If you are looking to live the country club lifestyle, but prefer a more intimate setting, look no further than Delaire Country Club. That’s what Joe Basso did. 

A Michigan native, Basso worked in the Wolverine State until last year, when the opportunity to take over as General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Delaire presented itself. Although he had pondered the idea of moving to Florida, Basso didn’t want to accept just any job.

“We were looking for a club that we could call home,” says Basso. “We walked out of here with the feeling we had found one.”

With just 324 homes, Delaire is what Basso calls “one of the best kept secrets.” The private, boutique-style golf and country club is located on 340 acres. Most homes offer water or golf course views.

“South Florida is an attractive place and we have positioned Delaire to be a secure and small community where you get to know your neighbors,” he says. 

Since coming to Delaire, Basso has worked to upscale operations by bringing in a director of membership and marketing, a new golf professional and a new executive chef. He has also embarked on a $10-million capital improvement plan, including a soon-to-be proposed $6-million clubhouse renovation.

Of course, the pandemic has not always made things easy. “This isn’t stuff they teach you in hotel school,” Basso quips. But like everyone else, he’s pivoted. During the brief shutdown order when golf was prohibited, the course became a place where people could walk and get fresh air, and “we went from traditional food service to our version of Door Dash,” says Basso.

The demographics are trending younger with members now in their 50s and 60s. All are single-family homes ranging from $200,000 to more than $3 million. Membership is mandatory.

“We are a small fish in a big pond, but if you like that, then it’s a great place to be,” he says.

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