Florida LINKS Living – Winter 2014 by LINKS Magazine

a supplement to LINKS Magazine

FLORIDA LINKS living A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITIES AND MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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First, American Golfers Adopted Our National Attire.

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Now They’re Adopting Our National Drink.

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PUBLISHER’S letter

Birds of a Feather I’M PLEASED TO BRING YOU another edition of FLORIDA LINKSliving. Perhaps it’s too cold to be out playing golf right now where you live and you’re dreaming of owning a winter getaway in the Sunshine State. You’re not alone: Snowbirds have been flocking to Florida each winter for decades to take advantage of the great golf communities. And with the real-estate bargains still available, they’re flocking down in droves now more than ever. But with dozens of communities from which to choose, where do you begin your due diligence? You can start with the latest edition of FLORIDA LINKSliving you hold in your hands where we profile five outstanding communities. (I also encourage you to visit LinksGolfRealEstate.com.) One of the oldest, Boca West Country Club, located in Boca Raton, is still one of the best because the club is constantly updating its amenities, including its four top-tier courses, without ever assessing any of the members. With six superb dining venues, the club also has a well-earned culinary reputation. “Some people play golf, some play tennis, but everyone eats,” the GM is fond of saying. Nearby is the St. Andrews Country Club, which more than lives up to its legendary namesake with its two terrific courses and state-of-the-art learning center. It’s the home club of LPGA darling Morgan Pressel, while her cousin, former ATP pro Aaron Krickstein, oversees a booming tennis program with 15 lighted clay courts. To the north, in the central part of the state, lies Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club with its array of excellent amenities, from great golf and tennis to a full-service spa and magnificent clubhouse. But with hundreds of acres of idyllic rolling hills on which to ride, it’s the horses and the locale that make the club unique. If you’re considering a resort-style community, then look no further than PGA Village Verano, which sits side-by-side with PGA Golf Club, the winter home of the PGA of America in Port St. Lucie on the state’s “Treasure Coast.” Of course, maybe you’ll just decide to stop flocking back and forth and just make Florida your permanent home like many of the resident-members do at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in Wellington—they take advantage year round of all the things the club has to offer, including one of the largest women’s member-guest tournaments in the state with 272 participants on two courses. Either way, you’ll be flying high living your dream. Sincerely,

Jack Purcell President and Publisher jpurcell@linksmagazine.com

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contents

4 8

Boca West Country Club

An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

A new neighborhood is rising at this elegant, one-ofa-kind private community, set in the rolling hills of central Florida, that offers the best of everything

PGA Village Verano and PGA Golf Club Experience the ultimate resort-style community, offering an all-inclusive, full-service lifestyle, to satisfy the most avid golfer and those looking for the best of Florida living

16 20 on the cover: Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Photo by Nile Young

St. Andrews Country Club A new generation of membersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from newly retired to young familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a spectacular clubhouse renovation have infused new life into this luxurious and elite Boca Raton club

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club

Two beautiful golf courses and a fun-loving membership give this Palm Beach area country club community a vibrancy that is embraced year round by its residents

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FLORIDA LINKS living

Boca West Country Club An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

t is no small feat to be named the

“We are in the member-pleasing business,” says Jay

nation’s top private country club

DiPietro, club president and general manager. “We

(nine years running nonetheless) by the

understand what people want and don’t want. We

Platinum Clubs of America. But in Boca

work hard at it. And we recruit and hand pick the

Raton, a city rich with the world’s finest

nicest, friendliest, most attentive people in the world

private clubs found anywhere, that

to work here.” More than 800 of those hand-picked

numero uno ranking among the elites and the

employees work in the club during peak season.

ABOVE: The clubhouse can accommodate a variety of social events. OPPOSITE: The cascading water feature at the club’s Aquatic Center BELOW: A waterfall serves as the backdrop at the 18th green on Fazio II.

bragging rights that come with it just might be the most satisfying honor. Boca West Country Club, perfectly situated on 1,400 lushly landscaped acres between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, isn’t just one of the topranked clubs in the country. With more than 6,000 residents, it is also one of the largest. Everything is bigger than life here, from the magnificent clubhouse, sports center and spa to the four championship golf courses to the six separate dining venues that rival the top restaurants of any major city. And while the club’s size allows it to skillfully handle any member function, and serve 900 for dinner in the clubhouse, Boca West’s biggest asset isn’t its grand scale, but its staff. WINTER 2014

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ABOVE: The golf experience overall is first class, starting with the lush landscaping. RIGHT: The 506-yard 18th on Palmer I features a nifty “beach bunker.” FAR RIGHT: With more than 30 courts, tennis is huge at Boca West. BELOW: The Spa lobby’s waterfall sculpture

The members appear to be well pleased. Thirty five percent of them live here year round, a figure double or better that of other southern Florida communities. They love it so much that they can’t wait to tell their friends about the place. That “word of mouth” is the main factor in selling homes. Even in lean real estate years, Boca West will still sell an impressive 100 homes a year. “Our members support our club because they treasure it here,” says DiPietro. “They are proud of their club.”

1997 and offer not just great golf, but lots of it. With

community, the clubhouse, and all

member tournaments typically attracting 500 partici-

the facilities seem forever young

pants, multiple courses are a necessity.

because everything is constantly

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Palmer I, the first course completed here, is a true

refreshed. Started in 1970, the club

championship golf course and often the venue used

has never had an assessment and

for big tournaments. Fazio II, with its waterfalls at

everything looks brand new.

the 9th and 18th greens that spill over hand-sculpted

The golf experience, like every-

Jim Fazio, and Pete Dye, have all been rebuilt since

What’s not to be proud of? The

stones, is considered the most aesthetically pleasing.

thing else, is first class. The four

When they hired Dye to design course IV, they told

golf courses, by Arnold Palmer,

him they wanted a Pete Dye course that was playable.

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Boca West Country Club 20583 Boca West Drive Boca Raton, Fla. 33434 561.488.6934 BocaWestCC.org

PALMER I PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,220 YEAR FOUNDED: 1997 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

FAZIO II “I’ll build you a golf course I would want to play

from poolside casual to elegant fare in

every day,” Dye said. And he did exactly that.

Panache, and the venues are designed to

There are so many details that enhance the golf experience. Laser finders in every cart eliminate

serve every taste. Likewise, there are a number of

looking for yardage on sprinkler heads, while the

options for living in this paradise.

paspalum turf on the Fazio and Dye courses handles

Condominiums from the $100,000s to

the south Florida climate beautifully and hardly ever

$8 million homes in re-gated neighbor-

presents a bad lie. In addition to separate locker

hoods are available. One of the conve-

rooms and card rooms for men and women, they

nient membership perks is the ability to

each have their own extensive pro shops as well.

select the option that suits you best on

While golf may reign supreme, tennis flourishes

PAR: 71 YARDAGE: 6,811 YEAR FOUNDED: 2005 ARCHITECT: Jim Fazio

PALMER III PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,753 YEAR FOUNDED: 1999 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

DYE IV PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,954 YEAR FOUNDED: 2006 ARCHITECT: Pete Dye

an annual basis. While social member-

here, too. More than 30 Har-Tru courts, a full sched-

ship is the minimum, every year you can pick and

ule of tournament and social events, an active junior

choose what other memberships you would like,

program, a new Tennis Center (opened April 2013),

including individual golf memberships.

BELOW: Members can choose from six different dining venues.

and exhibitions by some of the sport’s best players, keep things busy courtside. You can’t spend any time here without discovering that food is a very big deal at Boca West. The club has a well-earned reputation for providing its members an incredible dining experience. The food is so good and so appreciated, members have no need to travel outside the gates for gourmet dining. DiPietro never forgot advice he received early in his career: “Some people play golf, some people play tennis. Everybody eats.” And eat they do. The club serves a remarkable three quarters of a million meals a year through its six restaurants. The menus,

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Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

A new neighborhood is rising at this elegant, one-of-a-kind private community, set in the rolling hills of central Florida, that offers the best of everything

ere in the “Horse Capital of the

Golden Ocala, with its lush, manicured grounds

World,” the very heart of central

punctuated by lakes, towering oaks, and rolling hills,

Florida, it is easy to be captivated by

impresses immediately. Entering through the front

the idyllic beauty of the gently roll-

gate you are transported into a wonderland filled

ing hills, the endless horse pastures

with fountains, statuary, and gardens at every turn.

bounded with four-board fences,

Elevation changes reveal sweeping views breaking

and graceful oaks draped with Spanish moss. Time almost seems to stand still in this poetic setting. Though tranquil, it is far from remote. Ocala, with all of its culture, shopping, and restaurants, is nearby.

through dense stands of towering trees. Every imaginable amenity and activity is available for the fortunate membership—from great golf and tennis to a full-service spa and a spectacular

ABOVE: Members enjoy many amenities, particularly the spa and fitness center. OPPOSITE: The 491-yard 12th hole is patterned after Augusta National’s 12th. BELOW: The jumping ring at the Equestrian Center

Those who live here absolutely love the land and the lifestyle it offers. With 1,300-acres, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club was born from that special appreciation of this region. A local family, the Roberts, wanted to create a residential golf and equestrian community that echoed the ambiance of their own estate—a private sanctuary where families could enjoy horseback riding, championship golf, luxury homes, and superb amenities. Their vision was to establish the best residential development available anywhere at any price. Remarkably, they did just that. WINTER 2014

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ABOVE: Central Florida is considered “The Horse Capital of the World.” RIGHT: Just outside the Clubhouse are two practice holes. BELOW: The 128-yard 4th hole (left) is patterned after the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon. The 377-yard 3rd hole is on the right.

clubhouse. Then, of course, there are the horses. They are majestic, have plenty of pasture, and there are hundreds of acres on which to ride them. (Horses aren’t the only animals loved here; this is a very pet-friendly community.) The homes, as might be expected, are extraordinary, luxurious, and often grand in size. But now, for the first time, this exceptional country club community has introduced a new residential offering priced in the $250,000s. (Until now it has taken well over $450,000 to get a home here.) The neighborhood of Eagle’s Landing, designed around mature oak trees in a park-like setting, has changed all that. Sized from 1,560 to 2,120 square feet, and available in both townhouses and single-family homes, these

and instead of palm trees, live oaks and majestic pines

maintenance-free residences are perfect for those who

line the fairways. The layout has gained fame because

don’t need or desire larger living spaces but still want

of the eight holes patterned after some of golf’s most

to enjoy all that life here offers. Eagle’s Landing has

famous holes, including those at Augusta National,

struck a chord with homebuyers; 15 of the residences

Baltusrol, Muirfield, and the Old Course at St.

were reserved even before construction began.

Andrews. While those holes give a real sense of

One amenity homeowners at Eagle’s Landing will

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playing the originals—when Davis Love III saw

have the opportunity to enjoy is the Ron Garl-

the one patterned after the Postage Stamp at Royal

designed golf course. This is not your typical Florida

Troon, he said all it was missing was the ocean—it is

course. Elevation changes provide for rolling fairways,

Garl’s original design you will remember most.

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The tennis is outstanding here, too. The six Har-Tru Hydro-Grid courts (with another seven being built), all lit for night play, host the club’s

LEFT: The Spa offers a full menu of treatments for both women and men.

competitive team that has enjoyed success not only in state but also nationally. Not far from the courts is a state-of-the-art, enormously popular spa (with a beautiful resort-style pool just outside its doors)

365 members love the privacy (gated with 24-hour

where members can take advantage of everything

security) they have here as much as they love not

from haircuts to facials. The fitness center makes full

having to call for a tee time. The location also ensures

use of the latest technology, too. Each member has a

there is something for this very social bunch to do

smart key that they insert into every piece of fitness

in the area every weekend. Within an hour they can

equipment to direct and track their workouts.

be fishing in the Crystal River, enjoying

For all the natural beauty found within its gates

the beach at Daytona, tubing at Rainbow

and all the amenities offered, the unrivaled star of

Springs, or spending a day at Disney

the community is its two-story 77,000-square-foot

World with the grandkids.

clubhouse. An important part of the Roberts’ vision

This is a lively time at Golden Ocala. A

to provide the best of everything, the building is mag-

new neighborhood is under construction,

nificent inside and out. The expansive verandas, with

new tennis courts are on their way, and

dramatic views of the gardens and lake, and grand

a 14-stall horse barn will soon join the

outdoor staircase are a favorite of wedding parties. It

22-stall barn already in place. But perhaps

is also the place where members can enjoy both fine

most important, the Roberts’ vision to

dining at Raspberrys or more casual fare at Knickers.

provide the best of everything is being

A close, welcoming community, Golden Ocala’s

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reaffirmed on a daily basis.

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club 8300 NW 31st Lane Road Ocala, Fla. 34482 352.369.6969 GoldenOcala.com

GOLDEN OCALA PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,735 YEAR FOUNDED: 1986 ARCHITECT: Ron Garl

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he PGA of America is one of

With a trio of world-class courses by Tom Fazio and

the most recognized brands in

Pete Dye, a state-of-the-art, 35-acre PGA Center for

the world. For nearly 100 years,

Golf Learning and Performance, the complimentary

this organization of 27,000 men

PGA Museum of Golf, and some of the most

and women Professionals has

advanced golf training and instruction all gathered

represented stability, quality, and an unparalleled

in one place, this is the preeminent destination for

commitment to golf. It is the gold standard in the

those who love to play the game.

ABOVE: The Clubhouse at PGA Golf Club OPPOSITE: 14th green, Dye Course BELOW: The homes at PGA Village Verano are next door to PGA Golf Club.

game. And with the strategic placement of “PGA” at the beginning of “PGA Golf Club” and “PGA Village Verano,” it also has come to represent a unique and attractive home-ownership and golf opportunity. Located in Port St. Lucie on Florida’s picturesque Treasure Coast just 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and within easy reach of Palm Beach, PGA Village Verano sits side-by-side with PGA Golf Club, the spectacular golf resort owned and operated by the PGA of America. For those who love golf, it’s an impressive pairing. PGA Golf Club is built around learning and playing the game. The winter home of the PGA, it attracts players of all ages and abilities from across the world for the pure golf experience. And for good reason! WINTER 2014

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ABOVE: 184-yard 12th hole, Ryder Course

With a location below the frost line, you can enjoy PGA Golf Club year round. Tom Fazio’s Ryder Course, with its rolling hills and majestic pines, has

While all three courses are open for public play, one is designated each day for PGA Golf Club

founder of the Ryder Cup, it’s a fun course to play.

members only. And here’s the kicker: a fourth course,

It’s considered the easiest of the three, which should

Jim Fazio’s PGA Country Club, just three miles down

help keep your handicap in good shape.

the road, is reserved for members-only play every day. For Verano homeowners who choose a PGA Golf

of the prettiest in the state and more characteristic of

Club membership, this means there are two courses a

Florida. Palm trees, palmettos, and wetlands abound,

day designated for private-play only.

as does Fazio’s trademark massive bunkering. The

PGA Golf Club carries Audubon International

design is bold, and it’s a great challenge. The course

Signature Status for wildlife conservation and

was named after department store magnate Rodman

protection, and each one has recently earned “Rolling

Wanamaker, who was instrumental in the PGA’s

Out the Green Carpet” certification from the National

founding. He also donated the Wanamaker Trophy,

Women’s Golf Alliance for excellence in providing a

which is awarded annually to the PGA Champion and

great golf experience for women golfers, too.

regularly displayed here at the on-site PGA Museum of Golf. Simply spectacular, the Dye Course is one of the

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has a flow that is supremely satisfying to the eye.

a park-like Carolina feel. A tribute to the namesake

Fazio also designed the Wanamaker Course, one

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Florida golf with a touch of Britain’s best. The course

For those interested in improving their game, there’s no better place to be than the nearby PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance.

best in South Florida. Built in the middle of wetlands,

The practice and training facilities, where PGA

the layout showcases a kinder, gentler Dye. This is a

Professionals come to hone their skills, are truly out

real competitor’s course that combines the finest of

of this world. Top 100 teachers are at your disposal,

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PGA Village Verano 10198 SW Visconti Way Port Saint Lucie, Fla. 34986 888.476.3017 PGAVillage.com

WANAMAKER COURSE

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,123 YEAR FOUNDED: 2006 ARCHITECT: Tom Fazio

RYDER COURSE PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,037 YEAR FOUNDED: 1999 ARCHITECT: Tom Fazio

every imaginable high-tech training tool is available,

PGA Village Verano is thriving, with 70

as are fitness training, short-game areas, practice

homes built in 2013, and another 100 in

ranges (lighted in winter for extended hours) and

the works for 2014. With villas starting in

unlimited range balls. All of this is complimentary to

the high $100,000s, single-family homes

members. If it’s golf you want, you’ll find it all here.

from the mid $200,000s, and larger homes

For most, PGA Golf Club is a short-term experi-

averaging about $450,000, it’s easy to enjoy

ence. You may come for a weekend or a couple of

an incredible quality of life for a lot less

weeks, but eventually—and reluctantly—you return

than it costs farther down the coast.

home. Unless, of course, you live next door at PGA

If you’re looking for warm weather

Village Verano—where your backyard just might cozy

virtually year round, along with the

up to the Ryder Course.

pleasures of the Treasure Coast—including

Kolter Homes, the developer of PGA Village

PGA COUNTRY CLUB COURSE PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,906 YEAR FOUNDED: 1988 ARCHITECT: Jim Fazio

easy access to an incredible golf experience combined

Verano, has created a lakefront neighborhood with

with an active and satisfying lifestyle— you will

every amenity you could desire. While golf is a big

find it all at PGA Village Verano.

draw for this community, the active, full-service

DYE COURSE

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,279 YEAR FOUNDED: 1998 ARCHITECT: Pete Dye

BELOW: The Clubhouse provides a beautiful backdrop for the 454-yard 9th hole on the Wanamaker Course.

lifestyle offered stands well on its own, too. In fact, golf membership is completely optional. Already in place at PGA Village Verano is an impressive fitness center with an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, weight room with cardio equipment, aerobics room, saunas, massage room, and luxurious locker rooms. All are within walking distance and even more is to come. Kolter is also getting started on a brand new 20,000-square-foot clubhouse in PGA Village Verano that’s slated for completion in late 2014. And the selection of programs to be offered is sure to match the interests of anyone fortunate to call this special community home.

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St. Andrews Country Club A new generation of members—from newly retired to young families—and a spectacular clubhouse renovation have infused new life into this luxurious and elite Boca Raton club

elcome to the new St.

“Our membership is proud, ecstatic really, with the

Andrews Country Club.

transformation,” says General Manager Craig Martin,

The elite Boca Raton

C.C.M. “We’ve received a big thank you for getting

country club community,

the Club looking like it deserves to look.”

famous for its luxury, privacy, and uncompromising

Along with the structural and programming changes, a much more important transformation is taking

level of service, is more relaxed, more casual, and

place at this community that has always been at

more fun these days. And the members love every bit

the forefront of leading private clubs: St. Andrews’

of it. But then they would. The evolution is just what

demographic is shifting younger. An influx of young

they ordered.

families have infused the Club with fun and vitality.

You can feel—and see—the change the moment

Families, including many internationals, have helped

ABOVE: The new Recreation & Aquatic Center is the perfect playground for kids of all ages. OPPOSITE: 503-yard 9th hole, Palmer Course BELOW: Main Clubhouse Entrance

you walk into the newly renovated clubhouse. As impressive as ever, the social center of the community feels more like a welcoming home, and not like a country club. Wood floors, a large fireplace, and comfortable gathering spots welcome members and invite them to stop and stay awhile. The changes are all part of the Club’s $15 million “Club Improvement Plan,” endorsed by members, which encompassed a complete redesign of the clubhouse, Gallery restaurant, main entry features, landscaping, and the recreation and aquatic center. WINTER 2014

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shape the community’s evolution. The change is re-

white bunkers and majestic palms, is the shorter of

flected in longer clubhouse hours, a new Recreation &

the two, but requires pinpoint accuracy. With water

Aquatic Center designed to delight families of all ages,

in play on every hole, you can’t afford too many

a new game room and outdoor play area for kids, and

errant shots. The Olde Course allows you to test your

a new joie de vivre embraced by a membership that

mettle playing from the tips that stretch to nearly

has always been close-knit and treasured the colle-

7,000 yards, or play it forward and reap the benefits

gial, family atmosphere. The club is truly a place that

of generous landing areas and open approaches to

grandkids and young families will love.

the greens.

The golf is spectacular as ever, but there is a new

To keep up to speed with their games, members

emphasis on bringing the fun back, of creating clinics

have embraced the new Golf Performance Center.

and opportunities to help families enjoy the game

The state-of-the-art facility features a V1 Digital

more. The very popular Nine & Dines not only help

Coaching System and FlightScope Launch Monitor

to increase the camaraderie of golfers but also

with instant, visual feedback that shortens the time

increase play.

it takes to absorb lessons and put them into practice

The golf at St. Andrews has always been a hallmark of the Club. The two courses—the Arnold Palmer

on the course. St. Andrews is also the home course of LPGA

Signature and Gene Bates designs—are as aesthetically

Touring Professional Morgan Pressel, who holds her

pleasing as they are a joy to play. For those privileged

annual Morgan & Friends Fight Cancer Tournament

enough to call this home, the ability to play without

here. Pressel’s uncle, Aaron Krickstein, a former ATP

ever making a tee time is a satisfying reward.

Tour pro who was the youngest player ever to win a

Deciding which course to favor could be a lifelong, albeit pleasurable, process. The Palmer, with its pearl-

Grand Prix event, oversees a booming tennis program played on 15 lighted clay courts.

RIGHT (clockwise from left): Lunch buffets are offered daily as well as Sunday brunches; one of 15 clay courts; the fully equipped fitness center; the Golf Performance Center

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Golf has a rich history here. Bob Toski, PGA Tour champion and legendary golf instructor, was

new Vine Room is enveloped with bottles of wine showcased behind art deco glass displays.

the club’s first director of golf when it opened in

The Club’s successful transformation is reflect-

1983. Today, as Pro Emeritus, his presence is still

ed, too, in the market’s response. There has been

felt as a frequent, and beloved, visitor to the club.

a 43 percent increase in real estate sales over the

It is a testament to the nature of St. Andrews

previous year and a resurgence of homebuilder

that its origins and its new vitality

activity. In the past year, 27

are equally embraced.

percent of sales were priced

This may not be your grand-

between $750,000–$1 million

father’s country club anymore,

and 24 percent of homes were

but it is an exciting and improved

selling in the $1.6 million to

version. The updated facilities are

$5 million range.

still spectacular, the staff impec-

St. Andrews Country Club has

cably attentive, the food superb,

always been known for exceed-

and the impressive state-of-the-

ing expectations and providing

art security second to none.

exceptional high-end service to

And all of it is delivered within

their members and their guests.

the context of upscale Boca

With these newly upgraded

Raton, the perfect destination

facilities, the professional staff

for luxurious living.

at St. Andrews is able to cater to

Members now have five dining

their members’ needs in every

spaces to enjoy year round, including the aptly

way, allowing all members—whether new retirees

named The View, with walls of windows provid-

or young families—to truly live in luxury,

ing breathtaking views of the golf courses. The

St. Andrews Style.

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ABOVE: The Olde course offers enjoyment for golfers of all levels. LEFT: St. Andrews Country Club’s resident touring professional and hometown favorite, LPGA star Morgan Pressel

St. Andrews Country Club 17557 Claridge Oval West Boca Raton, Fla. 33496 561.451.4900 StAndrewsCC.com

PALMER PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,526 YEAR FOUNDED: 2003 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

OLDE PAR: 72/73 YARDAGE: 6,887 YEAR FOUNDED: 1995 ARCHITECT: Gene Bates

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FLORIDA LINKS living

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Two beautiful golf courses and a fun-loving membership give this Palm Beach area country club community a vibrancy that is embraced year round by its residents

oyal Palms, regally lining both

Program to ensure new members feel at home right

sides of the entryway as you ap-

from the start.

proach the impressive clubhouse

While there are an amazing array of year-round

at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club,

activities and clubs to satisfy every interest and whim

signal right away that you have arrived at a luxurious private

community. Everything is impeccable, from the well-manicured grounds to the exquisite neighborhoods of homes, from the elegant details of the club to the magnificent views. But none of that prepares you for what you discover once you really step inside

ABOVE: 204-yard 14th hole, East Course OPPOSITE: 427-yard 18th hole, East Course LEFT: The clubhouse serves as a welcoming focal point for members and their guests.

this community. Vibrant, fun-filled, non-stop, and fabulous—that’s how members describe the lifestyle here. “This is the most fun we’ve had in our life,” says one resident. “I have a whole new set of friends. There’s really an excitement here,” says another. So much so, that PHOTOGRAPHY BY NILE YOUNG

many members are giving up their primary homes in the North and enjoying life at Wycliffe year-round. The warm and welcoming membership is always eager for new people and operates an Ambassador’s WINTER 2014

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NEAR RIGHT: The culinary staff presents creative, sophisticated cuisine. FAR RIGHT: 427-yard 18th hole, East Course BELOW: 574-yard 6th hole, East Course INSET: Director of Golf Lynn Stebbins has been at Wycliffe since 1995.

(photography, gardening, art, singles group, book, men’s discussion, and many more), sometimes members’ common interests converge to form the unexpected. Like the group of former New Yorkers who keep their love of stickball alive by playing in the Wycliffe stickball league, now entering its 12th season. But golf is definitely the driving force here. It seems

Course, Stebbins says, is one she never tires of playing

as if everyone plays, thanks in no small part to the

even after 18 years. The East was home to the LPGA

efforts of Lynn Stebbins, their very popular

HealthSouth Championship for four years. The

Director of Golf, who has been with the club since

closing holes of both courses march side-by-side to

1995. Stebbins has embraced the Play It Forward

the clubhouse, providing magnificent vistas and a

initiative as a way to help everyone enjoy

beautiful way to end any round.

playing the two distinctively different—

The golf staff runs major tournaments for the

and enjoyable—championship courses.

members, but flight them so everyone can compete.

Both feature lush, rolling fairways and

In the spirit of the fun-loving membership, they offer

an abundance of mounding that make

everything from serious play to quirky tournaments.

them atypical of Florida courses. The

With 272 participants, the club hosts perhaps the

West is the shorter of the two courses,

largest women’s member guest tournament in the

but requires strategizing if you don’t want

area for a 36-hole facility.

to put up big numbers. (There are water

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hazards on 16 of the 18 holes.) The more scenic East

Not surprisingly, the membership plays a lot of

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FLORIDA LINKS living

tennis, especially doubles. There are 16 Har-Tru

as the most philanthropic community in

courts, eight of them lighted, and they stay very active

Palm Beach County.

with social and competitive leagues, Pro-Ams, and

This well-established, built-out, 600-acre

member-guest events. Tennis pro Kam Kuchta, who

community of 1,045 homes includes coach

has won nine national championships, places a big

homes, villas, and single-family homes spread

emphasis on making sure that the tennis is as fun as

throughout 14 different neighborhoods,

it is competitive. Members enjoy watching ATP

each with its own distinct style. Prices range

exhibitions from the 300-seat stadium adjacent to the

from the $150,000s to the $750,000s. In this

clubhouse, where crowds often gather for the events.

golf-cart friendly community, nearly every

The elegant clubhouse, which was transformed

home is outfitted with a cart garage. The

with a $24 million renovation, serves as a welcoming

architecture is Mediterranean, with most

focal point. Grand windows and spacious verandas

homes featuring turn-key living, open-style

showcase panoramic views of both closing holes. An

floor plans, and great golf (or lake) views.

open kitchen symbolizes the importance food plays

Of course, living in the Palm Beaches has

in everything that goes on here. Their talented chef

substantial benefits for residents when they

Richard Trentman has been on board since the club

can break away from all the fun inside the

opened and keeps the menu fresh by tapping into the

community. As they like to say, Wycliffe is

latest culinary trends.

“exclusive but not isolated.” Twenty minutes

The clubhouse’s amenities draw members to its

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club 4650 Wycliffe Country Club Blvd. Wellington, Fla. 33449 561.964.9200 WycliffeCC.com

EAST

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,917 YEAR FOUNDED: 1989 ARCHITECTS:

Bruce Devlin/Karl Litten

east are South Florida’s magnificent beaches;

tranquil Spa, where they can be pampered, and

to the west lie ranches and equestrian country. State

to the state-of-the-art Fitness Center, with its group

colleges and universities are nearby, offering continu-

fitness and Pilates studio and more than 36 weekly

ing-education opportunities and collegiate sporting

classes. Members also gather here for spectacular,

events. And there are plenty of restaurants, shopping,

“standing-room-only” theme nights and a game of

and cultural venues in the triangle of Boca Raton,

cards with friends. While the prevailing atmosphere

Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. Getting to

is decidedly festive, there is a serious side to the

Wycliffe is easy, too, with international airports near-

membership. They put a tremendous emphasis

by at Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

on wellness programs and they are renowned for their charitable efforts. Wycliffe is widely regarded

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WEST

PAR: 70 YARDAGE: 6,136 YEAR FOUNDED: 1989 ARCHITECT: Karl Litten REDESIGNED: 2006 PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,671 ARCHITECT: John Sanford

If fun, friendships, and a full life are your top priorities, you won’t find a better place.

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Preferred Partners Boca West Country Club Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club PGA Village Verano and PGA Golf Club St. Andrews Country Club Wycliffe Golf & Country Club

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Poured Carefully At The Finest 19th Holes.

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Yes, 19th Holes Are Great. But There’s No Place Like The 20th.

Eventually, we all want to come home. Dispense with pretense.

Release the pressure. Just be. If a home bar is part of that equation-whether sprawling or humble-it deserves to be outfitted with the finest ingredients. That’s Rule No. 1 for creating fine cocktails. In the rum department, that means Gosling’s. Gold, Black Seal, Old Rum and Stormy Ginger Beer. The perfect foursome for your own private 20th Hole.

Gosling’s. For Seven Stubborn Generations. www.goslingsrum.com We make it slowly, stubbornly. Please enjoy it slowly, responsibly. 40% ABV. Product of Bermuda. Castle Brands, NY, NY.

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