No one can doubt that golf's star has risen dramatically in the last couple of decades, and there are many explanations as to why: The crush of baby boomers entering their prime golf-playing years. Bull markets. Tiger Woods. A cosmic conjunction between the calming nature of the game and the psychological needs of an anxious era. But when it comes to how, not why, the culture of golf has changed in that time, one trend clearly eclipses all the others: the marriage of golf to real estate, and with it the blossoming of a new golf lifestyle.
Of the 100 communities presented in Travel + Leisure Golf's inaugural list of the nation's top residential golf properties, only a handful, such as Sea Island in Georgia, are even remotely historic. A few others were part of the first wave of "country club communities" in the 1970s and 1980s, but most are much newer. Fully half of the communities on our list have been built in the last dozen years. Of all golf courses in the United States today, only one in five is part of a planned residential community; but of those under construction, three in five are. And golf-home prices are surging. Yes, there are worries that rising interest rates will prick the so-called housing bubble, but developers show no signs of slowing down, and many real estate experts expect demographics to keep demand strong at the extreme high end of the market, even if the rest of the real estate market slumps.
The traditional golf paradigm—living in an ordinary neighborhood and pursuing the game at nearby private or public courses—is still the dominant one, of course, especially in the nation's northern tier. But across the Sun Belt, from the coastal Carolinas and Florida to Southern California, as well as up the Pacific Coast and even into the western mountains, master-planned golf communities have been booming. They draw not just locals but also passionate golfers from elsewhere in search of second homes and places to retire.
A few decades ago, when developers were putting up the first golf communities in Florida and the Carolinas, the best buyers might hope for were cookie-cutter fairways squeezed between bland condos. But since the early 1990s, as soaring markets stoked boomers' lust for luxury, there has been an explosion of communities offering heretofore unheard-of amenities and a sense of endless vacation.
The treatment can be lavish. In addition to ever higher quality golf, some communities dole out perks such as extensive concierge service and access to private jets. Others hire full-time master chefs and nature guides. Spas, horseback riding, hiking-trail networks, marinas and frequent, planned activities for both kids and adults are common.
Sociologically, the impact of this trend may be to further isolate the very wealthy from the rest of the world. In some cases, residents pass not one but two or even three gates to reach their homes. But for those fortunate enough to reside in such places, security is part of what makes the lifestyle sublime, as is the sense of belonging and the satisfaction of having reached the pinnacle of residential success.
In compiling this list, we began with the premise that the golf needed to be great: top course designs, impeccable maintenance, easy access for members. But we also recognized that a great community encompasses much more than golf, both tangible (superior housing, flawless facilities) and intangible (a sense of identity, breathtaking sunsets).
Of course, every list such as this is subjective in subtle ways, and this one favors communities offering sophistication and transcendent experience. The top twenty-five are ranked in order according to our criteria (see below); consider the rest tied for twenty-sixth. The bottom line is: Are these 100 communities the places in which we ourselves would most like to live? The answer, resoundingly, is yes.
The Top 10
What does it take to be the best of the best? Extraordinary golf, a great location, attention to detail and paradigm-shifting service.
1 Santa Lucia Preserve Carmel, California
With an entrance gate only three miles from the sophisticated bustle of Carmel and Pebble
Beach, the Santa Lucia Preserve seems like a miracle. Of its 20,000 pristine acres, 18,000
will be forever preserved as a conservancy for the community's 296 families. Tom Fazio's mesmerizing
course nestles almost invisibly into the landscape. Community central is an eighty-year-old
Spanish hacienda with world-class dining, nine guest rooms and a nearby sports complex. The
Preserve's equestrian center is a world unto itself.
2 The Bear's Club Jupiter, Florida
Behind the forged-steel entrance gates, every aspect of development was supervised by a Nicklaus.
The Golden Bear oversaw the course and housing concepts, while wife Barbara did the clubhouse
interior. The Bear's Club will top out at only ninety-six residences at prices typically north
of $6 million. An on-site concierge caters to residents' whims and an acclaimed chef runs
the dining room.
3 Isleworth Orlando, Florida
To outsiders, Isleworth is best known for being Tiger's lair. But to insiders it's the little
things that count: family Thanksgiving turkeys cooked by Isleworth's master chef. The 'tween
dances for kids. The $25 million Sotheby's sculpture exhibition adorning the recently revamped
course. The 7,000-square-foot men's lounge with golf simulator, putting green, gaming tables
and basketball court.
4 Kiawah Island South Carolina
Best known for its resort with five courses (the Ocean hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup), the island
is mostly residential. Picture shingled mansions and Charlestonian elegance framed by the
Atlantic on one side, a majestic river on the other and marshland in between. Residents have
two private courses, three clubhouses, two restaurants under chef Tom Colicchio, a spa and
soon a new sports center.
5 Mayacama Santa Rosa, California
Nestled into the fabled Sonoma Valley, Mayacama boasts twenty-nine "vintner members" from
surrounding wineries. Members have access to special wine allocations. The lyrical Jack Nicklaus
course, traipsing through the hilly 675-acre property, has a top-flight caddie program and
is walking only.
6 Wade Hampton Cashiers, North Carolina
Tucked into a perfect Appalachian valley between Asheville and Charlotte, Wade Hampton is
a cool summer retreat for Southerners and a cultural retreat for others. The community, limited
to 280 homesites, is understated but traditional; men must wear slacks on the golf course
and jackets at dinner. The Tom Fazio course is one of the best mountain layouts in the world.
7 Estancia Scottsdale, Arizona
Estancia is justly famous for Tom Fazio's magnificent course, which wraps around Scottsdale's
landmark Pinnacle Peak and offers spectacular views of the high Sonoran Desert. Equally splendid,
however, are the 32,000-square-foot clubhouse, the fitness center, the Tuscan-style houses
in low density (only 267 homesites on 640 acres) and the community's exclusive cachet.
8 Sea Island Georgia
Some families have been returning to this Old South enclave for five generations, but ongoing
improvements have propelled Sea Island to a whole new level. In addition to fine dining, a
new spa to open this summer and the grand old Beach Club, residents enjoy three courses—including
Tom Fazio's ethereal redesign of Seaside—excellent golf instruction and arguably the
world's most beautiful practice facility.
9 The Cliffs Communities Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Four separate communities, perched in the exquisite Appalachian landscape on both sides of
the South CarolinaNorth Carolina border, are united with a common membership. The Keowee,
Walnut Cove, Valley and Glassy communities all have great golf, great food and outstanding
amenities, such as marinas, stables and extensive spa and fitness services.
10 Promontory: The Ranch Club Park City, Utah
In summer, an equestrian center, a fly-fishing outfitter's cabin and fifty miles of hiking
trails augment the aesthetically over-the-top Pete Dye course, with a Nicklaus course to open
this spring. In winter, residents have their own staffed ski lodge at nearby Upper Deer Valley
and some of the world's best snow. Year-round: a huge spa and multiple clubhouses, including
one of 5,000 square feet just for kids. Located thirty miles from Salt Lake City.
The Next 15
These top communities include a desert jewel, an island paradise and a mountain hideout.
11 Palmetto Bluff Bluffton, South Carolina
The community's architecture pays tribute to Low Country plantations, but with 20,000 acres
of marshland and shore, Palmetto Bluff is also for nature lovers. Boating, fishing and a sumptuous
spa supplement the Nicklaus course.
12 The Vintage Club Indian Wells, California
The unmarked entrance gates are understated, but inside, the homes are spectacular and every
blade of grass seems to be personally attended to. This resort-style oasis has lakes, waterfalls
and thirty-six Tom Fazio holes.
13 Kuki'o Golf& Ocean Club Kona, Hawaii
Picture paradise: blue ocean, white sand, lava fields, cottages near the beach and in the
hills. This is Kuki'o. You'll never need a tee time on the Tom Fazio course, and the rest
stations are stocked with gourmet treats.
14 Iron Horse Whitefish, Montana
Located between a pristine lake and the Big Mountain ski resort, Iron Horse is a favored escape
for tycoons. An on-site comprehensive concierge arranges white-water rafting and dinner in
artsy Whitefish. The golf is by Tom Fazio.
15 Lake Nona Orlando, Florida
Sure it plays second fiddle to Tiger's nearby Isleworth, but Lake Nona has its own cast of
Tour stars, a great Fazio course, a spa, a wine cellar and excellent fishing and boating.
16 Colleton River Plantation Bluffton, South Carolina
Augusta National meets the Low Country. In addition to eighteen holes by Nicklaus and eighteen
by Dye, there's an Augusta-like par-three course. Some of the homes, with acres of marshland
as backdrop, have deepwater access.
17 Pronghorn Bend, Oregon
The weather is great on the eastern slope of the Cascades, and so are the courses by Fazio
and Nicklaus. If the extensive amenities (some still being built) and fabulous views aren't
enough, nearby Bend offers art, charm and boutiques.
18 The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Rancho Santa Fe, California
North of San Diego, this wealthy enclave has rolling hills and canyons, a Tuscan-style clubhouse,
a sports center and a spa. The golf, by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is as good as the climate.
19 Silverleaf Scottsdale, Arizona
Antique beams and tiles for the clubhouse were imported from Europe, choice parcels of land
were preserved for parks and the New Urbanism design promotes street life. Tom Weiskopf crafted
the challenging desert course.
20 The Greenbrier Sporting Club White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Residents have a private Fazio course plus access to all three of the courses at Sam Snead's
old place, the Greenbrier Resort. A spa, members' lodge, abundant fly-fishing streams and
an equestrian center complete the picture.
21 BigHorn Palm Desert, California
Begin with access to private jet service. Add a spa, a salon, five dining venues, Hollywood
celebrities and astronomical property values. Then check out the opulent courses by Arthur
Hills and Tom Fazio.
22 Mirasol Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
The grand clubhouse, evoking 1920s Florida, overlooks two courses—one by Fazio, one
by Arthur Hills. The 2,300-acre community's sporting center includes clay-court tennis.
23 John's Island Club Vero Beach, Florida
Turning into John's Island from Vero Beach is like falling down Alice's rabbit hole: a grand
clubhouse, homes that make jaws drop, a superb resident chef and, to top it off, three courses—one
by Fazio and two by Dye.
24 Southern Highlands Las Vegas
The last course that Robert Trent Jones Sr. helped design is a hilly masterpiece. With a great
grillroom, phenomenal spa and family-friendly orientation, the community is, surprisingly,
only ten minutes from the Las Vegas strip.
25 Mirabel Scottsdale, Arizona
Mirabel's uniqueness goes beyond the Frank Lloyd Wrightstyle clubhouse and the walkable Fazio
eighteen with a caddie program. Services include an on-course chef cooking snacks, and chilled
lavender towels by the eighteenth green.
State-By-State
America's Top 100 Golf Communities
ALABAMA
Greystone Birmingham A former Champions Tour site, Greystone has spacious estates, a top practice facility and the 2004 PGA National Instructor of the Year. Golf: 36 holes (Bob Cupp, Rees Jones). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $2 million. Contact: 205-986-5120 or greystonecc.com.
Shoal Creek Shoal Creek One of the first true golf communities, it has hosted two PGA Championships and one U.S. Amateur. Extensive equestrian facilities. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $770,000 to $5.3 million. Contact: 205-991-4653 or shoal-creek.com.
ARIZONA
Blackstone at Vistancia Peoria Poolside cabanas and private-resort feel make playing in Peoria a luxurious experience. Golf: 18 holes (Jim Engh). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to more than $3 million. Contact: 800-617-5301 or blackstonecountryclub.com.
DC Ranch Scottsdale Great golf plus a $20 million clubhouse and loads of family activities. Golf: 18 holes (Scott Miller, redesigned in 2002 by Tom Lehman/John Fought). Recent Home Listings: $370,000 to $4.5 million. Contact: 480-502-2725 or dcranch.com.
Desert Highlands Scottsdale Home to the original Skins Game, it established northern Scottsdale as a luxury golf mecca. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $900,000 to $4 million. Contact: 480-419-3745 or deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.
Desert Mountain Scottsdale This enormous community borders the Tonto National Forest and includes six golf courses, nine miles of hiking and biking trails, a spa and concierge services. Golf: 108 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $7 million. Contact: 800-255-5519 or desertmountain.com.
(7) Estancia Scottsdale In addition to the great Fazio course, Estancia has a wine cellar, a fitness center with massage rooms and a European-style clubhouse. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $2.5 million to $9 million. Contact: 480-473-4400 or estanciaclub.com.
Forest Highlands Flagstaff Two superior 18-hole courses and an 18-hole putting course, plus a fully stocked fishing pond and extensive hiking paths—all at 7,000 feet above sea level. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish, Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $699,000 to $3.1 million. Contact: 928-556-8606 or foresthighlandsrealty.com.
The Gallery Marana One of the area's newest communities, the Gallery features a large sports club with basketball and volleyball courts, Olympic-size pool and fitness center. Golf: 36 holes (John Fought/Tom Lehman, Fought). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $400,000 to $1 million. Contact: 888-437-4800 or gallerygolf.com.
(25) Mirabel Scottsdale With a full-service luxury spa and fitness center and an outdoor-activities concierge. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $8 million. Contact: 866-647-2235 or mirabel.com.
Quintero Golf & Country Club Peoria The highly ranked Founder's course by Rees Jones will soon be joined by Greg Norman's Charter course. Golf: 18 holes (Rees Jones). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $2 million. Contact: 888-417-8468 or quinterogolf.com.
Rim Golf Club Payson At 5,000 feet above sea level, this 555-acre aerie has only 326 homesites. World-class golf, surrounded by national forest, ninety minutes from Scottsdale. Golf: 18 holes (Jay Morrish/Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $1.3 million to $3.5 million. Contact: 800-311-5370 or therimgolfclub.com.
Seven Canyons Sedona A new 200-acre development in the middle of 100,000 acres of protected forest and red-rock crags. The course could not be more gorgeous. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $2.9 to $3.5 million. Contact: 866-367-8844 or sevencanyons.com.
(19) Silverleaf Scottsdale Panoramic vistas, desert sunsets and a super spa. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $1.5 million to $5 million. Contact: 480-502-6902 or silverleaf.com.
Stone Canyon Oro Valley The course, north of Tucson, winds through a cactus forest. On-staff exercise physiologists, massage therapists and chiropractors. Golf: 18 holes (Jay Morrish). Recent Home Listings: $1.4 million to $4 million. Contact: 877-219-9100 or stonecanyon.com.
Superstition Phoenix The 3,500-square-foot sports club has lap pools, spa treatments and kids' activities. Golf: 36 holes (Jack Nicklaus, Gary Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus Jr.). Recent Home Listings: $550,000 to $1 million. Contact: 888-846-4801 or superstitionmountain.com.
CALIFORNIA
(21) Bighorn Palm Desert With a full slate of family social events and the annual LPGA Samsung World Challenge, there's never a dull moment. Golf: 36 holes (Arthur Hills, Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $2 million to $13 million. Contact: 888-551-5577 or bighorngolf.com.
(18) The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Rancho Santa Fe On 540 acres, this community includes a day spa and an extensive sports and fitness center. Golf: 18 holes (Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Recent Home Listings: $2.8 million to $4 million. Contact: 858-756-8700 or thebridgesrsf.com.
The Crosby Rancho Santa Fe North of San Diego, with an impressive aquatic center. Golf: 18 holes (Fred Couples). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $5 million. Contact: 858-759-7220 or thecrosby.com.
The Hideaway La Quinta Elite community with Spanish-style villas and homes and impeccable golf. Golf: 36 holes (Clive Clark, Pete Dye). Recent Home Listings: $2.8 million to $6 million. Contact: 760-777-7400 or hideawaygolfclub.com.
Lahontan Truckee Tall timber, high-country golf in the North Lake Tahoe area, clay-court tennis, fishing and great food. Golf: 27 holes (Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $1.8 million to $4.5 million. Contact: 800-582-9919 or lahontanrealty.com.
(5) Mayacama Santa Rosa Amenities include an underground wine grotto with private wine lockers for members and a racquet and swim club. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $1 million to $1.5 million. Contact: 866-393-1818 or mayacama.com.
The Quarry La Quinta Great Fazio course moves through three different elevations, plus a 10-hole short course in the new villa development. Golf: 28 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.6 million to $5 million. Contact: 760-777-1100 or quarryinfo.com.
(1) Santa Lucia Preserve Carmel With 100 miles of hiking trails, an eighteen-acre lake, frequent planned activities and over-the-top food. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $1 million to $4 million. Contact: 831-626-8200 or santaluciapreserve.com.
Santaluz San Diego Along with a stellar golf course noted for its views, residents enjoy a spa, a village green and miles of hiking and biking trails. Golf: 18 holes (Rees Jones). Recent Home Listings: $1.2 million to $3.1 million. Contact: 858-759-3109 or santaluz.com.
Sherwood Thousand Oaks This family-oriented community is a familiar host to off-season tournaments. A new Nicklaus par-three course will open this spring. Golf: 18 holes (Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $3.6 million to $15 million. Contact: 805-373-5992 or sherwoodcc.com.
Tehama Carmel Go ahead, make my community. Clint Eastwood's 88-homesite oasis spans 2,000 acres—85 percent of which will be preserved. Golf: 18 holes (Jay Morrish). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $2 million to $6 million. Contact: 831-625-2075 or tehamagolfclub.com.
Tradition Golf Club La Quinta Arnold Palmer's desert home course is the centerpiece of this tight-knit, much-beloved community. Golf: 27 holes (Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $2.5 million to $7 million. Contact: 760-564-3355 or traditiongolfclub.net.
(12) The Vintage Club Indian Wells A retreat for the rich and powerful. A stadium tennis court that seats more than 1,000 people is used for Pro-Am tournaments. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $895,000 to $8.5 million. Contact: 760-340-0500.
COLORADO
Castle Pines Castle Rock The home of the International is 7,000 feet above sea level, with views stretching for 150 miles. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $7 million. Contact: 303-688-6022 or castlepinesgolfclub.com.
Red Sky Ranch Wolcott Twenty-five minutes west of Vail, it has a David Leadbetter golf academy and a wraparound deck at the clubhouse for sunset viewing. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio, Greg Norman). Recent Home Listings: $1.8 million to $7 million. Contact: 877-973-3759 or redskyranch.com.
Roaring Fork Club Basalt Located near Aspen, the summertime focus is on golf, fishing and camp for the kids. Cross-country skiing in winter. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $1.9 million to $2.8 million. Contact: 970-927-9000 or roaringforkclub.com.
Redlands Mesa Grand Junction Exemplar of the "new" West. Area jazz festivals and wines add to the ambience. Golf: 18 holes (Jim Engh). Recent Home Listings: $550,000 to $3 million. Contact: 877-501-6372 or redlandsmesa.com.
FLORIDA
Amelia Island Plantation Amelia Island An island of golf with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and marshland on the other. Golf: 72 holes (Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Tom Jackson, Bobby Weed). Recent Home Listings: $625,000 to $4.5 million. Contact: 888-261-6161 or aipfl.com.
Bay Hill Orlando Arnold's home course in Florida, host of the Bay Hill Invitational. Marina, spa, salon, fitness and tennis. Golf: 27 holes (Dick Wilson, redesigned in 1980 by Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $2.5 million. Contact: 888-422-9445 or bayhill.com.
The Bear's Club Jupiter Palm Beach's ritzy Worth Avenue shops are just minutes away. With a vast Tuscan-style clubhouse. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $6 million to $18 million. Contact: 561-626-2327 or thebearsclub.com.
Bonita Bay Bonita Springs Huge development with five private courses, a private beach club and 12 miles of bike trails. Golf: 90 holes (Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills). Recent Home Listings: $3 million to $5.6 million. Contact: 888-875-8782 or bonitabay.com.
The Estates at Bay Colony Pelican Marsh In a top area of Naples, with only 76 homesites on 280 acres. Nearby private beach club. Golf: 18 holes (Robert Von Hagge). Recent Home Listings: $3 million to $12 million. Contact: 239-592-9515 or theestatesatbaycolonygolfclub.com.
Frenchman's Reserve Palm Beach Gardens Mediterranean-style mansions harken back to the Palm Beach of the 1920s. Plus a top Palmer layout. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $5 million. Contact: 561-799-5660 or frenchmansreserve.com.
Grey Oaks Naples Elegant, established enclave in the heart of Naples, with an 18-hole putting course and two clubhouses. Golf: 54 holes (Bob Cupp, Lloyd Clifton/Ken Ezell/George Clifton). Recent Home Listings: $4.5 million to $7.3 million. Contact: 800-294-2426 or greyoaks.com.
Isleworth Orlando Luxuries include an 89,000-square-foot clubhouse with wellness center, in-home massage and seven lakes to contemplate. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay, redesigned in 2003 by Steve Smyers). Recent Home Listings: $2 million to $12 million. Contact: 407-876-0111 or isleworth.com.
John's Island Club Vero Beach The two Dye courses play along the Intracoastal Waterway; Fazio's super West course is inland. Golf: 54 holes (Pete Dye, Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.8 million to $7 million. Contact: 772-231-1700 or johnsislandclub.org.
Lake Nona Orlando Built around 1,000 acres of lakes, Lake Nona has a small guest lodge and hosts many junior golf and tennis events. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $7 million. Contact: 407-851-9091 or lakenona.com.
The Loxahatchee Club Jupiter A top choice for those seeking natural beauty. Excellent caddie program. Concierge will arrange for limo shuttle to and from the airport and massages in your home. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $7 million. Contact: 561-747-5990 or loxahatcheeclubrealty.com.
The Medalist Golf Club Hobe Sound Greg Norman's "home course" features an Aussie pub, a spa and a 12-hole par-three course. Golf: 30 holes (Pete Dye/Greg Norman, Greg Norman). Recent Home Listings: $1.2 million to $2 million. Contact: 772-546-2337 or medalistestates.com.
Mediterra Naples The 25,000-square-foot clubhouse is surrounded by fountains and pastoral gardens. Residents also enjoy a private beach club. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.6 million to $7 million. Contact: 888-888-1404 or mediterra-naples.com.
Mirasol Palm Beach Gardens Hosts the Honda Classic. Community comprises 26 villages. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to more than $4 million. Contact: 800-578-4544 or mirasolclub.com.
Old Marsh Palm Beach Gardens If any golf community qualifies as "classic," this 1988 chestnut is it. One of the first to emphasize environmental stewardship. Golf: 18 holes (Pete Dye). Recent Home Listings: $450,000 to $3.5 million. Contact: 561-627-4605 or oldmarshgolf.com.
Old Palm Golf Club Palm Beach Gardens Has a new, 43,000-square-foot clubhouse and a 33-acre golf studio with state-of-the-art technology. Golf: 22 holes (Raymond Floyd). Recent Home Listings: $1.6 million to $8 million. Contact: 800-924-4005 or wcicommunities.com.
Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club Vero Beach A barrier island gem with a premier practice facility, private beach and a large pool with private cabanas. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $12 million. Contact: 772-388-2350.
Tesoro Port St. Lucie A new course by Tom Watson is under construction. With full service spa, croquet course and a private beach club. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $5 million. Contact: 888-297-3339 or tesoroclub.com.
Tuscany Reserve Naples New but destined for greatness. The clubhouse will have private wine storage for members and a fresh produce market. With concierge services and superb golf. Golf: 18 holes (Pete Dye/Greg Norman). Recent Home Listings: $1.6 million to more than $4 million. Contact: 800-924-4005 or wcicommunities.com.
GEORGIA
Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee Eatonton Sensational course by Crenshaw and Coore, about 80 miles from Atlanta. With a Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired golf house, walking paths and canoeing. Golf: 18 holes (Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw) Recent Home Listings: $379,000 to more than $2.5 million. Contact: 800-458-5351 or cuscowilla.com.
Ford Plantation Richmond Hill Twenty miles south of Savannah, has only 400 homesites on 1,800 acres. Has a top-quality equestrian center, deepwater marina, spa and abundant wildlife. Golf: 18 Holes (Pete Dye). Recent Home Listings: $795,000 to more than $2 million. Contact: 877-735-8367 or fordplantation.com.
Hawks Ridge Ball Ground One of Bob Cupp's most brilliant designs, in a secluded setting 40 miles north of Atlanta. The Braves' John Smoltz was one of the early promoters. Old-style architectural feel. Golf: 18 holes (Bob Cupp). Recent Home Listings: $1.7 million to $3.5 million. Contact: 770-205-6889 or hawksridge.com.
Reynolds Plantation Greensboro Four world-class courses (and soon a fifth for members only) strung along Lake Oconee. The on-site Ritz-Carlton takes things up a notch. Golf: 81 holes (Bob Cupp, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to more than $2 million. Contact: 800-800-5250 or reynoldsplantation.com.
Sea Island Resident Davis Love III and new director of instruction Todd Anderson boost the golf prestige. Golf: 54 holes (Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Davis Love III). Recent Home Listings: $1.8 million to $11 million. Contact: 800-732-4752 or seaisland.com.
HAWAII
Hualalai Kona With a Four Seasons resort on the premises, residents get the full luxury treatment. The Weiskopf course, beach house and canoe club are for members only. Golf: 36 holes (Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $4.5 million to $20 million. Contact: 808-325-8500 or hualalairesort.com.
Kuki'o Golf & Ocean Club Kona With a 10-hole short course, a full-service spa, extensive concierge services and an open-air clubhouse. Golf: 28 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $3 million to $10 million. Contact: 808-325-4040 or kukio.com.
LOUISIANA
English Turn New Orleans With a well-known course and lots of kids programs. The golf was only minimally damaged by Hurricane Katrina last year, and most of the community is back in business. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $300,000 to $1.2 million. Contact: 504-392-9100 or englishturn.com.
MARYLAND
TPC at Avenel Potomac Host of PGA Tour events and just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Avenel offers an equestrian center and a stadium golf facility. Golf: 18 holes (Ault, Clark & Associates). Recent Home Listings: $600,000 to $6 million. Contact: 301-469-3700 or tpcatavenel.com.
MASSACHUSETTS
Turner Hill Ipswich Rolling hills and a Tudor-style clubhouse give this community north of Boston an old New England feel. Fitness center offers massage. Golf: 18 holes (Hurdzan/Fry). Recent Home Listings: $1.2 million to $1.6 million. Contact: 978-356-7070 or turnerhill.com.
Willowbend Mashpee Hands-on owner Paul Fireman, the Reebok CEO, keeps this Cape Cod community fresh and luxurious. Golf: 27 holes (Michael Hurdzan, Bruce Besse Jr.). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to $3.9 million. Contact: 508-539-5200 or willowbendcountryclub.com.
MICHIGAN
Bay Harbor Club Bay Harbor Views of Little Traverse Bay in north Michigan delight golfers on Arthur Hills's picturesque nines. Yachting and horseback riding are also popular at this unique community on a reclaimed cement works. Golf: 27 holes (Arthur Hills). Recent Home Listings $600,000 to $8 million. Contact: 888-229-4272 or bayharbor.com.
MISSOURI
The National Parkville Massive oaks and sycamores on 1,000 rolling acres 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City. Built around a challenging track by Tom Watson, his first signature course, the community also features sailing. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Watson). Recent Home Listings: $500,000 to $5 million. Contact: 816-505-0650 or thenationalgolfclub.com.
MONTANA
Iron Horse Whitefish With spectacular scenery, superior golf, fly-fishing and wilderness adventure—and that's just in summer. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $5.7 million. Contact: 800-473-2755 or ironhorsegolfclub.com.
Yellowstone Club Big Sky Perched above a charming Montana ski town, this five-year-old fairways-and-slopes enclave attracts a national clientele. The course is all silky lines amid the rugged surroundings. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $2 million to $6 million. Contact: 888-700-7748 or theyellowstoneclub.com.
Stock Farm Hamilton Flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain Ranges; owned by Charles Schwab. Features an equestrian center, 30 miles of backcountry trails and houses hidden throughout the 2,600-acre property. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings (lots only): $500,000 to $1.5 million. Contact: 406-375-1888 or stockfarm.com.
NEVADA
Lake Las Vegas Henderson Residents live in enclaves tucked away from the multihotel resort areas but have access to the fine dining, marinas and boutiques. A fourth course, by Fazio, to open in 2007. Golf: 54 holes (Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $4 million. Contact: 800-564-1603 or lakelasvegas.com.
Southern Highlands Las Vegas Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s last design rises into rocky foothills. With a glorious new spa, a network of trails and on-site schools, both public and private. Golf: 18 holes (Robert Trent Jones Sr./Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Recent Home Listings: $500,000 to $5 million. Contact: 877-261-1010 or southernhighlands.com.
NEW MEXICO
Las Campanas Santa Fe The hacienda-style adobe clubhouse blends inconspicuously with the landscape but harbors many luxuries. With an elaborate equestrian center, a spa and fine dining. Golf: 36 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $700,000 to $12 million. Contact: 800-992-4250 or lascampanas.com.
NORTH CAROLINA
Bald Head Island Southernmost barrier island in North Carolina, with miles of pristine beaches. Accessible only by boat. Golf: 18 holes (George Cobb). Recent Home Listings: $500,000 to $4 million. Contact: 800-804-9826 or baldheadisland.com.
Jefferson Landing On The New River Jefferson Blue Ridge Mountain hiking, canoeing and fly-fishing rival the golf. Golf: 18 holes (Larry Nelson). Recent Home Listings: $250,000 to more than $2 million. Contact: 800-292-6274 or jeffersonlandingclub.com.
Wade Hampton Cashiers Idyllic setting, low-key golf and a rustic, understated community. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $759,000 to $4 million. Contact: 828-743-5465.
OREGON
Pronghorn Bend A new development still partly under construction. Skiing, biking, fishing, climbing, riding—all near a charming town. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $1.8 million. Contact: 800-541-9424 or pronghornclub.com.
Sunriver Resort Sunriver Offers breathtaking views and skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor. Sunny more than 260 days a year. Golf: 54 holes (Bob Cupp, Fred Federspiel, Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $2.5 million. Contact: 800-801-8765 or sunriver-resort.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Belfair Bluffton Enter through a corridor of moss-hung oaks. An annual amateur invitational attracts a top national field. World-class golf practice center. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $600,000 to more than $2 million. Contact: 800-587-7710 or belfair1811.com.
Berkeley Hall Two Fazio courses near Hilton Head, with one of the country's best learning centers. Many resort-like facilities. Golf: 36 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $700,000 to $3.5 million. Contact: 888-817-8458 or berkeleyhallsc.com.
The Cliffs Communities Travelers Rest Hiking, canoeing, fly-fishing and horseback riding. A second Nicklaus course to open soon, followed by a second Fazio. Golf: 72 holes (Tom Fazio, Tom Jackson, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Wright). Recent Home Listings: $650,000 to more than $3.5 million. Contact: 866-435-5123 or cliffscommunities.com.
Colleton River Plantation Bluffton Nearly eight miles of saltwater marsh front creates a fertile habitat for wildlife. With two clubhouses, a stadium tennis center and Augusta-style cottages for guests. Golf: 45 holes (Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $699,000 to $4.5 million. Contact: 800-673-6456 or colletonriver.com.
Daniel Island Park Charleston A luxury golf enclave on the city of Charleston's secondary island. A Rees Jones course will open this spring. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $800,000 to more than $3 million. Contact: 843-958-5635 or danielisland.com.
Kiawah Island Twenty-one miles from historic Charleston, the island has 10,000 acres and lots of wildlife. Golf: 126 holes (Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Clyde Johnston, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson). Recent Home Listings: $799,000 to $10 million. Contact: 888-559-9024 or kiawahisland.com.
Long Cove Hilton Head With a terrific Pete Dye course, Long Cove is a quintessential gated enclave that retains its quiet class and self-assuredness. Residents gather for oyster fests; and the yacht club is popular. Golf: 18 holes (Pete Dye). Recent Home Listings: $700,000 to $4 million. Contact: 843-686-1070 or longcoveclub.org.
Palmetto Bluff Bluffton The housing is clustered in villages scattered across 20,000 acres to foster community feel. Magnificent trees, extensive water access, boating and fishing—and an on-site Auberge spa. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $965,000 to $2.5 million. Contact: 866-316-5262 or palmetto-bluff.com.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee Sunset Four thousand Blue Ridge acres, halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, reserved for 1,500 homesites. The Village Center sits above the shimmering lake. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $900,000 to $2 million. Contact: 888-217-8884 or reserveatlakekeowee.com.
Sea Pines Hilton Head Five miles of beaches and two Audubon Cooperative sanctuaries. Golf: 54 holes (George Cobb, Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus, Clyde Johnston, Mark McCumber). Recent Home Listings: $750,000 to $3 million. Contact: 888-807-6873 or seapines.com.
Spring Island Classy community on a maritime island with a fine old Palmer course and a strong environmental emphasis. Riding, fishing, boating and a nearby hunting camp. Golf: 18 holes (Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay). Recent Home Listings: $1 million to $5 million. Contact: 843-987-2200 or springisland.com.
TENNESSEE
Rarity Bay Lake Tellico Golf, water sports and an equestrian center with views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Access to Lake Tellico provided by docks throughout the community. Golf: 18 holes (D.J. DeVictor/Peter Langham). Recent Home Listings: $185,000 to $1.3 million. Contact: 800-287-0032 or raritybay.com.
TEXAS
Barton Creek Austin One or the other of the two Fazio courses at Barton Creek Resort is reserved solely for residents each day. Golf: 72 holes (Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer). Recent Home Listings: $500,000 to $11.7 million. Contact: 800-336-6158 or bartoncreek.com.
Comanche Trace Kerrville The Kite course is a winner. Located in a hill country area noted for its arts. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Kite/Ray Bechtol/Randy Russell). Recent Home Listings: $200,000 to $1 million. Contact: 877-467-6282 or comanchetrace.com.
Horseshoe Bay Resort Horseshoe Bay Three courses and a lighted 18-hole putting course, with on-course air-conditioned bathrooms. Largest Robert Trent Jones Sr. complex in the U.S. Golf: 54 holes (Robert Trent Jones Sr.). Recent Home Listings: $400,000 to $5 million. Contact: 800-531-5105 or hsbresort.com/" target="_blank">hsbresort.com.
Vaquero Westlake Justin Leonard and several other Tour pros live in this ranch-themed community. Rolling terrain, shady oaks, stocked ponds and concierge services. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.3 million to $8 million. Contact: 817-379-4555 or vaqueroclub.com.
The Woodlands Forested setting 30 miles north of Houston. Two separate golf clubs. Golf: 99 holes (Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Robert Von Hagge/Bruce Devlin). Recent Home Listings: $130,000 to $4 million. Contact: 281-863-1400 or thewoodlands.com.
UTAH
Glenwild Park City Sundance Film Festival in the summer, nearby ski resorts in the winter. Year-round swim and spa facility and hiking trails on property. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.8 million to $6 million. Contact: 877-924-9453 or glenwild.com.
Promontory: The Ranch Club Park City Service that astounds. A tennis court morphs into an ice-skating rink come winter. Golf: 36 holes (Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $1.7 million to $4.5 million. Contact: 888-458-6600 or promontoryclub.com.
VERMONT
Quechee Lakes Quechee Small-town New England charm with a private ski mountain, summer camp for the kids and tennis facilities. Golf: 36 holes (Geoffrey Cornish). Recent Home Listings: $410,000 to $3 million. Contact: 888-592-2224 or quecheelakes.com.
WASHINGTON
Snoqualmie Ridge Snoqualmie Great golf, plus nearby fishing and skiing. Forty percent of the land is preserved as open space. Forty minutes from downtown Seattle. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $360,000 to $2 million. Contact: 888-669-8889 or srmpc.com.
WEST VIRGINIA
The Greenbrier Sporting Club White Sulphur Springs The outdoor services staff will arrange for fly-fishing on private trout streams. Golf: 72 holes (Tom Fazio, Charles Blair Macdonald/Seth Raynor, Raynor/Jack Nicklaus, Dick Wilson/Bob Cupp). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $5 million. Contact: 888-741-8989 or greenbriersportingclub.com.
WISCONSIN
Horseshoe Bay Farms Egg Harbor Golf membership includes beach-club privileges, access to private parks and a concierge. Golf: 18 holes (Rick Robbins/Brian Lussier). Recent Home Listings: $300,000 to $1.8 million. Contact: 866-599-3276 or horseshoebayfarms.net.
WYOMING
Powder Horn Ranch and Golf Club Sheridan The best aspects of the Western lifestyle—fishing, golf and hunting in the nearby Big Mountains. With nature trails and a new pool house with spa. Golf: 27 holes (Dick Bailey). Recent Home Listings: $550,000 to $2.3 million. Contact: 800-329-0598 or thepowderhorn.com.
How We Compiled the List
The goal in creating the Top 100 was to identify those communities that best combine superb golf with homes and facilities of the highest quality, extraordinary location and a wealth of lifestyle opportunities. Determining eligibility was not always simple. Some familiar names, Pebble Beach and Muirfield Village, for example, are not included—Pebble because buying a home in the community affords no special access to the public Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Muirfield because the residential community and Jack Nicklaus's golf club are technically unrelated and have minimal overlapping memberships.
To be eligible, communities must offer property owners and opportunity for membership in an affiliated private golf club. Limited public access to the course, such as for guests at a resort, is allowed but may detract from a community's ranking. In cases where the affiliated club has nonresident members, more than half of the club's members must reside in the community. For a few complex cases, other specific requirements ere established.
From an initial universe of more than 2,000 golf communities, the field was reduced to several hundred and then each was rated in five categories: golf (worth up to 35 points); quality of housing (25 points); community amenities and activities (20 points); location, including natural setting and proximity to cultural and other activities (15 points); and X-factor, such as celebrity residents or buzz (5 points). The points were then totaled to rank the Top 100.
IN THE PIPELINE
The best-laid golf-community master plans can go awry, but ground-floor buyers do get their choice of lots, and founding-member discounts of some magnitude. Here are five communities-in-the-making that bear watching.
Amelia National Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Not quite on-island, this budding community offers an attractive mulligan to would-be buyers
at Amelia Island Plantation. Amelia National's Tom Fazio course sports a rumpled-fairway look
and sinuous bunkering. A massive, mansard-roof clubhouse will be the hub of activity. Visit
amelianationalgolf.com.
Grizzly Ranch Portola, California.
A half day's drive from the Bay Area, this foray into Ansel Adams terrain will have a Bob
Cupp golf course and fly-fishing facilities. The development's vision draws naturally upon
its Sierra heritage. Visit grizzlyranch.com.
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Creighton Farms Aldie, Virginia.
Jack Nicklaus's course in the hunt country west of Washington, D.C., will mark his inaugural
pairing with Ritz-Carlton's golf division. The master plan calls for just 180 homes. Visit
nicklaus.com.
Sugarloaf Mountain Apopka, Florida.
Somehow the hot design team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw built courses in Nebraska and Indonesia
before Florida. Their hyperbolically named Sugarloaf Mountain project will make Orlando seem
a hundred miles away instead of fifteen. Visit themountain.cc.
Suncadia Roslyn, Washington.
The brains behind the Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon, with its small-town feel and outdoorsy
luxury, have moved north to build another utopia. The private Tumble Creek Club will have
a Tom Doak layout and two excellent daily-fee courses nearby. Built primarily for the Seattle
market (eighty miles away), Suncadia will snag folks from elsewhere, too. Visit www.suncadia.com.
—David Gould
WHY FAZIO AND NICKLAUS REIGN
If golf courses were motion pictures, those in upscale housing developments would be big-budget studio releases, not offbeat indies. "The developer has to do a lot of preselling," points out Scottsdale course designer John Fought, "so he's willing to pay that big fee up front for a Tom Fazio or a Jack Nicklaus." In fact, of our 100 top communities, twenty-eight have courses from Fazio's sketch pad and twenty-four from Nicklaus's. Trailing with thirteen is Pete Dye, then Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Robert Cupp and the individual Joneses (Robert Sr., Robert Jr. and Rees).
What, no Doaks? Not yet. While beloved by purists, Tom Doak may be perceived as a riskier bet. (Purists themselves, the Doaks of the world may not much like designing around housing, either.) Architects such as Fazio, who is known for courses pleasing to both the eye and the scorecard, are safer. And while Nicklaus's courses are known for having sharp teeth, residents respect his playing greatness too much to complain, and developers love the star power (and media coverage) he brings to ground-breakings.
Pete Dye may be the only residential golf architect to get away with true mischief. He built towering mounds in front of a short par four at Old Marsh in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, then installed a bell behind the green for golfers to clang as they finished. Alongside it is the inscription: Ring this bell for my dad, Paul D. Dye, who loved his family and everything about the game of golf. As a result, residents have never found the courage to flatten those infernal mounds. —D.G.
