HORSESHOE BAY, Texas (Nov. 11, 2018) – Joseph J. (J.J.) Wagner, who has been the general manager of top Southern California private country clubs for two decades, is returning to his Texas professional roots as the new Chief Operating Officer-General Manager of the prestigious Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay.
Wagner, who enjoyed tremendous success in helping members to lead enhancements at Bel-Air Country Club and the expansion of the golf course at Santa Ana Country Club in Southern California, said he is thrilled at the opportunity to return to Texas and a top-level club like Escondido, which did not yet exist when he left the state.
“I’m excited and feel very privileged about the opportunity to help lead Escondido Golf & Lake Club to new heights as a member-owned/controlled club,” Wagner said. “My wife Connie and I are happily returning to our roots in Texas, look forward to meeting old and new friends, and creating positive experiences for all members.”
Wagner served as chief executive officer of the fabled Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles from 1998-2013, the two-time co-host of the U.S. Amateur Championship and home of legendary golf pro Eddie Merrins. He was the Chief Operating Officer/General Manager at Santa Ana Country Club in Orange County from 2013-2018.
Before leaving for California, Wagner served as general manager at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, the former site of the PGA Tour’s Texas Open and Champion Tour and prior to that served as general manager of Odessa (TX) Country Club.
“We are very fortunate to have attracted such an experienced and qualified leader. There is no doubt JJ will help enhance Escondido’s continuous efforts to be the finest club in Texas,” said Escondido Board of Directors president Kent Graham.
Wagner will be replacing longtime general manager Glenn Lee who went to TPC-Summerlin in Las Vegas.
Wagner will start this fall at Escondido, which opened in 2006, and includes an award-winning par 71 Tom Fazio Golf Course, ranked in the top 10 of the state, and has hosted several statewide golf tournaments. Escondido has multiple dining options and a full-service lakeside club with boat slips and rentals, swimming and other water sport opportunities.
Escondido offers four modern guest cottages for use by members and their guests on property overlooking their own private putting green. Each cottage offers four large bedrooms with their own bath, a kitchen, common living, dining areas and an outdoor porch. Escondido is also host to the Dave Pelz Short Game School.
