We are very proud of Deer Run Golf Club and the neighborhood. Both are attractive and friendly. The atmosphere of Deer Run is what makes it so special. The interaction between neighbors, golfers, and golf staff is exceptionally warm, fun, friendly and generous.

We don’t take the credit for this atmosphere, though we are aware of how much we can set the tone for the area. One of the reasons for this special atmosphere is that we are a public golf course with a private club feel. Usually public golf means a disinterested staff and little give-and-take between customers and employees.

Typically, a private club is thought to be the only venue for recognition and special treatment.

We have worked hard to provide a “clubby” feel to Deer Run. The new tee markers, signage, clock, mailbox, etc are not typical public golf. The warmth of the pub with its’ leather chairs and copper top bar are “clubby”. But especially, the flowers and the condition of the course are like a private club. The fairways are thick and lush, and the greens are smooth and fast.

DRGC also provides extra services like rangers, starters, bag drop, and beverage carts. The golf shop provides free tees, repair tools, and pennies to mark your ball. Though small, the golf shop offers the same clothing selections as the top private clubs. And though also small, the pub sells quality food and offers a nice selection of beer, wine, and liquor.

But more than anything physical, the club atmosphere comes from the comfort of being known and appreciated by staff and other players. These relationships at Deer Run are unusual because of their warmth, humor and respect.

Yet Deer Run GC is not a private club. A private club is expensive, requiring an initiation fee and monthly fees. Some rural golf clubs are not expensive, but that is because of their land values – compare the value of your house to that of a comparable rural house. Being public is what makes Deer Run GC so affordable.

Also, being public keeps Deer Run from becoming too exclusive. Often, private clubs lose their charm by becoming bastions of snobbery and entitlement. Life on the plantation does not lend itself to respectful relationships.

Some Deer Run neighbors are members of private clubs in warmer climates during the winter and some other neighbors were members of private clubs before moving to Deer Run. Sometimes these neighbors bring private club expectations to Deer Run GC – this is understandable, yet unrealistic. Sadly, these unfair expectations can lead to misunderstandings and hard feelings.

We believe that everyone at Deer Run is special, and try not to play favorites. A member of a private club, because of its’ limited membership, receives more individual attention than a public course with its’ thousands of players. We try to treat every golfer with interest and respect.

Leagues are a fun part of Deer Run and a good way to promote camaraderie and fellowship. But league membership is not an entitlement to preferential treatment. Deer Run does not exist for the benefit of the leagues. The leagues are a part of Deer Run GC and are not miniature private clubs. Special events such as guest days are very expensive to do and cannot be done as a gift to the league. Shotgun starts are also very expensive and only work at courses with little play. 

Fortunately we do have a lot of play – we are a healthy business. But we don’t want to do a ton of rounds. We want to do enough quality rounds to be successful, but keep play limited so we can maintain a beautiful course, have fast rounds, and deliver a great golf experience.

Our goal is to provide the best of both public and private golf. We need your help and understanding so we can continue and improve this balancing act. We at the golf club feel very fortunate to be a part of such a unique situation and want to emphasize how much we enjoy the neighbors. Deer Run is a special place – the golf club and the neighborhood – let’s never take it for granted.

>>Click here to download the Victoria resident 2010 Season Pass application (available ONLY to Victoria residents)