Santaluz Club thrives as members take reigns from developer DMB

Oct. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- The Santaluz Club is embarking on a new era of leadership as
developer DMB prepares to transition all club governance, operations and financial responsibility to the membership. But the prospect of managing a world-class $43 million facility doesn’t faze board member Robert Proulx.

“For the past four years, we’ve methodically worked with DMB to transition the club from a developer-run operation to a member-run organization,” said Proulx. “Each year, we’ve gotten more members involved with governance and financial issues through the board and committees. With the help of DMB, the group has matured and is ready to be responsible for the future of the club.”

Evidence of their commitment is on the scoreboard: existing members have brought in one new golf member each week during 2011. Those numbers rank The Santaluz Club as one of the strongest in San Diego County.

“I have to give DMB a lot of credit for taking their time and guiding us with the transition,” continued Proulx, who noted that the original timetable for the transition was 2009. The new changeover date is Jan. 1, 2012. “It would have been a huge burden for us if they had left then, but they stuck it out for an additional three years. As a result, the club is in a position where it’s not only going to survive, but it’s going to thrive.”

During the recent “Just One” membership campaign, club leadership enlisted the support of its 675+ golf, spa and social members. As a result, over 100 friends and associates were nominated and are in discussion about potential golf, spa or social membership.

“With our members feeling so positive about the exit strategy for DMB, they responded enthusiastically,” said Proulx. “If you’re happy with your club, why wouldn’t you refer your family and friends?”

The spike in membership sales certainly runs counter to the local market, but it all comes back to confidence, says fellow board member Graham C. Anderson.

“The club has been well managed financially, we have reserves, we aren’t diminishing our services, and we don’t expect to have to go back to the membership to ask for more money,” said Anderson. “We’ve been able to demonstrate to the membership that the success of the club is in their hands. As a result, our financial picture is only getting better and better.”

The Santaluz Club showcases a private, 300-acre championship course designed by renowned architect Rees Jones. Director of Golf John McCook and Santaluz Golf Ambassador Tina Mickelson oversee an extensive array of programs and clinics, including a year-round junior golf program.

In addition to the course, The Santaluz Club includes the numerous amenities of the 35,000-square-foot Santaluz Clubhouse and Spa, as well as the 17,000-square-foot Hacienda Santaluz.

The clubhouse features elegant dining in a casual, friendly setting, an award-winning golf shop, and amenity-rich men’s and ladies’ lounges. The clubhouse also includes the private Spa at Santaluz, which captivates the senses with gardens, dramatic water features and indoor/outdoor treatment rooms.

Adjoining a lush 11-acre Village Green, the Hacienda includes a casual coffee shop café and poolside grill; numerous outdoor lounging and conversation areas; a resort-like swimming pool; six tennis courts; fitness center and an indoor basketball court. In response to member input, The Santaluz Club has just unveiled The Studio at Santaluz, which features yoga, spin and pilates classes and instruction.

Santaluz is a community of DMB Associates, Inc., and Taylor Morrison. For more information, contact Director of Membership Kelly Collins at 858-759-3109.

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