Ellsworth Vines was an established tennis player and golfer for most of his life. He capped off his tennis career by winning the Wimbledon singles in 1931 and the U.S. singles at Forest Hills in 1931-32 before turning pro in 1934. After switching to golf, Vines won the California Open in 1954 and 30 years later competed in the 1984 State Open at Olivas Park in Ventura. He was the SCPGA President in 1955 and worked at Wilshire, Tamarisk, and La Quinta Country Club before moving to La Quinta Hotel Resort Golf Club in 1980, where he served as the head golf professional.