Captivating Community
The Club At Sonterra Offers Fun for the Whole Family
By Amy Morgan
Your first visit to The Club At Sonterra might have been for an event – a sports banquet, wedding or graduation party. The mysterious gate just visible from the intersection of Stone Oak Parkway and Sonterra Boulevard swung open, and you were welcomed to
drive inside.
Once inside the gates and parked in the generous, free lot shaded by luxurious, mature oak trees, you realized you’d found a gem tucked deep inside Stone Oak.
Founded in 1985, The Club At Sonterra is the only family-focused private club in San Antonio. It spreads across 7070 acres and boasts not one but two 18-hole championships golf courses, 23 tennis and 8 pickleball courts, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, fully
equipped fitness center, pro-shops, KidZone and
several dining choices.
While the large ballroom, with room for up to 350, and four smaller adjacent rooms are available for public events, the rest of The Club At Sonterra’s amenities are reserved exclusively for members and their guests, with the rare exception of a few charity tournaments. But that does not mean only those who live within Sonterra’s gates are eligible for membership.
No, it might be the best kept secret in Stone Oak that almost half of The Club At Sonterra’s membership comes from addresses across northern San Antonio and beyond.
All who count themselves among the Club’s number have been attracted by the warmth and friendship of likeminded people who enjoy the camaraderie of the activities, sports and hospitality found there.
“The Club At Sonterra offers so much more than just golf or tennis,” said General Manager Nathan Gillespy. “People don’t just leave when their kids finish a tennis lesson or swim practice. It’s common to see families head right over to the 19th hole to eat together. There’s a bond and attachment in community it’s hard to find anymore.”
It’s Nathan’s goal that The Club At Sonterra meets the social, fitness and recreational needs for the entire family. Almost every night there’s a special theme menu or a social activity to bring people together. Bingo often draws a multigenerational crowd of 200. In addition to kids camps and clubs, there are sports leagues, game nights, group fitness, travel clubs, card games and wine tastings.
“The biggest joy I have is to go out on the back patio and see someone sitting down for lunch or dinner. Then their group of four becomes a group of eight, then 16. The kids are running around and their parents are enjoying a glass of wine watching the sunset,” Nathan said.
It’s easy to find a place to fit in at The Club At Sonterra. New members can schedule an evaluation with the sports pro of their choice who’ll assess their skill level and suggest groups to join. Whether you are passionate about pickleball, a scratch golfer, or a weekend warrior, you’ll be able to meet your tribe.
Golfers, in particular, can enjoy two completely different styles of play on the North and South courses to keep games constantly interesting. Well-appointed pro shops carry favorite brands like Lululemon and Black Clover, along with the most up-to-date golf, tennis and pickleball equipment, accessories and club-branded merchandise.
“It’s wonderful to have two different choices in one location,” Nathan said. He joined the club’s management in 2018, and since that time has seen the refurbishment of almost every area. The Encore Leisure group designated The Club At Sonterra as its 2025 Club of the Year. In the past two years since Nathan stepped into the lead position, the owners have invested $7.5 million in upgrades. Just recently, the bunkers on the North course were refreshed, along with the men’s and women’s card rooms, bathrooms and member lounge.
The swimming pool with a diving well and children’s wading area has been resurfaced and new furniture added in time to open the 2026 swim season. Summer’s stifling heat is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the pool’s lifeguarded hours from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Sonterra Stingrays’ team registration is still open for those ages 5-18, and lessons are available to get your littlest ones water ready. Don’t delay, practices start soon.
The Break Point Bar & Grill located by the pool and racket sports area has “everything you’d want at court and poolside dining,” Nathan said. “The Executive Chef recently added a new pizza oven and expanded the menu to include Acai bowls, smoothies and protein shakes to provide healthy options in addition to the always popular frozen margaritas and Frosé.”
When you need a break from the kids, relax in the adults-only lounge with a cocktail or have a quiet business lunch. The card rooms provide the perfect spot for friendly gaming competition.
“The Club At Sonterra is so much more than a club – it’s a community,” Nathan said. Intrigued? Interested in seeing if The Club At Sonterra might fit your family? Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour that will cater to your areas of interest.
