Pang joins Big Canyon

Robert Pang is the new head professional at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach.

He replaces Clint Whitehill, who left in March to become the head pro at Park Meadows Country Club in Park City, Utah. Pang’s first day at Big Canyon was Tuesday.

Pang was previously an assistant professional at Los Angeles Country Club, regarded as one of the top courses in the country, for eight years. Last year, he was named one of the top 25 assistant professionals in the country by Golf World and Golf Digest magazines. Prior to that, he was the Southern California PGA Metro Chapter’s Assistant of the Year.

“We had some excellent candidates,” said Bob Lovejoy, Director of Golf at Big Canyon. “He’s an outstanding young man. [There were] a combination of things we liked about him ? His experience at a fine private club, his playing ability, his teaching experience and tournament experience, his personality, his smile and warmth.”

A graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills, Pang played on the Asian Tour before taking the job at Los Angeles Country Club. He also played in the National PGA Assistant’s Championship in Florida.

“[The members] seem very excited about him,” Lovejoy said.

Pang does have one connection to the area. He was partnered with Mesa Verde Country Club head professional Tom Sargent at the Southern California PGA Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship last month in Beaumont. The duo tied for 26th in the tournament.dpt-bigcanyon.BGraphicInfo6L1QJPMG200605046L1QJPMG(LA)Robert Pangdpt.04-golf-roundup-BPhotoInfo6L1QJP8T20060504iyptn8nc(LA)Robert Pang