A few weeks ago we announced a multimillion dollar wall-to-wall golf course renovation. Since then, we have started some tree work on the front 9 and are making progress with Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design on the master plan. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes and we are excited to have Jason Straka planning a visit next month. More to come on that, but get excited for a Town Hall Meeting filled with details on what will be done while your golf course is closed.

When I first got to Valencia Country Club, I didn’t know we were planning a golf course renovation. When I found out Fry/Straka was going to be doing the work, I laughed and told Mr. Ed Easley, Senior Vice President, Construction, Arcis Golf, about having Jason on my podcast. I host a weekly golf podcast and back on July 7, 2021, Jason was on my show! Ed had actually heard that episode having no idea I was the host. Amazing!

Before interviewing Jason, I did some research on the courses they’ve worked on over the years. But as I sat down to write this, I did a deep dive on their portfolio and wanted to highlight some of the courses they’ve worked on. Here is just a snapshot of the courses they’ve touched:
• Erin Hills Golf Course (Site of the 2017 U.S. Open)
• Calusa Pines Golf Club
• West Bay Club
• The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs
• Qizhong Garden Golf Club
• Naples National Golf Club
• Los Robles Greens Golf Course
• Ambiente Course at Camelback Golf Club

The list goes on…

Before relocating to California, I spent 3 years in Southwest Florida. While I never got the chance to play Calusa Pine or Naples National, both clubs are considered some of the best in the Sunshine State. I have had the chance to play a few of these, including the Ambiente Course at Camelback Golf Club. And you might recognize Los Robles Greens Golf Course, an Arcis Golf property located in Thousand Oaks.

The team at Fry/Straka does their due diligence and has a detailed process for all the projects they work on. They spend countless hours on research followed by schematic design leading to a comprehensive masterplan. Don’t forget about permitting and site visits. Jason has actually been on campus several times and will be here again in a few weeks for that aforementioned Town Hall Meeting. If you haven’t met him yet, you’re in for a treat. The man is wise beyond his years and can talk your ear off about golf course design and development.

I hope this gives you a peek behind the curtain on Fry/Straka and their design philosophy. There is plenty more coming down the pike, and I look forward to sharing another update with you soon. Until then, keep it in the fairway, and we will talk soon!

Ricky L. Potts, Jr
Assistant General Manager
661-288-1995 Ext 135 ext. 279
rpotts@valenciagolfclub.com