About Shellback
Shellback Golf Club was formed in 1976 by a small group of laid-off Caltrans workers. They gathered at a tavern in Manhattan Beach, CA, to have a few drinks in either celebration or sorrow. They discussed how they would get together in the future. Someone suggested playing golf and possibly forming a club. The owner of the Shellback Tavern, Steve Petroff, overheard this discussion
and offered to be the sponsor. What’s a Shellback? It is anyone that has crossed the Equator by ship. Fortunately, this is not currently required for membership in our group. In the early days, getting consecutive tee times was not as easy as calling up a golf course and booking in advance. If the group wanted a block of 6 tee times for 24 players, 6 “volunteers” would have to be at the course on a Saturday or Sunday when the clubhouse opened to secure the spots for the following week. In 1983, the club applied for membership in the Southern California Golf Association and has been a member in good standing ever since. Thanks to former members like John Foth and the continuing efforts of officers, we have records for the club from the inaugural year and these are shared with current members at the conclusion of each season. Shellback now boasts a membership of 40 golfers. The club plays at various golf courses throughout Southern California monthly and concludes every season with a 2-day Tournament of Champions which has been held at various locations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico.
