Teeing Up Excellence: Insights from Bonita Bay Club's Director of Golf

Every exceptional golf experience begins with people who genuinely care. That's the cornerstone philosophy shared by EJ, Bonita Bay Club's Director of Golf, who has been crafting unforgettable golf experiences since 1999. 

Throughout our conversation, EJ revealed the thoughtful approach behind Bonita Bay Club's renowned golf program. "If somebody's nice and they care and they want to be there, we can train them to do anything," he explains, highlighting how the right team creates a contagious culture of exceptional service. This people-first mentality extends to how EJ's team supports golfers across all skill levels – from competitive tournament players to social golfers to complete beginners.

For newcomers intimidated by the game, EJ shares his own golf mishaps to reassure them that "there's nothing they can do to a golf ball that every other golfer hasn't done at some point in their journey." The club's golf academy has been transformative, offering private instruction where beginners can learn without feeling observed or judged. Meanwhile, comprehensive tournament programming ensures that there's something for everyone, from highly competitive events to purely social gatherings.

Having overseen five course renovations, EJ offers fascinating insights into golf course architecture and the complex systems beneath the surface that most players never consider. He embraces technological advancements that enhance the member experience, from teaching tools to the recently introduced full swing launch monitors that members can check out.

What truly sets Bonita Bay Club apart is EJ's forward-thinking philosophy: "If you think status quo is okay, you're going to get run over by a freight train." By constantly innovating while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the club creates what EJ hopes every visitor experiences – "a feeling of wow, the members of Bonita Bay Club have a special place they can call home."

Chapters

• 0:01 Meet EJ, Director of Golf
• 1:12 Keys to a Successful Golf Operation
• 3:41 Helping New Golfers Feel Welcome
• 5:46 Behind-the-Scenes Tournament Preparation
• 8:14 Golf Course Renovation Insights
• 15:07 Creating Memorable Member Experiences