Desert Mountain Podcast

With nearly 100 brands (77 vendors) coming to Fall Demo Day on Thursday, November 9, our Retail team is more excited than ever to see you at C/G Range! The team takes us behind-the-scenes, showing what it takes to put this event together, how they've streamlined purchasing for Members this year, and expanded parking & shuttle services. Then, stick around the team Demo Day picks from apparel, shoes, golf bags and more!

This week we share the microphone with our friends from the Desert Mountain HOA! Two of the countless benefits that make Desert Mountain a great place to live are the Home Onwer's Association's commitment to safety first as well as the collaboration with the Desperados to offer an exceptional outdoor adventure experience. Jim Duffey, Chair of the HOA Safety and Access Committee, and Troy Gillenwater, a founding member of the Desperados, share their thoughts on these important and timely topics. Mr. Duffey is a 23-year Army veteran who started his own physical and cyber security company and knows a few things about keeping his neighbors safe while Mr. Gillenwater is a principal of the local Russ Lyon Sotheby's office and founding member of the Desperados for hiking and bicycling adventures. Tune in to find why they love Desert Mountain.

Desert Mountain welcomed Sixwire back to the stage at Spring Bash last week. They played about three hours of dance floor favorites with band members of Chicago, Boston, and Kool and the Gang! But before their performance, we sat down with these legendary musicians to learn about their musical backgrounds and how they all came to play together for this special night for Desert Mountain.

It's been noted as the largest Member-Guest tournament in the country, and this time, the microphones belong to participants-- our Members and their guests. Listen in as some of the event's  “Top Guns”  stop by the podcast booth to share their experiences.

Why have a podcast *about* Mountain Magic when you can have it *at* Mountain Magic?! Today's edition of the Desert Mountain Podcast was filmed on location during Saturday's final round festivities of our annual Member-Guest tournament. We heard from tournament organizers, members, guests, champions , and even the player who hit the tourney's only ace! Please enjoy the sights, sounds and insights from Magic 2023!

It's been 6 months since the Receiving, Laundry & Recycling Facility (RLRF) first opened at Desert Mountain. So how have our Club operations changed with the new building? Director of Purchasing Andy Nelson and Director of Housekeeping & HorticultureJeremy Bobber walk us through day-to-day operations in the facility and how the RLRF helps the Club save money, water, and energy. Hear some quick facts about the facility, and how it's making inroads with efficiencies at the Club!

The architects working with the Club on the proposal to restore the Cochise Golf Course provided us with an animated look at each hole. On the podcast this week, PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger and Director of Agronomy Todd Bohn take us hole-by-hole, using this animation to show how our restored course will look and feel.

The Club's vision and mission statements areaspirational in nature and are in place to guide strategic planning for the future. Following weeks of Member informational meetings and drop-in “Ask Us” sessions, Board Member Athena Kaviris and Club CFO Andrea Randall reflect on Club communications, the development of the 5-year rolling strategic planand capital plans, and how each adapt based onmarket conditions and the needs of our Members.

Breaking a real estate record and winning a Club championship, all in one week? It was an epic one for the record books for Member Barry Conser, a Russ Lyon Sotheby's real estate agent and professional golfer. On this week's Desert Mountain Podcast, Mr. Conser shares his personal story to learn about the Cochise course restoration project and how his viewpoint was shaped through his experience. He also breaks down the parallels between the course restoration, our real estate values and the reputation and awareness of our Club outside our gates.

On this week's episode of the Desert Mountain Podcast, PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger, Director of Agronomy Todd Bohn and Golf Committee Chairman Member Chris Storbeck take us through the merits of the Cochise Golf Course Restoration project. They answer some of the questions they hear from Members like availability of the courses during the project timeline, or why this project can't focus on irrigation problems alone.

There are some new and exciting changes to the Member website based on your feedback! On the podcast this week, hear about updated navigation toolbar which includes the Boardroom and the Comment Card. Plus, we explain how to use a new site search feature built just for Desert Mountain and go through how to update your contact information for the Member Directory and other Club services. What's the most need-to-know information? Learn how the Top 10 Things to Know on the homepage , and what's to come with Mountain Minute TV!

It's an active and super week to be in Arizona, and no one knows that better than our Members! On the podcast this week, we hear predictions around the Club about who will take home the trophies from both the WM Phoenix Open and the Super Bowl! Who are you rooting for? Plus, hear which Members made their own great shots this week on the Mountain!

The Desert Mountain Podcast expands this week to include our featured guest for Golf Croquet week, and, a bonus feature with insights from this week's Cochise Golf Course Restoration events. Plus, the elusive albatross makes its way into our Great Shots Around the Mountain segment. We start things off with the world-renown visiting golf croquet pro Cheryl Bromley, who shows us how fun and flexible the game of croquet can be!

The Desert Mountain Podcast is coast-to-coast this week! While the PGA Show is happening in Orlando, some of the latest and greatest equipment is already here on the Mountain! We start with new JFGPC Pro Shop Manager David Elias. He shares his background in golf equipment sales, and gives us a hands-on look at new club heads from companies like PING, TaylorMade and Callaway. Then, we head to Orlando, as PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger shows us around the PGA Show. He and our Golf team get the inside scoop on new clubs, new golf attire, and even cool technology for course management! Plus, find out about an award given to the Club right at the show!

As we shared earlier this week, Desert Mountain Club has been named in the top 10 Platinum Clubs of America! The Club received the designation for 2023-2024 within the Country Club category. What does it take to become a Platinum Club of America? Dennis Burns, Executive Director of Club Leaders Forum, joins us on the podcast this week. He discusses how Club Leaders Forum and Platinum Clubs of America work together to benchmark these prestigious clubs. He also takes us through the criteria for clubs to be considered for Platinum Club, as well as the voting process.

Pack your bags, Desert Mountain Members! We're taking off to two international destinations in this week's episode of the Desert Mountain Podcast. Jo Ann Taylor of Walking Connection takes us through the Camino de Santiago trip, happening this summer in conjunction with the Outdoor Adventures team. She explains what to expect on this Members-only excursion. Plus, Matthew Kent of Kent World Travel joins the conversation from South Africa to discuss the luxury golf and sightseeing trip planned for our Members in 2024. You'll hear how traveling with Desert Mountain takes the guess work out of your vacation.

What's holding you back from making moves toward your goals? That's the question Personal Trainer Rob Bozada starts with in his training. On this week's podcast, he takes us through his fitness philosophies and how starting with the basics can lead to bigger achievements. You'll also hear how he's integrating golf performance in his fitness training with Members. Plus, he explains his path to Desert Mountain which includes a pass through Nike and an introduction from a teammate at Augusta National.

This week's podcast episode is about celebrating the year that was 2022! Listen in as the podcast team highlights some of the most notable moments that so many were present to experience, and also hear some little known facts that didn't make the headlines. We look forward to another great year highlighting topics and activities that are important to you! Thank you for an amazing 22 and cheers to a safe, happy and healthy new year!

Consider this your Desert Mountain Club holiday card - all the Mountain merriment signed, sealed and delivered to you on the Desert Mountain Podcast! Listen in as Members and teammates from around the Mountain send their season's greetings to you and your family! Plus, hear some insights from some of the Club's youngest Members!

This week, we're checking in with one of the newest teammates at Desert Mountain Club! Director of Racquet Sports Rich Slivocka joins us. He takes us through his unique journey to the Club and how his ties with the USPTA is beneficial for our Members. Also on the podcast this week is Tennis & Pickleball Professional Andrea Crook. She gives an update on a recent trip to Honduras and how the experience was meant to show children in impoverished neighborhoods the good sports can do!

The new Desert Mountain Medical Clinic, operated by HonorHealth, is now open! The new facility is considered to be the nation's first comprehensive, full-service health clinic in the private club industry, providing general medical services exclusively to our Club Members and Club teammates and their dependents. On the podcast this week, we hear from Dr. Matthew Anderson of HonorHealth who is rotating with us during the month of December at our new clinic. Plus, he takes us on a video tour of the facility.

December has arrived, and with that comes Desert Mountain's 24 Days of Holiday Shopping! Director of Retail Mark Thush and Assistant Director of Retail Lauren Everett stop by the podcast this week to show off some of the great gifts with purchase available this month. From a cozy Desert Mountain sherpa throw blanket to the annual Christmas ornament, these gifts are stunning additions to your shopping list.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we're not talking turkey. We're serving up a hot, new dinner option for our Members - Angelo's! The fresh concept has been serving up piping hot pies, sensational salads and dessert for a week now. On this week's episode, we're talking with Chiricahua Clubhouse Manager Chris Mirza, Chef de Cuisine Kyle Bielski and Sommelier John O'Farrell. Together, they explain the history behind the restaurant's name before taking a deeper dive into the menu offerings. Plus, hear more about the wine program made especially for Angelo's.

Next week we begin our Coffee Talk series where Members will have an opportunity to take a deep dive into the restoration project that is proposed for the Cochise Golf Course. In advance of our first meeting, pull up a chair! We invite you to listen in as our Director of Agronomy Todd Bohn and PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger talk through the rationale of restoring the course.

Freshen up your golf gear at Fall Demo Day! The Member-favorite event is back on Friday, November 11 with deals and discounts on your favorite brands. On the podcast this week, we're joined by Bobby Berry, Director of Business Development at Desert Mountain Club. He elaborates on what goes into making Demo Day so special for our Members. Joining him is Cole Stofflet, one of the many retail representatives with vendors at Demo Day. He names some items he thinks are worth taking a look at during your time at the C/G Range. Plus, hear how the discounts work while you're shopping across the Mountain on Friday.

Volunteers from the Member-run nonprofit organization Desert Mountain Foundation are out this week, gathering donations for scholarships and employee hardship assistance. Dr. Michael Urban joins us on the podcast. He explains how the foundation got its start from Member support, and the donations to help Desert Mountain teammates and their family members in the past nine years. You'll learn how you can add your donation during Day of Play, and the success of this fundraising effort has on the overall goal. Dr. Urban also takes us through the process of how the funds and scholarships are awarded.

It started 25 years ago with a paper bag full of cash, presented to Arizona's Mayo Clinic for breast cancer research. Now, Desert Mountain CARE is making strides in all areas of cancer research and early detection initiatives. On this week's podcast, CARE Board Chair Jill Porcellato and CARE volunteer Diane Jack discuss the record-breaking 25th year for CARE all thanks to Members like you! They break down the process on how research projects with HonorHealth and Mayo Clinic are selected for funding, how Members can donate to the cause in two ways, and why volunteering for CARE is fulfilling! Plus, hear how some live auction items for the CARE gala are created for Members to enjoy!

Our agronomy teammates at Desert Mountain are artists in their field as they maintain the beauty of our courses every day. Director of Agronomy Todd Bohn joins us on the podcast, capping a busy week. He provides status updates on our courses, the quality of the turf so many are enjoying now and explains what transpires naturally at the close of a winter season in May versus the opening of a winter season in October. Plus, hear why our grasses make Desert Mountain playable year-round while other Arizona clubs close their courses in October.

There's some 'buzz' around this week's episode of the Desert Mountain Podcast, now celebrating one year on the air! Outdoor Adventures Coordinator Jake Metz joins us with news about some new adventures available to our Members this season. We also welcome Cricket Aldridge, founder of the Arizona Backyard Beekeepers Association, as she gives some fascinating facts about bees and talks about her upcoming event at Desert Mountain where Members can learn more about beekeeping.

This week, the Desert Mountain Podcast welcomes Global Golf Advisors (known as GGA Partners) and Club CFO Andrea Randall. The international management consulting firm joins us to discuss the recent comprehensive analysis of capacity and utilization at the Club, the three core areas broken out for summary, and some recommendations which are currently under review. We also get some insight into how other clubs are responding to higher capacity. Plus, hear how the Club is initiating a series of new opportunities, accessibility policies and facility expansions to create exceptional experiences and improve access for our Members in the winter season.

This week, Desert Mountain Podcast welcomes Head of Junior Golf Development Richard Franklin. The junior golf coach and published game designer talks with us about what led him to golf instruction for kids, his play-based teaching platform DiscoverGolf, and the educational environment offered at Desert Mountain. Plus, hear why he believes the game of golf is good for a child's development on and off the course.

We're on our best behavior for this week's Desert Mountain Podcast episode. We're joined this week by Scottsdale Fire Deputy Chief Adam Hoster and Scottsdale Police Lieutenant Chuck Cabrera, wrapping up the Battle of the Badges charity golf tournament at Outlaw Golf Course. They talk about the friendly competition between firefighters and police officers out on the course, all for a good cause, and why the win for Scottsdale Police this year was a sweet victory. Plus, hear how Desert Mountain works with emergency crews to get first responders through our gates faster, and safety and security tips in the expanding digital world.

The 2022/2023 Winter Event Guide is almost here! Inside are pages filled with exciting activities, events, and athletics for October 2022 through May 2023. The Mountain's own Graphic Designer, Maryann Krusniak, joins us on the podcast this week, discussing behind-the-scenes aspects of what it takes to put the Winter Event Guide together. Plus, we go through new dining offerings to expand and enhance the Member experience and review timing and event registration policies.

In our third Winter Guide Preview Week, Arnaldo Cocuzza, Director of Athletics and Sonoran Clubhouse, is hitting the ground running - literally! He joins us to discuss new opportunities for our Members to relax, rejuvenate, renew and restore in the Winter Season. He explains some of the new faces we'll see around Sonoran Clubhouse, including a nutritionist. Plus, hear how you can lace up and run alongside him over the next several months as he trains for the New York City Marathon!

In our second Winter Guide Preview Week, we turn our attention to the golf calendar. PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger and Tournament Director Sean Ferris join us on the podcast this week. Together, they explain updates to some of the upcoming tournaments which will enhance the overall experience for our participating Members. The two also discuss adjustments to some of the tournament schedules, allowing Members to align their calendars with other Club-offered events happening in the same week. Plus, hear about a brand-new tournament added to the lineup!

As we come closer to the end of the summer season, Desert Mountain Club teammates are planning for what's to come this winter! Director of Club Operations Gregg Leonard and Director of Culinary Operations Chef Bertrand Bouquin highlight some upcoming events in the months ahead including wine dinners, live entertainment, and of course Fall Bash! Chef Bertrand hints at what you could see on the menu, and how menus for other dining events come together. Gregg breaks down the strategy of adding more dining and event options for our Members to help offset any capacity concerns, and why event registration and cancellation policies help protect the experience for all Members. Plus, hear about additional offerings from the new pizza kitchen and Sushi & Ramen Nights at Café Verde!

There are many layers to our culinary offerings at Desert Mountain Club. In fact, Members can sweeten their celebrations with signature cakes, made right here on the Mountain. On the podcast this week, Pastry Sous Chef Korrin Stevenson joins us to talk about the cake ordering process, how she and her team creates these bakes, and the flavors and fillings used to make your celebration even more special.

There's a lot of progress each day out at Renegade Golf Course and Renegade Range. On the podcast this week, Chad Goetz of Nicklaus Design along with PGA Director of Golf John Lyberger and Director of Agronomy Todd Bohn join us to talk about the developments and improvements at Renegade and the timeline of reopening. They also discuss the restoration project scheduled for Cochise Golf Course and how infrastructure work will help improve how we care for the course.

It's only fitting we talk to our Master Club Fitter during Golf Gear Week at Desert Mountain Club. Chris Heasley joins us for his first time on the podcast, alongside return guest Paxton O'Connor, Director of Instruction. The two discuss their recent benchmarking trip to San Diego and what they experienced in their meetings with companies including TaylorMade and Titleist. Plus, hear how Heasley works with you and your swing to find the right equipment for your golf game.

Pardon our dust- progress is underway! This week, the Desert Mountain Podcast takes you on location to the new Onsite Health Clinic, currently under construction and the Fairways Building and opening in December. You'll hear more about the facility staffed by HonorHealth, additional pickleball courts coming to Sonoran, and the brand new dog park. Plus, learn how traffic flow and parking updates will mean more parking spots and safer walking routes for Members.

Desert Mountain Club has a commitment to sustainability, finding ways to reduce waste and conserve water and energy. This week, Todd Bohn, Director of Agronomy, and Todd Bruen, Director of Facilities and Construction join us on the podcast. Together they break down some of the water, power, and waste reduction initiatives at the Club, and how equipment upgrades like the new laundry operation inside the Receiving, Laundry, and Recycling Facility help Desert Mountain be more efficient

We're exploring the great outdoors at Desert Mountain! Jake Metz, Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, joins us this week on the podcast. He dives into some exciting excursions for our Members while reflecting on how these adventures come together. You'll also hear how these events help you escape the Arizona heat while learning something new about your surroundings.

Wes Pudwill, Director of Talent and Culture, and Alicia Garcia, Engagement and Communications Coordinator, join us on Desert Mountain Podcast this week. Together, they share some insights generated from the Great Place to Work® survey as well as ways employees are recognized for their hard work on a continuous basis. Plus, hear about some benefits for new hires wanting to join our team and experience what it's like to have a Great Place to Work.

When the summer sizzle sets in, we find ways to stay cool and stay active! On this week's podcast, Lifestyle Activities Manager Haven Lewis and Youth Activities Supervisor Emily Schiavone join us to chat about fun-filled tournaments, events and activities still on the slate for the summer. Emily explains what it takes to keep kids involved while avoiding summer brain drain, while Haven discusses active events like croquet, bocce and BINGO sure to bring smiles to the faces of your whole family!

Desert Mountain Club likes to shake things up by adding fresh and flavorful cocktails to the summer menu! C/G Assistant Clubhouse Manager Miles Brudigan and Seven Assistant Clubhouse Manager Doug Pocius join us on the podcast this week! They tell us about the new seasonal specials at their respective clubhouses, some of the cocktail and mocktail trends happening now, and how a glass tower is being used for impressive infusions around the Mountain.

As the Southwestern Amateur plays out at Desert Mountain Club for the 10th consecutive year, the amateur golfers are seeing first-hand some of the intricacies of the Geronimo course. Golf legend Tom Lehman joins us on this week's podcast, discussing his long relationship with Desert Mountain, challenges on the course, and the mindset amateur players need to advance. Southwestern Amateur Director Rich Grant also joins the conversation, giving insight into the 107-year-old tournament and what it takes to put on an event of this magnitude.

Women's Golf Day was Tuesday, June 7, 2022. But at Desert Mountain Club, we celebrate women in golf each day! On this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Head Golf Professional Maggie Green at Chiricahua Golf Course. She talks with us about the women's golf leagues on the Mountain, her unique role in golf merchandising, and the importance of the women's perspective in growing the industry. Plus, we hear another round of Great Shots Around the Mountain.

You can master your skills on the course all while staying in the A/C! This week, Director of Instruction Paxton O'Connor talks with us about the benefits of taking lessons inside the Jim Flick Golf Performance Center. He discusses new and exciting updates inside the Performance Center, improvements inside the teaching bays, as well as Trackman technology being utilized with adults and kids alike. Plus, hear about the new Summer Play and Learn Experience with our Teaching Professionals.

This week, Desert Mountain Club is showing support for American men and women in our armed forces, as part of Military Appreciation Month, recognized in the U.S. every May. On this week's episode of Desert Mountain Podcast, Member General Derek Hill joins us with a look at the unique relationship between Desert Mountain and the Veterans Heritage Project. Also joining us is Tim Wegscheid, President and Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. He discusses the inaugural event at Outlaw earlier this month, attended by five Medal of Honor recipients and other local combat veterans.

One of the draws to being in the Desert Mountain Community is feeling safe and secure in your space. That sense of safety isn't accidental. There are men and women throughout the area making sure safety is their #1 priority. This week, we talk with Jim Duffey, the Safety and Access Committee Chief on the Desert Mountain Master Association Board. Joining him for this discussion on safety is Bill Fultz, the Chief Security Officer at CCMC. Together, they discuss safety aspects on the Mountain, and why a Firewise USA® designation will be a big plus for the Community.

If you want to see Desert Mountain flex its party muscle, Spring Bash is the way to watch it get done. We sit down with some of the musicians who took the stage for the big party. First, we talk with the men of Sixwire. They tell us how they came to rock together, and what they love about Desert Mountain Members. Then, Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath gets behind the microphone, with his insights on Spring Bash, and even some stories from the road!