Boca Grove Welcomes Seasoned Golf Course Superintendent to the Helm

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club, a premier country club in Boca Raton, Fla., welcomes Rafael Barajas, CGCS as our new Golf Course Superintendent. Barajas comes to Boca Grove with a total of 35 years in the golf industry with 31 of them as a golf course superintendent. He has been a member of the GCSAA for 30 years and Certified Golf Course Superintendent for the past 25 years. Barajas is the Past President of the Golf Course Superintendents of Southern California, Past President of the California Golf Course Superintendents Association and a board member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for the past 5 years.

Originally from Colima, Mexico, Barajas immigrated to the US at the age of 14 only knowing 2 words of English. He followed in his brother's footsteps and went to work on a golf course working as part of the maintenance crew at a municipal course in the San Fernando Valley. By the age of 20, Barajas was the superintendent at the Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach, Calif. Lacking in formal education in turfgrass maintenance and agronomy, Barajas spent the following six years in professional development courses and seminars to become a Certified Golf Course Superintendent in 1990. In the mid-1990's Barajas got the superintendent job at Hacienda Golf Club in Southern California where he has been for the last 20 years.

"I have personally known of Rafael for more than 20 years. His reputation for superior and constant playing conditions are legendary in the industry. Rafael carries a 5 handicap, so he has an eye for detail and the ability to deliver conditions to our course that will enhance the Club's reputation. I cannot be happier that Rafael has decided to join our team at Boca Grove, and with his commitment to excellence we will continue to move the club to the level that is the envy of all Florida country clubs," said General Manager/COO David Gourlay CGCS, CCM CCE.

Boca Grove is a hidden gem in the Boca Raton community. Placed amongst the beautiful homes is a golfer's dream, an 18-hole, Jim Fazio designed championship golf course.  The course was re-done and completed in November 2011, and features luscious fairways and rich scenic beauty. The course offers a challenge for golfers of all levels and has seven sets of tees for everyone in the family. With no tee times, golfers are afforded the freedom of playing when it best fits their schedules.

About Boca Grove:
Boca Grove is a boutique golf and tennis club located in the heart of beautiful Boca Raton, Florida. With approximately 450 member families, Boca Grove exhibits style and grace afforded only to the most elite private clubs in South Florida. For more information on Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club, please visit www.bocagrove.org  or call (561)487-5300.

Media Contact:
Heather Dupree
561.837.4800 ext. 133
[email protected]

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SOURCE Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club