Happy New Year!

Before we turn the page to new beginnings, I thought I would recap some of the highlights from 2022. The Club continued solid growth last year and it was nice to see the return of a few more special events that help make life better at Cordillera Ranch!

The Food and Beverage experience at the Club has never been better. Chef Isaac just passed the 10-year mark here at the Club and he and the culinary team continue to push the envelope with quality dining and unique events. After being in this role for the last 4.5 years, my appreciation for the challenges in meeting and exceeding customer expectations in F&B is stronger than ever. We recently hired Michael McClellan as our new Director of Food and Beverage and are excited to have him on our team! Michael has great experience in the industry and I am confident he will do a great job elevating all of our members’ dining experiences here at the Club. If you would like to learn more about Michael, please check out a more complete profile of him on page 48 of this issue.  

Corey Roberson and the golf professional staff continue to grow the golf operation. Total rounds played were flat compared to 2021 but the Player Development Program led by Katie Dillard had an outstanding year. Junior Golf had a record year with so many kids learning to play the game through the Little Linkstars program. They are fun to watch but even better to listen to when they are dishing on one of their most recent rounds! I hope many of you are taking advantage of the new merchandise pricing structure that was introduced early last year. The Golf Shop has some great selections with competitive pricing and I know Camille is always looking for ways to help you when shopping for yourself or a friend.  

Director of Agronomy Stuart Rowland and the Golf Corse Maintenance team have the golf course in fantastic condition. His attention to detail and grooming standards for the course are clearly noticeable. I have had so many members compliment the course this year despite one of the worst droughts on record in the state of Texas. Playing our Jack Nicklaus Signature Course when it is fast and firm is always challenging and fun!

If you like to work out or just relax, the Fitness and Spa offerings continued to grow this past year. More programming and diverse classes were hosted in Group X by Tamra Christiansen and her team last year. They are certainly busier than ever and there is something there for everyone who wants to stay in shape, get in shape or just unwind and relax!  

Pickleball! This game just continues to explode in popularity. The six new dedicated pickleball courts opened in August and reviews from our members have been great. It is a popular game that can be played by people of all ages and abilities, with an emphasis on fun. I truly enjoy watching our members playing and competing in a great atmosphere that is also very social. If you are still wanting to pick up the game, please get with Director of Tennis and Pickleball Joe De Luna or one of the assistants and they will help you get started!  

With the terrible drought conditions last year, we obviously did not host many groups on the river this past summer. Shane Reynolds was still able to take groups to the Devils River and some of the great fishing and hunting spots all over South Texas. I would like to welcome Jenn Guidt as the new Equestrian Manager as she assumed that position in September. The Club also purchased two new Mercedes Sprinter vans last spring and they continue to be a great resource for our members’ traveling needs.  

While we were sad to see longtime Director of Membership Debbie Pepper retire in September, we were very happy to appoint Brianna Botine to that role and know she will serve our members’ and guests’ needs very well here on the Ranch. Brianna also maintains her role as Lodging Manager and continues helping make memorable experiences for all who stay there.

We are looking forward to a great 2023 and the opening of the new Cabana this year! Construction is well underway and I know once complete will serve as another fantastic amenity for all of our members to enjoy.

We wish you all a healthy and blessed New Year!

Marc DeWall is the General Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mdewall@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9151.