By Marc DeWall
2020 is officially here and I am not sure where the last year went! I do know that I am very excited about the golf course opening that took place last month. The new Pure Distinction bentgrass greens look and putt fantastic, and the other golf course work that was done during the closure looks great! I hope you have had the chance to play but if not, “Let’s Go!” While the greens renovation project dominated the last quarter of the year here at the Club, there were plenty of other “happenings” taking place. I thought I would try to highlight a few of them as we take a look back at the year that was 2019.
The new Golf Performance Center opened in March and has been a home-run for our members who want to improve their game. Corey Roberson was hired as the new Director of Golf in late July and we also have two new Assistant Golf Professionals in Jake Greer and Logan Davis.
Susie Phillips was hired as the new Equestrian Manager in September and has brought a wealth of knowledge to that area, and the member experience has never been better.
Susie has provided world-class lessons and event programming, and created a fun and safe environment for all of our horse lovers.
The newly renovated Fitness Center was unveiled in May of last year with all new PreCor equipment, new TV’s, new carpeting and paint and an updated layout of the fitness equipment. At that time, Jane Riley was hired as the Director of Fitness and Wellness and has done a fantastic job getting to know our fitness users by being present on the floor and building relationships. All kinds of new programs have been offered including golf fitness assessments, nutritional seminars, aquafit and paddleboard yoga, InBody assessments, senior fitness classes and the return of ELDOA classes, just to name a few!
Joe DeLuna was hired as the new Director of Tennis a little more than one year ago and is doing a great job in helping to bring back women’s league play as we have two teams now playing. Junior Team Tennis was added this past spring and the Bryan Brothers Pro-Am with Mardy Fish and Ryan Harrison was a big success. Pickleball continues to grow in popularity and we have a large group of members that play regularly!
Graham House and Chef Isaac continue to do a wonderful job leading our Food and Beverage operation. This past year we unveiled an all-new Breakfast Menu, Ranch Menu and Signature Dining Menu which have all been very well received. This was a big undertaking and the comments from our members regarding the new food items have been very positive.
There were lots of new events this past year including the Daddy Daughter Dance and Halloween Monster Bash. The new book tour Speaker Series featuring Dave Campbell and Scott Pelley were outstanding.
Finally, one of the biggest additions to the Ranch this past year was the opening of The Lodges in August. If you have not yet had the chance to see them, please contact Member Relations Manager Brianna Botine for a tour. They truly are spectacular and have provided a wonderful experience for all of our members and guests that have stayed. We are looking at a February opening for the second unit.
As you can see, 2019 was a great year here at the Club with so many wonderful new amenities and things to do for you and your family. We are looking forward to a great 2020, and I hope you will be able to participate in some of the new events and spend time with us here at the Club enjoying all of the great amenities the Club has to offer. On behalf of the entire Club team, we wish you a very Happy and Blessed New Year!
Marc DeWall, PGA, is the General Manager of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mdewall@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.9000.
