San Vicente Golf Club Board of Governors Annual Meeting

Last Saturday, the San Vicente Golf Club Board held its annual meeting at 4 pm in the Rotunda. The meeting provided a recap of the past year's accomplishments and upcoming events, followed by a social hour where attendees enjoyed food and drinks.

Bruce Carter, who has served as Board President for two years, opened the meeting by thanking the group of about 50 attendees. He introduced the meeting's speakers: General Manager Darren Shaw, Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh, and Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn. Carter also shared that he and his wife, Carrie, would be moving to Utah soon. He recognized the new board members Olin Hanf and John Massery who will be filling open board positions in January 2025. Carter also mentioned that one board position remains open.

Carter highlighted several key updates:

• Board Policy Changes: He noted a few policy changes were made in the past year, and thanked everyone for contributing to an SDCEA record-breaking online form comment response, which helped retain club benefits such as a 10% discount in the resort’s restaurants and a 15% discount on merchandise in the Golf Shop.
• Golf Club Webpage: He encouraged members to utilize the Golf Club webpage on the Association's website to stay informed and advised everyone to read the policies and procedures.
• New Member Packet: The club's New Member Packet containing a membership card, golf bag tag, and information pack was organized by club members and handed over to the Golf Shop Team for distribution.
• Social Club and Tournaments: The club’s upcoming events include Oktoberfest, the Turkey Trot (with a catered turkey lunch), and a Christmas party featuring a new, exciting theme.
• Golf Genius: The cloud-based software platform, implemented in January 2024, streamlines the management of tournaments and events under the supervision of the Golf Shop team.
• Sweeps Update: The informal competitions, or "sweeps," now offer a check for the balance if a member moves or passes away.
• Emeritus Members: The $25 entry fee for retired or long-standing members has been waived, and a certificate is now issued to recognize these valued players.

Next, Darren Shaw expressed his gratitude to the golf club members and volunteers for fostering such an active club. He praised the dedication of Bruce and Carrie Carter as club volunteers and as active participants in golf member activities.

Shaw highlighted recent accomplishments by the Management Team across several areas, including Food and Beverage, Equestrian Facilities, San Vicente Guest Rooms, and Recreation areas such as the pools, racket sports courts, bandstand, and parks, noting the recent opening of San Vicente Park. He also touched on essential Administration projects, including the implementation of a new phone system, wireless network, updated management software, and an enhanced security system. Shaw briefly mentioned the draft 2025 SDCEA budget, which is set for review at the October board meeting. He confirmed he would be stepping down from his position next month and expressed gratitude for the positive experiences over his three-year tenure.

Head Golf Professional Matt Brumbaugh followed, thanking members and volunteers for their support. He noted that the club's membership stands at approximately 300, with efforts underway to increase that number. He emphasized that the best aspects of the golf experience at San Vicente are the people first, followed by the quality of the course.

Brumbaugh provided updates on several topics:

• Golf Changes: Several changes were made over the past year, and members have embraced them well.
• Junior Golf: The Junior Golf program continues to be a success, with 42 children participating in the summer Jr. PGA Program.
• Twilight Golf: This year saw record participation in the Thursday evening Twilight Golf events, with a diverse group including couples, mothers, kids, and casual golfers. One recent participant joined after attending a Callaway Golf Club fitting event.
• Course Conditions: Brumbaugh praised the hard work and dedication of Scott Walwyn and the Golf Course Maintenance Team for continually improving the playing conditions.

Golf Course Superintendent Scott Walwyn closed the meeting by echoing the appreciation for Brumbaugh and the entire golf team. He noted that the Golf Team handles all aspects of the course, including tournaments, events, clinics, lessons, and communicating course conditions. Walwyn also acknowledged the team's involvement in event barbeques when needed.

Walwyn extended his gratitude to volunteers, specifically recognizing the contributions of the Carters and Hills in assisting with course projects. He also praised the "great crew" he works with and his excellent mechanics.

Walwyn apologized to residents near the course, explaining that early morning maintenance sometimes begins at 4 am during hot summer months to avoid working in extreme heat. With 25 years of experience across ten different golf courses, he shared insights into the challenges of maintaining short grass, managing bunkers, aerating greens, and handling water and sprinkler systems, noting that Bermuda grass is particularly difficult to manage.

He also reiterated the importance of golfers taking care of the course, reminding everyone that they play a role in its upkeep—even if he didn't explicitly say, "Repair Your Ball Marks!!!"

The meeting concluded with a social event where attendees enjoyed catered food, cookies, and a selection of drinks and cocktails.