Larry Eckels, 2024 PCMGA Most Improved Player
Howie Tiger
The PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) has named Larry Eckels its Most Improved Player of 2024. The PCMGA uses the USGA method to determine who the Most Improved Player is. The formula used is a ratio that encompasses the handicap index at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. The higher the ratio, the better the improvement.
As background, Larry was born and raised in Northbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. When he was 13 years old, he took a summer job as a caddie at a local country club named Green Acres. One of the perks as a caddie was free golf on Mondays. His parents only played golf occasionally and he never took a formal lesson. So he learned how to play from watching good players while caddying for them.
In high school, Larry played golf only once a week as he also played on the football and baseball teams. After graduating high school, he moved to Costa Mesa, Calif., to attend Orange Coast Junior College. He earned his associate degree and he played well enough to play on their golf team for those two years. He then trained as an EMT. He served as a paramedic in Riverside County, Calif. As a paramedic, he worked 24-hour shifts. This schedule enabled him to play golf on a regular basis at Costa Mesa Country Club. He also continued taking classes toward a bachelor’s degree.
After 20 years as a paramedic in California, Larry moved to Phoenix, changed careers and earned his bachelor’s degree at ASU. Continuing in the medical field, he became the manager of the Hearing Aids Department at Costco in Avondale. He played golf at Papago Golf Course, competing in their men’s club and in city tournaments.
Wanting to move from a condo in North Phoenix to a single family home, he moved to PebbleCreek in 2009. Golf was not his focus when he moved here. Instead, he played lots of pickleball. After a 3-year golf layoff, he started playing recreational golf with friends. He did that for several years. It was only about three years ago that he joined the PCMGA to play some competitive golf.
Always continuing his education, he is currently a licensed Realtor and an insurance producer. He’s never been married and says he’s “available!”
In 2024, Larry improved from an 8.9 index to a 5.6. He attributes his improvement to many things: New wedges (grooves on 15-year old ones worn), having fun, enjoying practicing with a purpose (two to three times a week) and watching YouTube videos to correct his flaws. The day after play, he focuses on correcting any issues that came up. As a PC Ranger, he also has the opportunity to watch shots landing on our greens and seeing the ball’s reaction to the slopes.
A card credit for $25 will be awarded to Larry for his achievement.
Congratulations to Larry for a great season!