July - September 2025
2025-2026 Board of Directors
President Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary Dr. Scott Miller, MD
Pat Waters
John Breitfeller
David Lewis
Jim Curley
Dr. Mark Hanley, MD
Rick Renfro
Committee Chair Roster
Bylaws Finance Golf Grievance Greens House
Membership, Marketing, Communications Nominating Social/Food & Beverage Strategic Planning Tennis
Pat Waters
John Breitfeller
Pat Waters
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
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
rob.stone@suntree.com
amy.barati@suntree.com mike.johnson@suntree.com anna.collins@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
charlotte.pinabell@suntree.com dave.drenga@suntree.com
webmaster@suntree.com
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMER MESSAGE
Welcome to the doldrums of summer in central Florida. While we’ve been hit with drought conditions so far, we all know the rain is coming!
We’re now 3 months into the Board’s new term. While we lost some strong members this past year, the membership has put forward 3 excellent Board members that have hit the ground running. All our committees are hard at work delivering on our Club’s needs. From finance to racquets, each group is moving us forward and is focused on our mission, vision and values. Their contributions are driving actionable changes at the Board of Directors level. I encourage those of you interested in joining a committee to apply for consideration next year by contacting Rob Stone or Katie Holley for an application.
Our budget process will kick off in the next month for FY 2026. The Board and Finance Committee will be working to integrate replacements and renewals from our fixed asset study while also projecting where our Club needs to focus and grow. Our budgeting process will take months of discussion and input and will be presented to the membership in the fall.
The Board’s primary directive has been to focus on our balance sheet and our future direction. This can occasionally leave the membership frustrated that they’re not being heard. I’ve really enjoyed my Tuesday afternoon “listening sessions.” People have come and let me know what’s important to them and I will continue to help facilitate where I can. If we haven’t had the chance to meet directly, please join me on the last Tuesday of each month at the 19th Hole bar in the Palm.
The Club is now through the first summer closure for both of our golf courses under our new Director of Agronomy, Nick Garibay. His focus and dedication to our most valuable asset is immediately apparent. Under his direction, the course is on an excellent trajectory as we are experiencing healthier turf and a fully engaged and motivated staff.
Jim Tills, our Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef Dean Lee and the F&B team continue to create new member experiences that bring more people to the Club. I encourage everyone to try something new this year and make some new friends.
Scott Miller C LUB P RESIDENT
Rob Stone is proving himself to be an excellent GM. He is simultaneously driving actionable changes and improvements in Club performance while improving the function and composition of the departmental teams that make Suntree run.
Over the past 10 years that my family has been at Suntree, we have been able to see a multitude of changes. I feel confident that the path Suntree Country Club is on is its most focused yet. The Board is working on the present state of the Club, while recognizing the importance of our future and the adoption of a long-term strategic plan. We anticipate a future need from our members to participate in sharing their expectations soon. Member involvement will help guide us, so be on the lookout for future communications.
Try not to let the summer heat get you down. Come enjoy the Club!
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Miller, President
MESSAGE from the GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Members,
The Club has been operating at a very strong level these last few months and has been very active. I expect the Q2 Fiscal Report to support this, and I look forward to continuing with strong programming from our Food and Beverage Department as well as Golf and Racquet Sports.
Racquets Sports has been very active and the feedback from Xglosive Pickleball was resounding. I know that Paul Davis and the staff are planning an Xglosive Tennis event soon based on this feedback. Pickleball interest and the growth of our interclub and intraclub teams as well as open play continue to exceed any previously thought of expectations. For anyone interested in participating or learning more about the teams please reach out and contact our Director of Racquet Sports Paul Davis or our Head Pickleball Professional, Mike Forster.
We are coming out of a very aggressive spring aerification program with the Drill & Fill, aerification and verticutting. The greens took longer to heal than originally anticipated due to some health issues, but are coming in very strong now with healthier turf and much better and consistent speeds. The herbicide and fertilizer programs that Nick Garibay has instituted with James Francis and Anton Vergottini are taking hold nicely and will need a little longer to see the full, positive effects. The amount of detailed work that we see from the entire grounds staff throughout our campus is uplifting and they deserve all the accolades that they have been receiving by the membership lately. Very well done.
Robert A. Stone, Jr., CCM, CCE, LCAM
G ENERAL M ANAGER/ COO
Food, beverage and Club events continue to expand and the attendance at our events and our increased cover counts in the restaurant are impressive and continues. The service training that is taking place in the F&B department is showing off in very strong comments from the membership and their guests, and includes our Club Events as well as our hosted banquets. The innovative pop-up restaurants and new menu offerings for ala carte and Club Events are great to see. Many thanks to our F&B Director, Jim Tills, Assistant F&B Director Trent Hoare, Executive Chef Dean Lee and their entire staff.
Mike Johnson and Austin Lane are doing a nice job in managing members and guest expectations. I am looking forward to their new programs they are planning and the effect of the new training and engagement procedures they will be putting into place to increase the member experience. Our retail offerings in the Pro Shop continue to be met with enthusiasm from the membership and we appreciate your input into new equipment and soft goods lines you would like us to bring in to offer to all of you.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our social and athletic events and thank you for the continued support of our Club.
Sincerely, Robert A. Stone, Jr., CCM, CCE, LCAM
Summer has officially settled in, and along with it, the heat is making its presence felt — not just for us, but across the golf course as well. While the warm temperatures are challenging, they also present opportunities for continued progress, and we’re proud to share the steady improvements taking place across all playing surfaces.
Although our primary focus is on Greens, Tees, and Fairways (GTF), our maintenance efforts extend well beyond these core areas. From detail work around bunkers to refinements in the rough and approaches, our team is working hard to enhance every inch of the course for your enjoyment.
As you play your next round, you’ll notice landscape beds being refreshed and newly pine-strawed, helping to create a more natural, wooded look throughout the property. These visual upgrades complement our ongoing agronomic practices.
You may also observe areas of temporary turf discoloration in the coming months — this is a direct result of our targeted weed control program. Using Best Management Practices (BMP), we’re applying precise treatments to eliminate unwanted weeds and improve long-term turf quality, even if the short-term visual impact is noticeable.
Nick Garibay D IRECTOR OF A RGONOMY
With both courses now reopened following their recent closures, we hope the results speak for themselves. Projects like the new tee on Hole 8 of the Challenge Course, as well as the repaired crossing between Holes 11 and 12, are just a few examples of the enhancements underway. Construction of both nurseries is also progressing steadily, supporting future improvements and turf replacement needs.
As we move through the remainder of the summer, our goal is to maintain momentum while minimizing disruption, ensuring that every visit to the course continues to meet — and exceed — expectations.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you out on the course!
Thank
You,
Nicolas Garibay Director of Agronomy
EVENT AND CATERING News
Hello Members!
Please contact the Events Department to book your next celebration. We have menus for every budget and multiple venues to choose from. Don’t forget to book your 2025 holiday party at the Club!
We are continuing to keep our calendars full with special events for you. You can keep up with and sign up for events on our website calendar. Here is a peek at what we have planned for the next few months:
July 26 – Father Daughter Dance | 6pm-9pm.
August 2 – WE HEARD YOU MEMBERS! We are hosting a Club Night featuring the HOT PINK! 7pm-10pm.
August 9 – Back to school Glow Foam Party | 7pm-9pm.
August 16 – Cardboard Regatta | 3pm.
August 21 – Bingo
August 30 – Jimmy Buffet Day | 6pm-9pm.
September 1 – Labor Day Pool Party & BBQ | 12pm-4pm.
September 13 – Chef Dean’s Wine Dinner (register early, this event always sells out!)
September 18 – Bingo
September 21 – Chef’s Breakfast Buffet | 10am-1pm.
September 27 – Suntree’s 50th Anniversary Party!
D IRECTOR OF E VENTS
Lucy Paulson
Host Your Baby Shower at the Club!
GOLF News
With the move to April, we have crowned our 2025 Club Champions! Congratulations to Dan Renfro on bringing home his 2nd Men’s Club Championship and Patricia Weiss for her 5th Ladies Club Championship title. We’d also like to recognize our Net Winners: Todd Stirtzinger, Kelly Wind & Mary Fox who battled and came out on top.
Summer is here and we have added a few events to the schedule, please check out the upcoming events and sign up early, as our events do sell out. Also, while on the golf course please look out for one another and be sure to keep hydrated in the heat.
The Pro Shop will continue to stock the latest and greatest lines for your apparel and equipment needs. Need to get a gift? Look no further than your very own shop where our member pricing is sure to beat any retailer.
TOURNAMENT Results
Mike Johnson D IRECTOR OF G OLF
Care of the Course: Per the Greens Committee please note that rakes are now to be kept outside of the sand bunkers parallel to the direction of the hole. Cart traffic is to use our IN posts when entering the fairway and our EXIT post to exit the fairway and return to the cart paths. Carts should be on the cart paths around tees and greens as well as during play of all par 3’s. Be sure to sand your divots, fix your ball marks and pick up your broken tees.
Suntree Charity Classic
ClassiC Course Champions: Susan & Dennis Levesque, Lucy & Steven Ryder
Challenge Course Champions: David Fischer, Gordon Franza, Terry Geraghty & Brian Woodworth
Men’s Club Championship
Championship DiVision:
Champion – Dan Renfro
runner up – Kevin Murtha
Champion – Todd Stirtzinger
runner up – Dominick Nitti
Ladies’ Club Championship
nanCY Juhn Championship FlighT:
Club Champion – Patricia Weiss
runner up – Lea Anne Richard
neT DiVision:
neT FlighT 1:
Champion – Kelly Wind
runner up – Jean Osthus
neT FlighT 2:
Champion – Mary Fox runner up – Ann Marie Varanese
Memorial Day Event
laDies FlighT Champions:
Mary Corcoran, Nancy Juhn, Muffin Larsen & Darien Lawrence
men’s FlighT 1 Champions:
Eric Luzar, Scott Molitor, Jared Shammah & Brian Woodworth
men’s FlighT 2 Champions: Trey Canada, Paul Drinkwater, Dean Kuntz & Paul Sturman
mixeD FlighT 1 Champions: Pat & Jack Matthews, Ruth & Robert Mixon
mixeD FlighT 2 Champions: Helaine & Charles Mandell, Margie & Tom Miller
Upcoming Events:
July 4
The 4th Golf Event
July 24 9 & Dine Golf Event
August 9
Superintendents Revenge
September 1
Labor Day Golf Event
October 1
9 & Dine Golf Event
October 18-19
Senior Club Championship
October 23-25
The Staub Cup (Men’s Member-Guest)
VENETIAN PRINCESS
RACQUET CENTER News
Summer is here and there is a full schedule happening at the Racquets Center! Here is a list of upcoming events and clinics available:
Tennis
Independence Day Firecracker Mixer
July 4th, 8:30am-11am Ladies Doubles Camp
Aug 11-14, 9:30am-12pm Labor Day Mixer
September 1st, 8:30am – 11am
Men’s Fall Intraclub League: Dates TBD Space Coast Tennis League for Women, Senior Women, and Mixed - Kick-off in August!
Pickleball
Independence Day Firecracker Mixer
July 4th, 8:30-11am Intraclub League - Tuesday nights
Women’s Interclub League - August: Day TBD
Weekly groups have been set up for evening play. Keep an eye out for Pickleball Tournaments and Big Winning Nights throughout the summer!
Summer Tennis and Pickleball Exhibition Nights - Keep an eye out on the calendar for dates!
Junior Tennis
Advanced Junior Tennis Clinics: Monday – Thursday weekly from 12:00pm – 2:30pm in July and the first week of August
All players must be approved by the Junior Director, Tom Knights
Intermediate Junior Tennis Clinics: Monday and Wednesday from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Paul Davis D IRECTOR OF R ACQUET S PORTS
10 & Under Tennis
Orange Ball - Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:30pm6:30pm
Green Ball - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm5:30pm
Please contact Tom Knights (tom.knights@suntree.com) to identify which class would be most appropriate for your child. Once school starts again, the advanced junior schedule will change to Monday – Thursday from 5:307:00pm
Have a wonderful summer and see you at the courts!
Paul Davis Director of Racquet Sports
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
It’s been fantastic to see so many new faces out on the pickleball courts! Despite the summer heat, evening play has remained popular— thanks in no small part to the new water cooler near the courts. We're glad it's been helpful in keeping everyone cool and hydrated.
Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural intraclub pickleball league: Ryan Wilkins, Sacha Armstrong, Josie Buxton, and Mike Buxton. Great work!
Mike Forster H EAD P ICKLEBALL P RO
Our recent Xglosive Pickleball event was a huge success— we loved seeing so many of you out there having a blast. Thank you for bringing the energy and making it such a memorable evening.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce two new interclub leagues starting this fall—one in September and another in October. If you're interested in joining, be sure to check the Racquet News and sign up early, as spots will fill quickly.
Don’t miss our July 4th Mixer in the morning! It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow players and line up future matches. After some morning games, head over to the pool area to enjoy burgers, hotdogs, and cold brews.
If you're not sure how to get involved or have questions, feel free to reach out to me directly at mike.forster@suntree.com. See you on the courts! Mike Forster
With school out and the sun shining, it’s always a joy to see more kids around the Club—whether they’re here for camp, enjoying time as Junior members, or simply visiting with family.
Summer is one of the best times to introduce others to the Suntree experience. Member referrals continue to be one of the most powerful ways we welcome new faces, and we sincerely thank all of you for sharing your positive experiences with friends and family. This season, we encourage you to bring guests to the pool, enjoy lunch on the Veranda, attend a social event, and show them firsthand what makes Suntree Country Club so special.
No matter your membership category, there’s something here for everyone. Be sure to check the event calendar and take part in the many opportunities available—it's a great way to get connected and make Suntree your home away from home.
We also want to remind you that the Club shares important updates on upcoming events, weather-related closures, and more through text and email. If you’re not currently receiving these communications or would like help managing your preferences, please reach out to our Communications Manager at katie.holley@suntree.com.
Anna Collins D IRECTOR OF M EMBERSHIP
As always, if you have any questions about your membership, feel free to stop by the Membership Office, give me a call, or send an email—I’m happy to assist in any way I can.
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm | anna.collins@suntree.com 321-242-6252
Anna Collins, Director of Membership
AROUND THE CLUB Photos
FOOD & BEVERAGE News
One might argue that the pool and pool bar is the best location in Brevard to enjoy the summer and beat the heat. What a great venue to enjoy the pool and keep hydrated with frozen cocktails or mocktails as well as lunch, a snack, or dinner.
Lifeguard
Suntree staffs a lifeguard from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A great stress reliever to help keep an eye on kids in the pool.
Pool Bar
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am through at least 7:00 pm. Obviously if you are here enjoying the evening we will extend our hours that night.
Inclement Weather
Summer often brings some storms with it. In the event our Perry Weather System alerts us of lightning in the area, the pool and pool deck area will close, and our team is instructed to be protected indoors. The membership is advised to do the same. If conditions are promising to clear up within an hour, we will promptly re-open with all clear notification.
In addition, please keep an eye out for our weekly Social E-News publication (Tuesday mornings) in your inbox. There we will highlight the many upcoming events designed to add value to your membership and offer reservations for them. If for some reason you are not getting that email, please see Katie Holley, our Communications Manager and she will get that fixed.
Jim Tills
F OOD & B EVERAGE D IRECTOR
Some of our key fun activities currently planned for this summer include:
Fireworks Dinner - Thursday July 3
July 4th Pool Party on Friday July 4th
Father Daughter Dance July 26th
Club Night featuring Hot PINK August 2nd
Back to School Foam Party August 9th
2nd Annual Cardboard Regatta August 16th
Jimmy Buffet Luau August 3rd
Chef’s famous wine dinner on September 13th
With continued member participation we will continue to add fun events, for your enjoyment of the Club - and if you have any suggestions, please email jim.tills@suntree.com
Again, keep an eye out for Tuesdays’ email with additional information and details weekly.
Thank you again for your participation at the Club. We continue to strive to deliver a great experience for you each time you are here and we always look forward to seeing you!
Jim Tills, Director of Food & Beverage
CHEF DEAN Greetings
This June 2025 marked my one-year anniversary as the Executive Chef of the prestigious Suntree Country Club. It’s an honor to be here.
Over the past year, with the help of my culinary team, we have elevated the culinary offerings to Suntree members— from wine dinners, new à la carte menus, and pop-up kitchen restaurants to the Club’s 50th Anniversary Party, to name a few.
I’ve also achieved a few personal milestones, building on my portfolio, including being inducted into one of the top chef associations in the world, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, for which I will be hosting a dinner on January 31st, 2026.
I would just like to say thank you to the members, culinary team, Food & Beverage team, and the management team for making my first year a success.
I am very excited for the upcoming vision that the Suntree Food & Beverage team has planned for the Club.
Thank You,
Dean Lee Executive Chef
Dean Lee E XECUTIVE C HEF
