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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
W
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. 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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503-yard 9th hole, Palmer Course
ST. ANDREWS COUNTRY CLUB 17557 Claridge Oval West Boca Raton, Fla. 33496 561.451.4900 StAndrewsCC.com LL_WINTER14_ST_ANDREWS_Reprint.indd 16
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