The GolfCourseHome Life

2009 Index Shows Growth for Golf Course Communities, New Websites, Green Living

The 2009 GCH tour included Balsam Mountain Preserve.

Welcome to the 2009 GolfCourseHome Index--your resource for all important articles and stories published this year, including the Dream 18--Best Residential Golf Holes, Best of the Best community rankings, Specialty of the House, Golf Course Architect Series and much more.

Headlines

Most Popular Blog Stories

• Awards & Course Rankings
• Golf Community Tours - Onsite Visits
• Western North Carolina Communities Tour
• Environmental News
• Specialty of the House
• New Website Joins GolfCourseHome Network
• New Communities on the WaterViewHome Network
• New Communities on the GolfCourseHome Network
• Celebrities & Pros
• First Person
  

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Most Popular Blog Stories

Awards & Course Rankings
GolfCourseHome Dream 18 Golf Holes
GolfCourseHome's Best of the Best Residential Communities
Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play

Golf Digest's 75 Best Golf Resorts You Can Live On
Golf World's Readers Picks for Courses You Can Live On
Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses

Travel + Leisure Golf Top 100 Golf Communities
Golfweek's Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
Golf Digest Honors Two Jim Engh Courses
Where to Retire's Top 100 Communities

Vacation Resort Communities
Five Questions to Ask When Looking at a Health & Wellness Community
Blogs & Twitter Generate More Traffic for Communities

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Golf Community Tours - Onsite Visits
A Visit to The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA

Western North Carolina Communities Tour
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Champion Hills
Cummings Cove
Bright's Creek

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Environmental News
How to Live Green Without Spending a Fortune
Legacy Quest Homes: Green, Modern & Historic
Solar Power Gets Welcome Economic Boost
The Top 5 Trends in Golf Community Design

Specialty of the House
Lamb Shanks: Renaissance, FL

New Website Joins GolfCourseHome Network
www.GolfCourseProperty.net

Celebrities & Pros
Actor Lucas Black Charms Carolina CC Residents
Javier Colon Scores an Ace at BMW Charity Pro Am
Bay Club Member Uihlein Goes Undefeated at Walker Cup

Tiger Woods Arrives at The Cliffs by Helicopter: Video

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First Person
Publisher David Lott Cruises to Martha's Vineyard Abaord Cape Dory 270 Avanti
My Golf Course Home - Buyers' Stories

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NEW ON WATERVIEWHOME NETWORK

=> Dancing Bear Ranch, TX
=> The Bluffs at Richmond Hill, GA 
=> The Preserve at Grand Lake, OK
=> The Lake at Sylvan Way, NY
=> The Reverie on the Ashley, SC
=> Hilton Head Lakes, SC

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NEW ON THE GOLFCOURSEHOME® NETWORK

CALIFORNIA
=> Pauma Valley Country Club
=> Tehama

FLORIDA
=> Boca Woods
=> Indian River Colony Club
=> SummerGlen

GEORGIA
=> Callaway Gardens
=> Kingston on Lake Oconee
=> Owen Glen

MEXICO
=> Las Gardenias at Cabo Real
=> Las Villas de Mexico

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Bald Head Island
=> Brier Creek
=> Chapel Ridge
=> Cummings Cove

TEXAS
=> Lake Ridge
=> Bridges at Preston Crossing

RHODE ISLAND
=> Carnegie Abbey

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Spring Island
=> The Owner's Club at Hilton Head
=> Wild Wing Plantation
=> Wyboo Plantation
=> Wachesaw Plantation

VIRGINIA 
=> Regency at Dominion Valley
=> Viniterra

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Dataw Island Club Collects 200+ Toys at Eighth Annual Santa Claus Open Day

Dataw Island Club: Members help children of military families.

Continuing a holiday tradition of helping others, the residents of Dataw Island Club collected more than 200 toys during the eighth annual Santa Claus Open Day, held Sunday, December 13, 2009.

The toys were given to 65 children of deployed military personnel assigned to VMFA AW 533 (Hawks) and VMFA 115 (Eagles) from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Beaufort. The Santa Claus Open Day featured a toy drive for the children and Santa’s luncheon for the military families.

“We are very proud of our members who took part in the recent Santa Claus Open Day and helped to provide Christmas toys for the children of Beaufort-area armed service personnel,” said Ted Bartlett, Dataw Island general manager.

“Hosting charity outings such as this is a positive way to help the community and to assist those who are sacrificing for our freedoms.”

Casa del Lago Stay 'n Play Offers a Winter's Escape & 5% Discount on Condo Purchase

Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic: Your Winter Escape

Casa del Lago, the prestigious planned community that is home to the Dominican Republic’s signature golf residences and a Gary Player signature golf course, is offering a winter Stay 'n Play that will also get you on property in time to take advantage of a five percent pre-construction discount which will expire soon.

Construction at the community is progressing rapidly. The community's first building goes under roof in January and will be complete by June 2010.

Visit on a Stay 'n Play Package
Your Stay 'n Play package includes three night's accommodations at the nearby Embassy Suites (includes breakfast and happy hour), two rounds of golf on the Gary Player championship course and two meals at either the golf or Beach clubhouse.

Enjoy all amenities, including golf course, private beach club and equestrian center.

The grand clubhouse at Casa del Lago.

Note that a club membership is included with your purchase of one of Casa del Lago's finely apointed condominiums. Annual dues are only $750/year and include all greens fees and a 25 percent discount (bill and tax) from your club food/beverage and pro shop purchases.

Direct flights to Las Americas (SDQ) Dominican Republic airport put you only 15 minutes from Casa del Lago.

New Communities Newsletter Dec. 22: Holiday Events, Fundraisers & More

Montreux G&CC:  Deep luxury home price reduction.

NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
    Vol. 12, No. 468  Tuesday Dec. 22, 2009  Circulation: 30,920
          -------------------------------------------------------------- 
  USA   Mexico  Canada  Caribbean  Luxury Golf Communities
          -------------------------------------------------------------- 

This Week's Headlines:

Watch for the 2009 Index!
* Deals & Specials of the Week

* Special Community Events
* Community News & Updates
* News Shorts
* This Month's Spotlighted Communities
* Coming in 2010

_____________________________________

Welcome to the last regular issue of New Communities Newsletter for 2009. There will be no issue on Friday (Christmas Day) or Friday Jan. 1. Watch next Tuesday for the 2009 GolfCourseHome Index of articles and stories. You can see the 2008 Index here. We wish you and your families a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! And thank you for visiting the GolfCourseHome Network! -- David Lott, Founder & Publisher.

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

Montreux Golf & Country Club, NV alerts buyers to a deep price reduction on a luxury model home in The Chalets at Montreux. Now offered at $1,649,000, this four-bedroom, four-bath home has been reduced by $350,000. Price also includes an equity social membership at the club. Home features an open great-room floor plan and many upgrades, along with a three-car garage. Click here for more  information about Montreux Golf & Country Club!

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SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

Brunswick Forest, NC members are enjoying a busy social calendar for December, including themed dining every Wednesday night. Members will also take part in a craft fair and a cookie swap at the Fitness and Wellness Center, capping the month with a festive New Year’s Eve bash. Click here for more information about Brunswick Forest!

Hampton Hall, SC celebrates the season with a New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance beginning at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Holiday cocktails and a Carolina barbeque dinner are on the menu. Price is just $12 per person. Click here for more information about Hampton Hall!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

Reynolds Plantation, GA, announced that The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Reynolds Plantation were honored with 2010 Forbes Four Star Awards by Forbes Travel Guide, formerly the Mobil rating. Of the 8,000-plus hotels and resorts Forbes Travel Guide rates, only 214 achieve five- and four-star Award status. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Reynolds Plantation is one of only 125 spas to reach that level. Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

Indian River Colony Club, FL and its members are raising funds and gathering gifts to donate to U.S. service men and women returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Christmas trees, stockings and individual gifts will be given to the troops. Generous contributions totaling $13,252 have been received to date, with more anticipated, from an upcoming fashion show. Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

Carolina Country Club, SC congratulates member Hunter Harrington on a successful winter campaign competing in top junior tennis events throughout Florida. He won the age 16 bracket of the Eddie Herr International then reached the quarterfinals at the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl in Miami. Harrington credits Anthony Stewart, Carolina Country Club’s director of tennis, for helping him succeed. Click here for more information about Carolina Country Club!

Frenchman’s Reserve, FL was the host site for a successful Swinging for Scholarships Golf Classic, benefiting Take Stock in Children. The tournament took in $140,000, which will underwrite scholarships and mentor services for children from low-income families. Click here for more information about Frenchman’s Reserve!

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NEWS  & DEALS SHORTS

> Champion Hills, NC members have been visiting the North Carolina Arboretum to see an interesting display of small American folk art houses...

> Lake Blackshear Plantation, GA now offers two attractive Stay n' Play package featuring golf and accommodations starting at just $62....

> Barton Creek Resort and Spa, TX's Romantic Retreat starts at $199/pp and includes luxurious king bed accommodations, dinner, daily breakfast and free champagne on arrival....

> Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, FL's new Fitness Fore Golf program will improve your overall health and sharpen your golf swing. Sign up and get access to Lake Jovita’s first-class practice facilities and its two championship golf course after 4 pm daily....

• For GolfCourseHome's Complete Deals Section, click here

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THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHTED COMMUNITIES on the GolfCourseHome Home Page.

Cliffs at Keowee Springs
Six Mile, South Carolina

Casa del Lago
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic

Cliffs at Mountain Park
Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Regency at Dominion Valley
Haymarket, Virginia

River Wilderness
Parrish, Florida

Blackstone
Peoria, Arizona

* Watch for a special double issue on Dec. 28, the 2009 GolfCourseHome Index.

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MORE NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE IN 2010!

GolfCourseHome

* Hampton Lake, SC
* Savannah Lakes Village, SC
* Rive Isle, FL

New Communities Newsletter Copyright 1996-2009
Published by GolfCourseHome®Network
10 Years Online - Featuring Golf & Waterview Communities on 43 Network Member Sites

Lott Custom Communications, LLC, GolfCourseHome.net, WaterViewHome.net, GolfCourseHome®Network. All Rights Reserved. Golf Course Home® is Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. "New Communities" is a newsletter published for visitors and friends of   The GolfCourseHome®Network. If you know someone who would like to receive "New Communities," send us their e-mail address, and we'll send it to them. 

New Communities Newsletter, Dec. 18: Stay'n Plays, Romantic Retreat & More

Lake Blackshear Plantation, GA: Stay n' Play starts at $62.

                     NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
    Vol. 12, No. 466  Friday Dec. 18, 2009  Circulation: 30,925
          -------------------------------------------------------------- 
  USA   Mexico  Canada  Caribbean  Luxury Golf Communities

This Week's Headlines:

* Deals & Special of the Week
* Special Community Events
* Community News & Updates
* News Shorts
* This Month's Spotlighted Communities
* Communities Coming in 2010
              _____________________________________

Thank you for making Tuesday's online newsletter such a success. So much so that we are continuing to go online for the rest of the year. Watch for the last regular issue of the year next Tuesday, no issues on Christmas and Jan. 1  and a special double issue on Dec. 28, the Annual GolfCourseHome Index of all the year's stories and Network news. Watch for it!

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Lake Blackshear Plantation, GA now offers two attractive Stay n' Play packages. The first provides a one-night stay at the Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, plus two rounds of golf at Ironwood Golf Club at Lake Blackshear Plantation. Total price is $89 plus tax. The other option is a one-night stay with complimentary breakfast at the Best Western in Cordele, plus two free rounds at Ironwood Golf Club in Lake Blackshear, for $62 plus tax.  Click here for more information about Lake Blackshear!

> Barton Creek Resort and Spa, TX offers a Romantic Retreat package with rates starting at $199 per person. It includes luxurious king bed accommodations, dinner in either the 8212 Wine Bar & Grill or Hill Country Dining Room, daily breakfast and free champagne on arrival. Package available with golf or spa upgrade. Restrictions may apply. Click here for more information about Barton Creek!

> Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, FL has a new Fitness Fore Golf program designed to improve overall health and sharpen golf swings. Sign up and get access to Lake Jovita’s first-class practice facilities and its two championship golf course after 4 pm daily. Enrollees also receive five sessions with a certified personal trainer plus use of the junior Olympic pool. Standard fee of $1,000 is reduced for a limited time to $250. Click here for more information about Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club!

• For more deals & packages, click here
• For GolfCourseHome's Complete Deals Section, click here

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Boca Woods Country Club, FL: Members raise funds.

SPECIAL EVENTS

> Boca Woods Country Club, FL recently hosted the Annual Fireman’s Ball to recognize the men and women of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 51. A community club, the Friends of Fire Rescue 51, provided the firehouse with a new large-screen TV, a check for vertical flashlights and ongoing funds for cable service and the station food pantry.  More than 200 Boca Woods Country Club members and guests attended the event.  Click here for more information about Boca Woods Country Club!

> Hampton Hall, SC will host a Silent Auction and Charity Golf Tournament benefitting the American Cancer Society next month. The auction begins Jan.9 and runs through the tournament date, Saturday, Jan. 23, on Hampton Hall's Pete Dye-designed course. Festivities include a Mixed Couples Scramble, complimentary beverage cart service and a cocktail reception. Field is open to all residents of Hampton Hall and all Lowcountry residents. Cost: $35 for Members, $50 for the public Click here for more information about Hampton Hall!

Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC: Award winner.

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC was honored in the LINKS Magazine 2009 Smart Buying Guide among 300 premier residential golf communities. Cummings Cove was the one golf community region-wide to be chosen as "Best for Convenience to City Life." LINKS cited Cummings Cover for its “tranquil seclusion in the Blue Ridge Mountains and proximity to thriving shops, restaurants, galleries and attractions of nearby Asheville." Click here for more information about Cummings Cove!

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NEWS  SHORTS

> Sea Pines, SC is bracing itself for the 9th Annual Polar Bear Jump, taking place at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Harbour Town Pool in Sea Pines. Participants will warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and refreshments before braving the chill water. 

• For deals that expire on or before Dec. 31, click here!

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THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHTED COMMUNITIES
These communities are now featured in the GolfCourseHome Home Page Spotlight. See below for names, locations and links.

Blackstone
Peoria, Arizona

Cliffs at Keowee Springs
Six Mile, South Carolina

Casa del Lago
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic

Cliffs at Mountain Park
Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Regency at Dominion Valley
Haymarket, Virginia

River Wilderness
Parrish, Florida

* The last regular issue of 2009 of New Communities Newsletter arrives early Tuesday morning, Dec. 22nd! Watch for a special double issue on Dec. 28, the 2009 GolfCourseHome Index.

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MORE NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE IN 2010!

GolfCourseHome

* Hampton Lake, SC
* Savannah Lakes Village, SC
* Rive Isle, FL

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New Communities Newsletter Copyright 1996-2009
Published by GolfCourseHome®Network
10 Years Online - Featuring Golf & Waterview Communities on 43 Network Member Sites

Lott Custom Communications, LLC, GolfCourseHome.net, WaterViewHome.net, GolfCourseHome®Network. All Rights Reserved. Golf Course Home® is Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. "New Communities" is a newsletter published for visitors and friends of The GolfCourseHome®Network. If you know someone who would like to receive "New Communities," send us their e-mail address, and we'll send it to them. 

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The Not-So Big House Gains in Popularity as Buyers Turn to Smaller Homes: USAToday

By Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY
Out of the depths of housing's worst downturn, smaller new homes are turning into a bright spot for some home builders.

The trend toward more compact new homes is being driven partly by the fact that more customers are first-time buyers who have less to spend.

Home builders are responding by offering smaller designs with features such as high ceilings and large windows that create a spacious feel and options that let buyers personalize the model they choose.

KB Home's smaller model helped it achieve a 62% increase in year-over-year net orders in the third quarter.

The trend cuts across the industry. The median square footage of new homes has dropped 9% from a peak of 2,300 square feet in the third quarter of 2006 to 2,100 square feet in the July-September period this year, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Housing size drops with each recession, but economists expect the current movement toward smaller homes to continue for some time in part because of the severity of the current housing market slump.

First-time buyers are driving the trend
First-time buyers are driving the trend toward smaller homes because that is what they can afford, says David Crowe, chief economist at the NAHB.

As the economy improves, move-up buyers generally enter the market and begin buying larger homes. But this time, so many homeowners owe more on their homes than their properties are worth that many potential move-up buyers will be stuck even as the economy strengthens.

That means first-time home buyers will still be buying smaller homes while larger homes will find fewer buyers.

"This downsizing is more sustainable," Crowe says. "The first-time buyer will continue to be a large part of the market because the move-up buyer will not have as much equity. It's going to take them awhile to climb out."

The NAHB doesn't keep data on the percentage of new home sales that are made by first-time home buyers, but about half of all home purchasers were first-time buyers in October, according to the National Association of Realtors.

For builders, smaller, less-expensive homes mean less profit. But the industry is already facing strong competition from a high supply of foreclosed homes selling at comparatively low prices.

Good News for Builders
"The appetite for smaller homes may be a welcome change for home builders as new home sales have been challenged in the past few years," says Tom Lydon, editor of ETF Trends, which educates investors on fund choices and market trends.

Major home builders such as KB Home and Pulte Homes are responding to the shift in demand by offering more of the smaller properties.

At Pulte Homes, its most popular designs today are 100 to 200 square feet less than the most-popular plans in 2005-06.

So the lower-priced homes don't seem bare-bones to buyers, open floor plans and 9-foot ceilings provide a sense of roominess. Fireplaces are an option.

To hold down costs, Corian — a surfacing material created by DuPont— is a standard for kitchen counters instead of granite. Appliances are standard models instead of pricier stainless steel.

"It's not just making it smaller, it's maximizing the space in the home," says Caryn Klebba, a spokeswoman at Pulte Homes. "It's a 9- or 10-foot ceiling rather than a cathedral ceiling." Cathedral ceilings are 14 to 18 feet.

Smaller Homes for Vacation, Too
Nancy Coronado, 55, a retired framer in an art gallery, has a large home in Whitehall, Mich., and bought a second Pulte home in Florence, Ariz., in March. The new home is about 1,400 square feet. "I have a big home in Michigan and didn't want another big home," she says. "I wasn't looking for that."

KB Home also has redesigned its homes to reflect the trend, because nearly 80% of its customers are first-time home buyers.

Toll Bros., which builds luxury homes, says demand is down across the board, and not just for larger homes. Company officials say they, too, see an increased interest in smaller homes but believe that home buyers will someday return to wanting larger properties.

Smaller homes, they say, reflect a down economy and tighter credit rather than an appetite for less space.

"We see the demand for smaller homes, but it's not as though there's huge demand for smaller homes but no demand for larger homes," says Kira McCarron, a spokeswoman for Toll Bros. "There is still a demand for luxury homes."

Robert Trent Jones II, 2009 Awards in Hand, Looks to 2010 Course Openings

For many in the golf business, in the wake of one of the most challenging years on record, the new year can’t come soon enough.

Despite the difficult state of the industry, the staff at Robert Trent Jones II (RTJ II) golf course architects recognize some stars in the darkness of 2009 and are looking ahead to new highlights in 2010.

Both Master Architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Chief Design Officer Bruce Charlton point to a number of 2009 accomplishments, including additions to the firm’s legacy of awards.

Golf World Awards
Golf World rated eight RTJ II courses in the Top 100 in Europe, and two recent courses in Denmark were ranked No. 1 (Lubker Golf Resort) and No. 3 (Skjoldenæsholm Golf Center) by Danish Golf Magazine.

In the U.S., highlights included Chambers Bay (University Place, Washington), which will host the U.S. Amateur in 2010, being ranked by GOLF Magazine among the Top 100 courses in the U.S., the Top 100 Courses Worldwide, and the Top 50 Courses of the last 50 years. 

Golfweek Accolades
Golfweek also chose a number of RTJ II courses among its Top Residential Courses (The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe, California; and Miramont, Bryan, Texas), Top Municipal Courses (ThunderHawk, Beach Park, Illinois), and Top Resort Courses (Osprey Meadows, Donnelly, Idaho).

The firm also was proud to debut its Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee, North Carolina, designed in collaboration with PGA Tour player Notah Begay. The course was recently cited by GOLF Magazine as a Top New Course You Can Play. 

Other awards included Golf Digest ranking RTJ II’s Rainmakers Golf Club among the Best New Private Courses in 2009. In addition to debuting great new courses, RTJ II completed fresh course renovations in Indonesia, Australia, and Hawaii.

Going Green
Also, in keeping with the firm’s Green Proclamation, which attracted industry and media attention worldwide in 2009, the firm currently boasts 22 Audubon International Sanctuary Courses.

In a year that saw Charlton successfully complete his term as president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Jones, Jr., was recognized for his contributions to the game by Golf Inc., which awarded him its lifetime achievement award. Jones also was recognized by GOLF Magazine as an Innovator, and “Game Changer” in 2009.

New Courses in 2010
In 2010, RTJ II expects to open several highly anticipated courses, including Hickory Stick (Lewiston, New York), The Patriot (Owasso, Oklahoma), Bro Hof Slott’s Castle Course (near Stockholm, Sweden), The Scandinavian Golf Club (near Copenhagen, Denmark), Bahia Principe Golf Resort (Riviera Maya, Mexico), and Palmeres Golf Club (Lagos, Portugal).

The firm will also complete significant renovations to Pondok Indah in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Princeville Makai in Kauai, Hawaii. Work will continue on new projects in Greece, Mexico, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Egypt, Scandinavia and Vanuatu, as will renovations proceed in Puerto Rico, Canada and England.

 

 

GolfCourseHome News Special Edition: Great Values, Reduced Prices & More

Mariner Sands, FL: Stay 'n Play includes lunch and dinner.    

                    NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
    Vol. 12, No. 466  Tuesday Dec. 15, 2009  Circulation: 30,950
          --------------------------------------------------------------
USA   Mexico  Canada  Caribbean  Luxury Golf Communities

This Week's Headlines:

* Deals & Special of the Week
* Special Community Events
* Community News & Updates
* Discovery Tours - Stay n Play
* Limited Time Offers - Deals expiring on/before Dec. 31st.
* Great Real Estate Values
* Reduced Home & Lot Prices
* This Month's Spotlighted Communities
* Communities Coming in 2010

SPECIAL EDITION - Send us your feedback!

Welcome to a special edition of New Communities. The entire issue is featured on the GolfCourseHome blog. Please let us know what you think of the idea, what features you like or dislike, what feature you would like to see more of and any other comments you would like to make. We welcome your feedback!

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Mariner Sands Country Club, FL is offering a Stay & Play program starting Jan. 20 and running through Apr. 20, 2010. Guests experience full use of all club amenities during their 3-day/2 stay, including 36 holes of golf, nine Har-Tru tennis courts, plus the club pool and fitness center—with a personal golf cart is at their disposal. Accommodations are in two-bedroom, two-bath golf cottages on-site. Included are two dinners and three lunches each for $399 inclusive per couple.  Click here for more information about Mariner Sands!

> Barton Creek Resort and Spa, TX invites golfers to try its Fazio Unlimited Golf package. Play the Fazio Foothills and Fazio Canyons courses—both on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play." Rates start at $211 per person. Package includes: Luxurious resort accommodations, daily breakfast, unlimited golf on either course, replay rounds for $25 cart fee per player, unlimited use of practice facilities and day-of-arrival golf at the twilight rate. Click here for more information about Barton Creek!

• For many more deals & specials, click here
  

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Lakewood Ranch, FL will welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates’ new Florida State League team to Manatee County with a street party on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch tonight at 6 p.m. The Pirate organization will publicly announce the name and logo of the new minor-league franchise at the event. Minor- and major-league players will be on Main Street to sign autographs and greet the community. Click here for more information about Lakewood Ranch!

> The Club at Olde Stone, KY has two fine events upcoming. This Friday, Dec. 18, staff at Olde Stone will wrap presents for members free of charge while they enjoy a wine tasting or dinner. On New Year’s Eve, Skip Bond and the Fugitives will perform as Olde Stone rings in 2010. The night will be capped off with a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast buffet immediately following. Click here for more information about The Club at Olde Stone!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club, FL has opened the first phase of its new Bella Vista private enclave and delivered the first custom home there. Bella Vista offers broad vistas and rolling hills and many of its remaining homesites feature prime golf-course views. Custom home features include a casita, courtyard, infinity pool, wine cellar, theatre room and gourmet kitchen. Click here for more information about Harbor Hills!

> The Bay Club, MA congratulates its head golf professional, Greg Yeomans for winning 2009 Player of the Year honors in the Cape Cod chapter of the the New England PGA.  Yeomans played in 10 of the 15 events scheduled and had four first-place finishes, including one of the major events, the Match Play Championship. He also played with Bay Club members in many pro-am events. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

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DISCOVERY TOUR - STAY 'N PLAY

> Running Y Ranch, OR's Holiday Season Escape includes accommodations in a luxury 2-bedroom Chalet for only $139 for the first night, just $99 for each additional night and includes spa treatments, horseback riding, miles of walking and biking trails, and more....

> Champion Hills, NC is offering a Broadway Dream Vacation Package to New York City for Jan. 22-25. Trip includes 3 nights’ for two at the Westin Times Square, plus tickets to “Jersey Boys” and “Ragtime,” backstage tour, dinner with the stars and more....

> Dataw Island, SC's Experience Dataw visitation package is only $299 per person, and includes a 2-night stay for two in a luxury villa unit, real estate tour of Dataw and more....

> Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC,'s Discovery Tour includes a stay at one of three local inns, recommended restaurants and activities, VIP tour of the community, Chapel Hill and nearby Jordan Lake, plus golf and use of amenities....

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LIMITED TIME OFFERS - Deals expiring on/before Dec. 31st.

> The Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX, will waive interest and principal payments for one year on property purchased before Dec. 27....

> Owen Glen, GA: Take a tour of the community and received a $60 certificate redeemable for golf at Old Union at Owen Glen. Offer good til Dec. 31....

> The Settings of Lake Rhodiss, NC is now providing a dock permit for every available dockable homesite. Any interested buyer can tour the community from now through Dec. 31 and pay just $99 for a 3-day/2-night visit....

> Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC membership promotion, which waives membership deposits, will end Dec. 31st. Golf, sports and social memberships are also available at bargain prices....

> Bald Head Island, NC: Buy two nights and get a third night’s lodging at no additional charge in a Bald Head Island rental property, any time through Jan. 4, 2010....

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GREAT REAL ESTATE VALUES

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC's new Builder Showcase Program kicked off recently with 20 new home plans. Homes range from 2,500 to 4,100 sq. ft. Price per square foot begins as low as $178....

> Glacier Club, CO presents a 2 BR, 2 BA Fox Run Condo, for $265,000, that comes with furniture and furnishings included that is within walking distance of the village of Bigfork and Wayfares State Park....

> Dataw Island, SC is waiving the membership initiation fee for the first 3 months for all new country club members....

> Heritage Wake Forest, NC's Heritage Crest townhomes come with luxury amenities, yet are priced like standard-equipment units. Complete with garages, these 1,700- to 2,600-sq.-ft. townhomes start in the $220,000s....

> Reverie on the Ashley, SC: buy a selected condo at the north Charleston marina community and receive a free sponsored membership to Briar’s Creek Golf Club....

> The Preserve at Grand Lake, OK is now offering savings of up to $40,000 on prime lake property. Currently there are homesites in the community, complete with boatslip, starting at just $19,900....

> Teton Springs, Teton Valley, Idaho, has one of it popular Warm Creek cabin homesites for sale for just $185,000. Set on nearly two-thirds of an acre, it features 360-degree views of golf, water and mountains....

> Bright’s Creek, NC, will include a Lifetime Club Membership when you purchase this beautiful 5-BR home sited above the golf course’s No. 11 green. Priced at $1.295 million—well below construction cost, this slate-roofed, 4,400-s.f. residence also has $45,000 in furnishings that can be negotiated....

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REDUCED HOME & LOT PRICES

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada offers a first year of interest-free mortgage payments when you purchase a waterfront/view lot. Recently reduced waterfront lots start at $129,900, waterview lots start at $44,900....

> The Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX has reduced prices on three homesites: prices range from $99,900 (golf view) to $120,000 (wooded half-acre, near clubhouse) ....

> See More Packages, Discovery Tours and Stay n' Play Here!

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THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHTED COMMUNITIES
These communities are now featured in the GolfCourseHome Home Page Spotlight. See below for names, locations and links.

River Wilderness
Parrish, Florida

Blackstone
Peoria, Arizona

Cliffs at Keowee Springs
Six Mile, South Carolina

Casa del Lago
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic

Cliffs at Mountain Park
Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Regency at Dominion Valley
Haymarket, Virginia

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* The next New Communities Newsletter arrives early Friday morning, Dec. 18th!

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MORE NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* Hampton Lake, SC
* Savannah Lakes Village, SC
* Rive Isle, FL

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Specials Include Holiday Specific Deals, Price Reductions, Free Dock Permits, More

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC is a mountain community.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC just announced a new Builder Showcase Program designed for homesite buyers wishing to save money, time and hassle without sacrificing quality. The new Showcase kicks off with 20 new home plans, including the attractive Summer Cove Cottage. Homes in the program range from 2,500 to 4,100 sq. ft. Price per square foot begins as low as $178. Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

Running Y Ranch, OR announces its Holiday Season Escape visitation package. Offer includes accommodations in a luxury two-bedroom Chalets for only $139 for the first night and the just $99 for each additional night. Package guests will enjoy spa treatments, horseback riding, miles of walking and biking trails, town center with shops and more. Offer is valid through March 31, 2010. Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!

Champion Hills, NC, and its local Flat Rock Playhouse theatre offer a Broadway Dream Vacation Package to New York City. Trip is scheduled for Jan. 22-25 and includes three nights’ deluxe accommodations for two at the Westin Times Square. Also, two front orchestra seats to “Jersey Boys” and “Ragtime” with a “cast talkback” and backstage tour, cocktails and Q&A with play producers, private dinner with the stars, plus a third performance Off-Broadway. Price is $2,399 per couple. Click here for more information about Champion Hills!

Dataw Island, SC invites visitors to escape winter’s chill with its Experience Dataw visitation package. Priced at only $299 per person, the package is based on a two-night stay for two guests in each luxury villa unit. A real estate tour of Dataw is required with the offer, which is subject to availability.  Click here for more information about Dataw Island!

LIMITED TIME OFFERS - Deals that expire on or before Dec. 31st.

The Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX, will waive interest and principal payments for one year on property purchased before Dec. 27....

Owen Glen, GA: Take a tour of the community and received a $60 certificate redeemable for golf at Old Union at Owen Glen. Offer good til Dec. 31....

The Settings of Lake Rhodiss, NC is now providing a dock permit for every available dockable homesite. Any interested buyer can tour the community from now through Dec. 31 and pay just $99 for a 3-day/2-night visit....

Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC membership promotion, which waives membership deposits, will end Dec. 31st. Golf, sports and social memberships are also available at bargain prices....

Bald Head Island, NC: Buy two nights and get a third night’s lodging at no additional charge in a Bald Head Island rental property, any time through Jan. 4, 2010....

PRICES REDUCED

Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada offers a first year of interest-free mortgage payments when you purchase a waterfront/view lot. Recently reduced waterfront lots start at $129,900, waterview lots start at $44,900....

The Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX has reduced prices on three homesites: prices range from $99,900 (golf view) to $120,000 (wooded half-acre, near clubhouse) ....

GREAT VALUES

Glacier Club, CO presents a 2 BR, 2 BA Fox Run Condo, for $265,000, that comes with furniture and furnishings included that is within walking distance of the village of Bigfork and Wayfares State Park....

Dataw Island, SC is waiving the membership initiation fee for the first 3 months for all new country club members....

Heritage Wake Forest, NC's Heritage Crest townhomes come with luxury amenities, yet are priced like standard-equipment units. Complete with garages, these 1,700- to 2,600-sq.-ft. townhomes start in the $220,000s....

Reverie on the Ashley, SC: buy a selected condo at the north Charleston marina community and receive a free sponsored membership to Briar’s Creek Golf Club....

The Preserve at Grand Lake, OK is now offering savings of up to $40,000 on prime lake property. Currently there are homesites in the community, complete with boatslip, starting at just $19,900....

Teton Springs, Teton Valley, Idaho, has one of it popular Warm Creek cabin homesites for sale for just $185,000. Set on nearly two-thirds of an acre, it features 360-degree views of golf, water and mountains....

Bright’s Creek, NC, will include a Lifetime Club Membership when you purchase this beautiful 5-BR home sited above the golf course’s No. 11 green. Priced at $1.295 million—well below construction cost, this slate-roofed, 4,400-s.f. residence also has $45,000 in furnishings that can be negotiated....

DISCOVERY TOUR - STAY N PLAY

Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC,'s Discovery Tour includes a stay at one of three local inns, recommended restaurants and activities, VIP tour of the community, Chapel Hill and nearby Jordan Lake, plus golf and use of amenities....

See More Packages, Discovery Tours and Stay n' Play Here!

Top GCH Network Sites in Dec.: FL, GA, Private Residence Clubs and Estate Homes

The Top 5 GolfCourseHome Network Websites for December (thru Dec. 15)

1. FloridaGolfCommunities.net - Florida golf & waterview communities
2. PrivateGatedCommunities.net - Private gated golf and waterview communities
3. Golf-Estate.net - Golf & waterview homes offered at $1 million and up
4. PrivateResidenceClubs.net - Fractional golf and waterview homes & condos
5. GeorgiaGolfCommunities.net  - Georgia golf & waterview communities