California club embarks on multi-phase renovation

Arnold Palmer Design preparing master plan for The Saticoy Club.


The Saticoy Club in Somis, Calif., has embarked on a multi-phase golf course renovation project. Saticoy Partners, LLC engaged Arnold Palmer Design to prepare the long-range master plan. Troon’s senior vice president of golf course development Ron Despain is overseeing the project as Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, manages the golf and club operations at The Saticoy Club. 
 
Phase 1 of the master plan project is currently under way and includes a comprehensive bunker remodel, sweeping tree removal and corresponding fairway expansion with Santa Ana Bermudagrass. To conserve water and maintenance inputs, a reduction in maintained turf is also being implemented in select areas around the course.
 
Founded in 1921, The Saticoy Club was the first private club in Ventura County. Nestled in the hills of Somis, the 18-hole course was designed by noted architect William F. Bell. Over its storied history, the club has hosted USGA Championship Qualifiers as well as Southern California Golf Association Amateur Championships. Over the years, the course has been refined by notable golf course architects Robert Muir Graves, Tom Doak and John Harbottle.
 
Thad Layton of Arnold Palmer Design Company is lead architect on the project team, while contractor Heritage Links and architect Brett Hochstein are implementing the new bunker styling. Head golf course superintendent and GCSAA member Tim Paulsen is also an integral part of the team in turf selection and implementation of the project vision. 
 
“We’re honored to have been selected by The Saticoy Club to restore the best parts of Bell’s original design, while adding layers of strategic interest to increase the playability and enjoyment of the golf course,” Layton said. “The expansive vistas gained through the initial tree removals lend a sense of context and scale that had been covered up through years of unchecked growth.”
 
The Saticoy Club was purchased by Saticoy Partners, LLC earlier this year. The new ownership group is committed to returning the course and club to the top echelon of private clubs.  In addition to on-course changes, plans also call for improvements to be made to dining spaces, locker rooms, the pool area and fitness facilities.
 
“We, at Saticoy Partners, are so happy to be working closely with Arnold Palmer Design, Troon and the great team at The Saticoy Club to restore Saticoy to its rightful place as one of the great golf courses in California and all of the United States,” said Bill Apfelbaum, managing partner, Saticoy Partners.

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