My Top 5 Predictions for the Desert Mountain Turn Over to Members

As you know, Desert Mountain Golf Club control and ownership is being turned over from the developers to the members early next year in January or February, 2011. There is a lot of speculation about what will happen at turn over and how the club will be affected. These are my top 5 predictions:

1. Desert Mountain will remain a very exclusive private, members-only club. The public will still not be allowed to play on any of the golf courses or use any facilities. The Club will continue to live up to its reputation as Arizona’s premiere private Club designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.
2. The cost of memberships will be reduced but the monthly dues will not. Almost every other club in Arizona has reduced their membership fees during this economy to stimulate business and encourage new members. $325,000 per membership is an extremely high price and should be adjusted to reflect current conditions.
3. The members will remove the guest golf restrictions that are currently in the Club Bylaws. At the moment, the same guest is only allowed to play Desert Mountain 6 times per year. This rule is not enforced in any manner and will thus be removed. Frankly, the club benefits significantly from guest golf fees and they should encourage members to bring guests.
4. The guest golf fees will be reduced. Currently there is a $160 charge in season for a guest to play golf with a member. This is quite a bit higher than most private clubs and is a common complaint of members. I am sure this fee will be reduced once the members take control.
5. Bob Jones will continue as Club President. Bob has done a wonderful job and the club financially broke even last year based on regular club revenues. Substantial transfer fees provided the club with additional income on top of regular club dues. This was a major accomplishment in this economy and many clubs were envious.

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