LAHONTAN
Introduction
We are pleased to present the proposed Lahontan Golf Club Facilities Master Plan, outlining a strategic approach to ensure our Club and your experience remains the best in the Tahoe area for years to come.
Our primary guiding principle throughout this process was to first do no harm. The intent of the plan is to address our infrastructure needs and identify the amenities desired by members in a market that is evolving and much more competitive than when our Club opened over two decades ago.
The first step in the process was to turn to you, our Members, to understand your vision for Lahontan. Through focus groups and a Member survey, you shared the elements you enjoy most about the Club and the additional amenities and services that will provide an elevated level of enjoyment in the future.
The Club then retained the services of Marsh & Associates, one of the premier country club architectural firms in the U.S.
Working collaboratively with the Strategic Planning Committee, with input from the Board of Directors and Club staff, the Marsh team applied their creative talents to developing a plan that respects our architectural character, addresses our infrastructure needs and refreshes our amenities in a fiscally responsible manner.
To complete the planning process, all members were invited to attend information sessions to provide feedback on the proposed projects.
Based on input from participants, the project scopehasbeenupdatedandispresentedherein.
It is important to remember the Golf Course continues to be our number one asset. To ensure the course is funded appropriately into the future, staff is developing a capital funding schedule and funding plan to ensure items like irrigation, draining, turf health, cart paths, etc., have adequate funding in place to ensure our course remains one of the premier mountain courses in the country.
In the very near future, Members will be asked to complete a detailed survey to determine preferences and support for the plan options. Based on Member input, the proposed projects will be finalized.
The road traveled over the past 15 months to develop our Facilities Master Plan has lead us to a framework designed to increase our membership and property values while enhancing your enjoyment of Lahontan.
We hope you will join in our efforts to sustain our legacy and ensure our Club remains the best of Tahoe.
Our Tenets
Vision Statement
Lahontan is a renowned golf club and lifestyle community providing our members and guests with an unsurpassed quality experience in an atmosphere of casual mountain elegance.
Mission Statement
Deliver memorable experiences that cultivate lasting relationships
Provide a world-class golf experience
Offer exceptional service, dining and other lifestyle amenities in our exclusive mountain setting
Core Values
Honesty and integrity in all we do
Transparency in decision making and communications
A spirit of community and camaraderie
Mutual respect among members and our employee team
Financial security for future generations
Quality in everything we do and provide
Long-Range Strategic Initiatives
Enhanced Member Experience
World-Class Golf
Facilities Master Plan
Financially Secure
Technology & Communications
Governance
Marketing
Environmental
Local Market Data
Lahontan has 350 golf members, 77% whom are between 40-69 years old. Social members total 83, of which 82% are between the ages of 40-69.
Martis Camp is the only club in the competitive set with a wait list, which currently totals 75 prospects.
Total annual dues at Lahontan Golf Club rose 14% from 2023 to 2024. Martis Camp and Clear Creek Tahoe had the highest increase at 25%, while Tahoe Mountain Club had the lowest increase at 7%.
The average price per square foot of the most recent home sales at Lahontan Golf Club was $890. Martis Camp and Clear Creek Tahoe ranked as the most expensive price per square foot at $1,678 and $1,317, respectively.
The refundable equity component is common in the Lake Tahoe market, but far less common in the industry. More and more clubs each year are transitioning toward a larger ‘non-refundable’ component to support capital requirements.
Golf Industry Insights
Some private clubs have invested in their amenities, golf course and branding, while others have not and rely upon their historic status. Millennials are very cautious by nature in terms of their finances and investments. Today, industry officials are seeing very in-depth questions coming from millennials pertaining to the club’s financial health and long-term plan to remain healthy.*
Jason Becker Golf Life Navigators as told to the WSJ
Since 2019, the number of golfers at private golf clubs has increased by approximately 25%, from just under 1.5 million to 1.9 million. Adults under the age of 50 comprise 60% of those memberships.
National Golf Foundation Research Report
In the wake of the corona virus pandemic, up-market lifestyle communities have blossomed with updated and highly social activities and programming, as a general statement. Conversely, the market has punished destination and lifestyle communities that have not completed upscale renovations in terms of property value appreciation, timeon-market metrics, and sales prices.
Henry DeLozier, Partner, GGA Partners presentation to the Golden State Chapter of CMAA
The tax migration in America has been documented by Bloomberg Analytics and others demonstrating the states with high state income taxes – like California, Oregon, and Washington – are losing high net-worth taxpayers to such states as Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas.**
Upscale communities situated within the destination markets of Coachella Valley and near Lake Tahoe are answering new questions from prospective buyers regarding the current value proposition. “How and where do I get my money’s worth?” ***
Henry DeLozier, Partner, GGA Partners presentation to the Council of Club Presidents
*
Millennials Are Coming To Your Golf Communities, Wall Street Journal, April 2024
Bezos’ Florida Move Is A Migration Warming to High Tax States, Bloomberg Tax, December 2023
Input from local market focus groups conducted by GGA Partners in 2023 and 2024
Master Planning Principles
Golf course conditions will continue to be the best in the Tahoe area.
Do no harm to the character or camaraderie of our Club.
Plans will be Member-guided.
Designs will be respectful of the existing architectural character. Projects will be completed in a fiscally responsible manner.
Plan elements should enhance the Member experience and increase membership values, as well as property values.
Formulating the Plan Options
Developing the Proposed Master Plan
Club leaders have used a very deliberate and member-guided process over the past 15 months to formulate the proposed plans, including:
Conducted a Member Satisfaction survey, 78.9% response.
Captured input from 100+ Members during focus groups.
Conducted the end-of-season Member Survey, 308 responses.
Identified Strategic Initiatives and prepared a Strategic Plan.
Interviewed four architectural firms, choosing Marsh & Associates to develop a Facilities Master Plan and design concepts.
Retained Clark/Sullivan Construction to provide cost estimates for proposed design concepts.
Invited all Members to attend an in-person or Zoom session during which GGA Partners presented the proposed Facilities Master Plan.
Based on the input from the Members, Club leaders updated the plan to eliminate elements Members felt did not provide value conducive to the proposed cost.
Shortly after receipt of this information piece, all Members will be asked to participate in a survey being conducted by GGA Partners to gather feedback about the updated plan.
Based on the majority opinion, Club leaders will finalize the Plan and begin the process to conduct a Member vote for approval of the desired project.
The Needed & Member Desired Improvements
Respecting Our Vision, Mission & Core Values
After over two decades of use our Club is showing its age. Infrastructure needs, along with evolving member expectations and much more competitive environment, require that we take action to ensure we retain our Club and property values and build on our legacy as the best of Tahoe.
Infrastructure Needs
Extensive renovations to the Lodge and Camp kitchens. The main and lower levels of the Lodge kitchen plan includes significant upgrades that will improve efficiency, attract and retain top culinary talent, and add capacity. The Camp kitchen infrastructure improvements will reconfigure and enlarge the working space and provide the equipment needed to service Member dining needs.
Update HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, etc.
Member Desired Improvements / Amenities*
More indoor casual dining at the Lodge & Camp
Multi-generational casual dining area
Food and beverage service on The Terrace
A larger bar area in the Lodge
Expand kitchens to enhance food service & variety
*As stated in 2023 Member Survey & Focus Group sessions.
Dedicated and improved areas for employee breaks
Increased storage space throughout the Club for golf carts and winterizing outdoor furniture
ADA compliant restrooms in the Lodge
Industrial laundry facilities at Camp Lahontan
More space to enhance Pro Shop
Update the ladies’ locker room
More space for yoga and other fitness classes
A refreshed / updated Fitness Center
Golf simulator / multi-purpose space
Each of the items detailed in the above charts have been incorporated in either the Core Projects or the Additional Projects as detailed on the following pages.
A New Casual Dining Addition - Core Project
The new indoor venue will provide a spot to enjoy casual food & drinks in the relaxed atmosphere that Members requested. Note: These are conceptual drawings and do not represent the final finish selections.
The Lodge Main Level - Core Project
The core Lodge Main Level plan, with 1,160 s.f. of new construction, is designed to address Member requests for multi-generational casual dining areas and to refresh the interiors.
1. New casual indoor dining venue & expanded bar
2. Expand kitchen to service increased demand
3. Relocate Private Dining to allow kitchen expansion
4. Enhanced Bistro & Fireside terraces; add F&B service
5. Reconfigure Dining area for better member interaction
6. Remodel arrival and entry; refresh interiors
7. Add screens and heaters to extend seasonal use of Porch
8. Remodel restrooms to ensure ADA compliance
New Casual Dining Exterior - Core Project
View of the new Casual Dining/Bar building addition from Northstar.
Note: This is a conceptual drawing and does not represent the final architectural finishes.
The Lodge - Lower Level - Core Project
The Lodge Lower Level core project provides a solution to our infrastructure needs to move Building Maintenance from proximity to food storage.
1. Consolidate cart operations and storage
2. Create space for F&B office
3. Relocate cold storage for improve delivery flow
4. Expand kitchen working area
5. Relocate dry storage to provide easier access
6. Reconfigure open storage
7. Create dedicated, improved employee break room
8. Provide seasonal storage area
Camp Lahontan - Core Project
The core Camp Lahontan Plan has been simplified to focus upon essential infrastructure and operational efficiencies, including:
1. Expanding the kitchen
2. Upgrading the fireside patio
3. Extending the patio roof line to provide more shaded spaces
4. Upgrading the playground area (Not shown on this exhibit)
Ladies’ Locker Room, Fitness Center & Spa - Core Project
The core project for this area will enhance the Member experience with upgrades throughout the interior.
1. Enhance the ladies’ locker and social areas to improve ambiance and increase privacy
2. Add an honor bar and seating in the ladies’ locker room
3. Updated entry will provide enhanced flow; add water wall feature
4. Create new co-ed relaxation room to await spa treatments
5. Activate women’s terrace to provide a more relaxing atmosphere
6. Upgrade spa treatment rooms and provide new finishes
7. Add screen wall to divide fitness area, add new flooring, lights and paint
8. Replace fitness flooring, lights, paint and windows
Additional Infrastructure & Member Desired Improvement Projects
The following five pages will present additional infrastructure and Member desired improvement projects for your consideration.
These include:
Golf Shop Expansion
Camp Lahontan Improvements
Wellness Studio
Golf Shop Expansion
View from the Fireside Terrace.
Note: This is a conceptual drawing and does not represent the final architectural finishes.
Golf Shop Expansion
The proposed Golf Shop Expansion will provide 800 s.f of new space to locate new Member amenities, including:
1. A multi-purpose flexible space for a golf simulator and other uses
2. A Member lounge area with honor bar
3. A coffee/snack shop to grab a quick beverage before heading to your round
4. An expanded retail sales area
Golf Shop Expansion
View of the Golf Shop with the expansion as you approach Lahontan.
Note: This is a conceptual drawing and does not represent the final architectural finishes.
Camp Lahontan
The proposed infrastructure additions at Camp Lahontan include:
1. Laundry facilities
2. Lifeguard/first aid room 3. Retail space 4. Staff office
Wellness Studio
Build a new Wellness Studio (750 s.f.) adjacent to the existing spa building that will serve as the location to host yoga classes and other fitness activities.
Core Project Estimates
The three core projects address both Lahontan infrastructure needs and improvements that Members have expressed interest in through the 2023 Member Survey & Focus Group sessions. The facilities addressed include:
The Lodge
Camp Infrastructure
Ladies’ Locker Room, Fitness Center & Spa
Core Projects
Extensive renovations to the Lodge and Camp kitchens to improve efficiency, attract and retain top culinary talent, and add capacity to serve Members.
Provide dedicated employee break room area
Increased storage space throughout the Club for golf carts and winterizing outdoor furniture
Upgrade restrooms in the Lodge to ADA requirements
Update HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, etc.
Member Desired Improvements
More indoor casual dining at the Lodge & Camp
Multi-generational casual dining area
Food and beverage service on The Terrace
A larger bar area in the Lodge
Expand kitchens to enhance food service & variety
Update the Ladies’ Locker Room
A refreshed / updated Fitness Center
Core Projects
Note: Golf Shop updates have been removed from the core projects.
Lodge Enhancements ($ 11,843,000) - Pages 8 - 11
Camp Infrastructure ($ 1,769,000) - Page 12
Ladies’ Locker Room, Fitness Center & Spa ($ 2,156,000) - Page 13
Total Core Projects$
Additional Project Estimates
The additional Member desired amenity projects and proposed infrastructure upgrades include:
Golf Shop Expansion - Social Members will have full access to the amenities provided in the Golf Shop Expansion
Camp Lahontan Building Improvements
Wellness Studio
Infrastructure Needs Member Desired Improvements
Industrial laundry facilities at Camp Lahontan
Additional space to enhance Pro Shop
Golf simulator / multi-purpose space
More space for yoga and other fitness classes
Projects
Golf Shop Expansion with added retail space, multi-purpose/ golf simulator room, member lounge & coffee shop - Page 15
Additional Camp interior upgrades including new entry with lifeguard, staff office, storage space and laundry facilities - Page 18
New Wellness Studio for yoga & fitness - Page 19
*Social Members will have full access to the amenities provided in the Golf Shop Expansion
Moving Forward
Next Steps
Through the member survey process, our intent is to determine what additional projects, and the priority of each, our membership would support as part of the Facilities Master Plan.
Members will receive a survey from GGA Partners asking for input on the core infrastructure projects and the Member desired improvement / amenities projects.
Once Member survey results are tallied, the Board and Strategic Planning Committee will review the results and make adjustments to the final Facilities Master Plan based on the input of the majority of Members.
The Board will then put forth the information to conduct a vote to approve the first phase projects. The timing of the vote is dependent upon the number of adjustments needed to complete the Facilities Master Plan.
Timing / Club Access
Once the projects have been prioritized, Club leaders will develop a detailed plan for Member access and make that information available as soon as it is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact will these changes have on the Club’s operating expenses and dues?
There could be a slight impact on food & beverage operations. The intent would be to offset any cost with food and alcohol sales.
What is the anticipated attrition rate if this plan is implemented?
According to GGA Partners, attrition when this type of capital project is announced doubles from what the Club experiences on a yearly basis. The higher attrition rate typically occurs during the first year that an assessment is announced and construction begins. After that time period, attrition reverts back to normal levels and interest in new memberships increases. Lahontan’s attrition has averaged 10 memberships per year so it is anticipated we may increase to 20 in 2025.
Has a usage study been conducted to determine if we need all the proposed dining space?
According to GGA Partners, casual dining is one of the top trends to increase the private club experience. Our proposal to add a casual dining venue at the Lodge and increased casual dining at Camp Lahontan is based on the data obtained from Members through two surveys, focus groups and the member information sessions. Our formal dining will still be available and if Members approve the Lodge plan, they will also have the option to enjoy a casual option.
Will staff be increased? If so, how difficult it is to find qualified personnel?
There may be a slight increase in our Food & Beverage staff. Over the past 12 months we have seen the labor market soften and have been able to recruit experienced servers and cooks, which has not been the case in recent years. We expect that trend to continue so we do not anticipate having issues finding qualified, professional staff to serve our Members.
Will there be any increase in parking spaces?
Building codes require that if there is a proposed increase in a building footprint that a parking assessment be conducted so the Club will conduct the required review, ensuring we provide the required number of spaces for our facilities. It is important to remember that we are not increasing our membership or visitor trips.
What expenses are coming down the path for the golf course?
How will those costs be funded?
Because the golf course remains LGC’s highest priority and asset, staff is developing a 30-year replacement Reserve Study for all components of the golf course. Portions of annual dues will be funneled into a Replacement Reserve Fund, which will cover the costs of short-term and long-term golf course projects. It is the intent for this Reserve Study to be completed in the coming months with a funding strategy.
Will the plans be presented as one project or separate projects?
The Board and Strategic Planning Committee have developed a core plan and provided optional improvements for consideration. In the survey that will be sent shortly, Members will be asked to provide feedback on each of the projects. Based on the results of the survey, the Facilities Master Plan will be finalized and Members will be asked to vote to approve each project.
What constitutes approval to move forward?
Our bylaws require assent by 50% + 1 of the voting membership for capital improvements to move forward. However, the Board believes it must have significant member support to move forward.
LAHONTAN
In Gratitude
Countless hours have gone into the development of the proposed Lahontan Facilities Master Plan over the past 15 months from the members below who volunteered their time and expertise. We are grateful for their dedication and efforts to bring forth a plan designed to achieve the goal of Sustaining Our Future.
Board of Directors
Tracey Brophy Warson, Chair
Steve Bochner, Vice President
Sharon Fiehler, Secretary
Steve Kitson, Treasurer
Jim Bulotti
Dan Hansford
Jack Myers
Jennifer Trzepacz
John Zeiter
Strategic Planning Committee
Sven Pole, Chair
Steve Bochner
Dana Corbo
Sharon Fiehler
Scott Gillespie
Steve Kitson
Jack Myers
Jennifer Trzepacz
Tracey Brophy Warson
Finance Committee
Steve Kitson
Tom Terrill
Tracey Brophy Warson
Club Management
David Mickaelian, General Manager
Todd Martyn Jones, Director of Finance
Sara Barnes, Controller
Brian Bischoff, Head Golf Professional
Scott Smith, Locker Room Captain
Holly Ryerson, Spa Director
Kathleen Sivel, Camp Director
Mike Cornette, Golf Course Superintendent
Parker Zieske, Building Maintenance Director
Kevin Ritchie, Executive Chef
Giancarlo Pellegrino, Lodge Manager
Owner Representative
Keith Franke
Architect
Bryan Webb, Principal Director of Design
Marsh & Associates, Inc.
Contractor
Clark/Sullivan Construction
GGA Partners
Derek Johnston, Partner
Henry DeLozier, Partner
Ben Hopkinson, Director
Linda Dillenbeck, Director