Well known in the golf industry since the early 1950s, the Bickler family pioneered successful golf operations through the development and ownership of courses in Southern California. Cary Bickler's playing skills earned him a college scholarship to San Diego State University, where he played golf competitively. He furthered his education in post graduate studies at the University of California at Irvine, and served a field apprenticeship with the late renowned golf course architect Lawrence Hughes.