Osa Golf is the New Name of San Buenas Golf Course
Osa Golf Course is the new name of what used to be known as San Buenas Golf Course in the San Buenas Golf Resort. The reason for the name change is that the golf course is under new management. The real estate development itself is still owned and operated primarily by Robert Frazier and the development is keeping its name of San Buenas Golf Resort (I think).
We are still managing a condominium that is available for vacation rental at the development however. Neither Osa Property Management nor the owners of the condo, have received all the details yet.
New Management Team at Osa Golf
As I understand it today, the new management team consists of three investors. They are an investor who also owns a condominium unit at the resort, an outside investor and the current Osa Golf Course Superintendent. The three of them all have a vested financial interested in the success of the golf course.
My Thoughts on the ‘Old Course’
San Buenas Golf Resort is a beautifully designed course with plenty of challenging holes to play. In fact, I’ve ‘donated’ (translated = lost) several dozen golf balls while playing the course throughout the years.
I’ve known a variety of people involved with the golf course throughout the years. I believe that they are great builders and operators. Where their skill set was lacking, in my opinion, was in the marketing and the promotion of the course. Up to a couple of years ago, the course was always in pristine condition. It was beautiful to play and to enjoy, but few people seemed to know more than the general idea of where it was actually located. I also felt the pricing was prohibitive and out of line for a nine-hole course. Keep in mind, this is not a Par-3 course of nine holes, it is a world-class designed course. However, I believe to attract customers and new players in the area, pricing should always be evaluated and adjusted as needed. I felt the last couple of years it really seemed to lose its energy. Collectively, all of these issues meant that there was never too many players on the course. That’s great if you like to golf, but it is an unsustainable business model.
There are several reasons for this but suffice to say that the current management team was simply tired and run down in my opinion.
Osa Golf Course is the new name of San Buenas Golf Resort. My Expectations on the ‘New Course’
I am very excited and optimistic about the new operational and ownership structure of the golf course. We are still learning more about some of the proposed ideas and improvements, but there is a rekindled passion being put forth. As many of you already know, I own 150 acres immediately adjacent to San Buenas Golf Resort (Villas San Buenas). It has always been my hope that the course would increase marketing and promote the region a bit more. That would be a true ‘win-win’ for everyone in the community. The successes of Osa Golf Course and of Villas San Buenas, with its 100+ lots, can benefit each other.
One advantage of the new management is that they are focused exclusively on the golf course and the customer experience. They will not have the responsibility or the distractions associated with the development of the real estate. As a developer of 150 acres, I can tell you there are many things that can distract you. The people involved at Osa Golf live full-time in, or near, Osa Golf Course. This proximity allows them to work, to see and to experience the course daily. They have a truly financial and time interest in the success of the golf course. That investment increases the likelihood of success. I look forward to hopefully working with them to see if there’s anything us neighbors can do to help each other.
I wish the new management team of Osa Golf Course wonderful success!!
Sincerely,
Nick Halverson
August 15, 2019
