New ownership takes over The Golf Club of California

Diane O'Hara

Special to the Village News

The Golf Club of California, which is located at the intersection of Gird Road and Highway 76, has changed ownership. The club was purchased in January by B.H. Lee and Han Kim. Besides being avid golfers, Lee and Kim have extensive experience in the Korean hospitality industry. They are excited about the potential at GCC and their goal is to make GCC the premier golf course in North San Diego County.

The course has a challenging and diverse track with excellent first-class conditions on the approaches and greens. Ancient oaks and majestic sycamores are naturally integrated throughout the track, providing a tranquil, back-country atmosphere. The new owners said they look to promote the rustic appeal of the course and attract all levels of golfers. They have already carefully begun an overhaul of some of the beautiful native and riparian areas.

Mission Vista, Bonsall, and Vista high schools have chosen GCC as the training/playing "home" for their golf teams. In February, the Korean "Winter Camp" Golf Academy traveled from Korea and spent two weeks training at GCC. Numerous local businesses, NGOs and organizations consider GCC the preferred choice for their recreational and fundraising events. In a move to enhance the appeal to avid golfers, the club is now also part of the JC Resorts family.

The GCC Women's Cub has been active since 2004 and continues to thrive in the San Diego golf community. Several men's groups regularly play most weekday mornings. Susan Lucy, longtime member at GCC and current president of the Women's Club, said "The course is in the best shape it has been in years. The new owners have wasted no time in improving the course and the facility."

The course is open to the public, but also offers a private membership. With upgrades to the course, Lee and Kim plan to grow both the member and public play customer base.

Last year, Jose Garcia was hired as golf course superintendent. Garcia was the first superintendent when GCC opened in 2001. For him, "coming home" has been a welcome challenge. Garcia is well-known and extremely respected in the Southern California golf community. With over 20 years' experience as a golf superintendent, he has initiated major improvements to the greens, approaches, tee boxes and fairways. With the new owners, he has been given the go-ahead to continue with the upgrades and enhancements. GCC staff and membership feel very fortunate to have a professional with Garcia's experience, commitment, and enthusiasm.

Josh Haynes has been hired as Director of Golf. Haynes is also well known and respected in the golf community having spent eight years with The Barona Creek Golf Club and two years with Twin Oaks Golf Club. He said, "If folks would just travel north of Highway 78, they will find a hidden gem at GCC. The course is in great condition and will only get better." As an experienced golf professional, Haynes plans to incorporate his excellent knowledge and customer service values with the GCC staff.

During the recent COVID pandemic the outdoor setting and ease of social distancing made golf an ideal social and recreational activity. The new owners hope to capitalize on the renewed enthusiasm for golf. Fallbrook golfers welcome Lee and Kim as they work to make The Golf Club of California a first choice for premier golfing in North County.

For tee times, course details, contact information and spectacular panoramic views of the facilities and course, visit http://www.thegolfclubofcalifornia.com.