Rio Bravo Country Club: A History of Turmoil and a Troubled Future

The Rio Bravo Country Club near Bakersfield, California, has long been plagued by financial difficulties and ownership changes. Recent events, including a contentious divorce and rebranding, have once again thrust the club into the spotlight, raising questions about its long-term viability.

A Legacy Rooted in California History

The land on which Rio Bravo Country Club sits has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was part of an 800,000-acre holding owned by Henry Miller, known as the ‘Cattle King of California.’ Descendants of Miller include media personality Tucker Carlson and journalist Nellie Bowles.

In the mid-1960s, George Nickel Jr., Miller’s great-grandson, played a pivotal role in the area’s development through his involvement with the California Aqueduct. This project facilitated agricultural expansion and population growth in the Central Valley. Nickel subsequently built an upscale resort along the Kern River in 1975, designed to host prominent friends and guests, including restaurateur Claude Rouas and socialite Frances McAteer.

Financial Struggles and Shifting Ownership

Nickel’s venture faced financial hardship, filing for bankruptcy in 1985 after failing to secure long-term financing for short-term loans. Wells Fargo subsequently took over the property to settle the $30 million debt. This marked the beginning of decades of fluctuating ownership as successive buyers attempted to revitalize the grounds.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the resort underwent several transformations. Konny Boyd purchased the property in 1996 with plans to convert it into a senior community, but these plans were blocked by local residents. The property was then sold in 2006 to Los Angeles-based investors, followed by a Texas-based developer who redeveloped it into residential units.

In 2017, a group of 13 homeowners purchased the golf course and clubhouse, seeking a modern owner to restore the property. The property was listed for $4.9 million in July 2022, including the 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, and 22 developable lots.

Recent Turmoil and Rebranding

In late 2023, Jeremy and Kim Willer acquired the club with plans for extensive renovations, including improvements to the golf course, new structures, and a revamped clubhouse menu featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and local vendors. Yet, their tenure was short-lived.

In March 2025, Jeremy Willer was arrested following a domestic violence call, with Kim alleging physical assault and raising concerns about his alcohol consumption. Kim subsequently filed for divorce in December 2023. The divorce proceedings and related legal issues led to the closure of the club.

In February 2026, Jeremy’s father, Randy Willer, took over the country club and rebranded it as Scarlet & Gray. Despite the rebranding, the club remains in a state of transition, with the restaurant currently closed and renovations ongoing. The couple’s next court hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the golf course remains open, with monthly family memberships priced at $575 and regular memberships at $475. Local vendors, including Primos Smoked BBQ and McFarland Taqueria, continue to serve patrons.