October - December 2025
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Dr. Scott Miller, MD
Pat Waters
John Breitfeller
Secretary
David Lewis
Jim Curley
Dr. Mark Hanley, MD
Rick Renfro
Committee Chair Roster
Pat
John Breitfeller
Pat
David Lewis
Dr. Mark Hanley, MD
Rick Renfro
Rick Renfro
Dr. Scott Miller, MD
David Lewis
Jim Curley
David Carver
Robert A. Stone, Jr., CCM, CCE, CAM General Manager/COO
Amy Barati CFO
Mike Johnson Director of Golf
Anna Collins Director of Membership
Nick Garibay Director of Agronomy
Jim Tills Food & Beverage Director
Trent Hoare Assistant Food & Beverage Director
Joe Kinney Service Manager
Lucy Paulson Director of Events
Jes Akey Assistant Events Director
Paul Davis Director of Racquet Sports
Mike Forster Head Pickleball Pro
Claudia Santos Tennis Facilities Manager
Katie Holley Communications Manager
Charlotte Pinabell Accounts Receivable
Dave Drenga Facilities Maintenance Manager
charlotte.pinabell@suntree.com dave.drenga@suntree.com webmaster@suntree.com President
rob.stone@suntree.com amy.barati@suntree.com mike.johnson@suntree.com anna.collins@suntree.com nick.garibay@suntree.com jim.tills@suntree.com trent.hoare@suntree.com joe.kinney@suntree.com lucy.paulson@suntree.com jes.akey@suntree.com paul.davis@suntree.com mike.forster@suntree.com claudia.santos@suntree.com katie.holley@suntree.com
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTRY ELEVATED
Scott Miller C LUB P RESIDENT
As we transition into the fall season, we have the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed, as a Club.
The Social Committee has been very active, and this summer featured a robust lineup of events, including our recent Jubilee party. For those who were away, we look forward to welcoming you back to Suntree! Chef Dean and the culinary team have impressed with their Pop-Up restaurant events, and the new menus are very exciting.
Meanwhile, our golf courses continue to improve and the results are impressive under Nick Garibay and his team’s hard work and dedication to continuous improvement. The Greens Committee is hard at work finalizing the contracts and scheduling the assessment projects. The Driving Range project will begin shortly after the Staub Cup, and we’ve secured the contract to replace the bulkheads. Sprinkler and irrigation projects will follow shortly. We look forward to seeing these initiatives completed on time and on budget.
Your Suntree Board of Directors has also been busy planning for the Club’s future. We are currently working through the budget process with the Finance Committee and the department directors. Thanks to the membershipapproved assessment, we can now focus more attention on the Club’s day-to-day needs while also beginning longterm planning for Suntree’s future. Following an extensive interview process in conjunction with the Strategic Planning Committee, the Board has engaged master planning firm Ervin, Lovett, and Miller (ELM) to guide us in developing a comprehensive master plan for the Suntree campus over the next 18 months.
Lastly, I’d like to extend a special thank you to our Founding Members. Suntree Country Club exists because you saw its potential and helped create this community.
I will be resuming my Listening Sessions on the last Tuesday of each month, but please feel free to stop me whenever you see me on campus or send me an email whenever something comes to mind.
Thank You,
Dr. Scott Miller Club President
MESSAGE from the GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Members,
The Leadership Team and I look forward to seeing everyone in the coming months, especially with the number of new social events we have on the calendar, upcoming holiday events and numerous athletic events. I’d like to thank the committees and my Leadership Team for partnering in the planning of the upcoming social and athletic events which I hope all of you take advantage of.
Performance Excellence Survey
The Strategic Planning Committee will begin working on our Performance Excellence Survey. It is their goal to have the survey complete with the goal of sending to the membership in early Q1 2026. This year, the question sets will be aligned more closely with the 3-Year Strategic Plan and higherlevel programming. The feedback we are receiving from our athletic and social events surveys has been implemented within the committee review process as well as being used as a tool for the Leadership Team to implement data and information-based changes. Additionally, through the House Committee, they will be reviewing some new opportunities for the F&B Department to get more real-time and datadriven feedback on you’re a la carte dining experience that will allow the team to make quicker adjustments to issues that arise.
Athletic and Social Events
The Golf, Racquets and Food & Beverage Departments have been very busy updating recurring events and adding new events to the Club’s calendar. I am excited to see great membership participation in them and learn about your member experiences. These operational departments have made significant strides in listening and adjusting to your feedback so please keep it coming.
Golf Courses
The Board of Directors, Leadership Team and Golf and Greens Committees remain strongly committed to our Agronomics First initiatives. I recognize the inconvenience that multiple weeks of aerification closures have caused the golfing membership. As we shared, the Drill & Fill and Maximus Dry-Jecting processes are necessary to build healthy greens and putting surfaces. The good news is that the disruptions are over, and we are in a recovery phase going into the fourth quarter of this year. Our Director of Agronomy, Nick Garibay, is confident that the greens will be much healthier and we will be able to maintain consistently firm and fast playing conditions. The six capital assessment projects are beginning to be confirmed with the contractors and scheduled. Our first project will be the driving range upgrades that will begin just after the Staub Cup. We will update the membership prior to the start so that you will understand what, if any, impact the projects will have with your playing time.
We will be resurfacing the entire length of the #5 Classic Cart Path from just past the bathrooms to the #5 Green. That work will begin in the second week in October and will
Robert A. Stone, Jr., CCM, CCE, LCAM
G ENERAL M ANAGER/ COO
take 2 to 3 days to complete. Cart and foot traffic will be diverted to the fairways during the project.
Veranda Roof & Clubhouse Painting
Our Facilities Maintenance Director, Dave Dranga, is working on confirming a start date (after the Staub Cup) to replace the Veranda roof fabric with hard surface roofing material. We will also be adding lights to the project so that the membership can practice their putting in the evenings. There will be some disruption to the outdoor dining experience while this work is taking place, and we will notify the membership in advance so that you can properly plan your dining experience.
Once the roof is complete, we will move forward and repaint the Palm Clubhouse as the original paint is deteriorating and needs to be repaired in some areas. When Dave Drenga gets a firm date for the start of the project, we will be sure to notify the membership in advance.
I wish all of you the happiest of holidays, safe travels and joy in spending time with friends and your loved ones going into the holiday season.
Thank You,
Robert A. Stone, Jr., CCM, CCE, LCAM General Manager/COO
As we begin a new season at Suntree Country Club, I want to personally welcome you back and thank you for allowing me the privilege of joining this outstanding Club. The past six months have been both busy and productive, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made across the property. This summer was long, hot, and at times very wet — but we used this time to focus on critical agronomic practices that set the golf courses up for success this season and beyond.
Our main objective during the summer closures was to dilute organic matter and thatch layers in the greens. Thatch is a layer of living and dead plant material just below the surface — too much of it blocks water and oxygen from reaching the root zone. By removing and diluting thatch, we improved:
• Water infiltration – greens now drain faster after rain events
• Root development – allowing turf to handle stress and traffic better
• Surface performance – firmer, more consistent playing conditions
The results have been very encouraging. You will notice that greens drain better, feel firmer, and play more consistently. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to “tighten the canopy,” creating a smoother and truer putting surface. As we move into cooler weather, you may notice changes in turf color and growth. When nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the 60s, Bermudagrass begins to slow its growth, which means recovery from divots and cart traffic takes significantly longer. This slowdown is a natural and temporary part of the plant’s seasonal cycle and does not indicate poor turf health. Once warmer temperatures return, the grass will quickly resume active growth and regain its vibrant green color.
Nick Garibay D IRECTOR OF A GRONOMY
During this period, cart traffic management is crucial. Our new Enter and Exit at the Post Program spreads out traffic patterns to minimize wear. Posts are moved every other day, and we apply supplemental fertilizer in hightraffic areas to promote faster recovery. While some wear is unavoidable, these efforts should reduce damage by roughly 50%. Beyond traffic management, our team will continue fine-tuning mowing heights, topdressing, grooming greens, and using soil and tissue testing to ensure precise nutrient applications.
We are excited for the season ahead and confident that the work completed this summer will lead to healthier turf, smoother greens, and better overall playing conditions. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us protect the courses by following cart rules and maintenance guidelines. We truly hope you enjoy this season and the beautiful golf courses here at Suntree Country Club, and we look forward to seeing you out on the course!
Nicolas Garibay, Director of Agronomy
EVENT AND CATERING News
Happy Fall, Members!
I am looking forward to a great holiday season at the Club! Our calendar is full of events the next three months. Sign up early to get your spot! Just click on the calendar on our Suntree website to find the event date and more information.
October 11 is our annual Fall Festival. Pumpkin painting, bounce houses, face painting and games!
October 18 we will host a kid’s Halloween party. We will have a (not too scary) haunted house, Halloween treats, crafts & a DJ. Costumes encouraged!
October 18 - Chef’s Wine Dinner
November 1 - Extreme Gaming on a giant gaming truck! You won’t want to miss this!
November 8 - Drive in Movie night on the driving range. November 22 - take a bus trip to St. Augustine for holiday lights extravaganza!
Nov 27 - Thanksgiving Day – The Magnolia Room will feature a traditional buffet with all the trimmings. The Palm Restaurant will offer a limited plated menu in the evening. Dec 6 – We are bringing back the Holly Ball! Featuring FM Band from Miami - they are a GREAT dance band!
Lucy Paulson D IRECTOR OF E VENTS
December 14 - Santa’s in the house! Join us for brunch and get a picture with Santa!
December 20 - Come build a gingerbread house and take part in the holiday cart parade!
December 31 – Come ring in the New Year with us! Hello 2026!
Don’t forget to contact us to reserve a room for your holiday party! We are booking up quickly.
Thank you, Lucy
Paulson
Contact lucy.paulson@suntree.com or jes.akey@suntree.com if you have questions for any event!
GOLF News
As we wave goodbye to the heat, we welcome the cooler temperatures. With the Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championships moving to the spring, we still have a busy couple of months on our Golf Calendar - starting with the Senior Club Championship on October 18-19. Please visit the Golf Corner of the Golf Central tab Suntree.com website for a complete listing of our events for the rest of the 2025, as well as the Tournament Registration button to sign up.
Please keep a lookout for the 2026 Golf Calendar of events, as it will be posted in the coming months on the Golf Corner of the Suntree Website with registration dates to be found after you click the Tournament Registration button. When you start planning your 2026, remember to keep your favorite Golf Events in mind.
TOURNAMENT Results
Mike Johnson D IRECTOR OF G OLF
We hope all members and their families have a great holiday season and healthy New Year! Remember the Golf Shop will be fully stocked for your holiday needs - come in and look around, we are sure you will find something for your friends or family.
Thank You, Mike Johnson Director of Golf
The 4th Event
Ladies’ FLight Champions: Sandra Donahue, Barbara McCracken,
Anne Telling & Anh Thomas
men’s FLight 1 Champions: Brian Ireland, Brad Madlem, Anthony Nigara & Patrick O’Neill
men’s FLight 2 Champions: David Allen, Don Bebout, Ed Hecker & Philip Rooney
mixed FLight 1 Champions: Cheryl & Ken Dawson, Kelly & Steve Wind
mixed FLight 2 Champions: Joan & James Dwyer, Carol & Anrew LoConto
Labor Day Event
Ladies’ FLight Champions: Bonnie Brown, Susan Crain, Sue Downing & Wendy Jeffries
men’s FLight Champions: David Fischer, Robin Gomez, Eric Luzar & Jared Shammah
mixed FLight 1 Champions: Cheryl & Ken Dawson, Kelly & Steve Wind
Upcoming Events:
October 18-19 Senior Club Championship
October 23-25
The Staub Cup (Men’s Member Guest)
November 8 Junior Club Championship
November 14-16 MA Classic
November 19 Night Golf Event
November 29
The Father/Son Championship & Family Golf Event
December 13
The Santa Claus Open
RACQUET CENTER News
Ihope everyone had a fantastic summer! We are looking forward to the fall here at the racquets facility. With the temperatures improving and moving into the holiday season, it is a great time to get out and play some tennis and pickleball with friends and family!
Here is a schedule of events at the courts:
Tennis
Men's Groups
There is play for different levels and age groups, so please contact me for more information and we will put you in a group that fits your skill level.
Women’s Groups
There is a women’s group that plays on Saturday mornings, so contact me if you need more information.
Fall Exhibition in October
Keep an eye on the calendar for this one. We don’t have exact dates yet, but they are always a great time to get together to relax, have a drink courtside, and enjoy an evening of tennis!
Space Coast Tennis League
(Women’s, Senior Women’s & Mixed) Women Thursdays at 9am Senior Women’s Mondays at 9am and 11am Mixed Tuesdays at 7pm
USTA Leagues
We will have multiple levels of USTA teams available from October to November.
Junior Tennis
Elite Juniors Monday-Thursday 5:30-7pm Tom Knights needs to evaluate the player to attend Green Ball
Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-5:30pm
Intermediate Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm
10 & Under
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm Red Ball
Tuesdays 3:45-4:30
Please contact Tom Knights to register for any of these classes.
Men’s Intraclub League
Our fall league will run through the beginning of November. All matches are played on Thursday evenings at 7pm.
XGlosive Tennis November 14th
Don’t miss this exciting glow in the dark tennis event. It’s a fast-moving event with a DJ that provides a unique experience for everyone!
Paul Davis
D IRECTOR OF R ACQUET S PORTS
Pickleball
Florida Team Pickleball League will begin in October and run through December. Men’s, women’s and mixed teams are available. Play with other teams from the area and enjoy some friendly competition!
Women’s Inter Power League 50+ will be played during the fall as well.
Men’s competitive group play is held on Monday nights throughout the fall.
Social mixed group play is held on Wednesday nights throughout the fall.
Come take lessons from one of the best pickleball professionals in the county, Mike Forster! Mike.forster@ suntree.com
Important Contact Information
Pro Shop 321.242.6242
Paul Davis Director of Racquet Sports paul.davis@suntree.com
Claudia Santos Facilities Manager and Assistant Tennis Professional claudia.santos@suntree.com
Tom Knights Director of Junior Tennis tom.knights@suntree.com
Mike Forster Head Pickleball Professional mike.forster@suntree.com
PICKLEBALL News
Ibelieve we can all agree that the recent shift in weather has been refreshing over the past few weeks, and it is bound to get even better!
September & October mark the beginning of new pickleball leagues. We are now fielding two league teams that will compete against other clubs nearby. I’m thrilled to see all our pickleball enthusiasts enjoying themselves and, with any luck, bringing home the trophies – so, let’s be sure to support our teams!
Mike Forster H EAD P ICKLEBALL P RO
League! The Miami Blaze has fought hard all season for the past five months, and the league's climax will take place on October 4th during the playoffs.
Let’s hit the courts and improve together!
We will soon initiate new 3 & Me-style lessons, along with a revised schedule of diverse skills and drills. Feel free to email me for further details – mike.forster@suntree.com
I’m also pleased and excited to announce that I have advanced to the playoffs of the Florida Pro Pickleball
Mike Forster, Pickleball Pro Mike.forster@suntree.com
It’s hard to believe another season has flown by at Suntree! It was great to see so many of you out enjoying the Club over the summer — whether enjoying the fireworks and pool festivities for the 4th of July, serving up dinks during the XGlosive Pickleball event, or dancing the night away to Hot Pink during Club Night.
Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting events and happenings on the calendar for the upcoming holiday season. The annual Fall Festival, bus trip to St. Augustine for the Night of Lights, and the Golf Cart Parade are some of my favorites! The more you join in, the more rewarding your membership experience will be! We encourage you to take advantage of everything on the calendar and explore all that the Club has to offer.
We have had the pleasure of welcoming quite a few new members recently. It’s always exciting to see fresh faces joining in and quickly becoming part of the Suntree family. If you spot someone new, I encourage you to say hello and help make them feel right at home — those little connections are what make our community so special. So many of our new members come from personal referrals, and it’s always extra special when a friend brings a friend.
Thanks for all the ways you continue to make Suntree such a welcoming and vibrant place. I look forward to catching up with you around the Club this fall season! For more frequent updates, be on the lookout for the monthly Membership
Anna Collins D IRECTOR OF M EMBERSHIP
Matters newsletter. In this monthly email update, I post the new applicants pending approval, welcome the newest members, highlight member referrals and more!
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership!
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm | anna.collins@suntree.com
321-242-6252
Anna Collins, Director of Membership
AROUND THE CLUB Photos
FOOD & BEVERAGE News
The Food and Beverage Team appreciates the continued patronage of the Membership and is always delighted to see you join us here at the Club for lunch or dinner - or attending one of our many events. We look forward to the fabulous weather associated with the fall season, and welcoming back our diners that prefer to sit outside on the Veranda or Pool Bar and pavilion locations. It was just too hot this past summer and we anxiously await the fabulous sunsets we all enjoy!
We continue to encourage reservations for dining at the Clubhouse so we may be sure to accommodate you upon arrival. They are not required and we always accommodate our Members joining us for lunch or dinner as quickly as possible, but reservations help us to plan accordingly. I also encourage you to come check out our new lunch and dinner menus. We have extended our lunch menu to be offered through 5:00 PM and have added some petite entrée selections you will be sure to enjoy if you prefer a late lunch or early dinner.
Jim Tills
F OOD & B EVERAGE
D IRECTOR
Please review our weekly publication (Social E-news) distributed on Mondays to keep abreast of updates from the Food & Beverage Team. Within that email you will find our weekly features designed to complement our regular menu as well as details about the many social events we offer for you to participate in.
Thank you again for your participation with the Club, and we continue to strive to deliver a great experience for you each time you are here.
We look forward to seeing you at the Club.
Jim Tills Director of Food & Beverage
CHEF DEAN Greetings
Iam Dean Lee, Executive Chef here at Suntree Country Club. For the past 15 months, I have had the privilege of leading our culinary team at this prestigious club.
Over the past year, with the help of my talented culinary team and new additions to our staff, we have elevated the dining experience for our members. From wine dinners and refreshed à la carte menus to pop-up kitchen concepts and the Club’s 50th Anniversary Party, we have worked hard to create memorable culinary moments.
On a personal note, I am proud to have furthered my professional development by joining the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), the premier professional organization for club managers. CMAA provides education, networking, and certification to promote excellence in club leadership. I also attended my first Chef’s Summit, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with 100 chefs from across the country.
Looking ahead, I am honored to be hosting the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner here at the Club on January 31, 2026. It would mean so much to have our members support the culinary team on this special occasion.
I want to take a moment to thank our members, my culinary team, the Food & Beverage team, and the management team for their continued support. I am excited for the upcoming events we have planned and look forward to sharing many more exceptional dining experiences with you.
Thank you, Chef Dean Lee
Dean Lee E XECUTIVE C HEF
