50 YEARS OF DELAVEAGA
Half A Century & Still Counting… Jose Vicente de Laveaga, a successful businessman and landowner, gifted his hacienda and land on the outskirts of Santa Cruz to the city in the late 1800s. His dream was for this prime property to one day be a public park and recreational area. Over the years, these hills have housed a zoo, a Boy Scout camp and an animal shelter.
Where de Laveaga had enjoyed horseback riding, picnicking, orchards and gardens, a 1960 master plan finally fulfilled his dream for an expansive park, a golf course, ball fields and a fishing lake.
In 1968, course architect Bert Stamps was hired to design the 18-hole course which winds its way through the forested hillsides and canyons. Gary Loustalot was named the first head professional, a role his son Tim now fills. Lance, Elsworth and Jon Bei, local bar owners and restaurateurs, were brought in to run the restaurant and bar. George Vomvolakis joined their partnership soon after.
Over the years, Gary Loustalot’s children all took part in the business and Jon Bei’s daughter, Marcie, became a partner with her father in the restaurant after culinary school. In 2001, Tim and Jamie Loustalot took over the golf business after Gary retired. In 2016, Tim and Jamie took ownership of the restaurant and Marcie Bei is now the head Chef.
Since its opening, over 3,000,000 rounds of golf have been played here. DeLaveaga continues to host fundraising tournaments for area nonprofits in addition to the annual Santa Cruz City Amateur, and the course is home to several local middle and high school golf teams.
Come out and enjoy a round of golf or just play around at DeLaveaga!
Tim Loustalot
Tim grew up in the golf business as his grandfather, father and uncle were all Golf Professionals. Following their footsteps and his passion for golf, Tim was awarded a full ride scholarship to Fresno State where he gained the title of All American. In the late 1980’s, Tim qualified for the Australian Tour where he began his professional career in Golf. In 1990 Tim qualified for the Ben Hogan Tour and won his first tour event in 1992 (Lake City Classic – Lake City, FL). Tim then went on to play in the Nike Tour and won his second title in 1996 (Nike Shreveport Classic – Shreveport, LA). After qualifying to play on the PGA Tour, Tim played in his first US Open in 1999. His best finish on the PGA was 2nd place (Sanderson Farms Championship – Jackson, MS). Tim retired from competitive golf and became the Head Professional at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz, CA. where he succeeded his father and came home to his roots. Tim and his wife, Jamie, own the concession to run Golf, Disc Golf and the Restaurant together. Tim and Jamie have been married since 1991 and have three children: Ellie Gail, Ian Robert and Andrew Vincent.
Jamie Loustalot
Jamie grew up in a very strong Italian-American family rooted with many traditions. Her cultural background and upbringing have guided her through many experiences in her life. Educated at San Diego State University, Jamie followed her passion as an entrepreneur experimenting in various business ventures. Following her heart to San Francisco, Jamie worked for, J. Walter Thompson Ad Agency before marrying her husband, Tim, in 1991. After marrying Tim, Jamie went on to work for PowerBar to promote the brand while travelling with her husband on the Professional Golf Tour. After travelling for 10 years, Jamie & Tim moved their young family to Santa Cruz to become the new operators of DeLaveaga Golf Course and return to their home town. Jamie is co-owner & concessionaire with her husband, Tim for DeLaveaga Golf Course, DeLaveaga Disc Shack and The Grille at DeLaveaga. Jamie and Tim have three children: Ellie Gail, Ian Robert and Andrew Vincent.
Todd Pontti
COO/GM
Todd reunited with DeLaveaga Golf Course and the Loustalot family in May of 2019 after a 25-year history of managing successful golf operations at public golf facilities on the Monterey Peninsula. While serving in his role as Vice President and PGA Director of Golf at Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey, he was awarded with the Northern California PGA Merchandiser of the Year, Northern California PGA Club Fitter of the Year and the AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association Professional of the Year honors. His enthusiasm, business development, tournament operations and customer relations skills have developed a respectful, professional reputation within the golf community on the Monterey Peninsula. He earned his B.S. Degree in Business/Professional Golf Management at Ferris State University in Michigan where he also played basketball. Todd is a “Quarter Century” Class A Member of the Professional Golfers Association of America, a member since 1991.