The Emperor
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The Emperor can refer to:
The Emperor (Tarot card)
Palpatine, a character from the Star Wars franchise
Piano Concerto No. 5 (Beethoven)
Thomas Naccarato, noted Golf Architecture expert, critic, writer, and bon vivant
[edit] See also
Emperor
Emperor (disambiguation)
Thomas 'The Emperor' Naccarato (pronounced Tommee Nac-car-ato) is a true Southern California icon. Born in La Habra, California to Italian-American parents, Thomas grew up in middle class surroundings dreaming of becoming the first rock and roll golf architect. At the age of 11, he was involved in the design of the first miniature golf course that specifically avoided the usual miniature golf course features such as windmills, waterfalls, and clown's mouth in favor of the classic design elements embodied at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland (attribution needed). It was just a sign of things to come.
Thomas' life changed forever after a visit to St. Andrews in the early 1990's, possibly the result of one too many pints at the neighoring taverns. Since that time, Thomas has been an outspoken critic of the deficiencies in the design of many golf courses in the United States, in particular the works of noted architects such as the late Ted Robinson, Jr. and Tom Fazio while providing passionate support of the classic designs of Alastair MacKenzie and George Thomas.
Mr. Naccarato has also been active in bringing to the public information about the history of many Southern California courses such as Recreation Park and Virginia Golf Club in Long Beach, Santa Anita in Arcadia, and Brookside in Pasadena.
A lifelong fan of the Los Angeles (nee Brooklyn) Dodgers, Mr. Naccarato can often be found at his favorite restaurant, El Cholo, munching on chips, sipping margaritas, and watching his beloved Dodgers come up short once again.