By Mike Skala,

Director of Golf Operations

As the new Director of Golf Operations, I am pleased to be able to share with you some of the great things happening here at the Boulder Oaks Golf Club.

Course Improvements: We are delighted to announce that on August 28 we will be taking delivery of 70 brand-new golf carts! These vehicles have much stronger motors than our old fleet and will not only make it easier to get up the hills, but will also provide a smoother ride. New sod has been laid on the fairway on the 12th hole and improvements to the T-boxes are in progress. That area will be re-opening any day now.  We are also getting close to completion on a brand new driving range, which will include 10 hitting bays and allow for up to 250 yard shots. We’re giving the grass a chance to get fully established and expect to have the range up and running by early to mid-September. Our longer term plans include a practice facility to be built next to the small parking lot.

Boulder Oaks Ambassadors Program: We recently created a separate non-profit organization to promote the game of golf through charitable events and volunteership. We are currently looking to fill 7 volunteer positions. These individuals will serve on a regular basis at the Boulder Oaks Course as marshals and/or starters and will assist on occasion with tournaments and other special events. If you are interested, please give me a call at (760) 749-1620.

Collaboration with local community: Over the last month, we’ve had some great conversations with representatives of the Hidden Meadows Community Foundation and I’m enthused about the potential for working together for the common good. The Golf Club has always been proud to provide our facilities for community events like the recent “Movie Night in the Meadows” series. We are now exploring other ways to partner.  We’re already in discussion with the Beautification Committee about coordinating our landscape maintenance efforts. We have also begun planning a golf tournament to benefit the Foundation’s programs.

Oaks Bar & Grill: We will be continuing to offer live music on Friday nights and are planning to add other fun activities including a twice a month Karaoke night.  We are also actively pursuing event business such as weddings and corporate outings.

New staff: I came on board in early July. My goals as Director are to continue improving golf course conditions and the Oaks Bar & Grill, while providing superior guest service and building a synergistic relationship with the community. I earned my Player, Teaching and Tournament Credentials from the Golf Academy of America and have held a variety of positions at golf clubs around San Diego including Mt Woodson, Sycuan, and Carlton Oaks. I’ve run numerous corporate and professional golf events and look forward to applying that expertise here at Boulder Oaks.

Jim Ferrel joined our team August 10 as Course Superintendent. His most recent position was at Cota de Caza, a private club in Orange County. He will be overseeing the crew responsible for maintaining the golf course and the surrounding areas on our property. Ken Mizumaki will be joining us soon as Teaching Pro. He previously worked with several pro golfers in Japan.  In addition to providing individual lessons, Ken will be offering a “Get Ready Golf” program for beginning golfers and intends to develop a Jr. Program, with camps and other activities for younger golfers.

Let me wrap up this article by saying that although it’s been a very busy first month for me, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the community and the wonderful people who live here. I look forward to meeting more of you.  Please feel free to drop in to say hi next time you’re in the Boulder Oaks area.