Santaluz names new director of golf

SANTALUZ — The Santaluz Club announced its new Director of Golf John McCook. McCook, a 15-year golf professional, has been named to oversee all aspects of the golf operation for the members of the private facility.
“John’s professional background with premier golf destinations throughout Southern California and his personal skills are well suited to the Santaluz Club and to building upon the foundation that has been established here,” General Manager Gordon Carter said.
McCook started his golf career at Bighorn Country Club in 1993 and then served as an assistant golf professional at Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Country Club and at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach. He was head golf professional at Ocean Trails Golf Club and Lost Canyons Golf Club before accepting the position as director of golf at Oak Creek Golf Club in 2002.
Now as director of golf at The Santaluz Club, McCook said he looks forward to leading a team effort, working together with staff to provide a level of service that Santaluz Club members want and deserve.
“Service is everything, especially at the Santaluz Club, and my job will be to keep organized and maintained a happy, well-trained staff that provides the level of service equal to the stature of this amazing Club,” McCook said.
McCook and his wife, Bridget, currently live with their two sons in Orange County. They are expecting another baby in January. In addition to his devotion to the game of golf, McCook is involved with breast cancer awareness and supports causes related to juvenile diabetes.
On the golf course, McCook said he is especially interested in junior golfers and mentoring them toward a lifelong love of the game.
“The Santaluz Club is the perfect environment for families and I hope to encourage more non-golfers — ladies and juniors especially — to learn the game and discover its allure,” said McCook, who started playing when he was 8 growing up in Long Beach. When his family moved to Oregon, McCook said weren’t many golf courses, so they built their own three-hole course and continued to enjoy the game as a family.
At the Santaluz Club, there are several golf events in place that McCook will continue to offer and strive to grow and make more memorable each year. Among these events are monthly golf clinics featuring Tina Mickelson, accomplished golf pro and sister of Phil Mickelson. Hosted by the club, these members-only ladies clinics, offer tips for a better game.
“My goal is to work with members and staff to create the best experiences possible for members and guests,” McCook said. “This is an incredible golf course and clubhouse, with an appealing array of amenities. It’s very exciting to be part of the process of a relatively new club confirming its reputation as among the best.”
Golf memberships currently are available at The Santaluz Club, and new members right now receive an incentive of $7,500 on their club account as well as five-year interest free financing. To discuss membership opportunities, call Kelly Collins at (858) 759-3109. Memberships are limited, but members are not required to live within Santaluz. Corporate memberships are also available. Visit www.Santaluz.com for information.