About

Secluded within the gated Community of Ballantrae, Santa Lucia River Club is where members enjoy making memories with friends and family while our pleasant staff provides first-class standards of service.

The par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course winds its way among the wetlands and pine uplands alongside the St. Lucie River, making it the striking centerpiece of this breathtaking 402-acre sanctuary. Open for lunch daily, The Nicklaus Grille also holds a variety of social dining events throughout the year for members and their guests. Har-Tru clay tennis courts, year-round heated swim facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness center are the perfect complement to a healthy club lifestyle. As the day nears its end, relax on the veranda and enjoy the perfect harmony of warm colors reflecting off the water as the sun slowly disappears over the horizon. The tranquility of the club is truly a rewarding experience.

All fine private clubs require that the staff deliver the utmost in standards of service.

Santa Lucia River Club is fortunate to have assembled a talented and experienced staff who enjoy providing a high level of service. Above and beyond is the norm at Santa Lucia River Club.
  

  JIM APPLEGATE
Chief Operations Officer

Jim Applegate is Director of Penn-Florida Club Properties and Chief Operating Officer of Santa Lucia River Club. Jim has been with the club since Penn-Florida acquired SLRC. Jim's experience includes project management positions at Grande Oaks in Fort Lauderdale, Naples Grande in Naples, The Floridian in Palm City and Royal Palm Yacht and County Club in Boca Raton as well as thirteen years as Principal of The Gary Player Design Company. Jim is a previous Class A member of the PGA and has since reinstated his amateur status. He is a recent past president of the Florida State Golf Association.
   
  MICHAEL MANN, PGA
Director of Golf/General Manager

 Mike has been with SLRC since 2006 and has previously served at some of the finest private clubs in the country such as Linville Ridge Country Club, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club and Diamond Creek Golf Club.  Mike is an active Class A PGA Professional and holds advanced certifications from The PGA of America in Golf Operations and General Management.
   
  MICHAEL COCHRANE
Golf Professional/Membership Director

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Michael is known for providing a quick wit and many laughs among our membership. Michael organizes our more than 80 tournaments per season while providing excellent customer service in golf operations. Michael has spent his life in the sport, working at great golf courses such as Royal Portrush in Port Stewart, Northern Ireland and The Floridian in Palm City.  Michael has been with SLRC since 2005.
   
 
   
  MARIA BORDONARO
Banquet and Event Director

Maria has over 17 years of experience in the food and beverage industry as well as in event management. She is responsible for all private events including weddings, birthdays, corporate banquets, and other private events.  Maria has been with SLRC since 2012.
   
 
TOM KUKTA
Golf Course Superintendent
 
Tom is a Golf Course Superintendents Association of America member and has been affiliated with Santa Lucia River Club since 2005.  He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of our golf course and has moved through the ranks now serving as our Head Golf Course Superintendent. Tom and his experienced team keep the golf course up to par with today's high standards of maintenance.  Tom has been with SLRC since 2005.
   
  ANNE MARIE LYNCH
Club Controller
 
Drawing on her more than fifteen years of experience with SLRC, Ann Marie Lynch provides all human resources, administrative and accounting oversight for the club. Our staff is often heard saying, "Ann Marie is the one to see."Ann Marie has been with SLRC since 2001.