Property developer Rick Caruso, best known for Los Angeles retail destinations such as The Grove, has moved into the golf industry with the unveiling of a first look at Miramar Lake Club, a private golf and social club near Thousand Oaks at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. Formerly known as Sherwood Lake Club, the members' venue is set to open later this year and reflects Caruso's stated belief that golf is becoming "more welcoming, more dynamic and deeply rooted in experience". The move extends Caruso's hospitality empire beyond retail and hotels into the fast-growing golf and lifestyle-club market.

The club features an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus, an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, a resort-style pool, tennis courts, fitness and wellness facilities, a signature restaurant with a yet-to-be-named chef, and a programme of social events. Caruso acquired the property earlier this year following the death of its owner, billionaire Dole Food Co. figure David H. Murdock, in a deal he says was struck in about 20 minutes after a cold call from a broker. The venue takes its name from Caruso's Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito, and he has pledged to spend heavily upgrading the course, pool and amenities, adding fine-but-fun dining and a bar with nightly entertainment.