A Decade of Golf, Grit & Good Humor with Ken Campbell

When you think of dedication to the game of golf—and to the spirit of community at Woodbridge—it’s hard not to think of Ken Campbell. As a matter of fact, when the staff was asked who they wanted to see featured, Ken was the unanimous choice! His sense of humor, passion for golf and all-around “here-for-you-ness” vibe made Ken the obvious choice for our Club staff.

A member since 2015, he’s spent the last ten years immersed in everything from early tee times to Super Senior Championships and NHRA drag races.

We sat down with him for a candid Q&A that spans golf, grit, and a few great surprises.

Q&A with Ken

How long have you been a member at Woodbridge?

I joined in May of 2015. Hard to believe it’s already been 10 years—time flies when you’re having fun.

What brought you to the Club originally?

After selling my home and business in Fremont, I was planning a move to Nevada. That all changed when I met Jan!

What’s your favorite way to spend time at the Club?

Golf is the reason I joined. Everything else is secondary. I do enjoy the gym and food, but for me, it’s all about the quality of the course.

What’s your go-to post-round meal or drink?

I don’t drink alcohol after golf. Sometimes I’ll stay for a light bite and then hit the gym. If I’m eating, it’s usually a salad. Although I do miss the pot stickers!

Any proud moments on the course you’d like to share?

Two Holes-in-One—on 2 River and 7 Lake. I’ve also shot 70 twice and won the Super Senior Championship once.

What’s your handicap—or your goal for the season?

My current index is 8.4, up from 6.2 due to undergoing cancer treatment. My goal is to get back to that 6.2.

Who’s your favorite person to golf with and why?

Tough question—impossible, really. There’s a regular group of about 18 of us who play Tuesday through Saturday, and they’re all fantastic people. Two I especially admire are Dick Hyrsch, who’s 87, and Mike Bratschi, who’s 82 and has two Purple Hearts.

Tell us a fun fact most members don’t know about you.

I tried stand-up comedy a couple of times while working a job in L.A. It was something to get me out of the hotel room. I got a few laughs at The Comedy Club in Westwood—but you need new material all the time!

Also, fun(?) fact—I’m an IBM Certified Systems Engineer… from 1968!

How do you spend your time outside the Club?

Honestly, most of my free time is still spent here— either in the gym or on the course. I also do most of the cooking at home, which means a fair amount of grocery runs. My wife, Jan, works more than she should at her retail store, so I take care of the chores. My kids and grandkids are spread out—from four hours away to Texas and L.A.—and I wish they were closer.

What advice would you give a new member?

That’s easy: Get involved! Whether it’s golf, tennis, or the gym—just sign up for something. Lodi folks are incredibly friendly. I can’t say anything about the pool, though—I’ve never been in it!

Do you have a favorite hole on the course?

I have a few “un-favorites,” but my top picks are 6 River and 6 Lake. I like the shot values and the overall look of both.

Who inspires you—on or off the course?

There are two people in my private life I admire deeply—humble, smart, kind, and extremely generous individuals. And at Woodbridge, I see small acts of kindness from my friends and other members all the time. There are so many good people here who go out of their way to do nice things for others.

Do you play any other sports or have hobbies outside golf?

I wish I could still play baseball, but I’m too old for that now. Most people who see my golf cart know I’m a huge NHRA drag racing fan. I’ve worked at drag strips, raced cars, and even invested in teams since I was 18. My wife’s now hooked too! We travel to tracks across the country, and every July at Sonoma Raceway, a group of WBCC members joins me. I’ve got friends who are professional racers— and I knew their dads and granddads. That probably gives you an idea of how long I’ve been around!

Whether he’s chasing a lower handicap or the next NHRA race, Ken brings a passion and friendly spirit to everything he does at Woodbridge. Cheers to ten years—and many more to come.