold diamonds to bankroll his university studies. With war on the horizon, he emigrated from Hungary to the U.S. via boat in the 1930s, and after serving in the war as an officer in the army, migrated west with Vernon's mother, Ada "Duffy" Vernon. They eventually settled in Los Angeles before the Frank Vernon Diamond Brokers business got running.

It was at Stanford that Vernon met Tom Watson during fraternity rush. They became fraternity brothers and formed a bond that remains strong today. The two were in each other's weddings.

When Vernon's father died of lung cancer in 1984, Watson dropped his preparations for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and flew to California to attend the funeral. Watson returned to New York in time for the start of the championship, but it's a gesture that Vernon has never forgotten.

Unfortunately, Vernon was not present when Watson won the 1982 U.S. Open but quipped, had he attended, "I might have jinxed him."

After graduating Stanford, he spent nine years practicing law in the Los Angeles firm of McCutchen, Black, Verleger and Shea. He tired of the profession, even after making partner in his eighth year. That led him to take over the diamond business from his father in '84.

With that varied background, Vernon can see things from an assortment of angles. Plus, his experiences as an attorney and successful businessman have taught him the skills to effectively and concisely communicate thoughts.

"It's just recognizing that everyone has a legitimate view . and trying to learn something from them," said Vernon. "And then trying to make sure they see all the other perspectives as well. I'm fortunate in that it's such a great group of people [on the Executive Committee]. Fundamentally, when you are dealing with really talented people without, in my opinion, personal agendas, it's usually pretty easy to find consensus and a way to move forward."

Rest assured, the clay that is the USGA is only beginning to take shape.

Ken Klavon is the USGA's Editor of New Media. David Shefter, USGA staff writer, contributed.