SCGA member through the Rivalry Golf Club, Brian Coxen, in his words, about a new passion that paired perfectly with longtime artistic impression. 

For a moment I became distracted as I took in the sight on top of a high cliff that hovered over the 23 freeway as it snaked up toward my hometown of Thousand Oaks. There already were unbelievable vistas on the previous holes that gave views of the San Emigdio Mountains, so I couldn’t believe this course offered even more fantastic vantage points, each view its own potential oil painting masterpiece. Any sort of frustration about losing countless balls gave way to the enjoyment of being outside practically hovering with the red-tailed hawks who were also taking in this bird’s eye view of Moorpark, Calif.

It had been three months since the world shut down from COVID, and this was the first time being with my best of friends after being locked away wishing for a break from the monotony. Most importantly, this was my first introduction into this wonderful game of golf. Tierra Rejada GC may be a difficult course for my first round, but once I made par on the oddly located No. 17, I was completely hooked.

Many hours have now been spent toiling with my swing, taking lessons, grinding it out at the range, switching out clubs, playing tournaments and walking countless rounds of golf. I even became an SCGA member, participating in events hosted by my favorite membership, The Rivalry. The only regret in my life so far is not finding out about this game sooner.

I have now played at every course in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, loving some hidden gems and taking in the differences between the golf architectures. As an oil painter I enjoy marrying my two passions by taking reference photos of my rounds and going home and capturing that feeling I had on the course.

Since 2020, contemporary golf oil paintings have been my passion, and I have enjoyed surprising new collectors who are excited to see their local courses captured in oils. 

TIERRA REJADA GC -Moorpark, Calif. Hole 11

I ENJOY MORNING ROUNDS WHEN THE SUN IS COMING UP. NO. 11 IS A LONG PAR 3 WITH A DEMANDING, NARROW TEE SHOT AND A GREEN PROTECTED BY BUNKERS. ANY WAYWARD EFFORT CAN MEAN A LOST BALL, WHILE HITTING THE DANCE FLOOR WILL MAKE YOU FEEL QUITE ACCOMPLISHED. 

LOS ROBLES GREENS – Thousand Oaks, Calif. Hole 13

LOS ROBLES GREENS IS A FANTASTIC PUBLIC COURSE. I OFTEN PLAY A LATE TWILIGHT ROUND DURING THE WEEK AND, IF I’M LUCKY, THERE’S JUST ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE IT TO NO. 13. THIS PAINTING IS A VIEW LOOKING BACK FROM A DIFFICULT, SLOPING GREEN. WALKING AWAY WITH A PAR IS ALWAYS A MEMORABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THIS HOLE. 

TIERRA REJADA GC – Moorpark, Calif. Hole 7

TIERRA REJADA GC’S FRONT NINE IS FULL OF FANTASTIC VIEWS. THIS IS THE PICTURESQUE NO. 7, PROTECTED BY BUNKERS AND FLANKED BY CLIFFS. 

MOORPARK CC – Moorpark, Calif. Hole 11

MOORPARK CC IS A GREAT COURSE THAT INTERTWINES SEAMLESSLY WITH THE NATURAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TERRAIN. THE PROPERTY IS ALWAYS WELL KEPT, AND THE VIEWS ARE STUNNING. STANDING ON THE TEE BOX OF NO. 11, I COULDN’T HELP BUT WANT TO CAPTURE THE AMAZING CLOUDS THAT WERE FLOATING IN THAT DAY.