S P E C I A L R E A L E STAT E I S S U E
PREMIER PROPERTIES
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST GOLF COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD Special Issue 2015
$5.00/$7.25 in Canada LINKSMagazine.com
The G30 fairway woods and hybrids are engineered with hotter faces for more distance. Progressive CG locations optimize trajectory for accuracy and control.
Turbulator Technology and the new T9S titanium face material make the G30 adjustable driver PING’s longest, most forgiving driver ever.
From its undercut cavity design to progressive lengths and lofts, the G30 iron delivers distance with control and forgiveness with feel.
Š2014 PING LINKS1114
In the new PING G30 Series, every club is engineered to deliver the consistency you need to hit the ball higher, longer and straighter than ever before. There are no shortcuts, no gimmicks. Innovations like Turbulator Technology on the crown of the driver increase clubhead speed for more distance. Carpenter 475 steel in the face of the fairway wood ensures distance and forgiveness. And when it comes to hitting greens from any distance, the hybrids and irons offer flag-finding forgiveness and control. Visit a PING Fitting Specialist or ping.com today. You’ll be better for it. Ž
Every day starts the same. But how it unfolds? Well, that’s up to you. Today, it’s our redesigned course. Courtesy of Pete Dye. Live Oaks creep over signature bunkers. As you head to the back 9, it hits you. You’ve never seen a place like this.
Are you ready to
experience The Ford Plantation?
With 400 homes set within 1,800 acres, The Ford Plantation is yours to discover. And discover you will. Each and every acre offers a launch point for adventure. Whether it’s shooting clays, fishing the Ogeechee River, a morning horse ride or a day of Pete Dye’s finest, The Ford Plantation is a sporting club at its core. To arrange a visit, call 912.756.5666 or visit FordPlantation.com.
K A U A ‘ I ’ S N E W B A S E C A M P. Y O U R FA M I LY ’ S N E W A D V E N T U R E .
Kaua‘i is an island of adventures, from surfing to hiking to exploring the small towns of Hawai‘i’s most lush and beautiful landscape. Kukui‘ula, on the island’s sunny south shore, is a community that’s as down to earth as it is sophisticated, with a farm and spa, a Tom Weiskopf golf course and a shopping village that’s an island gathering place. Kukui‘ula’s Mauka Estates enjoy panoramic ocean views and offer owners a rare opportunity to design and build a custom island home where the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly together as one – a perfect base camp to begin your family’s new adventure with the people, culture and awe-inspiring beauty of Kaua‘i.
®
855.742.0234
H O M E S I T E S F R O M $ 8 5 0 , 0 0 0 . F U L LY- F U R N I S H E D B U N G A L O W S F R O M $ 1 . 6 M . C U S T O M H O M E S F R O M $ 2 . 9 M . K U K U I U L A . C O M /A D V E N T U R E
Kukui‘ula Realty Group LLC. Obtain a property report or its equivalent as required by Federal or State Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal or State Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not an offer or solicitation in CT, NJ, or NY or in any state in which the legal requirements for such offering have not been met. Warning: CA Dept. of Real Estate has not inspected, examined or qualified this offering. Fees, memberships and restrictions may apply for certain amenities. Details available. Price and availability subject to change. ©December, 2014. Kukui‘ula Development Company (Hawaii), LLC. All rights reserved.
Introducing the 2015 Estate Home Collection. Come Discover True Luxury in Sarasota’s Most Tranquil Community.
More than aPlace to Live...
YourPath to Celebrated Moments
Florida’s Gulf CoastUtopia TheConcessionRealEstate.com 8305 Lindrick Lane | Sarasota, FL 34202 | (941) 388-0501 Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm | Sunday Noon - 5pm | Tuesday by Appointment
JOHNSON H O M E S
Large Spacious Home-sites in a Gated Community with Private Roads and NO CDD Fees. One Acre Home-sites from $249K — Packages Starting at $1 Million
One of America’s top 50 modern golf courses. GolfWeek
Access to and use of the recreational amenities are not included in the purchase of homesites and require separate club membership. Obtain and carefully review the offering circular for Martis Camp Club before making any decision to purchase a club membership. The information provided in this advertisement is strictly for informational purposes and shall not be construed as an offer in California or any other jurisdictions where prior registration or other advance qualification of real property
Congratulations, your priorities are now perfectly in sync. One side of your brain may be swayed by the praises of Forbes, Barron’s and
GolfWeek, publications impressed by Martis Camp’s golf, dining, spa and architectural integrity. Then again, you may answer to life’s more discerning critics: friends and family who find greatness in life’s smaller pleasures, like paddleboarding at the Beach Shack on Lake Tahoe or carving a fresh stash of powder five minutes from home with private direct ski
access to Northstar California™. Either way, life at Martis Camp is a concept that will appeal to both sides of your brain.
My favorite place for living above par. Rick, Palo Alto
.. | MC. H ,’ C H ,,’
is required. Prices are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to sell property to, or a solicitation of offers from, residents of NY, NJ, CT, OR, or any other state that requires prior registration or qualification of real estate. Obtain the Property Report or its equivalent, required by Federal and State law and read it before signing anything. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.
Exclusively John’s Island
John’s Island is the place where everyone wants to be. An unpretentious community full of people who—like you—have a zest for the good life. Over 1,650 private, pristine acres. Three miles of sandy beach. Nine miles of Intracoastal Waterway. World-class amenities including three championship golf courses, 18 Har-Tru tennis courts, professional squash, croquet, health & fitness center and more. Come and discover why John’s Island is simply the right place to be.
NEW CONSTRUCTION! 4BR/5.5BA, 5,600± SF Stunning Golf & Lake Views, Cul-de-Sac, Pool 391 LLwyd’s Lane : $3,450,000
vertical equit y memberships
:
Renov. 3BR/2BA Oceanfront Condo, 2,000± SF End Unit, Breathtaking Ocean Views, Pool 600 Beach Road #230 : $1,275,000
oce an -to - river communit y
:
Gorgeous 6BR Oceanfront Retreat, Pool, Cabana 8,627± GSF, Panoramic 130’ Ocean Frontage 668 Ocean Road : $6,100,000
be ach club
772.231.0900 : Vero Beach, Florida : w w w. J ohnsIsl andRe alE s t ate . c om
It’s your lifetime. Spend it wisely.
Contents Departments 12
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What’s Inside Start Dreaming
14
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First Peek The Ford Plantation
16
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In Development What’s Coming
Features 44
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Bending Clubs Without Breaking Them BY JAMES A. FRANK
To attract a new generation of members without alienating the old, golf clubs and communities are pushing the envelope, adding new services and amenities and even lessening their reliance on the game
64
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Q & A BY TOM CUNNEFF
With some of the most renowned and amenity-rich golf communities to his credit, not to mention close friendships with Hollywood A-listers, Discovery Land Company founder and CEO Michael Meldman is at the top of the development game
LINKS Premier Properties Guide
Premier Properties 24 36 52 58 66 70 72 76 84 90 92 94 94 96
| Best of the Best | Best for Golf | Best for Club Life | Best for Resort Living | Best for Outdoor Pursuits | Best for Families | Best for Convenience to City Life | Best for Value | Best for Living Abroad | Best for Boating | Best for Beaches | Best for Winter Sports | Best for Equestrian | Directory
68 | Why There? BY LARRY HIRSH
There are many reasons buyers of second homes choose to go where they go. Which one is most important?
88 | Sales Pitch BY TOM CUNNEFF
For the serious golfer, nothing attracts interest in a community quite like a state-of-the-art learning facility
p. 32 Sailfish Point Hutchinson Island, Fla. ON THE COVER:
Kukui'ula Poipu, Hawaii
PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
LINKSMagazine.com 11
WHAT’S
INSIDE
PREMIER PROPERTIES
PREMIER PROPERTIES
Start Dreaming ON THE WALL above the bed of one of my nieces is a Native American handicraft called a dream catcher. I’m sure you’ve seen one before. Maybe even your son or daughter (or grandson or granddaughter) has one in his or her room. It’s a woven hoop with a loose net or web in the middle, decorated with feathers and beads, that is supposed to weed out the nightmares and only allow good dreams during sleep. Well, what you hold in your hands is the golf community equivalent of that. The 2015 Premier Properties Guide might look like a typical magazine, containing helpful write-ups on more than 300 of the world’s best golf and resort communities, as well as some great editorial features. But I like to think it’s much more than that. It’s a dream catcher of sorts, the place to let your mind wander and see where your dreams land, from Scotland to Hawaii and from The Bahamas to Oregon. No doubt golf is a big part of that dream, so a good course is a given. But I don’t imagine golf is your only interest, so we have organized our listings into 13 different categories of amenities and features— everything from “Best for Outdoor Pursuits” to “Best for Convenience to City Life” and from “Best for Value” to “Best for Living Abroad.” Of course, if golf is the overriding factor in your decision, we even have a section for that—“Best for Golf.” But, needless to say, a lot has changed since we brought you the last Premier Properties Guide five years ago. No longer are communities so focused on golf. To attract prospective buyers, they need an amenity package that appeals to the entire family, which Contributing Writer James A. Frank writes about in “Bending Clubs Without Breaking Them” on page 44. The communities that made it through the recession are stronger than ever and 12 LINKSMagazine.com
PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER
John R. Purcell EDITORIAL
Nancy S. Purcell Tom Cunneff ART DIRECTOR Larry Hasak ART & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Harrison T. Brackett LISTINGS EDITOR Robert Dagley EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
James A. Frank, Larry Hirsh CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Alexander, Nile Young
are offering more than ever before. Eight years ago, 60 percent of potential buyers at The Cliffs’ seven properties spread across western North and South Carolina listed golf as the main reason for buying. Today, 52 percent list health and wellness as their primary motive. Family barns, field houses, and fishing ponds are also new amenities you didn’t see 10 years ago. Also important are “legacy memberships” to encourage more generational use from grandparents through grandchildren and the ability to easily pass down the membership. Editorially, this was also the right time to bring Premier Properties back. According to a recent subscriber survey we did, a good portion of you are getting ready to pull the trigger on a second home compared to a few years ago. In fact, 19 percent of you plan to buy one and almost a third of that group plan to do it in the next one to two years. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise to anyone who follows the golf real estate market. Of the 24 million golfers in the U.S., seven million of them are Baby Boomers, those of us born between 1946 and 1964. We started hitting retirement a few years ago, and in the next decade we’ll drive up retiree households by 10 million. If you’re in that category, the question you have to ask yourself is, “What do you want to do with the rest of your life and where have you always wanted to live?” Well, you don’t have to hang this issue above your bed. Just open it up and start dreaming.
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Tony Giovannini Brenna Theodore
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Reader letters may be sent to the address below in Hilton Head, S.C., or to letters@linksmagazine.com. Readers can log on to LINKSMagazine.com featuring selected LINKS editorial content and spectacular photography, as well as surveys, sweepstakes, and articles from joint online partners. For reprint information contact: Harrison Brackett, 843-8426200 (phone), 843-842-6233 (fax), or hbrackett@linksmagazine.com. Editorial and advertising offices, P.O. Box 7628, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938. Customer Service: 800-350-9301, linksmagazine@pubservice.com
Jack Purcell President and Publisher JPurcell@LINKSMagazine.com
LINKS – The Best of Golf (ISSN 1043-6375) is published Quarterly;Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall and a Special Issue during Fall by Purcell Enterprises, Inc., 10 Executive Park Road, Suite 202, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Periodicals postage paid at Hilton Head Island, SC and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LINKS, P.O. Box 15099, North Hollywood, CA 91615.
PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
My Life. My Legacy. My Sporting Club. Bubba Watson’s legacy is more than golf. It’s about creating lasting memories with his family in their home at America’s Resort. Now’s the time to create your own legacy. The Greenbrier Sporting Club is thrilled to introduce nine exceptional developer properties with one exceptional offer...
NO CLUB DUES THROUGH 2015* This offer will not be around forever. Learn more today.
Homesites from $300K. Homes from $1M. greenbriersportingclub.com | (888) 766-8637 5 Kate’s Mountain Road White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia 24986
* After buyers payment of the one-time membership initiation fee. Obtain the Property Report as required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Greenbrier Sporting Club by residents of HI, ID, IL, NY and OR or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Prices, plans, dimensions, specifications, material and availability are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. This project is registered with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, N.J. Reg. No. 11-59-0002. Use of recreational facilities and amenities requires separate club membership. John Klemish, Broker-In-Charge
FIRST PEEK
New Model Ford Thirty years after The Ford Plantation opened, Pete Dye returns to the community near Savannah to perform a major course overhaul
14 LINKSMagazine.com
P
ETE DYE may be approaching 90, but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down. If he isn’t designing a new course, he’s renovating one of his older ones, like he just did at The Ford Plantation outside Savannah, one of only two designs he’s done in Georgia (Atlanta National is the other). What started as a way to improve drainage on the back nine turned into a major redesign that vastly improved the course, from new irrigation and wider fairways to new greens and bunkers. Dye made 14 visits and spent 28 days on site, often drawing his designs in the dirt like some sort of sandlot football game. It was about time, too. The course had not received a major restoration since it opened 30 years ago. Says Dye: “We just tore the golf course apart and put it back together again.” But, importantly, the members financed the $7 million renovation without taking on much, if any, debt. The front nine is a tree-lined, parkland-style course routed around 250 acres of freshwater lakes, while the back is more
open and linksy as it traverses wetlands. The par-four 10th (pictured) serves as a real demarcation with Dye moving the green 150 yards to the right to bring Lake Clara into play. To help with drainage, Dye also raised the back nine, which took further advantage of the layout’s scenic Lowcountry setting by improving the long-range views of the marsh. And while the course contains many of Dye’s trademark trouble spots, he also made it easier for the higher handicap by opening greens in front for run-up shots and offering alternate routes of play. For instance, on the par-three 8th a shorter hitter can lay up to the left side of the green while a better player has a 200-yard, all-carry tee shot over a pond. The Ford Plantation takes its name from the auto magnate who once owned the 1,800 acres of land the community occupies and built the Greek Revival mansion that serves as the heart of the club. You get the feeling that master craftsman Pete Dye and Henry Ford would have hit it off pretty well. —Tom Cunneff
354-yard 10th hole; Clubhouse, inset
LINKSMagazine.com 15
IN DEVELOPMENT
A look at what’s coming in the world of golf and resort communities
Bahamian
Rhapsody
O
RIGINALLY set to open this December, Baha Mar— the most expensive private development in The Bahama’s history—will now open in late spring. The $3.5 billion, 1,000-acre resort and residential complex is situated on a half-mile of beachfront in Nassau. In addition to almost 3,000 hotel rooms, the project is also offering more than 300 residences. Most are one- to three-bedroom units at three of the four hotels, though four-bedroom beach villas are also available. Amenities include a
16 LINKSMagazine.com
30,000-square-foot “ESPA,” a 10,000-square-foot casino (the Caribbean’s largest), nightclubs, restaurants by renowned chefs, waterpark, retail village, lush gardens and waterway system, artificial reef, and private island just 15-minutes by boat. But the highlight for golfers will be the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout. The Royal Blue golf course is just about complete and features two distinct nines: dramatic ocean views and other water features punctuate the front side, while the back side winds through an inland forest and native habitat.
THE POINT IS... 7,088-yards of Nicklaus Signature golf, 532-acres of sea-island community, 77-slips in your private Marina, 60 miles from the Bahamas.
sailfish point Hutchinson Island, Florida
Miles of Atlantic shoreline • Nicklaus Signature Golf • Oceanfront Country Club Helipad • Fitness Complex • Spa/Salon • Private Yacht Club and Marina INQUIRE ABOUT GUEST OPPORTUNITIES
772.225.6200
SailfishPoint.com
1648 S.E. Sailfish Point Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996
The Sailfish Point Club is a private facility. Sailfish Point Realty is a licensed Real Estate Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.
IN DEVELOPMENT
A
Lasting
FTER 81 HOLES, 23 YEARS, and five neighborhoods, St. James Plantation—the No. 1 selling golf and marina community in Coastal Carolina—has finally come to the end of its inventory of golf course homesites with the introduction of Legacy Park. The charming new enclave is located right in the heart of the 6,000-acre community in southeast North Carolina. Many of the 59 custom homes will feature scenic views of The Reserve Club golf course, a challenging Nicklaus Design layout that is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
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Legacy
S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E
Cassique at Kiawah Island The most private of Kiawah Island’s communities offers exceptional living in the rarest of settings: off the beaten path but close to everything
E
xceptionally private, uncrowded, and unhurried, Cassique offers its residents a lifestyle that encompasses the best of Kiawah Island’s world-class amenities, with everything near their doorstep, but not on it. That important distinction is resonating with those who love the resort lifestyle, but desire a quiet place to retreat to at the end of the day. Perched on the Atlantic Ocean with 10 miles of private beach, Kiawah Island was ranked the No.1 island in the U.S. in 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler readers. Kiawah is home to nine elite courses, including the Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship. The island’s Five-Star hotel, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, is renowned all over the world for its gracious hospitality and luxurious amenities. In fact, many of Cassique’s residents discovered the neighborhood’s unique setting during stays at The Sanctuary or through golf outings at the resort. Cassique is distinctly Kiawah, but tailored to those who want additional privacy and the added convenience of being the closest Kiawah neighborhood to the charms not only of Charleston but also to one of the residents’ favorite gathering places, Freshfields Village. When
they do retreat to the serenity and privacy of their residents-only, family-friendly enclave, the rewards are tantalizing. A top-ranked golf course all their own, unparalleled tranquility, a club and clubhouse within walking distance from their home, beach options that run the gamut from quiet and private to full-service and fun, and their own pool and sports complex. Tom Watson’s first—and brilliant—solo North American design, the members-only, links-style layout of Cassique, has its roots in Watson’s favorite Irish and Scottish courses. Set along beautiful marshland and the Kiawah River, the course runs through both sun-dappled Lowcountry maritime forest and marshside dunes. Homeowners are also part of the very exclusive Kiawah Island Club with its own collection of amenities. Club members enjoy a second private course (the Tom Fazio-designed River Course) and clubhouse, the Beach Club, and Sasanqua, the magnificent private spa by acclaimed designer Clodagh. Nearby Freshfields Village offers an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and gourmet grocery shopping. For residents, Cassique is the best of all worlds—within easy reach of Kiawah’s amenities and Charleston’s charms...yet still off the beaten path.
KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA • (866) 542-9249 • KIAWAHISLAND.COM/CASSIQUE
IN DEVELOPMENT
Estate
J
Planning MARK ALEXANDER
UST ABOUT EVERY diehard golfer dreams of playing more golf in Scotland, but what would it be like to own a home there? The latest opportunity to do just that comes courtesy of gWest, a private gated resort development set on a 620-acre estate in the Scottish countryside an hour north of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Acclaimed Scottish architect David McLay Kidd, who gained fame with the namesake course at Bandon Dunes, designed the already completed course, an open, tumbling heathland layout bordered by heather and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In addition to 170 homesites, the community will also include a luxury hotel and spa, as well as shooting, tennis, and fishing.
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T IMES
GAME Why belong to one club when you can belong to seven? The Cliffs is three clubs on Lake Keowee, four nearby in the mountains and all just minutes to Asheville, Greenville and Clemson. Seven communities in all and from the moment you call The Cliffs home, they’re all yours. There isn’t one club that’s best, but we promise there is one for you. Come, be our guest and discover why we say, “There’s life, and then there’s living.”
866.411.5771 | CliffsLiving.com Homes and Homesites at Seven Lake and Mountain Communities Glassy • Mountain Park • Walnut Cove • Keowee Vineyards • Valley • Keowee Falls • Keowee Springs
Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value (if any) of The Cliffs properties. This information is not intended for, and is not an offer to, residents of any state where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law.
the
S E V E N
IN DEVELOPMENT
Sweet
Opportunity
I
F YOU LIKE A LOT OF SAND AND WATER with your golf, then you’ll love St. Kitts in the West Indies—and that’s before you ever set foot on a course. Not too long ago, the 65-square-mile island was covered in sugar cane, but now the lush tropical paradise in the central Caribbean midway between St. Barts and Antigua is fast becoming a golfcommunity hotbed. Following Christophe Harbour, the newest development set to open there is Kittitian Hill, which will feature a course designed by former Masters champ Ian Woosnam. One big advantage of buying on St. Kitts: you automatically become a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, which has no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.
New York
State of Mind
T
HE NORTHEAST isn’t necessarily known for golf communities, but maybe that will change after the opening of Silo Ridge Field Club in 2016. Set on 850 acres in the historic Hudson River Valley 90 minutes north of Manhattan, Discovery Land Company’s first project in the area won’t deviate from the winning formula at its other 17 communities: a nature-filled refuge for family and friends with great food and lots of fun things to do (see interview with founder and CEO Michael Meldman on page 64). So in addition to a very scenic Tom Fazio-designed golf course, there will be an amalgam of warm- and winter-weather activities centered on a lakeside family activity barn, which will house a swimming pool, theater, and restaurant. There will also be an equestrian center and year-round sporting field house for hunting and skeet shooting, as well as indoor track, tennis, and squash, among other sports. 22 LINKSMagazine.com
TOM FAZIO MADE THE GOLF COURSE OUR MEMBERS MAKE THE COMMUNITY
Learn more at mirabel.com
Martis Camp
24 LINKSMagazine.com Magazine.com
BEST of the BEST From South Florida to Montana, from Hawaii to North Carolina, these following 41 communities provide top-of-the-line amenities, unique experiences, and lasting memories for discerning residents who expect nothing but the best
LINKSMagazine.com 25
BEST OF THE BEST The Cliffs
The Bear’s Club
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe
The Cliffs pg. 21
Jupiter, Fla.
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Travelers Rest, S.C.
Located in the heart of South Florida’s sundrenched Atlantic coast, The Bear’s Club is a pristine enclave just west of Juno Beach. With Barbara Nicklaus’s design touches in the Mediterranean-style clubhouse and Jack Nicklaus’s 7,164-yard layout that wends through forest and among wetlands and lakes,The Bear’s Club is as much a lasting legacy for Nicklaus as Muirfield Village Golf Club in his native Ohio.
Nestled in the hills north of San Diego in one of the most affluent towns in the U.S., the Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe resembles a Tuscan village in its surroundings, architecture, and atmosphere. The center of this community is the clubhouse, where members and residents gather before and after rounds on the 7,002yard course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
thebearsclub.com
Carlton Woods
There are plenty of ongoing developments at The Cliffs, which now has seven communities in three regions of North and South Carolina: Mountain, Lake Keowee, and Asheville. Seven courses are open, including the latest, Gary Player’s Cliffs at Mountain Park. The best part? A single membership provides access to a wide range of amenities across all seven communities, including clubhouses, golf courses, wellness centers, marinas, and more.
The Woodlands, Texas
cliffsliving.com
Bighorn Palm Desert, Calif.
Bighorn has all the amenities you would expect from an exclusive golf community in the Southern California desert: two courses, one each from Arthur Hills and Tom Fazio, fitness center and spa, tennis, and several superb dining outlets. But Bighorn also has a couple of unexpected features: private jet service on the community’s three planes and a personal jeweler who offers exclusive products and special pricing. bighorngolf.com
thebridgesrsf.com
For decades, the master-planned community of the Woodlands has been the premier address in the Houston area. Recently, Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside have been the most prestigious neighborhoods within the Woodlands, thanks to amenities like golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio that are two of the best layouts in the area. carltonwoods.com
Desert Mountain Scottsdale, Ariz.
Residents at Desert Mountain can play a different Jack Nicklaus course for nearly every day of the week. On the seventh day, members may want to tackle a different type of turf— tennis on the only grass court in Arizona. All those outdoor activities leave very little time to relax in one of the numerous types of available homes, from cottages to custom estate homes on expansive lots. desertmountain.com
26 LINKSMagazine.com
The Ford Plantation
Estancia
Frederica
Scottsdale, Ariz.
St. Simons Island, Ga.
Located at the base of a local landmark, Pinnacle Peak, the Estancia Club is as much an icon in the area’s impressive golf landscape. Tom Fazio artfully routed the 7,314-yard layout through the property’s 640 acres of scrub, boulders, and vegetation to create one of the best desert courses in the country.
More than a dozen PGA Tour pros are paying members who enjoy the Tom Fazio course, golf learning center, and coastal Georgia’s largest fresh water lake, stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and hybrid stripers. Frederica’s nearly 3,000 acres allow room for a 60-acre Rookery, a 64-stall equestrian center, and miles of paved paths on which to ride the complimentary club bikes.
estanciaclub.com
The Ford Plantation pg. 2 Richmond Hill, Ga.
The former winter retreat of Henry Ford is now a premier sporting community. With only 400 homesites on its 1,800 acres (including nearly a mile of deep-water frontage on the Ogeechee River), its members have plenty of room to enjoy fishing, horseback riding, boating, and the recently restored Pete Dye golf course, along with a complete day spa and fitness center, and plenty of activities for the kids. fordplantation.com
fredericaliving.com
Glacier Club pg. 63 Durango, Colo.
At an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, drives seem to fly forever against the spectacular mountain backdrops at the Glacier Club, which has 27 holes where members can finally hit that 300-yard drive of their dreams. While the community occupies only about 1,000 acres, it appears to be much bigger because it is surrounded by three million acres of National Forest.
The Golf Club at Black Rock Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Despite designing very good courses for years, Jim Engh remained relatively anonymous. But he should join the architecture A-list with his layout at Black Rock, which is receiving accolades as one of the best courses in the United States. Known for taking chances with unorthodox holes, Engh took advantage of a dramatic site next to Lake Coeur d’Alene to build a memorable 7,130-yard test. blackrockidaho.com
Gozzer Ranch Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Gozzer Ranch is the ultimate summer camp by the lake for residents, no matter their age. They can engage in numerous activities on Lake Coeur d’Alene, from fishing to kayaking to sailing. If they would rather admire the lake from a distance, they can go hiking or biking. Of course, there is also the Tom Fazio layout routed through the pines and with views of the water.
theglacierclub.com gozzerranchclub.com
LINKSMagazine.com 27
BEST OF THE BEST Glacier Club
Isleworth Golf & Country Club
The Greenbrier Sporting Club
Windermere, Fla.
There are plenty of reasons why Isleworth is such a popular address for professional golfers, who can live anywhere in the country. In addition to an Arnold Palmer course that is a worthy test for the best players in the world, the community offers easy access to the Butler chain of lakes when the players want to enjoy a week off from the stresses of the tour lifestyle. isleworth.com
John’s Island pg. 10 The Greenbrier Sporting Club pg. 13 White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.
Built on the grounds of the Greenbrier Resort, which has undergone $250 million-plus in renovations and additions under owner Jim Justice, this collection of exclusive neighborhoods enjoys its own amenities, including a private golf course and members’ lodge. Should Sporting Club property owners tire of their 18-hole Tom Fazio course, they have access to the resort’s activities and services, including four golf courses, casino, and spa. thegreenbriersportingclub.com
Hualalai Ka’upulehu-Kona, Hawaii
In addition to a pair of Jack Nicklaus courses, this community on the Big Island offers many amenities that are unique to our 50th state, from a program for tagging the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle to the Ka’upulehu Cultural Center to the Alaka’I Nalu program’s ocean activities. Of course, there are also more traditional amenities like the beach club and fine dining.
Vero Beach, Fla.
With nine miles of shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway and three miles of private beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the 1,650-acre John’s Island offers residents plenty of the best of South Florida living. And that’s not even counting the community’s three golf courses from three of the best architects in the world: Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Jack Nicklaus. johnsislandrealestate.com
hualalairesort.com
Iron Horse
Kiawah Island pg. 19
Whitefish, Mont.
Kiawah Island, S.C.
Located along the Flathead Lake, the largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi River, Iron Horse offers numerous water pursuits. But there are just as many land-based amenities, from the 7,028-yard Tom Fazio golf course to nearby Glacier National Park to a variety of winter sports.
While the island is known for its resort golf, especially the Ocean Course, residents have exclusive access to a pair of hidden gems: Tom Fazio’s River and Tom Watson’s Cassique layouts. In addition, owners can explore the barrier island’s abundant wildlife before relaxing at the private beach club or the Sasanqua Spa.
ironhorsemt.com
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Kiawah Island
Kukio Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Considering how prolific Tom Fazio has been as an architect, it is surprising to learn that he has designed just one course in Hawaii—the 7,419-yard layout at Kukio. And because sometimes 18 holes along the Pacific Ocean isn’t enough golf, Fazio also built the community’s 10-hole short course, perfect for recouping some of the losses from the big course. kukio.com
Kukui'ula pg.4 Poipu, Hawaii
The first major new community on Kaua’i in decades, this upscale private club captures the very best of classic Hawaii. Its spectacular location was the setting for many blockbusters including South Pacific and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Tom Weiskopf design offers ocean views from every hole, but the allure of the outdoors in Hawaii extends far beyond great golf to the blue Pacific waters.
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club Orlando, Fla.
Tom Fazio’s 7,215-yard golf course, which sits along the eponymous lake, is one of the best layouts in Central Florida and the centerpiece of this luxury community that has numerous club activities for members and residents. After a round, they can play tennis, work out at the fitness center, ride bicycles, or enjoy a fine dining experience in the elegant clubhouse. lakenona.com
kukuiula.com
Madison Club La Quinta, Calif. John’s Island
When the clubhouse and its surrounding villas are finished next year, the Madison Club will have a post-round refuge that offers an experience that is equal to a round on the lush Tom Fazio layout, which was completely carved out of the desert floor. During construction, the club moved five-million-cubic yards to create not only the 7,426-yard course but also the 193 estate-sized homesites. madisonclubca.com
Martis Camp pg. 8 Truckee, Calif.
No matter the season, residents of Martis Camp can expect the best. During the summer, they can test their swings on the 7,707-yard Tom Fazio course. In winter, they can take the community’s private ski lift to the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. The Family Barn offers fun and memories for residents, who enjoy the Soda Fountain, bowling lanes, movie theater, and other amenities. martiscamp.com LINKSMagazine.com 29
BEST OF THE BEST
Mayacama Santa Rosa, Calif.
Mayacama’s unique location, 60 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, makes it the perfect community for lovers of golf and wine. The quality of its Jack Nicklaus course is surpassed only by that of its vintner program. Members enjoy exclusive access to some of the region’s best wineries, many of which are not open to the public. mayacama.com Mirabel
Mirabel pg. 23 Scottsdale, Ariz.
Located at the extreme north of the Valley of the Sun, Mirabel sits at a slightly higher elevation where the temperatures are slightly cooler than in downtown Scottsdale, making for a more enjoyable round over the 7,147-yard Tom Fazio course. Also more fun is the course itself. Not as punitive as most desert courses, Fazio built holes that offer wider playing areas. mirabel.com
Kukui'ula
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club
Old Palm Golf Club
Cashiers, N.C.
Discovery Land is known for developing the most luxurious golf communities, but Mountaintop, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of only three it has created east of the Mississippi. As at its other communities, Discovery Land hired Tom Fazio, who didn’t have to travel far from his North Carolina home and spent a lot of time crafting a challenging layout.
Old Palm stands out in the golf-rich neighborhood of Palm Beach Gardens not only for its impressive homes, but also for its Ray Floyd course, which is as enjoyable for average golfers as it is challenging for Floyd and his tour-pro colleagues. For those looking to improve their games, like the tour pros who live here, Old Palm offers a 33-acre Golf Studio that takes advantage of the latest technology.
mountaintopgolfclub.com
oldpalmgolfclub.com
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Edged by 23 miles of rivers and tidal creeks • A private club with golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones • Parks, gardens, biking and walking trails • On-island shops, schools, restaurants and churches • Convenient to beaches and an international airport • The Family Circle Tennis Center • A diverse selection of homes and homesites • An established community with a coveted Charleston address • A town. An island. A way of life.
danielisland.com 800.958.5635
For real estate and membership information.
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and registration requirements have not yet been met. NY residents: Complete Offering terms are in an offering plan available from Sponsor. File No. HO-00-0016. Equal Housing Opportunity. Access and rights to recreational amenities may be subject to fees, membership dues or limitations.
BEST OF THE BEST Sailfish Point
Palmetto Bluff
Santa Lucia Preserve
Bluffton, S.C.
The essence of the South Carolina Lowcountry, this picturesque community occupies a vast expanse of pristine land bounded by the May, Cooper, and New Rivers. The rich wildlife and spectacular beauty envelops the Jack Nicklausdesigned course along the May River. The Bluff is also graced by The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations and dining. palmettobluff.com
Reynolds Plantation Greensboro, Ga.
Now in its third decade, this golf-community trailblazer located along Lake Oconee offers six courses by five legendary architects: Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, and Jim Engh. Beyond golf, recreation opportunities abound along the 374 miles of shoreline along Lake Oconee. Bass fishing, boating, and water skiing are all popular activities. reynoldsplantation.com
Sailfish Point pg. 17
Santa Lucia Preserve pg. 87
Hutchinson Island, Fla.
Carmel, Calif.
At the hub of this sprawling 30,000-acre community is a Tom Doak-designed golf course, where the well-contoured, rugged holes, framed by native grasses, are as epic as the landscape. But golf is just one of many year-round activities at Rock Creek, and owners can retire to the Cattlemen’s Club after a long day of enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
Along with playing the 7,088-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature course, members can cruise the Indian River, St. Lucie Inlet, or the Atlantic Ocean for unique fishing and boating trips. Even The Bahamas are just a 75-minute sail away. A mile and a half of private beach and a pool with ocean views offer plenty of opportunity to simply sit back and relax on this island with an unassuming, friendly atmosphere.
Whether you’re playing Tom Fazio’s 18-hole course, hiking or riding the property’s 100 miles of trails, or going back in time with a stay at the 1920s-style Hacienda and Ranch House, the 20,000acre community is one large playground. And with 90 percent of that land protected from development, the residents’ sense of seclusion isn’t likely to be disturbed anytime soon.
rockcreekcattlecompany.com
sailfishpoint.com
santaluciapreserve.com
Rock Creek Cattle Company Deer Lodge, Mont.
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
Join for the golf, stay for the lifestyle Experience Superstition Mountain
Golf Memberships Available Marian McGill, Membership Director • (480) 983-3200
8000 E Club Village Drive, Superstition Mountain, AZ 85118 mmcgill@superstitionmtngc.com • www.superstitionmountain.com
BEST OF THE BEST
Sea Island Properties St. Simons Island, Ga.
Just as the Sea Island Resort is one of the premier golf destinations in the world, its sister real estate property offers an unparalleled experience for residents and members. Anchored by the communities of Frederica, which has a course by Tom Fazio and Sir Michael Bonallack, and Ocean Forest, which has a Rees Jones layout, Sea Island Properties has numerous real estate options to fit any need or preference.
Spring Island pg. 43 Spring Island, S.C.
Complementing one of Arnold Palmer’s best courses is a nature preserve of a community that is perfect for all types of outdoor activities, from boating to fishing to hunting to riding to tennis. For those looking for a slower-paced activity, the community’s team of naturalists can help residents explore the island’s more than 1,000 varieties of flora and fauna. springisland.com
seaislandproperties.com
Shooting Star
The Stock Farm Club
Teton Village, Wyo.
Hamilton, Mont.
In America’s wealth-friendliest state, Shooting Star occupies a special place. Felicitously located near two national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, the community offers hiking, biking, golfing, and paragliding in summer, and dog sledding, heli-skiing, and snow tubing in winter. The Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole core golf course measures over 7,500 yards from the tips and plays undisturbed by homes from tee to green.
Co-founded by Charles Schwab as a private getaway, Stock Farm offers plenty of open space for residents, who can buy parcels as large as 35 acres at this 2,600-acre property in the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana. After playing golf on the Tom Fazio-designed course or exploring the expansive landscape that looks much as it did in the frontier days more than a century ago, members can gather in the comfortable clubhouse to reflect on the day.
shootingstarjh.com
stockfarm.com
Silverleaf
3 Creek Ranch
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Within Silverleaf, located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, residents can get away from it all with a round on Tom Weiskopf ’s 7,322-yard course, one of several types of treatments at the spa, or a meal in the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse. Just outside the gates, the larger community of DC Ranch, with its array of shops and restaurants, awaits.
There are few offerings at any golf community that can compare to the six 35-acre ranch properties at 3 Creek. These private enclaves ensure that your neighbors are not other homeowners but the elk and moose that roam the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. But if you’re looking for some human interaction, joining a foursome for a round at the Rees Jones course is a good way to do it.
silverleaf.com
3creekranch-jh.com
Spring Island
The Vintage Club Indian Wells, Calif.
Located at the base of Eisenhower Mountain just southeast of Palm Springs, The Vintage Club lives up to its name, offering a timeless combination of luxury homes and 36 holes of Tom Fazio golf. Founded in 1979, The Vintage Club was an early entrant in the private golf community market, but the property has remained relevant to a new generation of golfers. vintageclubsales.com
Wade Hampton Golf Club Cashiers, N.C.
For course aficionados, Wade Hampton was a breakthrough layout for Tom Fazio when it opened in 1988. More than 25 years later, Wade Hampton remains one of the best mountain courses in the country. The 700-acre community, limited to just 300 homes, is one of the most prestigious addresses in western North Carolina, with spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. wadehamptongc.com
Windsor Vero Beach, Fla.
The community’s unique architectural style, which evokes the Caribbean’s airy, geometric features, attracts as many residents as the numerous amenities like the Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, beach club, equestrian facilities including a polo field, gun club, and a gallery that is at the heart of the property’s strong arts program. windsorflorida.com
Champion Hills
Best
Hendersonville, N.C.
Golf for
These 40 communities have some of the best golf facilities in the country, with courses designed by names like Nicklaus and Fazio, driving ranges that can make practicing seem like a joy, and a membership that shares your love of the game
Tom Fazio may travel the world, but he always returns to his home club, Champion Hills, where he can enjoy dramatic mountain holes like the 196-yard 9th, which drops more than 120 feet from tee to green. championhills.com
Clear Creek Tahoe Minden, Nev.
The setting near Lake Tahoe is as spectacular as the ones that Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw had at courses like Sand Hills and Friar’s Head. Similarly, their low-key yet strategic design complements the landscape perfectly. clearcreektahoe.com
Colleton River Plantation Club pg. 35 Bluffton, S.C.
Ballyhack
Black Diamond
Roanoke, Va.
Lecanto, Fla.
Well-appointed guest cottages await members after their round on this nationally-acclaimed Lester George Signature course in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After dinner in the clubhouse they enjoy spectacular sunsets sitting by one of the cottage firepits.
Best known for the Quarry course, which is marked by its un-Florida-like elevation changes, Black Diamond has another Tom Fazio design, the Ranch, as well as a nine-holer.
If members lose the first 18-hole match at the Jack Nicklaus course, they can go double or nothing on the Pete Dye course. Still down? The last bet is the nine-hole Borland course, named for Bruce Borland, a passenger in Payne Stewart’s ill-fated plane. Two grand clubhouses anchor the golf and social experience. The Dye offers a magnificent sunrise; the Nicklaus stunning sunsets.
blackdiamondranch.com
colletonriverclub.com
Colorado Golf Club
Belfair pg. 51
Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia pg. 59
Bluffton, S.C.
Peoria, Ariz.
Tom Fazio designed two challenging courses that exemplify Lowcountry beauty with deep-water views, fresh water lakes, majestic oaks, and lush native grass. After winding around the property, both courses finish along the majestic Colleton River, a dramatic backdrop for an 18th hole. Members also enjoy a 29-acre practice facility with all-weather hitting stalls.
Set idyllically in the Sonoran Desert, the Jim Engh layout offers views and challenges in equal parts, as he matched the movements of the surrounding mountains with the pitching fairways and rolling green complexes. The private residential community features a neighborhood park, kids’ play areas, shade ramadas, and scenic mountain vistas.
Opened in 2007, the Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw design has become a regular stop on the international tournament scene. It has already hosted the 2010 Senior PGA Championship and the 2013 Solheim Cup.
belfair1811.com
blackstonecountryclub.com
ballyhackgolfclub.com
Berkeley Hall
Briar’s Creek
Bluffton, S.C.
Johns Island, S.C.
With no interior homes or roads on the two Tom Fazio designs, golfers have no distractions. Which is good, because the courses’ bold bunkering and undulating green complexes will require players’ full concentration.
Located just south of Charleston, this 7,117-yard Rees Jones design uses the natural features of the Lowcountry to set up some heroic holes like the 234-yard 17th, which requires a 200-yard carry over the marsh.
berkeleyhallclub.com
briarscreek.com
Parker, Colo.
coloradogolfclub.com
The Concession Residences pg. 6 Sarasota, Fla.
With plenty of carries and challenging green complexes, the 7,470-yard course would make a great venue for a rematch between co-designers Tony Jacklin and Jack Nicklaus, whose 1969 Ryder Cup duel was the inspiration for the property’s name. Be prepared for a test. The course has tournament quality conditioning (they will host the 2015 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championships) and the country’s highest slope rating. theconcessionrealestate.com
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The Concession Golf Club, The Concession Residences PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
LINKSGolfRealEstate.com 37
BEST FOR GOLF
Belfair
Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee
Elk River pg. 55
Forest Highlands
Eatonton, Ga.
Banner Elk, N.C.
Flagstaff, Ariz.
Golf is definitely the game at this property, which is justifiably proud of its lay-of-the-land layout from Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The most popular real estate options are the cozy cottages that are perfect for golf trips.
Home to the state’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature course, Elk River blends community and golf course into the natural beauty and contour of the mountain landscape. Nicklaus’s masterpiece, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, incorporates shimmering lakes, tree-lined fairways and the Elk River itself. Consistently ranked among North Carolina’s top 10 courses, members rarely need a tee time.
The two Tom Weiskopf designs at Forest Highlands couldn’t be more different—the Canyon (with Jay Morrish) is a dramatic mountain course while the Meadow is a serene parkland course—but both are fun to play.
cuscowilla.com
Diamond Creek Banner Elk, N.C.
Despite its 4,200-foot elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the gentle slopes of the 6,745-yard Tom Fazio layout encourage walking, so residents never have to catch their breath as they stop to admire the views.
Forest Creek Golf Club
diamondcreekgc.com
Pinehurst, N.C.
Dismal River Club Mullen, Neb.
Rugged, hard, fast, and windblown, the Jack Nicklaus course feels more Scottish than Nebraska sandhills. Once a grazing ground for bison, the club is now a spectacular distractionfree golf destination that also has a new Tom Doak course. dismalriver.com
elkriverclub.com
While all the attention goes to the Pinehurst Resort located down the street, savvy golfers know that an invitation to play Tom Fazio’s 37 holes at Forest Creek is not to be turned down. forestcreekgolfclub.com
Forest Dunes Golf Club Roscommon, Mich.
One of only 21 courses nationwide to earn Gold Signature Certification by Audubon International, and 7,100 yards from the back tees, the Tom Weiskopf design can be as challenging as it is visually stunning.
fhgc.com
The Gallery Marana, Ariz.
The two layouts by John Fought at this community outside Tucson—the South and the North (with Tom Lehman)—are not typical desert courses. Instead of asking for target golf, they offer wide corridors designed to bring the ground game into play. gallerygolf.com
Haig Point Daufuskie Island, S.C.
Accessible only by ferry from nearby Hilton Head, the Rees Jones-designed Haig Point winds through a maritime forest while emerging at several different points for distracting views of Calibogue Sound. haigpoint.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
SEE IT,
TOUCH IT,
FEEL IT, MAKE IT YOUR OWN One of Just Two Greg NormanPete Dye Designed Courses in the World Universally Regarded as One of the Nation’s Premier Golf Experiences Conveniently Located in North Naples, Florida Penthouse-Style Condominiums From the Upper-$600’s Single Family Homes From $1 Million
Old Fashioned Grace Wrapped In A New Fashioned Lifestyle
239.449.5900 TalisPark.com A Kitson & Partners Community
Broker participation welcomed. Prices, plans and specifications subject to change without notice. ORAL REPRESENTATION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. NOT AN OFFERING WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PHOTOGRAPHY IN THIS AD MAY BE STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY USED TO DEPICT THE LIFESTYLE TO BE ACHIEVED RATHER ANY THAT MAY EXIST.
Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia
Elk River
Nicklaus Club of Monterey
Colleton
Monterey, Calif.
Only minutes from Pebble Beach and Carmel, this secluded, private residential community on the Monterey Peninsula offers residents a graceful lifestyle and a course that runs through the valley’s rugged canyons. pasadera.com
Old Marsh Golf Club Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
An active caddie program helps players negotiate Old Marsh’s challenging Pete Dye course, which winds through 456 acres of pines and a wetlands sanctuary brimming with wildlife.
BEST FOR GOLF
Colleton River Plantation Club
Hawks Ridge Golf Club
Long Cove Club
Ball Ground, Ga.
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
With greens that run 12 to 13 on the Stimpmeter and a variety of risk-reward holes like the drivable 319-yard 6th, Hawks Ridge regularly challenges its scores of members who carry single-digit handicaps.
Framed by live oaks, ponds, and marshland, Pete Dye’s holes at Long Cove offer a variety of looks and challenges, from the two large oaks that require perfect placement off the tee on the 372-yard 11th to the Capelike 417-yard 14th that wraps around the marsh.
hawksridge.com
Jupiter Hills Village
oldmarshgolf.com
Promontory Park City, Utah
Combined, Pete Dye’s Dye Canyon course and Jack Nicklaus’s Painted Valley layout measure nearly 16,000 yards. Even considering the elevation of 7,000 feet, that is a lot of golf to satisfy even the most die-hard players.
longcoveclub.org
promontoryclub.com
The Loxahatchee Club
Pronghorn
With only 202 residences available, not many will have the opportunity to enjoy life in this community on the picturesque coast of Jupiter. For those who are able, there are also those 36 holes of ultra-exclusive golf at Jupiter Hills Golf Club.
Jupiter, Fla.
Bend, Ore.
With the private Jack Nicklaus-designed course as its centerpiece, The Loxahatchee Club has just 285 homes set on 340 acres, allowing for the kind of elegantly relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of South Florida’s top clubs.
While the Jack Nicklaus course is a manicured target golf layout in this high-desert setting, the Tom Fazio course is a unique, fast-andfirm experience that defies easy categorization and leaves a lasting impression.
jupiterhillsvillage.org
theloxahatcheeclub.org
pronghornclub.com
Linville Ridge
Mountain Lake
Red Ledges
Linville, N.C.
Lake Wales, Fla.
Heber City, Utah
Designed by George Cobb and updated with a scenic ruggedness by Bobby Weed, Linville Ridge is the highest course east of the Rockies and has fabulous views of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Valley.
With a restored Seth Raynor course and old–school charm, this hidden gem of a club is a refreshing step back in time. Though unpretentious, jacket and tie are still required attire for dinner most nights in the clubhouse.
The variety of holes at Red Ledges is what makes this Jack Nicklaus course so special. His creations wind through open meadows, skirt dramatic rock cliffs, and sit atop elevated ridges that offer mountain vistas.
linvilleridge.com
mountainlakecc.com
redledges.com
Tequesta, Fla.
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RESIDENCES
An artfully curated experience.
A collection of residences in world-class hotels. ROSEWOOD I SLS LUX I GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR PROMISES TO TRULY REDEFINE LUXURY LIVING IN NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS. residences@bahamar.com I +1.678.620.9490 I BahaMar.com
Not intended as an offer of or solicitation to buy real estate where prior qualification is required. Void where prohibited by law. Illustrations are conceptual renderings (or photographs included for illustrative purposes only) that may not reflect the project as currently designed or ultimately be constructed. Plans, specifications, features and pricing and are not complete and are subject to change without notice. English shall be the controlling language regarding interpretation. The Baha Mar Project (and the residency component) is owned, offered, marketed, sold, constructed and developed exclusively by Baha Mar Ltd. Baha Mar is not owned, offered, marketed, sold constructed or developed by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C., SBE Hotel Group, LLC; or Hyatt Corporation, or any of their affiliates (collectively, the “Brands”). All registered trademarks, trade names, and photos and product/facility depictions (collectively “Brand Intellectual Property”) of the respective Brands are owned by each Brand, as applicable and such Brand Intellectual Property has been included for illustrative purposes only. The Developer’s use of the Brand Intellectual Property is pursuant to various contractual agreements with each of the Brands which contractual agreements may be amended or terminated in the future in accordance with their terms. The respective Brand’s Intellectual Property will not be associated with the Residences, or any residential unit situated within the Residences, upon termination of any of the agreements with the respective Brands. While certain management functions will be under the direction and auspices of the Brands, neither the Developer nor the Brands guaranty the continued use or availability of such services or of the Brand Intellectual Property. Neither purchasers of any Residences, nor any community association constituted with respect to the Residences nor any segment thereof shall have any right, title or interest in and to the name of any of the Brands or Brand Intellectual Property. Any purchase of a residence should be without reliance upon any Brand identification. Any purchase of a Residence should be for personal use and enjoyment and should be without reliance upon any potential for future profit, rental income, economic or tax advantages. No legal or financial advice is being offered and purchasers are solely responsible for determining whether any investment is appropriate or suitable based on personal investment objectives and financial status. No warranty or guarantee is made concerning eligibility for permanent residency and/or citizenship and in all cases specific inquiries should be made to the relevant agency. Consult with your own legal and business advisors. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSORS. FILE #s: CD13-0215, CD13-0216, CD13-0217. SPONSORS: BAHA MAR, LTD., BAHA MAR LAND HOLDINGS, LTD., BMP GOLF LTD., BMP THREE LTD. - BAHA MAR BOULEVARD, CABLE BEACH, NASSAU, N.P., THE BAHAMAS. OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. © 2014 - Baha Mar Ltd. - All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.
BEST FOR GOLF
The Virginian Golf Club
Shoal Creek Birmingham, Ala.
There is more to this club and residential community than the Jack Nicklaus course that is challenging enough to have hosted two PGA Championships. Another draw is the fullservice equestrian facility at Inanda Stables. shoal-creek.com
Stone Eagle Palm Desert, Calif.
Without a house in sight, Tom Doak’s 6,840-yard design is nearly as majestic as the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Residences, and even the clubhouse, sit 400 feet below the course, out of view. stoneeaglegolf.com
Superstition Mountain pg. 33 Superstition Mountain, Ariz.
Host to numerous major LPGA and Champions Tour tournaments, the Prospector and Lost Gold courses are known for their impeccable conditioning. Both are Jack Nicklaus designs. This year, under new ownership, the club returned to being fully private and to the prominence of being one of the country’s most highly regarded clubs. superstitionmountain.com
Toscana Country Club
Uwharrie Point
Indian Wells, Calif.
Badin Lake, N.C.
Combine the idyllic charm of Tuscany with Coachella Valley’s distinctive “California casual” vibe and you get a sun-drenched lifestyle that is hard to top. Not to mention two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.
Tom Fazio routed the 7,102-yard Old North State layout to take advantage of the area’s primary physical feature, Badin Lake. The water comes into play on six holes, most notably at the 568-yard finishing hole, which resembles another waterfront 18th hole, the one at Pebble Beach.
toscanacc.com
Tiburón
TwinEagles
Naples, Fla.
Naples, Fla.
Spanish for shark, Tiburón is named for Greg Norman, who designed all 36 holes at the property. But the name is also fitting because the stacked-sod wall bunkers, tight chipping areas, and tricky coquina waste areas are dangerous for members’ scores.
Already home to arguably Southwest Florida’s top residential course, TwinEagles built a second course in 2011 that was named the country’s best new private course. The Steve Smyers layout offers a challenging historical design with modern yardages.
Westlake, Texas
tiburongcnaples.com
twineagles.com
vaqueroclub.com
Superstition Mountain
uwharriepoint.com
Vaquero Club The walkable Tom Fazio design located north of Fort Worth makes excellent use of the property’s rolling terrain and shady oaks, while members make good use of the caddie program and comfort stations on the course.
The Virginian Golf Club pg. 47 Bristol, Va.
More sanctuary than a place for changing shoes, the pitch-perfect locker rooms at this elegant outpost boast lockers crafted from hardwood trees that had been removed to make room for the Tom Fazio layout. This boutique community, luxurious but built on a human scale, has quietly earned a reputation as one of the best private golf communities in the country. thevirginian.com
Ibis Golf & Country Club Sports Village and Aquatic Center
CLUB AMENITIES
BENDING CLUBS without BREAKING THEM
To attract a new generation of members without alienating the old, golf clubs and communities are pushing the envelope, adding new services and amenities and even lessening their reliance on the game by JAMES A. FRANK
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T
HAT OLD EXPRESSION about every cloud having a silver lining has special resonance in golf real estate these days. The communities and clubs that made it through the economic earthquake of a few years ago have come through the other side having learned some very valuable lessons. Probably the most important is that things have changed—dramatically. The world communicates differently, works differently, and spends differently. Which means that we relax differently, too, a truth not lost on those trying to sell homes and club memberships around golf. What was popular a decade or so ago—a nice course, a nice house, and a lifestyle built around winding down—doesn’t cut it anymore. Today, there is nothing “retiring” about retirees, more young people are looking at second homes and golf communities, and consumers are much more savvy. When we asked the members of LINKS Magazine’s new real estate panel—managers, sales people, and consultants with decades of experience in golf properties—to enlighten us as to what’s new in golf-related amenities, their responses reflected this new world and proved as wide-ranging as the communities themselves.
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Above: The Martis Camp Family Barn includes pool tables, basketball court, movie theater, and more. Right: Paddleboarding at The Cliffs
It may seem obvious to report that golf is the most important activity a golf community offers, but it’s not. Not obvious and not always true. The game is getting some stiff competition. “We have seen a shift in the baby-boom buyer,” says Tom Jackson, owner and broker-in-charge at Gateway Realty in the South Carolina Lowcountry. “Golf is not the overriding factor anymore: It’s family, grandkids, outdoor activities, and exercise.” “Eight years ago, 60 percent of our target buyers listed golf as the main reason for choosing where to buy a second home,” says David Sawyer, executive vice president of The Cliffs, seven clubs spread across North and South Carolina. “But we recently did that survey again and 52 percent now list health and wellness as the top priority.”
‘If a community cannot check all the amenity boxes for the entire vertical family, you will lose a buyer very quickly.’ According to our panel, fitness is the second—and sometimes the first—amenity on the minds of buyers. To keep up with the rush to wellness, communities around the country are adding equipment and services. St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., expanded
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its fitness center to nearly 9,000 square feet with the addition of a room dedicated to spinning. In nearby West Palm Beach, Ibis Golf & Country Club recently opened a new Sports Village and Aquatic Center, a four-building complex with a two-story fitness center. “We’re doubling the size of our current center and building separate rooms for Pilates, yoga, spinning, and aerobics including Zumba,” says John Jorritsma, Ibis’s director of sales and marketing. He noted that two nontraditional forms of exercise—suspension training and Kangoo (jump boots)—“have really gained in popularity, especially with younger members.” Ah, those younger members. It seems they—and their young families—are driving many of the other changes in clubs and communities, as well. “We’ve seen the most impact from amenities that have broad appeal to all family members,” says Dan Collins, president of IMI, the marketing and exclusive real estate
PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
Some communities have acclaimed courses,
yours will have a vineyard, too.
Set against Virginia’s rolling highlands, you’ll find Vineyard Terraces at The Virginian. The new, Europeaninspired community boasts a working vineyard and an edible landscape plan with aromatic gooseberries, luscious blackberries, tangy currants and more. Named “One of the 50 Best Places to Live in America” by GOLF Magazine, The Virginian offers the perfect setting for Vineyard Terraces. To learn more about Vineyard Terraces, visit TheVirginian.com. Homes from $750k.
THEVIRGINIAN.COM | 276.645.7050 22512 CLUBHOUSE RIDGE, BRISTOL, VA 24202
Top: The Yellowstone Club has 2,200 skiable acres. Above: Baker’s Bay offers a host of outdoor pursuits. Right: Children’s programming, like tennis, is important at Daniel Island.
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brokerage firm for Martis Camp, which sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains high above Lake Tahoe, Calif. “The Family Barn at Martis Camp set the tone several years back and has been replicated in a number of projects around the country. At our property on Kauai, Kukui'ula, the Outdoor Pursuits group is famed for crafting incredibly unique experiences for all ages on the water and land around the island.” “We have marinas, equestrian, field houses, barns, general stores, ropes courses, kids’ camp, walking trails, hunting sports, fly fishing, great food and wine, outdoorpursuits programs, and much more,” reports Steve Adelson, a partner in Discovery Land Company, one of the pioneers of family-focused communities, which built Gozzer Ranch in Idaho, Baker’s Bay in The Bahamas,
Estancia in Arizona, and many others. “All these and more are keys to creating the lifestyle that our buyers and current members are looking for. But what they value most is the interpersonal relationships between family and also the staff.” Torreon Golf Club in the White Mountains of Arizona recently added a family fishing pond, kids’ golf course, and family activity center, while the menu at the pool features kid-friendly food and milk shakes (not that everybody doesn’t love milk shakes). Children’s programming, like summer camps, is important at the Daniel Island Club near Charleston, S.C., as is fitness, a wine club, croquet and bocce, and what Carolyn Lancaster, the club’s vice president of marketing, calls “distinct restaurant-like dining venues—from an adultsonly gastropub to family grillroom and pool-side dining.” Variety is very important to the new buyer. “The club has to engage a surprisingly younger membership base—with young children at home—as well as empty nesters/pre-retirees, retirees, and second-home owners,” reports Lancaster. “Because of the diversity of ages within our membership, there are a lot of interesting crossgenerational friendships. It’s not unusual to see a 35-yearold in a regular golf game with a 65-year-old. Or find different ages paired up by choice in event play.” PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
// THE MORNING RUSH JUST ONE OF THE SPELLBINDING MOMENTS AT WHITETAIL CLUB, the premier private community in the Pacific-Northwest. Located in spectacular McCall, Idaho, just 100 miles north of Boise, Whitetail Club affords an unparalleled life of luxury and adventure.
DISCOVER WHAT LIFE IS LIKE at WhitetailClub.com/Discover
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> or call 877.634.1725
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Warning, the California Bureau of Real Estate has not inspected, examined or qualified this offering. Whitetail Club is represented by Whitetail Club Realty. Scenes and views may be of a location not on or related to the property.
managing partner of Carefree Hospitality. “The lifestyle programming needs to be relevant to society’s wants and needs. The emphasis is away from golf as the sole amenity. At one of our communities, we actually recommended ‘golf ’ be removed How else are clubs catering to their members’ from the name of the club to satisfy the role diverse interests and tastes? A few more examples. of the spouse in deciding which community/ club to join. If a community cannot check At 3 Creek Ranch Golf Club, in Jackson, Wyo., members have access to a new all the amenity boxes for the entire vertical private club, located across from the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, that family, you will lose a buyer very quickly.” allows ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes. There’s also equipment storage and a lounge The move to wider family involvement with complimentary beverages and snacks. has had financial implications, as well. The Reserve at Lake Keowee in South Carolina Many communities are fixing up their clubhouses, often with the latest in technology. is one of a number of clubs that changed its Bonita Bay Club near Naples, Fla., recently unveiled the results of an $11.5-million membership rules and pricing to accommorenovation to its 30-year-old clubhouse. Besides turning the old golf shop into an date more generations. “We added a legacy open-air bar and grill, there’s an outdoor area with a fire pit and a new lounge—called component to our membership five years the 55th Hole (since the club has three courses)—with a 12-and-a-half-foot-long media ago,” says Rutledge Livingston, The Reserve’s wall featuring 18 LED panels. Plus, eight 60-inch TV screens hang above the bar. director of sales. “The point was to encourage The Harbor Club (below), located on Lake Oconee, about halfway between Atlanta generational zuse from grandparents through and Augusta, Ga., recently bought a dilapidated old marina and boat storage facility that grandchildren, with all falling in those categowas one of the first structures built when the lake was created in 1979. Renovated over ries considered members.” the last two years, the marina now features a restaurant and a general store that saves “Many clubs are revising and restructuring residents the 20-minute drive to what had been the nearest shopping. And the dues to appeal to younger members,” new modular boat-storage facility instantly made every residence in the club a says Robert Whitley, president of Whitley lake-access property. Development Group, which has developed many top golf communities primarily in Unique food and beverage experiences are hot stuff at clubs everywhere. From gourmet Florida and the Southeast. And Whitley sees to gluten-free, dining is much more than a post-round burger and beer. At The Club another revision in the works as a result of at Cordillera in Vail Valley, Colo., each new member is treated to a special tasting the next generation joining and reshaping menu created by the chef, who comes out and explains every dish. This also signals clubs: “They desire a more relaxed and other members to come by and make the newcomers welcome. informal atmosphere.” “Today’s buyers have little knowledge of or loyalty to the old stuffy game,” says IMI’s Collins. “This is particularly true with regard to attire and logistics. For example, they may want to play 12 holes with an untucked shirt and sandals or slippers. There is, of course, a fine line in being liberal with dress code, but removing the strictures of the country club game is vital to getting new golfer/owners excited about playing more than one or two rounds a year.” Despite the recent doom-saying in the media, golf is not going away. Certainly not at golf communities. But if these properties are to survive and grow, they’ll have to keep At Sailfish Point—a club in Stuart, Fla., that is at least as popular for its boating, fishing, and ocean access bending the rules and finding clever ways to answer to as it is for its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course—the many masters, across many ages and interests. “We’re all going to have to live outside the box to “Kid’s Area” was just renovated to include a game room, playground, and pool, while also opening an alfresco attract the next generations of buyers,” explains William community café. At Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, E. Langley, general manager of Quail Ridge Country Club Calif., “We’ve added dog shows, father/child events, in Boynton Beach, Fla. “All we know for sure is that they grandfather/child campouts, and excursions one doesn’t will be different and have different needs, wants, and get in a normal urban environment,” says Tony Dawson, desires from our current members.”
SOMETHING for EVERYONE
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
#17 par 4, west course, Tuesday @ 3:18 P.M.
The Day you showed your son you’ve still got it.
When you’re named a Platinum Club of America 5 Star Private Club, everyone starts talking. Belfair has long been one of the most distinguished private golf communities in the Lowcountry. The truth is, the distinction goes beyond the typical golf course amenities. Here, each and every moment deserves an award. Whether it’s playing the West Course’s back 9 with your middle son, a quiet celebration at the 1811 Grille or drinks with the new couple from down the street, we celebrate moments. Come discover Belfair. To request our discovery package call 843.757.0701 or visit Belfair1811.com.
Best for
Bonita Bay Club Bonita Springs, Fla.
Club Life
The appeal of the following 35 properties isn’t where they are or what kinds of amenities they offer, though they’re terrific. Rather, it is about how they can bring fellow residents closer together in a uniquely clubby, social setting.
The members now run this private club with five golf courses. After they took over in 2010, they completed major upgrades, including an $11.5 million overhaul of the clubhouse. Now there is a waiting list for new members. bonitabayclub.net
The Club at Olde Cypress Naples, Fla.
Residents can enjoy the natural setting filled with lakes and challenging golf while still being just minutes from shopping, dining, and cultural activities in Naples. oldecypress.com
Addison Reserve
Ballenisles
Delray Beach, Fla.
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Redemption, Trepidation, and Salvation are daunting names for the three nine-hole designs by Arthur Hills, but the club life here is anything but. Gracious and elegant, it is reminiscent of the early style of Florida living.
Originally the home of the PGA of America, this luxury community also boasts a tennis facility ranked No. 1 in the country by the USTA, as well as a new sports complex and newly renovated clubhouse.
addisonreserve.cc
ballenisles.org
Andalusia at Coral Mountain
Boca West Country Club
La Quinta, Calif.
Everything is bigger than life at the club that has been consistently named the nation’s top private country club. Never satisfied, they are demolishing their existing golf club to build a new two-story, 107,000square-foot facility.
Toccoa, Ga.
The colors and textures of southern Spain are reflected in the architecture of this desert oasis located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, while the 7,521-yard Rees Jones layout is accented by lush landscaping. andalusiaatcoralmountain.com
bocawestcc.org
curraheeclub.com
Talis Park
Boca Raton, Fla.
The Colony Golf & Country Club Bonita Springs, Fla.
From arranging dinner reservations to in-home personal trainers, massage, and yoga instructors, concierge service is just part of the amenity-filled life at The Colony with its Tuscan-inspired clubhouse. thecolonygolfcc.com
Currahee Club Lake and mountain living merge on Lake Hartwell in North Georgia where residents enjoy a peaceful, private life and a Jim Fazio design featuring panoramic views of the lake and Blue Ridge Mountains.
How do you make the Blue Ridge Mountains perfect?
Just add water. LAKE KEOWEE, SOUTH CAROLINA—water so pure, you can drink it!
Our secret ingredient? Pure, mountain-fed, crystal clear H2O. At The Reserve at Lake Keowee, the greatest moments of your life begin at the end of your dock. Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just two hours from both Charlotte and Atlanta, on the pristine waters of Lake Keowee you’ll find one of the best-kept secrets in luxury golf communities. Two premium lakefront neighborhoods—both fourteen years in the making—await your family. So go ahead...take the plunge! www.ReserveAtLakeKeowee.com | 877.922.LAKE
Best for Boating Community - LINKS Magazine Lake Community of the Year - RealEstateScorecard Best Community of the Year - Greenville News BMW Charity Pro-Am - Host Course, 2013 - 2014
BEST FOR CLUB LIFE
Bonita Bay Club
Bonita Bay Club
Dalhousie Golf Club
Fiddler’s Creek
Grey Oaks Country Club
Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Naples, Fla.
Naples, Fla.
Two hours south of St. Louis and three hours north of Memphis, Dalhousie Golf Club is a Midwest golf sanctuary with a direct connection to the Earl of Dalhousie in Scotland.
The 54,000-square-foot clubhouse is the social hub of Fiddler’s Creek, but residents can get away from it all by exploring the community’s nature preserves, parks, and recreational areas.
dalhousiegolfclub.com
fiddlerscreek.com
Whether residents choose the club’s famous seafood buffet or the wine-tasting events, the dining experience at Grey Oaks is the perfect end to a day spent playing one or more of the property’s three courses.
Desert Highlands
Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Home of the first two Skins Games, this upscale community is also known for its award-winning tennis facility. Members also enjoy a stunning clubhouse, dramatically situated at the base of Pinnacle Peak. deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
Encanterra Queen Creek, Ariz.
There’s now two options for enjoying the luxurious club life, including the full-service spa, amphitheater, and Tom Lehman-designed golf course. Encanterra recently opened a 55-plus neighborhood within the all-ages country club. encanterragolf.com
Escondido Horseshoe Bay, Texas
From the Tom Fazio-designed golf course to the Lake Club on Lake LBJ to the La Hacienda golf practice facility, Escondido offers Mediterranean-style living in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. escondidotexas.com
greyoakscc.com
Hideaway
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
La Quinta, Calif.
An ideal day consists of complimentary breakfast, a round at one of the two courses, a lazy afternoon at the beach club, complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the clubhouse, followed by dinner at the beach club’s private gazebo.
The club’s dining room provides panoramic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains from every seat. But wine connoisseurs will enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the 3,000-bottle wine cellar and private dining area underneath. hideawaygolfclub.com
frenchmanscreek.com
Frenchman’s Reserve
Ibis Golf & Country Club
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
West Palm Beach, Fla.
From outdoor amenities like golf on the 6,855yard Arnold Palmer course and tennis on the lighted courts, to indoor amenities like the spa and the clubhouse, there is always something to do at this South Florida community.
This luxury country club community, with three Nicklaus-family-designed golf courses, recently doubled its club facilities with an allnew Sports Village including a resort-style pool, full-service spa, and state-of-the-art yoga space.
frenchmansreserve.com
ibisgolf.com
Glenwild
Loblolly
Park City, Utah
Hobe Sound, Fla.
The native timber and stone clubhouse fits the surroundings at this community, while the vibrant atmosphere of Park City, with its three world-class ski resorts and the world-famous Sundance Film Festival, complements the Glenwild lifestyle.
The merger of Loblolly Bay Yacht Club and Loblolly Pines Golf Club created a place with amenities unusual in scope for a club of its size. Boaters enjoy a marina surrounded by lush mangroves and ocean access just three bridge-less miles north.
glenwild.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
The back nine in your own back yard.
Enjoy the Beauty. Share the Experience. Live the Dream. Elk River Club is an exclusive private club featuring North Carolina’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, which remains one of the Top Ten golf courses in North Carolina. Our distinctive property folds 1,500 magnificent acres of Blue Ridge Mountains into a luxurious mountain community, where you’ll share warm camaraderie, world-class equestrian, tennis, and fitness facilities, a private airport, and 24-hour gated security. When you join Elk River, it becomes much more than a club: It becomes your home.
For more information, visit elkriverclubnc.com or call 888-355-0933. 1000 Clubhouse Drive, Banner Elk, NC 28604
BEST FOR CLUB LIFE
Currahee Club
Talking Rock Prescott, Ariz.
Located in Arizona’s high country, Talking Rock’s Ranch Compound captures the spirit of the Old West with its separate yet connected buildings, but provides all of the amenities of a modern golf club. talkingrockranch.com
Tradition Golf Club La Quinta, Calif.
Miramont
The Quarry at La Quinta
Bryan, Texas
La Quinta, Calif.
Centrally located in the Lone Star State, Miramont is an easy getaway from Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Members can leave their stressful lifestyles behind as they play the 7,127-yard Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout.
Members playing this 7,083-yard Tom Fazio course carved out of the desert encounter elevation changes of 300 feet, in addition to more than 80,000 indigenous plants and an abandoned mine.
miramont.cc
thequarrygc.com
Montrêux
St. Andrews Country Club
Reno, Nev.
Boca Raton, Fla.
Located at an altitude of 5,500 feet, Montrêux is ideal for both summer and winter activities, from the challenges of the 7,472-yard Jack Nicklaus course to the Lake Tahoe area’s famed ski slopes.
In an area renowned for luxurious living, this exceptionally private, elite Boca Raton club delivers uncompromising levels of service, amenities, and lifestyle, along with two outstanding golf courses and a high-tech golf performance center.
montreuxgolf.com
Olde Stone Bowling Green, Ky.
Olde Stone, located just outside of Bowling Green, was chosen by National Geographic as one of the top 50 places to live in 2007. The 7,372-yard Arthur Hills layout is one of plenty of attractions inside the gates.
standrewscc.com
Seven Canyons Sedona, Ariz.
Polo Club of Boca Raton
Whether you buy into the fractional ownership or purchase a property outright, Seven Canyons offers a Tom Weiskopf layout just short of 7,000 yards with 360-degree views of the burnt-red bluffs for which Sedona is renowned.
Boca Raton, Fla.
sevencanyons.com
olde-stone.com
The second largest country club in the nation boasts one of the most impressive clubhouses anywhere. The award-winning club draws big-name acts to perform for its members and the new pool complex is spectacular. poloclub.net
Quail West Naples, Fla.
With only 600 members, this is one of the area’s most exclusive clubs. Even with two Arthur Hills courses, the centerpiece of the community, both socially and visually, is its remarkable 70,000-square-foot Grand Clubhouse.
Talis Park pg. 39 Naples, Fla.
Home to a Greg Norman and Pete Dye design, one of only two in the world created by this duo, the community is committed to a health-oriented lifestyle centered around wellness, good company, and good food. Members pursue that lifestyle at the recently opened Vyne House, an iconic new community center that includes a movement studio, Grand Loggia, Core Fitness Center, and the Esprit Spa. talispark.com
quailwest.com
Arnold Palmer (the drink) may have been born in Palm Springs, but Arnold Palmer (the architect) left behind some other legacies in the area, like the Tradition’s 18-hole layout and its 9-hole par-three course. traditiongolfclub.net
West Bay Beach & Golf Club Estero Bay, Fla.
Located on Florida’s southwest coast, the community has earmarked 509 of the property’s 868 acres as wetlands, nature preserve, and open space, so a round on the course designed by the father-son team of Pete and P.B. Dye feels like a walk in the park. westbayclub.com
Willoughby Golf Club Stuart, Fla.
Home to an Arthur Hills design that has been the site of several U.S. Open qualifers, Willoughby sits between Palm Beach and Vero Beach—ideal for those seeking a lower density Florida lifestyle in the county’s youngest private golf club community. willoughbygolfclub.com
Willowbend Mashpee, Mass.
Cape Cod may be a bustling tourist area, but the pace is slower at this private oasis, which has 27 holes routed through working cranberry bogs and red barn houses that are quintessentially New England. willowbendcapecod.com
Winchester Country Club Meadow Vista, Calif.
Winchester Country Club’s 1,700-foot elevation—below the Sierra Tahoe snow line and above the Sacramento Valley fog—allows members to experience a unique doubleheader in the winter: skiing in the morning and golf in the afternoon. winchestercountryclub.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
EVERY DAY AN AMAZING DAY Spectacular homes in this magnificent private residential community located in the heart of Palm Beach County, Florida • 80,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse • Championship Golf • Tennis Center • Fitness Center • Spa • Casual & Fine Dining For more information and/or to schedule a tour Register Now at WycliffeCC.com/schedule-a-tour Yes. You Deserve It.
561.922.7965 • WycliffeRealty.com Ben G. Schachter, Licensed Real Estate Broker
Wycliffe Realty, LLC is the exclusive, on-site real estate office, located inside the Main Clubhouse. Wycliffe Golf & Country Club is a mandatory membership community. Real property purchasers must be approved by the Club for membership.
Best for
Resort Lifestyle Property owners at the following 24 communities can enjoy all the benefits of a top resort while also being right at home. And what’s better than feeling like you’re on vacation without having to live out of a suitcase?
Amelia Island Plantation Amelia Island, Fla.
Owners at this 1,350-acre beach resort near the Georgia border not only enjoy amenities like 54 holes of golf and 23 tennis courts, they are eligible to join the Amelia Island Club, which provides access to the Ocean Clubhouse. aipfl.com
Bay Creek Resort & Club pg. 83 Cape Charles, Va.
Bay Creek’s location along Chesapeake Bay makes it easy to reach from most points in the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. Once residents get there, they can tee it up at the Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer course. With two miles of private beach on the bay, summer camps for kids and adults, and all the Eastern Shore to explore, this is coastal living at its most fun. baycreekresort.com
Bay Harbor Bay Harbor, Mich.
There are a lot of ways to get to Arthur Hills’s 27 holes overlooking Lake Michigan, but the best method just may be to sail into the 90-acre deep-water marina that is a gateway to all the resort’s amenities and activities. bayharbor.com
Bayside Fenwick Island, Del.
Delaware’s beach towns are very popular, but they can get crowded. For a resort lifestyle that is more civilized, smart buyers should consider Bayside, which has a Jack Nicklaus course and plenty of open spaces. livebayside.com
The Colony at the Grand Fairhope, Ala.
Overlooking Mobile Bay, this high-rise condominium community is the real estate arm of the historic Grand Hotel. Residents can play at the 36-hole Lakewood Golf Club, a stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. colonyatthegrand.com
Bay Creek Resort & Club
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
S C H E D U L E YO U R P R I VAT E C LU B H O U S E TO U R TO DAY
Spectacular Golf. Exceptional Dining. Enriching Experiences.
Award-winning golf, 24-hour fitness, unparalleled dining experiences, tennis, member events and activities. Just a few of the experiences that members enjoy at Blackstone Country Club. Located just 15 minutes West of the I-17, Blackstone Country Club’s elegant and luxurious style offers a one-of-a-kind premier private country club experience. For membership information, visit blackstonecountryclub.com or call 623.707.8700.
SO MUCH LIFE, ALL IN ONCE PLACE.
12101 West Blackstone Drive, Peoria, AZ 85383. Take Loop 303 to Lone Mountain Parkway (Exit 127).
No offer to sell or lease can be made or accepted prior to the issuance of the final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Custom homesite pricing and availability is subject to change without notice. Blackstone Country Club is a private facility. The golf course, clubhouse and other recreational facilities are part of Blackstone Country Club and are not included with the purchase of real estate. See governing Club documents at blackstonecountryclub.com for terms, conditions, and costs.
BEST FOR RESORT LIFESTYLE
Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas
Hammock Beach Resort
Keswick Hall
Palm Coast, Fla.
Keswick, Va.
Running parallel to the Atlantic, the 466-yard finishing hole of the Ocean course is nearly as dramatic as the waterfront 18th at Seminole, down the coast. There is plenty more wet stuff at the huge water pavilion.
A new Pete Dye design gives members at this private club and community, just minutes from Charlottesville, one more reason to enjoy the serene countryside Thomas Jefferson dubbed “the Eden of the United States.”
hammockbeach.com
keswick.com
Homestead Preserve
New Seabury
Hot Springs, Va.
Mashpee, Mass.
Besides all the amenities of the eponymous resort, including the Cascades course, residents enjoy member-only benefits like 24/7 concierge service and the Old Dairy complex, a commercial dairy turned community center.
Offering the very best of Cape Cod, including two courses, endless white sand beaches, and a comfortable clubhouse, New Seabury helps residents feel as though they are perpetually on vacation.
homesteadpreserve.com
newseabury.com
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Three Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses, a full-service marina on Lake LBJ, and a seemingly endless array of recreational activities provide plenty of fun. The membersonly Summit Rock is the icing on the cake. hsbresort.com
Kapalua Lahaina, Hawaii
At the Maui resort where the PGA Tour starts its season, the Residences at Kapalua Bay offer luxury accommodations and a one-of-a-kind 8,500-square-foot lagoon pool. The Bay course offers the only hole to play over the ocean on Maui. kapalua.com
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club Wolcott, Colo.
The Vail area is quickly becoming a year-round destination, and Red Sky Ranch offers a course each by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman during the summer. The members’ Western-style clubhouse can make the property feel like an exclusive club. redskygolfclub.com
Redlands Mesa Grand Junction, Colo.
Nestled among rock formations that look like the backdrop for an epic Western movie, residents can engage in high-noon duels at Jim Engh-designed holes like the 568-yard 15th, which calls for a heroic carry off the tee. redlandsmesa.com
Austin, Texas
Although members share access to four resort courses set in the scenic Texas Hill Country, they can relax in their own clubhouse. Now owned by Omni Hotels & Resorts, the amenities have been enhanced. bartoncreek.com
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Hilton Head Island, S.C.
An 11-mile lagoon system, three miles of beach, three courses, and a large tennis center help Palmetto Dunes residents escape life’s stresses, whether they are just visiting for a weekend or living there all year.
Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas pg. 81 Henderson, Nev.
Just a half hour from the Strip, Lake Las Vegas offers a family-friendly, tranquil respite from the glamour and glitz. The resort is home to the luxury neighborhood of Reflection Bay and a recently restored Jack Nicklaus gem. With an emphasis on privacy and serenity, the homes feature panoramic lake and mountain views and the twinkling lights of the Strip. lakelasvegas.com
palmettodunes.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
The Value of Our Real Estate Begins with a Very Private and Unique Way of Life.
Situated on the northern reaches of Key Largo, beside North America’s only living reef, Ocean Reef Club enjoys its own private airport and flying club, a world-class marina and yacht club, two championship golf courses, a tranquil spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, an art league and cultural center, sailing, tennis, croquet and rod & gun clubs, a library and theater, medical center, nine restaurants, an inn and gracious residences. Even a school for your children and a vet for your pet. In essence, all the comforts and services of a small but sophisticated town. There are also comforts of a different kind, among them, a tangible sense of privacy and security, tradition and values, and perhaps most important, a sense of belonging unlike any other club on earth.
9 Halfway Road 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths Golf Course View $2,395,000 (644)
17 Country Club Road 18,000 sq. ft. Homesite Near 14th Hole Dolphin Course $695,000 (755)
Dock A-13 Protected 45’ Dockage 30 & 50 Amp Hook-Ups $217,500 (671)
21A Fairway Lakes 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Lake/Golf Views $695,000 (797)
For more information and to explore homeownership as an Equity Member call 855-558-REEF or visit OceanReefClubLiving.com to receive a complimentary Real Estate Guide and the latest issue of Ocean Reef Club Living Magazine. Membership required for club access. Paul Bobik, Managing Broker Lic. Real Estate Broker, Ocean Reef Club Real Estate Company® is an Equal Opportunity Company, Equal Housing Opportunity. This material is based upon information that we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes, including price, or withdrawal without notice.
NEW HOMES
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VILLAS
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CONDOMINIUMS
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H O M E R E N TA L S
BEST FOR RESORT LIFESTYLE
The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Marana, Ariz.
Nestled high in the Sonoran Desert, the luxurious Residences at The Ritz-Carlton offer spectacular vistas of towering saguaro cactus and the Tortolita Mountains. Just as magnificent are 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus, which were home to the WGCAccenture Match Play Championship.
Keswick Hall
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Kapalua
Sunriver Resort
The Sea Pines Resort
Teton Springs Resort & Club
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Victor, Idaho
While the overhanging trees can confound at PGA Tour stop Harbour Town, they form a scenic canopy for the property’s miles of trails that are perfect for bike riding, running, or just strolling. A new clubhouse debuts at Harbour Town Golf Links in 2015.
The Headwaters Club at Teton Springs is one of a handful of courses to which Byron Nelson lent his name as a designer. The legendary golfer and rancher no doubt would have enjoyed the outdoors at this retreat.
seapines.com
The Villas at The Grand Del Mar
Suncadia Cle Elum, Wash.
theresidencesdovemountain.com
Reunion Resort Orlando, Fla.
In central Florida, an area littered with golf courses, few destinations stand out like the Reunion Resort, which boasts 54 holes from Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, along with Annika Sorenstam’s golf academy and numerous real estate options. reunionresort.com
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With more than 6,000 acres of forested mountain landscape, this year-round mountain resort 80 miles east of Seattle offers miles of hiking and biking trails, three golf courses, and its Glad Spring Spa.
tetonsprings.com
San Diego, Calif.
The fractional-share properties at this Southern California resort come with a personal concierge to help arrange any need or request during owners’ stays, including tee times on the Tom Fazio course or a spa appointment.
suncadia.com thegranddelmar.com
Sunriver Resort
Wild Dunes
Sunriver, Ore.
Isle of Palms, S.C.
From both a golf and real estate perspective, the highlight of this resort in the high desert of Oregon is the enclave of Crosswater, which has a 7,683-yard layout that is one of the best courses in the state.
Real estate options at the beachfront community include the Village, conveniently located close to all the amenities, including the Links course, a spectacular Tom Fazio design that finishes on the ocean.
sunriver-resort.com
wilddunes.com
PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
there comes a time when wealth management is all about how you
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DURANGO COLORADO’S ONLY PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITY :: REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES ::
Custom Homes, Townhomes, Homesites
:: MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES :: Equity, Non-Resident and Social Memberships
Real MOUNTAINS. Real PEOPLE. Real VALUE.
An Audubon Certified Golf Community
Glacier Experience Tours available for qualified future community members, please call Lindsay, 888-382-7888 theglacierclub.com
QA & I
With some of the most renowned and amenity-rich golf communities to his credit, not to mention close friendships with Hollywood A-listers, Discovery Land Company founder and CEO
MICHAEL MELDMAN
is at the top of the development game by TOM CUNNEFF
N OUR “BEST OF THE BEST” SECTION, one developer is responsible for more communities on the list (seven total) than any other: Michael Meldman, founder and CEO of Discovery Land Company. Raised in Phoenix, the former Safeway bagger has done for golf communities what Steve Jobs did for mobile phones—reinvent them by making them more elegant and amenity-rich but more user friendly and crossgenerational at the same time. After graduating from Stanford in 1981 with a degree in history, Meldman learned the ins and outs of development at the legendary San Francisco firm of Haas & Haynie, which literally helped build the West. He founded Discovery Land Company in 1994 and opened his first property, Estancia in Scottsdale, the following year. He just broke ground on his 18th community, Silo Ridge in Upstate New York (see “In Development” on page 22). What sets a Discovery Land Company community apart? It’s basically somewhere where everyone wants to go as a family. It’s rewarding yourself for all the hard work you’ve done and investing in your family. It’s not just a great golf experience. It’s a great family experience that makes everyone happy, whether you’re the golfer or the kids who are playing lacrosse or hockey, the mom who’s riding. We also make it easy to take advantage of the indigenous resources of the area. What we do is we embrace the culture of the area, whether it’s The Bahamas or Hawaii or New York, and make it very convenient to become part of everyone’s lives. Why should somebody buy in a golf community? Because you’re in a master-planned community so you normally have a significant investment by the developer in amenities and infrastructure. Historically, when you hit a recession, the master-planned community always sells/survives better than just a standalone lot. Primarily it’s because the developer invests a lot more money. What’s the most important question a prospective buyer should ask? Who’s the developer? Does he have a track record? Has he ever done it before? Is he doing this out of equity or is he doing this out of debt? How is it financially structured? How has the business changed since your first community, Estancia, 20 years ago? We provide more amenities and a higher level of service. Every project we’ve done just gets better and better because we learn from every project in the past. Estancia still is a great place, but it’s very golf-centric. So was CordeValle in California. But with the third one, Iron Horse in Montana, we began doing a lot more than golf. That’s when the Outdoor Pursuits program began, which is like an outdoor
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concierge where you’re able to take advantage of the indigenous recreational opportunities in the area. When Iron Horse started, my kids were probably 8 and 10 at the time. They grew up in San Francisco, but because of Iron Horse, by the time they were 10 and 12 they were fly fishing and wakeboarding. They were able to go in the backcountry for three or four days for camping and whitewater rafting. They were like little mountain men. Were they the impetus for broadening your thinking about what a golf community could be? Yeah, because back then I didn’t really play golf. It had a lot to do with spending time with my family, my kids. So I went out and started the outdoor pursuits, because I wanted to take them wakeboarding, but A, I didn’t know how to wakeboard and B, I didn’t know how to drive a boat. So I hired people to do that. I was still able to experience it with them and enjoy it without having to stress out over the process of it. Has golf lost some of its allure in golf communities? It hasn’t. I know golf is down a little from a participation standpoint, but our major amenity is still the golf. And it’s not necessarily that people golf so much but a lot of people buy thinking they will learn someday. Our golf courses are a little different, too. I didn’t grow up at a country club so our clubs are a lot more casual. Getting my kids into traditional golf attire was a challenge, so I was like, “Okay, well, I’m not fighting with my kids when I’m trying to do something fun with them.” So at all the courses, you can wear T-shirts and board shorts and go barefoot if you want. Are Nicklaus, Fazio, and Dye still as important to selling homes as they once were? Yeah, golf is still a big amenity and they’re a big reason why
people buy. Their names still resonate and make a difference. Which communities do you own homes in? I have a house in just about every one. Do you have any favorites that you like to go to, or is that like your children: you can’t pick a favorite? Yeah, it’s hard to pick a favorite but I like El Dorado [Los Cabos], Yellowstone [Montana], Baker’s Bay [Bahamas], and Madison [near Palm Springs]. Those are probably my tops. But my primary residence is in Arizona at Estanica. It was my first second home I ever bought and I remember buying it and thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I have a second home.” Now I have about 12. You also are partners in a tequila company, Casamigos, with George Clooney. How did you get to know George? I met him through one of my best friends, Jerry Weintraub, who produced the Oceans movies. George used to be a really, really good golfer, but he’s had some back issues. But he can still play well. He’s a natural athlete. He plays when he’s in Cabo. Did you go to his recent wedding in Venice? Yep. It was a party. It was a very happy occasion and very festive. You’re also friends with Mark Wahlberg, who’s a big golfer. Does a favorite golf memory come to mind with Mark? Yeah, probably the opening day of Gozzer Ranch in Idaho 10 years ago. Mark likes to play early and I’m more of an afternoon golfer. So we didn’t let him putt out on 18 because I have to have the course record for every course I open even though it only lasts for one putt because as soon as the next guy putts out, he usually beats me. When they scooped up Mark’s putt and told LINKSMagazine.com 65
Best for
Outdoor
Golfers love the outdoors, so it’s not surprising to find other outside activities like hunting, fishing, and biking at many premier properties. The following 16 communities provide access to lakes, rivers, trails, and mountains for those as apt to pack a rod and reel as they are golf clubs.
Adam’s Rib Ranch
Cordillera Ranch
Huntsman Springs
Eagle, Colo.
Boerne, Texas
Driggs, Idaho
Even in a region known for its rugged natural beauty and the peaceful solitude of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, this wildly luxurious community, with the ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek just around the corner, stands out.
There are seven clubs at the 8,700-acre property, including the river club and the rod-and-gun club, where members can indulge in sporting clays as well as take part in fishing outings in the nearby creeks and lakes.
Spectacularly set between the Teton Mountain Range and the Big Hole Mountains, Huntsman Springs is a great base for year-round recreation, from mountain biking to snowmobiling.
cordilleraranch.com
adamsribranch.com
The Golf Club at Devils Tower
Kohanaiki
Brays Island Plantation Sheldon, S.C.
One of the premier locations for quail and partridge in the southeast, the island has 3,500 acres set aside to guarantee your hunting enjoyment. An equestrian center, sporting clays course, and abundant fishing are found here, too.
Hulett, Wyo.
While hunters can stalk deer in the Black Hills, the abundance of trout and walleye in the area’s rivers and lakes makes Devils Tower an angler’s delight. devilstowergolf.com
braysisland.com
Catamount Ranch & Club Steamboat Springs, Colo.
The Lake House and Outfitter’s Center are the hubs from which to enjoy the property’s 530-acre private lake. Residents can get their equipment like canoes and water skis, then return for dinner overlooking the placid water.
Grizzly Ranch Portola, Calif.
Surrounded by more than a million acres of forest, Grizzly Ranch is home to some of the best fly fishing in the country and even has a stocked pond for novice anglers to practice their casting techniques. grizzlyranch.com
catamountranchclub.com
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huntsmansprings.com
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
This 450-acre oceanfront village on the Big Island features 1.5 miles on the water. Their A-Team offers unique instructional opportunities in snorkeling, scuba, outrigger canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing. kohanaiki.com
Oldfield Okatie, S.C.
Some residents come to Oldfield for the Greg Norman course. Others are drawn to the Outfitter’s Center, which is part hunting lodge and part wildlife education center, where you can take a guided fishing trip or learn to shrimp. oldfield1732.com
Whitetail Club
The Powder Horn Golf Community
Schaffer’s Mill
Victory Ranch
Truckee, Calif.
Kamas, Utah
Sheridan, Wyo.
From powdery slopes to crystal clear lake and everything in between, this four-season family community offers every imaginable outdoor recreational activity, not the least of which is the golf course with elevation changes up to 400 feet.
Freestone Lodge, located along the club’s private stretch of the Upper Provo River, is a gathering place where residents can relax after a day fly fishing, shooting, skiing, or golfing.
Nestled at the base of the majestic Big Horn Mountains, this golf and recreational oasis enjoys mild weather even at its 3,800-foot elevation. That is perfect for all the year-round outdoor adventures at this Western-inspired community. thepowderhorn.com
Roaring Fork Club Basalt, Colo.
Just down the road from the world-class ski resorts of Aspen and Snowmass, the property is blessed with great geography for anglers: The Roaring Fork River is one of the best fly-fishing venues in the country. roaringforkclub.com
victoryranchutah.com
schaffersmill.com
Snake River Sporting Club Jackson, Wyo.
Officially reopened under new ownership in 2013, the club marked its successful return with the reopening of its award-winning Tom Weiskopf layout this year. The 7,500-yard course is just yards from the famed Snake River. srsportingclub.com
Tetherow Bend, Ore.
The David McLay Kidd-designed layout, which features the rugged, ragged features found in Kidd’s native Scotland, is surrounded by some of the best skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking to be found anywhere.
Whitetail Club pg. 49 McCall, Idaho
Set in the heart of the Salmon River Mountains just two hours north of Boise, the golf course, designed by Roger Packard and Andy North, at the esteemed private club is as spectacular as the surrounding natural beauty. But golf is just part of a superb menu of outdoor pursuits that include alpine skiing, fishing, biking, and tennis in a beautiful mountain/lake setting. whitetailclub.com
tetherow.com
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A F
BUYING
There’s something demographers call “chain migration,” which means people of like minds and backgrounds go to the same places. FTER A LOUSY FEW YEARS, there are some bright That explains why Miami is called “New York’s Sixth Borough”; why spots on the second-home-ownership horizon. According to the 2014 the elite of Detroit have set up an outpost in Naples, Fla.; and why the Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, which was commissioned residents of metropolitan Toronto populate disproportionate swaths of by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), vacation-home sales in Scottsdale, Ariz. (If you’re ever on Sanibel Island off the southwestern the U.S. were up 29.7 percent in 2013 over 2012, and vacation homes coast of Florida, wear a Minnesota Vikings jersey and you’ll be fine.) accounted for 13 percent of all home sales nationwide. The traditional rule of thumb—that Midwesterners favor the west Another fact from the survey worth noting: 18 percent of vacation- coast of Florida while Northeasterners flock to the state’s east coast— home sales were in the Northeast. was born of simple logistics. It used to be that the most direct route I bring up that point because if you live anywhere in the country’s from the Midwest to Florida was Interstate 75, which aims at the state’s upper-right quadrant, you are very much aware that hurricanes are an west coast, while I-95 was a straight shot from Boston, New York, and issue. The memory of Hurricane Sandy Philadelphia to West Palm Beach, Boca in 2012 is fresh in our minds, along with Raton, and Miami. Despite the growth the observations of experts that storms of air travel, the rule is still thumbs up. are getting more and more severe. The factor that overrides weather, Weather is one reason people buy regional nesting habits, and just about vacation homes where they do. So at the everything else is, of course, price. Secrequest of LINKS’s editors, I determined ond homes in the various golf centers are which golf destination in the U.S. offers investments as well as residences. That the best, and safest, year-round weather. same NAR survey reveals that 42 percent The answer: Greater San Diego, which of recent vacation-home sales were of has 263 days of sunshine each year, distressed homes. Price may not exactly ideal climate, dozens of fine golf courses trump regional desirability, but it’s got to and communities, none of the summer help. A good deal is always a good deal. heat associated with desert living, And speaking of deals, the cost of There are many reasons convenient (if not exactly luxurious) air club membership has proven to be an buyers of second homes choose travel, a paucity of major storm events, important factor in the buying equaand the proximity of ocean beaches. tion. At many second-home commuto go where they go. That is, as they say, the good news. nities and clubs in states such as North Which one is most important? Now some caveats. and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Desirability translates to expense, Texas, and others where winters are by LARRY HIRSH and none of the usual golf destinations not predictably mild, club fees and come close to rivaling San maintenance costs can be very Diego and Southern California reasonable. This is because in both cost of housing and these clubs, often without cost of living. True, the fear full-time seasonal residents, that climate change will make traditionally can accommohurricane seasons worse adds date more members than those to San Diego’s long-term attracclubs that welcome a large pertiveness, along with the fact centage of the membership for that La Jolla does not require the whole winter. flood insurance. However, the So there we are, back to the cost of homeowners’ insurance weather. My research shows in SoCal (and all other forms that the frequency and severity snadiefgo caption gores here and more caption fgoes here of insurance, as well) ranks of hurricanes has never been among the nation’s highest. a major influence on golfers Real estate prices in Calilooking for somewhere to fornia are so high—despite live; I don’t see that changing. the bursting of the bubble, home values in the Golden State are still And home prices in storm-vulnerable areas don’t seem to have been double the national average—there’s actually been a reverse migration affected very much, either, certainly not downward. However, if/when of retirees from SoCal to certain parts of Florida, where one’s money the oceans begin rising in earnest, as some have projected, goes much further: A new house near Jacksonville costs a third of a I reserve the right to change my mind—and move inland. comparable home in San Diego. What else do people consider when figuring out where to buy that Larry Hirsh, CRE, MAI, SGA, FRICS is president of Golf Property Analysts, second, vacation, or retirement home? based in Philadelphia (golfprop.com).
DECISIONS
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Why There?
The Dataw Difference
Great Golf
#12
At Dataw Island we are truly a different kind of community. Our Arthur Hills and Tom Fazio golf courses are exceptional and our newly renovated clubhouse is spectacular. Located in Beaufort, South Carolina, Dataw Island has all the beautiful amenities of the Lowcountry without the resort crowds. Great people, great activities and a new flexible membership program make Dataw truly unique. It’s what we call the Dataw Difference. Call today to book your Experience Dataw Package so you can see for yourself the Dataw Difference.
Golf Tennis Marina Social History Dining Events Location Gardening Arts Croquet Kayaking Dataw.com | marketing@dataw.com | 843-838-3838
Best for
Families
No longer are golf communities just for retirees. As these 15 properties demonstrate, they’re now multigenerational affairs with plenty of activities and amenities for the entire family with theaters, indoor basketball, bowling, art classes, and concerts.
Bald Head Island
Lahontan Golf Club
Pine Canyon
Bald Head Island, N.C.
Truckee, Calif.
Flagstaff, Ariz.
Transportation on this car-free island’s 12,000 acres is limited to golf carts and bikes. You’ll find great golf, spa, and shopping for the parents, and plenty of camps, programs, and activities for kids of all ages.
Nearby Lake Tahoe is always great for a family outing, but residents can also take advantage of Camp Lahontan, which offers seasonal recreational activities like golf, tennis, swimming, volleyball, and skiing, along with picnics and barbecues.
Camp Pine Canyon is a kid’s dream: three pools including a waterslide, recreation area with large-screen televisions and video games, sports camps, and professional educators who are guides for hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
lahontangolf.com
pinecanyon.net
Mirasol
The Quechee Club
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Quechee, Vt.
A new family-friendly sports complex built in 2013 and two memorable layouts, one by Arthur Hills and another by Tom Fazio, may keep members close to home, but the allure of West Palm Beach is close by.
Scheduled activities during school vacations and all summer long for children and teens include ski and swim instruction, junior tennis and golf, a swim team, family adventure trips, and field trips for children.
mirasolclub.com
quecheelakes.com
Mountain Air
Somerby
Burnsville, N.C.
Byron, Minn.
Mountain Air has several family recreation areas including Club Chautauqua and Heritage Ridge Park, but kids of all ages enjoy the Point Happy Tree House with its intricate network of ladders, swings, and slides.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the swimming pools are the social center of the community. The pool area has a slide, children’s cabanas, wading pool, and even poolside dining so kids can spend all day in their bathing suits.
mountainaircc.com
somerby.com
Ocean Ridge Plantation
Traditions Club
Sunset Beach, N.C.
Bryan, Texas
Because sometimes even the beach can get monotonous, kids who tire of frolicking in the surf at the oceanfront beach club can splash around in the community’s children’s water park.
In the heart of Aggieland, this luxurious private golf club and community’s offerings include Texas-sized, acre-plus estate sites along with a family swim center with pools ranging from junior Olympic to beach-entry wading.
oceanridge.com
traditionsclub.com
Old Greenwood
Westhaven
Truckee, Calif.
Franklin, Tenn.
This four-season resort community’s setting among 600 acres in the mountains near North Lake Tahoe is chock full of activities for the whole family, plus offers all the quaint charm of Downtown Truckee right around the corner.
Residents have no trouble imagining they’re staying at an oceanside resort when they visit Westhaven’s pool area, which has a heated saltwater lap pool, 119-foot waterslide, sprayground, and a pool just for kids 5 and under.
baldheadisland.com
Black Butte Ranch Black Butte Ranch, Ore.
Bring the family, settle in, and unwind on the resort’s 1,800 acres, famous for its golf, but offering so much more, including restaurants, spa, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and fishing. blackbutteranch.com
Boot Ranch Fredericksburg, Texas
This ultra-exclusive Hill Country community with spectacular views, pays particular attention to families. The amenities and programs have all been designed with every generation in mind. bootranch.com
Gray’s Crossing Truckee, Calif.
For the family that loves to play, Gray’s Crossing is in the center of one of the country’s best outdoor playgrounds for skiing, fishing, and hiking. There is plenty to do in the community, too, from golf to pool and fitness. grayscrossing.com
Houston Oaks Hockley, Texas
Grand century-old oak trees abound at this sprawling Texas country club, but none are more appreciated than those that surround the Swiss Family Robinson-style tree house, just one of many amenities geared toward kids. houstonoaks.com
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westhaventn.com PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
Vacation-Style Living Every Day
Fernandina Beach, Florida
ELEGANT HOMES FROM THE $400S TO SEVERAL MILLIONS PRESENTED BY: ICI HOMES Inspiring and warmly regal, the French Provincial Clubhouse of Amelia National Golf and Country Club offers a setting of Old World glamour and the lively camaraderie traditional among the world’s great private golf clubs. Surrounded by garden-scaped pools, overlooking one of Tom Fazio’s most visually spectacular golf courses, Amelia National is both ideal and idyllic. But only for the visionary few.
For driving directions and additional information 844.349.6486 | AmeliaNationalGolf.com
ENJOY 3 DAYS–2 NIGHTS on Property Some restrictions apply. Model home tour is mandatory. Failure to complete the model home tour may nullify your preferred rate.
For information & reservations Please call 844.349.6486
Best for
The Club at Longview
Convenience to
CityLife While many of the listings in our guide are strictly second homes or retirement communities, the following 29 properties offer the best of both worlds: all the advantages and amenities of a premier property close to the jobs and culture of city life.
Weddington, N.C.
Boasting a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, The Club at Longview is a perfect base from which to take advantage of life around Charlotte, a big city that still looks and feels like a small community. theclubatlongview.com
Craig Ranch McKinney, Texas
At most communities, a TPC course would be the star attraction. But at this mixed use, master-planned development just north of Dallas the vision for a health-conscious lifestyle where you can live, work, and play is the star. craigranchtexas.com
Creighton Farms
Bay Club
Castle Pines Village
Mattapoisett, Mass.
Castle Rock, Colo.
Located just outside Cape Cod with a 6,997yard layout designed by New England native Brad Faxon, the Bay Club is within easy driving distance of Boston and Providence.
This community 40 minutes south of Denver boasts two Jack Nicklaus layouts. The original course was a longtime PGA Tour host and is one of the best layouts in the state.
Just 35 miles outside the Beltway in northern Virginia, Creighton Farms is close to the charming and historic towns of Leesburg and Middleburg, which are full of art galleries and boutiques.
bayclubmatt.com
castlepinesvillage.org
creightonfarms.com
Briggs Ranch
Cimarron Hills
San Antonio, Texas
Georgetown, Texas
Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club
Tom Fazio put his signature design touches on a site in the Texas Hill Country, land that seemingly was made for golf. The result is one of the best layouts in the Lone Star State and only 18 miles from downtown San Antonio.
With a Jack Nicklaus golf course and fullservice spa at the property, residents might never want to leave Cimarron Hills. But when they do, they often go to downtown Austin, which is just 20 miles away.
briggsranchrealty.com
cimarronhills.com
Aldie, Va.
Hendersonville, N.C.
The owners at Cummings Cove have the best of both worlds: tranquil seclusion in the Blue Ridge Mountains and proximity to the thriving shops, restaurants, galleries, and attractions of nearby Asheville. cummingscove.com
Daniel Island pg. 31 Charleston, S.C.
Residents of Daniel Island don’t have to go to downtown Charleston, just minutes away, for big-time activities. They can attend concerts, the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament, and professional soccer games, all of which take place on the island. The island’s in-town country club boasts the country’s only singleproperty pairing of private golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones. danielisland.com
English Turn New Orleans, La.
The community may be near the Big Easy, but its Jack Nicklaus-designed course is anything but. The 471-yard 18th hole at this former PGA Tour stop consistently ranked among the most difficult finishing holes on tour. Daniel Island
englishturn.com PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
BEST FOR CITY LIFE
Ford’s Colony Williamsburg, Va.
Although Ford’s Colony is surrounded by nature, not to mention three Dan Maples golf courses, residents are right next to colonial Williamsburg and within easy reach of Richmond and Norfolk. fordscolonycc.com
The Founders Club Sarasota, Fla.
With membership capped at 275, The Founders Club is a true sanctuary for residents and guests enjoying a round on the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout in the heart of southwest Florida. thefoundersclub.com
Governors Club Chapel Hill, N.C.
Just minutes from the small town charm and big city attractions of Chapel Hill and within 25 miles of Raleigh, residents enjoy a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course among the many amenities. governorsclub.cc
Landfall Wilmington, N.C.
Located just east of the historic city’s center and situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, Landfall offers 45 holes of golf from Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, while Wrightsville Beach is just minutes away. landfall.org
The Landings on Skidaway Island Savannah, Ga.
The Landings is just 12 miles away from the heart of one of the South’s most charming cities, but with six courses at the property, residents have plenty of distractions at home. thelandings.com
The Manor Golf & Country Club Alpharetta, Ga.
Just north of Atlanta, Manor Golf & Country Club provides 1,000 acres of wooded seclusion surrounding both the residences and Tom Watson’s only course in Georgia. manorgcc.com
The National Golf Club of Kansas City
Ross Bridge
Parkville, Mo.
The distance to downtown Birmingham, 12 miles away, can seem shorter than the yardage covered in playing the 8,191-yard layout that is one of the highlights of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
With a course designed by native son Tom Watson, The National Golf Club is about 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City, second only to Rome in fountains and Paris in boulevards. thenationalgolfclub.com
Paa-Ko Ridge Sandia Park, N.M.
Located within easy reach of both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the highest state capital in the United States, both the golf course and the homes feature spectacular views of the six surrounding mountain ranges. paakoridge.com
Pinehills Plymouth, Mass.
The new French country manor houseinspired Mirabeau Inn & Spa at the edge of the Village Green makes this residential golf community a great Cape Cod destination, within striking distance of Boston, whether you play golf or not. pinehills.com
Potomac Shores Potomac Shores, Va.
With the first publicly accessible Jack Nicklaus Signature course in the D.C. metro area, Potomac Shores will offer more than 3,800 new homes in a series of walkable, traditionally scaled neighborhoods. potomacshoresgolfclub.com
Pradera Parker, Colo.
Whether residents are venturing out to the nearby historic towns of Parker and Castle Rock or a bit farther away to downtown Denver, they always return to enjoy Jim Engh’s thrilling golf course. praderacolorado.com
Ravenna Littleton, Colo.
Residents on Ravenna’s western edge have unobstructed views of Denver, which is only 30 minutes away, while those on the eastern boundary share the land with dramatic red rock outcroppings—highlighting the community’s duality of attractions. ravennagolf.com
Hoover, Ala.
rossbridge.com
Southern Highlands Las Vegas, Nev.
A rare collaboration between Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jones Jr., Southern Highlands offers a golf experience that is tranquil and serene, the perfect complement to a night out on the Strip, just minutes away. southernhighlands.com
Spanish Oaks Bee Cave, Texas
Located 12 miles from Austin, an energetic college town with a vibrant music scene, the community offers a medley of outdoor pursuits that are just as harmonious. spanishoaks.com
Stone Canyon Oro Valley, Ariz.
The only thing more posh at Stone Canyon than the Jay Morrish course, an emerald ribbon that winds its way through dramatic rock formations and tall cacti, is the community’s location on Tucson’s ritzy northwest side. stonecanyon.com
Vellano Chino Hills, Calif.
An hour east of downtown Los Angeles, Vellano is convenient to all the advantages of the Southern California lifestyle, while the community itself is a welcome refuge from the sprawl. experiencevellano.com
Viniterra New Kent, Va.
With vineyards bordering many of the holes of the Rees Jones course, Viniterra smoothly blends golf and winemaking just 20 miles east of the state capital of Richmond. viniterra.com
Wakefield Plantation Raleigh, N.C.
The community’s stately TPC Clubhouse gives it a true southern plantation feel even though it is located just a few minutes from the city and all the necessities of modern living. wakefieldplantation.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
luxury living on the trail MASTERFULLY HANDCRAFTED HOMES AND GOLF COURSES Craftsman architecture has never been so beautifully executed as evident at National Village, a golf community adjacent to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Living at National Village offers exceptional home choices, natural surroundings and world-class amenities. From golf and tennis to resort pools and private lakes, National Village offers a grand lifestyle. Home of the PGA Barbasol Championship, RTJ Grand National offers an opportunity to play championship courses all year long in Opelika, Alabama. For sports fans and culture lovers, nearby Auburn University offers great options for National Village residents. With spectacular finishes normally found in homes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more, the homes and golf cottages at National Village exude quality at its finest, offering a blend of imaginative floor plans with beautiful appointments and stunning detailing. National Village homes feature 9 to 10-foot ceilings, hardwoods in living areas, crown moldings, granite in kitchens and baths, Frigidaire appliances, natural stone accents and porches. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to own one of these award-winning homes. Golf cottages start in the mid $200s.
Tour the furnished models and available homes. National Village is located in Opelika adjacent to Grand National on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Homes are open seven days a week. For more information, please call 334.749.8165 or visit nationalvillage.com.
All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.
Wycliffe Golf & Country Club
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Best for
Value
Premier doesn’t have to mean pricey, particularly these days when there are still some great deals out there. No matter where you’re looking to live, you can get a lot for your money at the 35 properties here.
Amelia National Golf & Country Club pg. 71 Fernandina Beach, Fla.
The North Florida coast has some of the best golf in the state, and one of the highlights is the Tom Fazio layout at Amelia National, which is conveniently located near both the ocean and Jacksonville. A stunning new French Provincial clubhouse and a Pool & Spa Complex that is akin to your own private paradise add extra value to your membership here. amelianationalgolf.com
Bella Collina Montverde, Fla.
Situated in the highlands of Central Florida, overlooking rolling hills, vineyards, and beautiful lakes, Bella Collina offers a Tuscan-inspired lifestyle and a unique (for Florida) valley-style Nick Faldo course. Yet golf-view homesites start in the mid $100s.
Black Bull Bozeman, Mont.
Residents can enjoy all the recreational opportunities that come with living in Big Sky Country. At the same time, those looking for urban pleasures like shops, cafes, and sporting events can find it nearby in the college town of Bozeman. blackbullbozeman.com
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club pg. 85 Englewood, Fla.
Golf, tennis, fitness, and social memberships are reasonably priced at this semi-private Sarasota County club, as are the homes in this 1,000-acre gated private community, dotted with pristine lakes and nature preserves. The Steve Smyersdesigned golf course measures 6,357 yards from the tips and is bound by nature preserves that are home to eagles and sandhill cranes. bocaroyale.com
NILE YOUNG
bellacollina.com
Bentwater
Brunswick Forest
Montgomery, Texas
Leland, N.C.
Just as the property’s 54 holes give residents plenty of choices for golf, there are a variety of real estate options to fit nearly any budget and location preference at this lake community north of Houston.
Residents of this 4,500-acre community, with its Tim Cate-designed course, can choose among a half dozen neighborhoods and living options that range from charming bungalows to spacious golf estates.
bentwater.com
brunswickforest.com
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BEST FOR VALUE
Callawassie Island Callawassie Island, S.C.
The renovated 27-hole Tom Fazio course anchors a collection of amenities including tennis, fitness center, and the River Club, the launching point for all types of Lowcountry water activities. callawassieisland.com
Chaparral Pines Payson, Ariz.
Homesites starting in the $20s, exceptional family amenities, and proximity to the region’s best hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities make this mountain community an attractive choice. chaparralpinesgolf.com
Comanche Trace Kerrville, Texas
Residents at Comanche Trace have 27 holes of golf in the Texas Hill Country, a rolling landscape dotted with majestic oaks that is ideal for building memorable, playable layouts. comanchetrace.com
Dataw Island pg. 69
Amelia National Golf & Country Club
Dataw Island, S.C.
Located near the charming Southern town of Beaufort, not far from Hilton Head, Dataw Island offers 36 recently renovated holes by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, along with amenities like tennis, championship croquet lawns, and a deep water marina in its unique Lowcountry setting. The real estate values are great, and every home has a view of the water or golf course. dataw.org
Gleneagles Country Club Delray Beach, Fla.
Among this country club’s first members were PGA Tour players Doug Sanders, Sam Snead, Billy Casper, and Doug Ford. That excellent tradition continues today at a club with one of South Florida’s best membership values.
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club
Harbor Club pg. 93
Jupiter Country Club
Greensboro, Ga.
Jupiter, Fla.
In the Lake Oconee area, where many communities have sprung up, this debt-free golf course community stands out for its real estate options and for its Jay MorrishTom Weiskopf course, one of the duo’s few layouts in the Southeast. The community is surrounded by 1,600 acres of wooded hills and bordered by nine miles of Lake Oconee shoreline.
Put together Jupiter Country Club’s ingredients—South Florida address, private Greg Norman course—and buyers expect to pay top dollar. But homebuilder Toll Brothers makes this lifestyle more affordable than they might think.
gleneagles.cc
Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Homeowners at this resort community have access to several member-only amenities, including the Ocean Club and the 7,048-yard Members Club, one of the best private layouts in Myrtle Beach. grandedunes.com
harborclub.com
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jupitercountryclub.com
Dataw Island
Harbor Club
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BEST FOR VALUE
National Village
Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
The largest green-certified community in the U.S. offers nine villages, from townhomes to custom estates, along with three golf courses and all the conveniences of a town where you can live, work, and play. lakewoodranch.com
Lakota Canyon Ranch & Golf Club New Castle, Colo.
National Village pg. 75 Auburn/Opelika, Ala.
Three neighborhoods at National Village offer great options for living in an area where you’ll get good value for your dollar in housing, amenities, and golf. The 700-acre resort community is adjacent to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National. In addition to 54-holes of golf, there are private lakes for residents and miles of walking and biking trails.
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club pg. 91 Ormond Beach, Fla.
Set in the charming seaside town of Ormond Beach, Plantation Bay is surrounded by natural beauty. With 45 holes of golf, two clubhouses, optional membership, and a lower cost of living, owning here is one of the best values around. Plus, there are options to rent a home if you are not quite ready to buy.
nationalvillage.com
Known for his innovative designs, Jim Engh clearly had fun designing this 7,111-yard roller-coaster in western Colorado where the living is easy and the mountain vistas seem to stretch as far as your dollar. lakotacanyonranch.com
Mariner Sands Stuart, Fla.
With 36 holes by Tom Fazio and Frank Duane, golf is the primary focus at this country club community with 771 homes that are the perfect base for enjoying golf, tennis, and the community’s clubhouse hub. marinersands.com
Moss Creek Bluffton, S.C.
Located just off Hilton Head Island, Moss Creek offers numerous amenities, including an equestrian center, tennis, leisure trails, nature preserves, and 36 holes—one course each from George Fazio and his famous nephew Tom.
plantationbaygolf.com
Osprey Cove
Quail Ridge
St. Marys, Ga.
Boynton Beach, Fla.
Right on the Georgia coast, close to Jacksonville and Amelia Island, this wellestablished community offers world-class recreation, fun, and a nationally ranked gem of a golf course by Mark McCumber.
Just 10 minutes south of Palm Beach, Quail Ridge has recently updated its two golf courses. Its immaculately kept botanical gardens feature bougainvillea, hibiscus, sunpatiens, royal palms, and citrus trees.
ospreycove.com
quailridgecc.com
PGA Village Verano and PGA Golf Club
Rainmakers
Port Saint Lucie, Fla.
From Pueblo townhomes to large mountainview homesites, there are plenty of residential choices in this community surrounded by the natural majesty of the southern Rocky Mountains. Plus, this is one of the greenest golf communities in the country.
The ultimate golf resort meets the all-inclusive, full-service, resort-style community. PGA Village Verano sits side by side with PGA Village, the golf resort owned and operated by The PGA of America. For golfers, it just doesn’t get any better.
Alto, N.M.
rainmakersusa.com
pgavillage.com
mosscreek-hiltonhead.com
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PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
Jack is back in Lake Las Vegas. Once a Golf Digest Top 100 course, Reflection Bay Golf Club has been fully restored with significant enhancements directed by Jack Nicklaus himself. Reflection Bay is now open as a lush, lakeside escape in the heart of the Las Vegas desert. Reserve your tee time online now, or by calling (702) 872-3123. Be one of the first to play the new Reflection Bay.
/ ReflectionBayGolf / ReflectionBayLV ReflectionBayGolf.com
BEST FOR VALUE
River Landing
Savannah Quarters
Wachesaw Plantation Club
Wallace, N.C.
Pooler, Ga.
Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Although there are 36 holes of golf, leisure trails, and the Cape Fear River to explore, residents won’t want to stray too far from the River Landing Clubhouse, which offers a dining room, casual grill, and guest suites.
Just minutes from historic downtown Savannah, this coastal community offers charm, a Greg Norman Signature golf course, resortstyle swim and fitness center, tennis courts, and fine dining with gracious Southern service.
One of several Tom Fazio-designed courses in the Myrtle Beach area, the 6,853-yard Wachesaw Plantation layout offers a uniquely Lowcountry golf experience that is special for both members and their guests.
riverlanding.com
savannahquarters.com
wachesaw.com
Rock Creek Golf Club Idaho
Tennessee National
Woodside Plantation
Loudon, Tenn.
Aiken, S.C.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Located near Knoxville and built along the Tennessee River, both the homesites and the holes on the Greg Norman-designed course have views of the water.
With two courses and multiple neighborhoods at this property near the Georgia border, buyers will be able to find a course that fits their games, and homes that match their tastes in architecture and interior design.
Set on the bluffs above Coeur d’Alene, the Tom Weiskopf design is a treat to play. You’ll enjoy it more with the club’s low initiation fees and dues, legacy transfer policy, and easy exit strategy. rockcreekgolfclubidaho.com
St. James Plantation pg. 73 Southport, N.C.
Affordable price points, a full-service Intracoastal Waterway marina, and a private beach club on the Atlantic Ocean help this community continue to set the standard for sales in the Carolinas. Every resident will find an activity fitting their passion: 81 holes of golf, tennis, miles of trails, and plenty of events at their four club centers. stjamesplantation.com
tennesseenational.com
Thistle Golf Club Sunset Beach, N.C.
Using antiquities salvaged from Old World European buildings, the clubhouse mimics a traditionally Scottish club, but with all the modern amenities. There are just 145 custom golf estates available to go with 27 holes of golf. thistlegolf.com
The Villages of Citrus Hills
woodsideplantation.com
World Golf Village St. Augustine, Fla.
There’s only one World Golf Hall of Fame and it’s located here. Residents don’t have to go far to enjoy one of golf ’s must-see attractions, as well as two layouts, one of which is a unique collaboration from Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. worldgolfvillage.com
Hernando, Fla.
In this very un-Florida like area of the typically pancake-flat Sunshine State, The Villages has 61 holes of golf, as well as two tennis centers, an expansive spa and fitness center, and numerous nearby attractions. thevillagesofcitrushills.com
Wycliffe Golf & Country Club pg. 57 Wellington, Fla.
Nestled between South Florida’s fabled beaches and equestrian country, residents enjoy plenty of options when they can break themselves away from all the fun inside the gates. An amazing array of activities and clubs satisfy every interest. But with two distinctly different courses, golf is definitely the driving force for its high percentage of year-round residents. wycliffecc.com
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club
St. James Plantation
Best for Golf is a universal language, as the following 30 golf course communities from Scotland to Mexico illustrate. Just as golf is a worldwide game, so is living at a premier property.
Albany New Providence Island, The Bahamas
Tiger Woods is one of the investors at this community centered around the Albany House estate. Ernie Els, who designed the golf course, is another. A mega-yacht marina is big enough to accommodate even Tiger’s yacht.
Christophe Harbour Bear Mountain
St. Kitts, West Indies
Victoria, British Columbia
Now under new ownership, progress is being made at this community that will feature a Tom Fazio layout and a mega-yacht club, which will be home to a marine village.
This resort community located just across the border from Washington State has 36 holes, the Mountain and Valley courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus, as well as easy access to southern Vancouver Island. bearmountain.ca
Cabo del Sol Los Cabos, Mexico
The Ocean course by Jack Nicklaus and the Desert by Tom Weiskopf give Cabo del Sol one of the best one-two punches in the country.
christopheharbour.com
CostaBaja Resort & Spa La Paz, Mexico
Home to the first Gary Player Signature course ever built in the country, this resort and spa is set on the Sea of Cortez overlooking a 250-slip double-basin marina and beach. Ownership opportunities include Baja-inspired villas. costabajaresort.com
albanybahamas.com
cabodelsol.com
Apes Hill Club
Cabo Real
St. James, Barbados
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Longtime developer Landmark Land Company partnered with Wentworth, the renowned English club, to create this golf and polo community set on a former sugar plantation.
Located at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo Real offers fractional ownership opportunities that come with membership to the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout, as well as access to other amenities.
apeshillclub.com
Diamante Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The big news here is that the world’s first Tiger Woods-designed course (that has been completed) is scheduled to open by the end of 2014. El Cardonal joins the highly acclaimed Davis Love III-designed course already in play. diamantecabosanlucas.com
caboreal.com
Baha Mar pg. 41
Casa de Campo
El Dorado Golf & Beach Club
Nassau, The Bahamas
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Billed as the largest residential and resort destination under construction in the Western Hemisphere, the beachfront Baha Mar’s grand opening is set for spring 2015. Hotels, casino, shopping, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature course are in the mix. Owners can enjoy year-round personal use of their residence as a private vacation home or elect to participate in Baha Mar’s rental program.
You’ll need multiple rounds to figure out Pete Dye’s infamous Teeth of the Dog layout, and there’s no better way to make that possible than by owning an oceanfront or golf course villa in the resort.
Los Cabos, Mexico
casadecampo.com.do
eldoradogolfandbeachclub.com
bahamar.com
Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club Great Guana Cay, The Bahamas
Tom Fazio’s first course in The Bahamas is just the start of the fun at this beach and ocean club 150 miles off Florida’s coast. Colorful beach bungalows and boathouses are part of the relaxed life. bakersbayclub.com
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Situated along the Sea of Cortez, most homesites at this community offer water views, although the most memorable scene is the seaside 160-yard 16th of the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout.
Baha Mar
Celebrate Life
The Country Club Lifestyle You Always Dreamed of is Now Quite Affordable
Love the life you live... There’s so much to love at Boca Royale! Gated community close to shopping, world-class boating and beaches Very socially active residents with planned activites for everyone... we have fun! A variety of exciting new single family homes designed to fit every lifestyle 18 hole, par 72 golf course, clubhouse, restaurant & bar Villas from the $200s & 6 Har-Tru lighted tennis courts & new state of the art fitness facility single-family homes from low $300s, maintenance included. Estate homes from $600s to over $1Million.
NealCommuNities.Com
Boca Royale is located in Southwest Florida just minutes from the magnificent Gulf Coast 1 Golf View Drive, Englewood, Florida 34223 / 888.697.3175
Tallahassee
Jacksonville
Orlando
Gulf Of Mexico
Tampa
Sarasota Venice
Boca Royale
Naples Miami
BEST FOR LIVING ABROAD
Four Seasons Punta Mita
PGA Village The Bahamas
Punta Mita, Mexico
Cat Island, The Bahamas
The resort chain offers residence-club and villa ownership at one of its most popular golf resorts, which added a second Jack Nicklaus course with a panoramic view of Bahía de Banderas in 2009.
The first resort community outside the United States to be licensed by the PGA of America features a Rees Jones-designed course and a PGA Learning and Performance Center on the 1,906-acre property.
fourseasons.com/puntamita
pgavillagethebahamas.com
Glenmor Village at Gleneagles
Pristine Bay
Auchterarder, Scotland
Roatan, Honduras
If the 2014 Ryder Cup whet your appetite for spending time at Gleneagles, and lots of it, check out the famed Scottish resort’s Glenmor Village, which offers fractional ownership and affords member privileges.
Located 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, the island’s first and only golf course is the centerpiece of this 405-acre luxury golf resort. Along with the Pete Dye design, there is a private beach, dive shop, and luxury residences.
gleneagles.com
pristinebayresort.com
Hamilton Grand
Puntacana Resort & Club
St. Andrews, Scotland
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Do St. Andrews in style in a luxury apartment with panoramic views of the Old Course, medieval ruins, and the North Sea. Residents also have membership at The Duke’s Course, one of Scotland’s premier heathland golf courses.
The resort’s newest course, the Tom Faziodesigned Corales, is for residents of the exclusive namesake neighborhood, where every home has an ocean view. The original course, P.B. Dye’s La Cana, is accessible for the rest of the property’s residents and guests.
hamiltongrand.co.uk
Palmilla Los Cabos, Mexico
Jack Nicklaus’s first Latin American signature course takes full advantage of the views overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Long an exclusive hideaway for the jet set, this lavish resort is an idyllic getaway for the whole family. palmilla.oneandonlyresorts.com
Paraiso del Mar La Paz, Mexico
Arthur Hills’s first course in Mexico is a memorable one, as he routed his links-style layout near the tip of the Baja Peninsula through a memorable landscape filled with views of the Sea of Cortez. paraisodelmarlapaz.com
Peninsula Papagayo Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
A visit to the community’s Four Seasons resort is great; even better is living at the resort’s estates and villas, the perfect base from which to explore the area’s amenities, including the Arnold Palmer layout. peninsulapapagayo.com
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puntacana.com
Querencia Los Cabos, Mexico
Tom Fazio’s first course in the Baja Peninsula offers first-rate holes to match the views of the Sea of Cortez. Similarly, the real estate options at this 1,800-acre community feature spectacular backdrops. loscabosquerencia.com
Quivira Golf Club Los Cabos, Mexico
Set on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, with three miles of white sand beaches, this luxury residential resort community is both an oceanfront and desert golf resort. But then everything about this place is one-of-a-kind and memorable. quiviragolfclub.com
Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Residences at Trump Doonbeg Doonbeg, Ireland
Trump has put his stamp on Doonbeg, where the rugged Greg Norman-designed links course winds through the dunes and looks as though it has been around for centuries. Now you can live and play here, plus enjoy reciprocity with other Trump clubs. trumphotelcollection.com/ireland/
The Rise Vernon, British Columbia
Sitting in the Okanagan Valley and along a lake of the same name, Fred Couples’s course at The Rise features spectacular views of the rugged landscape. Similar views have attracted buyers to the community’s numerous neighborhoods. therise.ca
Rose Hall Rose Hall, Jamaica
With access to three golf courses, Rose Hall is Jamaica’s premier golf community. Real estate opportunities include wooded, hillside, and beachfront homesites, carefully tucked into the community’s 7,000 acres. rosehall.com
Royal Westmoreland St. James, Barbados
Whether you purchase an apartment, home, or a homesite overlooking the sea, owners at this resort enjoy use of amenities like the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed layout that is one of the best in the Caribbean. royalwestmoreland.com
Tucker’s Point Club Harrington Sound, Bermuda
Whether owners buy on the golf course, by the water, or at the residence club, Tucker’s Point offers numerous amenities, from the scenic course to the private beach club featuring the island’s unique pink sand. tuckerspoint.com
Village at Machrihanish Dunes
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Machrihanish, Scotland
Located on the largest of the three Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean Sea, the resort development offers two- to seven-bedroom homes along Seven Mile Beach that come with the luxury chain’s legendary hospitality.
Located on the Kintyre Peninsula on Scotland’s west coast, Machrihanish Dunes boasts a stunning links course by David McLay Kidd and a number of cottages available for fractional purchase.
ritzcarlton.com
thewaygolfbegan.com
PREMIER PROPERTIES GUIDE
Sales Pitch LEARNING
CENTERS
For the serious golfer, nothing attracts interest in a community quite like a state-of-the-art learning facility
W
ITH ITS PERFECTLY manicured greens and bright white bunkers, the 30-acre Learning Center at Berkeley Hall in Bluffton, S.C., near Hilton Head, resembles Augusta National in its perfection. Members can choose from one of the seven practice greens, three of which are for putting, two for chipping and bunker play, and two more for shots up to 185 yards in length, the distance of which you can pinpoint with the help of a laser gun located right next to the bucket of brand-new Titleist NXT Tour balls. Or perhaps they want to do more swing analysis, in which case they can pop into one of four hitting bays with the latest in technology, including something called a Swing Catalyst. With one of the area’s best instructors, Andrew Rice, at the controls, members climb aboard the carpeted platform to get some unusual—and extremely helpful—feedback on their swing. In addition to four fully synchronized cameras, the $20,000 system features a 3-D pressure plate that measures rotational-force movement to show how well the golfer is using the ground to generate power. Clearly, Berkeley Hall has really stepped up its game when it comes to offering everything it can to attract golfers who are serious about their game. “For somebody who really loves golf and is a golf geek who wants to work on their game, the Learning Center at Berkeley Hall is tough to beat,” says Rice, who grew up in South Africa. “It’s a huge factor in getting people to buy here.” But Berkeley isn’t the only community with state-of-the-art practice facilities. They’re also a big attraction at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia and two communities in Florida’s West Palm Beach area, the Bear’s Club and Old Palm, which have such good ones that a number of PGA Tour pros belong (the latter even has three full-length practice holes). Out west, Pronghorn in Bend, Ore., not only has three indoor/outdoor hitting bays, two short-game areas (one is over two acres), and a 50,000-square-foot bent grass practice tee, but it also has the latest teaching toy, GEARS Golf, a $40,000 system that can basically take an MRI of your swing to determine how the movement of your body affects the ball flight. “Prospective members are amazed by the sheer size and scope of the learning facility at Pronghorn,” says Edward Jackman, director of sales and marketing. “The Learning Academy is an essential part of our golf lifestyle and utilized by our members to improve their games to better enjoy all the wonderful golf we have to offer.” Desert Mountain in Scottsdale also boasts an impressive array of teaching technology at its new $1.6 million Jim Flick Golf Performance Center, including seven hitting bays, full-service club fitting, SAM putting lab, and four different short-game areas at its six courses. “Our membership is very serious about their golf,” says Mike Scully, the director of golf. “They love to practice and get better. The performance center gets a lot of use. It’s the first stop on the tour when we bring prospective members in, and that’s by design. It’s a huge selling point. They’re blown away to know they have this at their fingertips.” —T.C.
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The Jim Flick Golf Performance Center at Desert Mountain
Best for
Boating
If surf and turf is your thing, then you’ll want to take a closer look at these 10 communities where you can choose whether you want to drive a golf ball or drive a boat
Admiral’s Cove
Lake Toxaway Estates
Jupiter, Fla.
Lake Toxaway, N.C.
Water is easy to find at Admiral’s Cove, which has five miles of waterways and a marina that accommodates boats up to 130 feet. But residents try to avoid the wet hazards on the 45 holes of golf designed by Robert von Hagge.
The largest private lake in North Carolina, the 640-acre Lake Toxaway offers a serene mountain getaway, especially because jet skis are not allowed. laketoxaway.com
admiralscove.net
Ocean Reef Club pg. 61
Carnegie Abbey Club
Key Largo, Fla.
Portsmouth, R.I.
With a fleet of charter boats available for fishing, a private marina with 175 berths, and its 2,000 acres bordered on three sides by water, this is a boater’s paradise. But when you want to keep your feet on solid ground, there are two courses (a rarity in the Keys) at your disposal.
When not negotiating the community’s Donald Steel course, Carnegie Abbey residents can be found on the waters off Newport, a favored destination for some of the world’s finest sailors. carnegieabbeyclub.com
Governor’s Land at Two Rivers Williamsburg, Va.
Members not only can take advantage of nearby Williamsburg and the community’s Tom Fazio layout, but they also can enjoy cruising on the James and Chickahominy rivers, as well as Chesapeake Bay. governorsland.com
Harbour Ridge Palm City, Fla.
In the heart of Florida’s famed Treasure Coast, the private country club enjoys two miles of waterfront that are home to three marinas with 98 boat slips. Access to the Gulf of Mexico is provided by way of the nearby Okeechobee Waterway.
Ocean Reef Club
Trillium Cashiers, N.C.
oceanreef.com
The Reserve at Lake Keowee pg. 53
Members enjoy more than 26 miles of secluded shoreline along Lake Glenville, as well as the dramatic contrasts of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sunset, S.C.
trilliumnc.com
The Reserve’s 200-slip marina provides everything for a fun day on 18,500-acre Lake Keowee, which is fed by the clear water coming off the Blue Ridge Mountains. Even the Jack Nicklaus Signature course takes full advantage of its lakeside location with a string of challenging holes that edge the water.
Wexford Plantation Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Deep canals flow through this community, enabling owners to dock vessels up to 70 feet long in their backyards and allowing for easy access to the waters beyond. wexfordplantation.com
reserveatlakekeowee.com
harbourridge.com
Jonathan’s Landing Jupiter, Fla.
Golf may be king at this private community, but the boating is superb. Members enjoy their own deep-water, full-service marina on the Intracoastal Waterway—without a fixed bridge between the slips and the ocean. jonathanslanding.com
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The Reserve at Lake Keowee
Play for a Weekend. Stay for Life AN ICI HOMES COMMUNITY: LUXURY HOMES, GOLF VILLAS, AND TOWNHOMES FROM THE $200s TO SEVERAL MILLION
ENJOY 3 DAYS–2 NIGHTS at Plantation Bay Some restrictions apply. Model home tour is mandatory. Failure to complete the model home tour may nullify your preferred rate.
For information & reservations Please call 844.349.6486
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club is about having it all. Just minutes from one of Florida’s prettiest Atlantic Ocean beaches and an hour from Orlando’s world famous attractions, Plantation Bay is set in the charming seaside town of Ormond Beach. There are 3 spectacular private golf courses, 10 lighted tennis courts, a luxurious 7,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center, and an exquisite clubhouse. Enjoy new friends and friendly neighbors and an endless array of activities. Revel in the natural beauty of lakes and ponds, lushly landscaped neighborhoods, and perfectly manicured golf course vistas. With a 20+ year reputation for being among the best of the best, your expectations will be more than met at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in the charming seaside town of Ormond Beach, Florida. So come. Stay and Play. And discover a lifestyle where you can expect abundance, and then some, every single day.
Best for
Beaches If you are equally drawn to the sea as you are to the tee, then you should start your search for the perfect golf home with these 10 communities where sand is a common denominator on and off the course
Orchid Island
North Beach Towers North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This oceanfront community offers dramatic ocean views and luxuries, including an amazing beachfront pool complex, along with membership to three courses at Myrtle Beach’s No. 1 ranked Barefoot Resort. northbeachtowers.com
DeBordieu
Hammock Dunes Club
Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club
Georgetown, S.C.
Palm Coast, Fla.
Vero Beach, Fla.
Residents at this community near Myrtle Beach enjoy not only miles of pristine beaches and tranquil marshes, but also hundreds of undeveloped acres that have been established as wildlife preserve.
Located just south of historic St. Augustine, Hammock Dunes features more than a mile of oceanfront property that forms a backdrop for the community’s 36 holes from Rees Jones and Tom Fazio.
After a round of golf on the 7,131-yard Arnold Palmer course or a couple of sets of tennis, residents unwind in a privately owned cabana or under the covered loggias at the West Indies-inspired beach club.
debordieu.com
hammockdunesclub.com
orchidislandgolfandbeachclub.com
Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort
Kiva Dunes
Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club
Fripp Island, S.C.
It’s no coincidence that the beaches and forests of Fripp Island have been used as sets for The Prince of Tides, Forrest Gump, and The Jungle Book. The resort community occupies one of South Carolina’s most beautiful barrier islands.
Gulf Shores, Ala.
Surrounded by rolling dunes covered with a diverse assortment of indigenous plants, the beautiful beach at Kiva Dunes is as inviting as the bunkers at the Jerry Pate-designed course are not.
Port Aransas, Texas
The warm water of the Gulf of Mexico is great for beachgoers, who can swim, relax, or ride bikes, but the crashing surf can be a distraction during a round at the Arnold Palmer Signature course.
kivadunes.com palmillabeach.com
Grand Harbor
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
Seabrook Island
Vero Beach, Fla.
Pawleys Island, S.C.
Whether residents are taking a stroll along the coastline, basking in the sun, or enjoying a cocktail by the pool, Grand Harbor’s oceanfront beach club is the ideal place to enjoy the best of what the Sunshine State is about.
Conveniently close to Myrtle Beach, yet secluded and private, this resort offers four Waccamaw Golf Trail member courses and a wealth of amenities, including a day spa, fitness center, and pools, all off the beaten path.
Whether it’s a twosome playing one of the community’s two courses, a late afternoon stroll on the beach, or a memorable dinner in Charleston, located just 30 minutes away, the ingredients for a perfect romantic day are within reach at Seabrook.
grandharbor.com
litchfieldbeach.com
discoverseabrook.com
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Seabrook Island, S.C.
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Covered Bridge near the main entrance. While happily blessed to share Georgia’s spectacular “They just start to exhale and relax,” Brandon Lake Oconee with other golf developments in Matney says. “Their blood pressure drops and this picturesque spot an hour outside of Atlanta, everything seems to slow down for them.” Harbor Club has emerged as clearly unique among The Top 10-ranked golf course itself is equally its competitors. friendly, but plenty challenging, with six holes that touch Lake Oconee. No doubt about it, Harbor Club’s Southern Hospitality is as rich “There are five qualities on all great golf courses -- rolling terrain, as red-eye gravy. elevation changes, streams, mature trees and proximity to a lake,” Living at Harbor Club is far more than everyday access to its architect Weiskopf has said. “Find a course that has two or three of outstanding Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish golf course. Remarkably, the these qualities and you’ll have a good course. Search for one that has entire experience is distinctly down-home for a 1,000-acre golf resort all five and you’ll discover Harbor Club.” 70 miles east of the nation’s 9th-largest city. As an added asset for boaters and Positioned in the heart of the Classic homeowners, Lake Oconee is overseen South, Harbor Club gives residents and by Georgia Power, which maintains water visitors the same small-town, comfortable levels to a mere 18-inch variance yearfeel of neighbors such as Historic round. Madison, Milledgeville or Athens, just A safe haven from the traffic and trials 40 minutes away. An hour’s drive down of city living, Harbor Club has increased I-20 is Augusta, golf’s April epicenter. real estate sales the past three years, From sweet tea at its new Boathouse closing on 78 properties in 2014 through restaurant to paddle-boarding, kayaking October. Harbor Club enhances its or bass fishing on Lake Oconee, named Come visit Harbor Club’s new Pine Lake Model Home, with community feel by offering memberships one of the “Top 10 Gorgeous Lakes in the over 3,000 square feet, water view, open floor plan and “Lake Oconee Casual” style. only to property owners, but allows some U.S.,” Harbor Club offers the complete resort play and Southern Hospitality Packages to interested real estate waterfront lifestyle. buyers. Golf or interior water view homesites range from $39,900 to General Manager Brandon Matney, whose father John Matney more than $100,000. Premium lakefront lots start in the $300,000’s. purchased the property in 1992, often greets people by their first name, “The people who live here could live anywhere in the world,” says with a folksy charm. In turn, Harbor Club’s 960 residents (80 percent John Matney, “but they choose to come home to Harbor Club.” full-time) embrace the tranquility they feel with each trip through the
GREENSBORO, GEORGIA • (866) 805-LAKE (5253) • HARBORCLUB.COM
Best for
Spruce Peak at Stowe
Winter Sports
No two sports complement each other like golf and skiing. In the summer, the courses at these five mountain communities are majestic, while in the winter the cold-weather amenities reign supreme.
Club at Cordillera
Spanish Peaks Mountain Club
Edwards, Colo.
Big Sky, Mont.
Of the four layouts at the property, the Mountain course, designed by adopted son Hale Irwin, converts in winter to the Nordic Center, which has seven miles of groomed cross-country trails.
The 5,700-acre community sits next to the ski areas of Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, which connect to form one of the largest trail networks in North America, with 220 runs and 23 lifts.
cordillera-vail.com
spanishpeaksmountainclub.com
Best for
Equestrian Facilities
There are horses for courses and then there are courses with horses, as these seven properties with both superb golf and outstanding riding facilities can attest to
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Bright’s Creek
Sylva, N.C.
Mill Spring, N.C.
At Balsam Mountain Preserve, residents can explore over 30 miles of groomed trails in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains on horseback and over 500,000 acres of unspoiled riding habitat in the adjacent Nantahala National Forest.
The visual centerpiece of the club’s equestrian community is a beautiful post-and-beam barn, surrounding acres of prime pasture, and a large jumping arena. A stable of thoroughbreds and gentle walkers are available for riding.
balsammountainpreserve.com
brightscreek.com
Brasada Ranch
The Club at Las Campanas
Powell Butte, Ore.
Santa Fe, N.M.
At a community named Brasada Ranch, it’s no surprise that horses are as welcome as their owners. With hundreds of on-property acres and thousands more on adjoining public land, there is plenty of space to roam.
The exceptional equestrian facility includes a world-class barn, large sandy turnouts, an indoor riding hall, large outdoor jumping rings, an all purpose arena, and access to 68,000 acres of open land and trails.
brasada.com
theclubatlascampanas.com
Stowe, Vt.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, Stowe Mountain Club members can get a restorative spa treatment, relax in front of a massive stone fireplace, and enjoy a well-earned meal at the alpine clubhouse. sprucepeak.com
Tuhaye Park City, Utah
This enclave is home to the Mark O’Meara golf course that serves the larger Talisker community, which enjoys ski in/ski out access to Park City’s slopes. With a 350-inch annual snowfall, those slopes are a global hotspot for skiers and snowboarders. talisker.com
The Yellowstone Club Big Sky, Mont.
This private golf and ski community offers 2,200 acres of powder-packed trails in the winter and a Tom Weiskopf-designed mountain course for the summer. Their Outdoor Pursuits program offers plenty of other adventures, like kayaking and horseback riding. yellowstoneclub.com
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club Ocala, Fla.
The area produced 1956 Kentucky Derby winner Needles, whose success sparked a boom in Florida horse breeding. Golden Ocala continues the tradition while also offering great golf with the Ron Garl-designed layout. goldenocala.com
Rock Barn Golf & Spa Conover, N.C.
The Rock Barn equestrian center has two large riding arenas as well as 80 acres of trails and open pasture, occupying nearly as much space as the community’s two courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Tom Jackson. rockbarn.com
Torreon Show Low, Ariz.
Abutting the Tonto National Forest, the rugged landscape at Torreon is the perfect setting for enjoyable trails, whether you’re an experienced rider or have never been on a horse. torreon.com
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Alabama Colony at the Grand ........... Resort Lifestyle (58) Kiva Dunes ...................................... Beach (92) National Village ................................Value (80) Ross Bridge .................................. City Life (74) Shoal Creek .........................................Golf (42) Arizona Blackstone CC at Vistancia ................ Golf (36) Chaparral Pines ................................ Value (78) Desert Highlands ......................... Club Life (54) Desert Mountain ............... Best of the Best (26) Encanterra ................................... Club Life (54) Estancia Club .................... Best of the Best (27) Forest Highlands ..................................Golf (38) The Gallery ..........................................Golf (38) Mirabel............................ Best of the Best (30) Pine Canyon ................................. Families (70) Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mtn. ...... Resort Lifestyle (62) Seven Canyons ............................ Club Life (56) Silverleaf .......................... Best of the Best (34) Stone Canyon ............................... City Life (74) Superstition Mountain ....................... Golf (42) Talking Rock ................................ Club Life (56) Torreon ......................................Equestrian (94) California Andalusia at Coral Mountain ........ Club Life (52) Bighorn............................. Best of the Best (26) Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe..Best of the Best (26) Gray’s Crossing ............................. Families (70) Grizzly Ranch ................... Outdoor Pursuits (66) Hideaway..................................... Club Life (54) Lahontan Golf Club ....................... Families (70) Madison Club.................... Best of the Best (29) Martis Camp ................... Best of the Best (29) Mayacama ........................ Best of the Best (30) Nicklaus Club of Monterey ...................Golf (40) Old Greenwood ............................. Families (70) The Quarry at La Quinta ............... Club Life (56) Santa Lucia Preserve ...... Best of the Best (32) Schaffer’s Mill .................. Outdoor Pursuits (67) Stone Eagle .........................................Golf (42) Toscana Country Club ..........................Golf (42) Tradition Golf Club ....................... Club Life (56) Vellano.......................................... City Life (74) Villas at Grand Del Mar ...... Resort Lifestyle (62) The Vintage Club............... Best of the Best (34) Winchester Country Club.............. Club Life (56) Colorado Adam’s Rib Ranch............ Outdoor Pursuits (66) Castle Pines Village ....................... City Life (72) Catamount Ranch ............ Outdoor Pursuits (66) Club at Cordillera ..................Winter Sports (94) Colorado Golf Club ...............................Golf (36) Glacier Club .................... Best of the Best (27) Lakota Canyon Ranch & Golf Club ..... Value (80) Pradera......................................... City Life (74) Ravenna ....................................... City Life (74) Red Sky Ranch & GC.......... Resort Lifestyle (60) Redlands Mesa .................. Resort Lifestyle (60) Roaring Fork Club ............ Outdoor Pursuits (67) Delaware Bayside.............................. Resort Lifestyle (58) Florida Addison Reserve .......................... Club Life (52) Admiral’s Cove ............................... Boating (90) Amelia Island Plantation.... Resort Lifestyle (58) Amelia National Golf & CC ...............Value (77) Ballenisles ................................... Club Life (52) The Bear’s Club ................ Best of the Best (26) Bella Collina...................................... Value (77) Black Diamond ....................................Golf (36) Boca Royale Golf & Country Club .....Value (77) Boca West Country Club ............... Club Life (52) Bonita Bay Club ........................... Club Life (52) The Club at Olde Cypress ............. Club Life (52) The Colony Golf & Country Club ... Club Life (52) The Concession Residences .............. Golf (36) Fiddler’s Creek ............................. Club Life (54) The Founders Club ........................ City Life (74) Frenchman’s Creek Beach & CC... Club Life (54) Frenchman’s Reserve .................. Club Life (54) Gleneagles Country Club ................... Value (78) Golden Ocala .............................Equestrian (94)
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Grand Harbor ................................... Beach (92) Grey Oaks Country Club ............... Club Life (54) Hammock Beach Resort..... Resort Lifestyle (60) Hammock Dunes Club ..................... Beach (92) Harbour Ridge................................ Boating (90) Ibis Golf & Country Club ............... Club Life (54) Isleworth........................... Best of the Best (28) John’s Island................... Best of the Best (28) Jonathan’s Landing........................ Boating (90) Jupiter Country Club ......................... Value (78) Jupiter Hills Village ..............................Golf (40) Lake Nona ........................ Best of the Best (29) Lakewood Ranch .............................. Value (80) Loblolly ........................................ Club Life (54) The Loxahatchee Club .........................Golf (40) Mariner Sands .................................. Value (80) Mirasol ......................................... Families (70) Mountain Lake .....................................Golf (40) Ocean Reef Club .......................... Boating (90) Old Marsh Golf Club .............................Golf (40) Old Palm Golf Club ............ Best of the Best (30) Orchid Island ................................... Beach (92) PGA Village Verano/PGA Golf Club ..... Value (80) Plantation Bay Golf & CC..................Value (80) Polo Club of Boca Raton ............... Club Life (56) Quail Ridge ....................................... Value (80) Quail West ................................... Club Life (56) Reunion Resort .................. Resort Lifestyle (62) Sailfish Point................... Best of the Best (32) St. Andrews Country Club ............ Club Life (56) Talis Park ....................................Club Life (56) Tiburón ................................................Golf (42) TwinEagles ..........................................Golf (42) The Villages of Citrus Hills ................. Value (82) West Bay Beach & Golf Club......... Club Life (56) Willoughby Golf Club .................... Club Life (56) Windsor ............................ Best of the Best (34) World Golf Village .............................. Value (82) Wycliffe Golf & Country Club............Value (82) Georgia Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee .................Golf (38) Currahee Club.............................. Club Life (52) The Ford Plantation......... Best of the Best (27) Frederica .......................... Best of the Best (27) Harbor Club......................................Value (78) Hawks Ridge Golf Club.........................Golf (40) Landings on Skidaway Island ........ City Life (74) The Manor Golf & Country Club ..... City Life (74) Osprey Cove ..................................... Value (80) Reynolds Plantation .......... Best of the Best (32) Savannah Quarters ........................... Value (82) Sea Island Properties ........ Best of the Best (34) Hawaii Hualalai ............................ Best of the Best (28) Kapalua ............................. Resort Lifestyle (60) Kohanaiki......................... Outdoor Pursuits (66) Kukio ................................ Best of the Best (29) Kukui'ula......................... Best of the Best (29) Idaho Golf Club at Black Rock..... Best of the Best (27) Gozzer Ranch.................... Best of the Best (27) Huntsman Springs ........... Outdoor Pursuits (66) Rock Creek Golf Club Idaho............... Value (82) Teton Springs Resort .......... Resort Lifestyle (62) Whitetail Club ................Outdoor Pursuits (67) Kentucky Olde Stone ................................... Club Life (56) Louisiana English Turn .................................. City Life (72) Massachusetts Bay Club ....................................... City Life (72) New Seabury ..................... Resort Lifestyle (60) Pinehills ........................................ City Life (74) Willowbend .................................. Club Life (56) Michigan Bay Harbor......................... Resort Lifestyle (58) Forest Dunes Golf Club ........................Golf (38) Minnesota Somerby ....................................... Families (70) Missouri Dalhousie Golf Club...................... Club Life (54) National Golf Club of Kansas City .. City Life (74)
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Montana Black Bull ......................................... Value (77) Iron Horse ......................... Best of the Best (28) Rock Creek Cattle Co. ....... Best of the Best (32) Spanish Peaks ......................Winter Sports (94) Stock Farm Club ............... Best of the Best (34) The Yellowstone Club ............Winter Sports (94) Nebraska Dismal River Club ................................Golf (38) Nevada Clear Creek Tahoe ................................Golf (36) Reflection Bay/Lake LV ....Resort Lifestyle (60) Montrêux ..................................... Club Life (56) Southern Highlands ...................... City Life (74) New Mexico The Club at Las Campanas ........Equestrian (94) Paa-Ko Ridge ................................ City Life (74) Rainmakers ...................................... Value (80) North Carolina Bald Head Island ........................... Families (70) Balsam Mountain Preserve ........Equestrian (94) Bright’s Creek ............................Equestrian (94) Brunswick Forest .............................. Value (77) Champion Hills.....................................Golf (36) The Club at Longview ................... City Life (72) Cummings Cove Golf & CC ............ City Life (72) Diamond Creek ....................................Golf (38) Elk River............................................. Golf (38) Forest Creek Golf Club .........................Golf (38) Governors Club ............................. City Life (74) Lake Toxaway Estates .................... Boating (90) Landfall ........................................ City Life (74) Linville Ridge .......................................Golf (40) Mountain Air ................................. Families (70) Mountaintop ..................... Best of the Best (30) Ocean Ridge Plantation ................. Families (70) River Landing.................................... Value (82) Rock Barn Golf & Spa.................Equestrian (94) St. James Plantation........................Value (82) Thistle Golf Club ............................... Value (82) Trillium .......................................... Boating (90) Uwharrie Point .....................................Golf (42) Wade Hampton Golf Club .. Best of the Best (34) Wakefield Plantation ..................... City Life (74) Oregon Black Butte Ranch ........................ Families (70) Brasada Ranch ..........................Equestrian (94) Pronghorn............................................Golf (40) Sunriver Resort .................. Resort Lifestyle (62) Tetherow ......................... Outdoor Pursuits (67) Rhode Island Carnegie Abbey Club ...................... Boating (90) South Carolina Belfair ................................................ Golf (36) Berkeley Hall .......................................Golf (36) Brays Island Plantation..... Outdoor Pursuits (66) Briar’s Creek ........................................Golf (36) Callawassie Island ............................ Value (78) The Cliffs......................... Best of the Best (26) Colleton River Plantation Club ........... Golf (36) Daniel Island ................................City Life (72) Dataw Island ....................................Value (78) DeBordieu........................................ Beach (92) Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort ...... Beach (92) Grande Dunes ................................... Value (78) Haig Point ............................................Golf (38) Kiawah Island ................. Best of the Best (28) Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort .......... Beach (92) Long Cove Club....................................Golf (40) Moss Creek ...................................... Value (80) North Beach Towers ......................... Beach (92) Oldfield ............................ Outdoor Pursuits (66) Palmetto Bluff ................... Best of the Best (32) Palmetto Dunes ................. Resort Lifestyle (60) The Reserve at Lake Keowee ...... Boating (90) Sea Pines .......................... Resort Lifestyle (62) Seabrook Island ............................... Beach (92) Spring Island................... Best of the Best (34) Wachesaw Plantation Club ................ Value (82) Wexford Plantation......................... Boating (90) Wild Dunes ........................ Resort Lifestyle (62) Woodside Plantation ......................... Value (82)
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Tennessee Tennessee National........................... Value (82) Westhaven .................................... Families (70) Texas Bentwater ......................................... Value (77) Boot Ranch ................................... Families (70) Briggs Ranch ................................ City Life (72) Carlton Woods................... Best of the Best (26) Cimarron Hills ............................... City Life (72) Comanche Trace ............................... Value (78) Cordillera Ranch .............. Outdoor Pursuits (66) Craig Ranch .................................. City Life (72) Escondido .................................... Club Life (54) Horseshoe Bay Resort ........ Resort Lifestyle (60) Houston Oaks ............................... Families (70) Miramont ..................................... Club Life (56) Omni Barton Creek ............ Resort Lifestyle (60) Palmilla Beach Resort & GC ............. Beach (92) Spanish Oaks................................ City Life (74) Traditions Club .............................. Families (70) Vaquero Club .......................................Golf (42) Utah Glenwild ...................................... Club Life (54) Promontory ..........................................Golf (40) Red Ledges..........................................Golf (40) Tuhaye ..................................Winter Sports (94) Victory Ranch .................. Outdoor Pursuits (67) Vermont The Quechee Club ........................ Families (70) Spruce Peak at Stowe ...........Winter Sports (94) Virginia Ballyhack .............................................Golf (36) Bay Creek Resort & Club..Resort Lifestyle (58) Creighton Farms ........................... City Life (72) Ford’s Colony ................................ City Life (74) Governor’s Land at Two Rivers ....... Boating (90) Homestead Preserve .......... Resort Lifestyle (60) Keswick Hall ...................... Resort Lifestyle (60) Potomac Shores............................ City Life (74) Viniterra ........................................ City Life (74) The Virginian Golf Club ...................... Golf (42) Washington Suncadia ........................... Resort Lifestyle (62) West Virginia Greenbrier S.C. ............... Best of the Best (28) Wyoming GC at Devils Tower ........... Outdoor Pursuits (66) The Powder Horn ............. Outdoor Pursuits (67) 3 Creek Ranch .................. Best of the Best (34) Shooting Star .................... Best of the Best (34) Snake River ..................... Outdoor Pursuits (67)
International
Albany ........................................ Bahamas (84) Apes Hill Club ............................. Barbados (84) Baha Mar ...................................Bahamas (84) Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club.... Bahamas (84) Bear Mountain ..................British Columbia (84) Cabo del Sol ...................................Mexico (84) Cabo Real .......................................Mexico (84) Casa de Campo .......... Dominican Republic (84) Christophe Harbour .................. West Indies (84) CostaBaja Resort & Spa ..................Mexico (84) Diamante Cabo San Lucas ..............Mexico (84) El Dorado Golf & Beach Club ...........Mexico (84) Four Seasons Punta Mita ................Mexico (86) Glenmor Village at Gleneagles ...... Scotland (86) Hamilton Grand ............................ Scotland (86) Palmilla ..........................................Mexico (86) Paraiso del Mar...............................Mexico (86) Peninsula Papagayo ...................Costa Rica (86) PGA Village The Bahamas ........... Bahamas (86) Pristine Bay ................................ Honduras (86) Puntacana .................. Dominican Republic (86) Querencia .......................................Mexico (86) Quivira Golf Club .............................Mexico (86) Residences at Trump Doonbeg ........ Ireland (86) The Rise ...........................British Columbia (86) Ritz-Carlton, G. C. ............. Cayman Islands (86) Rose Hall ......................................Jamaica (86) Royal Westmoreland ................... Barbados (86) Tucker’s Point Club ......................Bermuda (86) Village at Machrihanish Dunes ..... Scotland (86)
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