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WaterViewHome's 10 Great Water Holes to Challenge Golfers & 2 Honorable Mentions

Bald Head Island, NC: Water, water everywhere.

At a waterview community that also has championship golf, the water takes on a new dimension. The lapping blue that had seemed so lovely just yesterday as it reflected the morning sun or provided a welcoming retreat for your boat now sends shivers down the golfer’s spine.

First-class golf architecture accompanied by challenging waterscapes dot the courses on the WaterviewHome Network and in tribute, we present a brief highlight reel, a Top Ten of memorable water-guarded holes.

The 10 entries below each include a parenthetical that denotes which hole number hole on the original course our selected hole represents. (At properties with more than one course, or a course name that differs from the name of the community, hole number is followed by the name of the course it is part of.) For detailed information on any of these courses or communities, just click on the highlighted name of the community.

WaterViewHome's Top Ten Water Holes for the Golfer

Hole No. 1, Frenchman’s Creek, Palm Beach Gardens, FL  (9th)
Hole No. 2, River Wilderness,  Parrish, FL (7th)
Hole No. 3, Daniel Island, Charleston, SC (7th—Beresford Creek)
Hole No. 4, Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, TN  (13th—Lake)
Hole No. 5, Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL (8th—Oak Marsh)
Hole No. 6, Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Dade City, FL (3rd)
Hole No. 7, Wild Wing Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC (4th—Avocet)
Hole No. 8, Colleton River Plantation,  Bluffton, SC (10th—Dye)
Hole No. 9, Isleworth, Windermere, FL (2nd)
Hole No. 10, Bald Head Island, Bald Head Island, NC (9th)

Honorable Mention, Carnegie Abbey, Portsmouth, RI (5th)
Honorable Mention, The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA (10th)

Hole No. 1, Frenchman’s Creek, FL Palm Beach Gardens, FL  (9th)

We begin with a 541-yard par-5 hole that requires a tee a tee shot clear of a water hazard on the left and a bunker on the right side of the landing zone. On the second shot the water looms again, and it’s a wise golfer who plays conservatively toward the fairway’s right edge.

The good and bad news for your pitch shot is that the green is very large. There’s a fine chance of getting on, but it’s also a good bet you’ll face a very long putt once you’re there.

Fast Fact: After their round, golfers salve their wounds at the exclusive and private Beach Club directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the place to go for a day of sunning and swimming or even a casually elegant dinner. Click here for more information about Frenchman’s Creek!

Hole No. 2, River Wilderness, Parrish, FL (7th)

Our first par-3 is a fairly level hole from tee to green with a big slope from back to front on the putting surface itself. Designed by Ted  McAnlis, this championship layout instills fear with its water hazards but allows at least some room for error.

Here on No. 7, a bunker between the green and the pond may save a pushed or faded tee shot from going under. Most members play the hole from blue-tee distance of 155 yards.

Fast Fact: The community, which lies adjacent to the Manatee River, is crowned by a new neighborhood, Rive Isle—home to a River Lodge overlooking the Manatee plus a community dock area and boat launch.  Click here for more information about River Wilderness!

Hole No. 3, Daniel Island, Charleston, SC (7th—Beresford Creek)

Playing to par 4 from 358 yards maximum, this well-crafted hole by Tom Fazio has an island-look green draped into a large, marsh-lined pond. The shot you must hit into the green is a ticklish downhiller—which will tend to create some confusion over club selection.

There is plenty of bailout room to the left, if you can get over the initial daunting look of the green out of your head.

Fast Fact: Daniel Island offers 23 miles of rivers and creeks, along with community boat ramps, public and private boat docks and unique crabbing docks. Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

Hole No. 4, Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, TN (13th—Lake)

Course architect Bill Bergin, who also designed the Foxwood Course at Fairvue Plantation, made great use of Gracie Lake in his layout for the community’s Lake Course.

Measuring 437 yards from the back tee and 406 from the members’ markers, this straightaway par-4 keeps Miss Gracie in play all the way down the left side.  Off the tee, your target is a cluster of pine trees placed on the right—there is more clear landing area among those pines than first appears.

Fast Fact: At Nashville’s only lakefront golf community, residents enjoy not just lakeside golf and dining but an outdoor swimming pavilion for families and their children. Click here for more information about Fairvue Plantation!

Amelia Island Plantation, FL: Oceanfront holes.

Hole No. 5, Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL (8th—Oak Marsh)

Looking very much the birdie opportunity at just 342 yards, this Pete Dye creation is an intriguing station-to-station hole. It starts with a fairly easy carry over a small inlet of water on the drive, then a tender, lofted approach looking at water all the way to the green.

Accuracy is the key element here. No need for the driver, the object being to land on the left side of fairway to give yourself room to place a shot on the green, which is ringed by water and sand.

Fast Fact: Amelia Island Plantation, surrounded by ocean on one side and marsh on the other, offers saltwater and freshwater fishing, recreational boating, sunbathing by the luxury Beach Club and educational tours of the marshy waterways with staff naturalists. Click here for more information about Amelia Island Plantation!

Hole No. 6, Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Dade City, FL (3rd)

Here we see a fine example of a so-called Cape hole—one in which the fairway and an adjacent water hazard bend toward the green, allowing brave hitters to “bite off” a major chunk of yardage by flying their tee shots most of the way over water.

The other option is to play away from water, thus accepting a longer second shot in.

Fast Fact: At Lake Jovita, the water also beckons when the golf round ends, with seven freshwater lakes on the property  (including 160-acre Clear Lake) to enjoy and explore. Click here for more information about Lake Jovita!

Hole No. 7, Wild Wing Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC (4th—Avocet)

 Known as “Double Cross,” the fourth on Wild Wing’s Avocet course crosses two separate wetlands on the journey from tee to green. Designed by the team of former U.S. Open champion Larry Nelson and Jeff Brauer, it’s a par-5 that can play as long as 551 yards.

Aim the tee shot at the target bunker on the left with a slight fade to set the best angle up to the green. The approach shot, from whatever distance, is easier when the pin is on the right.

Fast Fact: Living along the interconnected lakes is an extremely affordable way to enjoy this desirable waterfront lifestyle. The lakes surrounding Wild Wing make it easy to navigate through the interconnected waters directly to the community’s world-class Amenity Center. Click here for more information about Wild Wing Plantation!

Hole No. 8, Colleton River Plantation,  Bluffton, SC (10th—Dye)

The short, par-4 10th hole on the Dye Course at the famed Colleton River Plantation Club features a well-contoured green guarded by water.  The water swings around the left and to the rear of the green as well, but Dye distracts the player’s eye on approach shots with intricate bunkers and mounding—a rare case of not using the water as a visual intimidator, but featuring it as a significant hazard all the same.

Fast Fact: The success of this community is due not just to great golf but to its excellent maritime infrastructure. It boasts a community deepwater dock with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean in a serene atmosphere surrounded by the Colleton and Chechessee rivers and Lowcountry saltwater marshes. Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

Hole No. 9, Isleworth, Windermere, FL (2nd) 

The lake waters lining many of the estate lots within this luxury club community come into play on its Arnold Palmer/Steve Smyer golf course, as well.

First glimpse of them is at the par-3 second hole, nicknamed “Cypress Chute.” A longer iron is needed to clear the lake inlet and reach a deep, narrow green encircled by five white-sand bunkers. Two stands of tall cypress trees that frame the shot will penalize stray tee balls. Coming so early in the round, it’s a challenge certain to get the blood  pumping.

Fast Fact: Isleworth residents enjoy vistas of the famed Butler Chain of Lakes, which they access through a private boat ramp that launches their pleasure craft toward the chain and the navigable canals that connect them. Click here for more information about Isleworth!

Hole No. 10, Bald Head Island, Bald Head Island, NC (9th)

This year’s album of wonderful water holes ends with a true beauty. The par-4 ninth at Bald Head Island is the most difficult hole on the George Cobb-designed golf course. It daunts the player with water left, water right and water long.

Position off this tee is more critical than distance. With a medium iron approach to the green, don't mess around with the pin. Anywhere on this green is a super shot.

Fast Fact: The island’s family-friendly Shoals Club overlooks the magnificent point of Cape Fear. A 10-acre marina rounds out the island’s recreational amenities, accommodating vessels up to 100 feet. Ocean beaches stretch for 14 miles, while tidal creeks, perfect for paddling a kayak or canoe, traverse the salt marsh. Click here for more information about Bald Head Island!

Honorable Mention, Carnegie Abbey, Portsmouth, RI (5th)

Known to the members as "Bloody Run" the par-3 third at Carnegie Abbey is a short par-3 with water all along the left and a classic test of accuracy with the irons. 

The water is a must-to-avoid, but the shot missing the green to the right will leave an awkward recovery onto a slippery green. The carefully placed tee shot will be on the right half of the green.

Fast Fact: The Donald Steel-designed golf course is a jewel of the community, as is the the Carnegie Yacht Club, gathering place for members who sail, fish, and cruise the Narragansett Bay waters. Vessels up to 200 feet can dock there, with a professional staff to clean, cater and provision at a member’s request. Click here for more information about Carnegie Abbey!

Honorable Mention, The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA (10th)
This short, dogleg-left par-4 saves its water peril for the second shot, tucking a handsome pond to the left of the green, which is guarded on the right by a deep bunker.

If you're one of those golfers who clubs yourself wisely, instead of hitting driver off every par-4 and par-5, you've got an advantage over the bombers. Try a four-wood tee shot toward the left-center of the fairway--from there your approach will be able to angle away from the pond.

Fast Fact: While technically not a waterview community, The Bay Club’s cheek-by-jowel proximity to historic and beautiful Buzzard's Bay, in one of America's oldest seafaring regions, demands a look. From the club you can take to the waters for day sails, regattas and prime Atlantic sportfishing. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

US Coast Guard Selects Morris Yachts to Build Its New Training Vessel

The new 44-foot David Pedrick-designed Leadership 44

Cuyler Morris is pleased to announce that the US Coast Guard awarded Morris Yachts the contract to build the new Leadership 44. Morris won the contract over several other prestigious yards to build 4 Leadership 44 training vessels.

The new 44-foot David Pedrick-designed vessels will replace the decades old Luders sailing craft. Morris will begin the construction by the end of this year. Morris was selected over Hinckley, Tartan, Goetz and Pearson.

"We look at the partnership of designer and builder for our Leadership 44 program as a huge win/win for everybody involved. We have in David Pedrick one of the most acclaimed yacht designers in the world and in our builder, Morris Yachts, we have arguably the finest builder in the country and a firm that will be our partner long after our last boat is launched," said Bob Hallock Leadership 44 Procurement Chair.

"This is a very prestigious and timely contract for Morris Yachts", said Morris, "It is an honor to be chosen by our country's Coast Guard to build these craft. These vessels are the foundation of leadership training at the Coast Guard Academy.

"Secondly, it allows Morris to bring back as many as 20 of our skilled workers who were furloughed this summer due to economic times." Mechanics, electricians, carpenters and composite craftsmen will be re-hired this fall. As the promotional material states, the Coast Guard hope to build as many as 8; one for each Cadet company.

Casa del Lago Special Pricing Includes Golf, Clubhouse Equestrian Privileges

Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic borders a tropical forest.

Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic now offers special pricing on two-rooms units, all with golf and lake views. The new value pricing is set at $270,000, which includes privileges for all amenities—a Gary
Player-designed championship golf course, the beach clubhouse and the equestrian center—within this secure gated community. Click here for more information about Casa del Lago!

Reverie on the Ashley, SC, a luxury marina condo community, is now offering free sponsored memberships to Briar’s Creek Golf Club with select condo purchases. Briar’s Creek is one of the most exclusive golf clubs in South Carolina, featuring a Rees Jones golf course with plans for just 300 members and no tee times required. Click here for more information about Reverie on the Ashley!

Wild Wing Plantation, with 27 Golf Holes & Miles of Shoreline, Joins WaterViewHome

Go boating on 180 acres of lakes.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Wild Wing Plantation, a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina resort community to the WaterViewHome Network. Featuring nearly 14 miles of shoreline, plus 27 holes of award-winning golf and multiple clubhouses, the community is designed for both the golfer and water sport enthusiast.

Extensively renovated and improved since its change of ownership in 2005, Wild Wing Plantation retains its down-home friendly atmosphere to go with its outstanding amenities.

Wild Wing offers 27 holes of championship golf.

Wild Wing is a 950-acre custom-home community with 180 acres of freshwater lakes and nearly 14 miles of shoreline. Residents enjoy their 4,000-square-foot Owner’s Clubhouse, tennis courts, boat storage, a golf clubhouse and 27 holes of award-winning golf.

Wild Wing golf combines the brawny Avocet course with the beginner-friendly Hummingbird nine-holer. Co-designed by U.S. Open champ Larry Nelson, Avocet is a true championship layout. Hummingbird, by Willard Byrd, integrates natural beauty with challenging golf.

The multi-million dollar Owner’s Activity Center is an inspiring setting that unites the community. The Owner’s Clubhouse overlooks the lake and a myriad of activities. It’s an ideal setting for pursuing any recreation or just relaxing.

The center is where members go to enjoy fitness equipment, three pools, a waterslide, sundecks and a spacious clubhouse. There is also a hot tub and a well-tended sandy beach. Sparkling lakes are ready and waiting for boaters and fishermen to enjoy.

Real Estate: Wild Wing Plantation, SC

* Choose your own builder
* No time limit to build
* Custom Home Program
* Builder portfolios readily available for easy review
* Dedicated space for owner-builder meetings
* Lot prices range from $90,000 to $230,000
* The Coves lots are a short walk from Amenity Center
* Click here for more information about Wild Wing Plantation!

Wild Wing Plantation Offers Miles of Shoreline, Lakefront Views, 27 Golf Holes

Wild Wing Plantation is close to the ocean.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Wild Wing Plantation, a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina resort community to WaterViewHome. Featuring nearly 14 miles of shoreline, plus award-winning golf and multiple clubhouses, the community is designed for both the golfer and water sport enthusiast. Extensively renovated and improved since its change of ownership in 2005, Wild Wing Plantation retains its down-home friendly atmosphere to go with its outstanding amenities.

Wild Wing is a 950-acre custom-home community with 180 acres of freshwater lakes and nearly 14 miles of shoreline. Residents enjoy their 4,000-square-foot Owner’s Clubhouse, tennis courts, boat storage, a golf clubhouse and 27 holes of award-winning golf.

Wild Wing golf combines the brawny Avocet course with the beginner-friendly Hummingbird nine-holer. Co-designed by U.S. Open champ Larry Nelson, Avocet is a true championship layout. Hummingbird, by Willard Byrd, integrates natural beauty with challenging golf.

The multi-million dollar Owner’s Activity Center is an inspiring setting that unites the community. The Owner’s Clubhouse overlooks the lake and a myriad of activities. It’s an inspiring setting to pursue any recreation or just to relax.

The center is where members go to enjoy fitness equipment, three pools, a waterslide, sundecks and a spacious clubhouse. There is also a hot tub and a well-tended sandy beach. Sparkling lakes are ready and waiting for boaters and fishermen to enjoy.

Real Estate: Wild Wing Plantation, SC

* Choose your own builder
* No time limit to build
* Custom Home Program
* Builder portfolios readily available for easy review
* Dedicated space for owner-builder meetings
* Lot prices range from $90,000 to $230,000
* The Coves lots are a short walk from Amenity Center
* Click here for more information about Wild Wing Plantation!

Las Gardenias at Cabo Real Offers Resort Oceanfront Living, Golf, Homes from $483K

Las Gardenias at Cabo Real, Mexico offers ocean views.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Las Gardenias at Cabo Real, a jewel at the tip of Baja California, to the WaterViewHome Network. Las Gardenias offers villa condominiums with views of the ocean and its Robert Trent Jones II golf course. The setting for Las Gardenias is Cabo Real, a resort community covering 3,000 acres. Residences are full-ownership and come with a variety of floor plans and living options.

Las Gardenias is a low-density, 60-home development set on five acres in the resort development of Cabo Real. These homes enjoy excellent ocean views and offer close proximity to the 11th hole of the award-winning Cabo Real golf course by Robert Trent Jones II.

The Las Gardenias homes are set in five buildings. There are currently 12 homes for sale—all of them in the two newest buildings, Colibri and Golondrina both of which have elevators to all floors. Views include sea, pool and golf.

The setting for Las Gardenias is Cabo Real, a resort community covering 3,000 acres and designed by an internationally noted team of planners. The landmark destination of Los Cabos provides the backdrop for this lifestyle, offering beauty, relaxation and excitement.

Fab Fishing: The waters off of Los Cabos draw sportsmen armed with rods and reels. Participants in the annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament compete for a top prize of more than half a million dollars and have been known to pull in trophy catches weighing over 400 pounds.

Real Estate: Las Gardenias at Cabo Real

*  8 two-bedroom, two-bath units from 1,623 to 1,679 square feet
*  3 two-bedroom, two-bath units with half-bath at 2,282 square feet
*  1 three-bedroom, three-bath units with den at 3,241 square feet
*  Buyers acquire fully titled ownership via Mexican Trust Deed
        o U.S. title insurance is also available
* Prices range from $483,000 to $915,000
* Click here for more information about Las Gardenias at Cabo Real!

Spring Island, Luxury Island Community Near Beaufort, Joins WaterViewHome

Spring Island, SC is close to Hilton Head.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Spring Island, SC to the WaterViewHome Network. Located between Beaufort and Hilton Head in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Spring Island is a beautiful and natural private community with breathtaking views. A challenging and highly acclaimed course by Arnold Palmer is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

This 3,000-acre island is bounded by the Colleton River and Chechessee Creek, and offers only 400 homesites. The Spring Island Trust was created to insure the preservation of the 1,200-acre nature preserve, the timeless beauty and the long-term maintenance of the natural habitat.

The Nature Center: With three naturalists on staff, the Center is a community education resource. Members and their families, and children from local schools who have been invited for field trips, all share in learning more about the local environment through this great facility.

A small island connected to the mainland by causeway, Spring Island provides an effective escape, yet is only minutes from the attractions of Hilton Head Island, historic Beaufort, SC, and Savannah, GA.

Real Estate: Spring Island, SC

* Some homes on estate lots from 2 acres up to 10 acres in size
      o Private docks included with some homes
      o Views of the Colleton River and Chechessee Creek, open marsh, forest and golf links
* Estate homes from $1 million+ to $6 million
* Cottage-style, 2-bedroom homes from the $600,000s to $1 million+
* Homesites range in size from a .3 acre to 13.4 acres
      o Range in price from the $200,000s to $1.75 million
* Click here for more information about Spring Island!

Frenchman's Creek Is Ultimate Palm Beach County Lifestyle: Golf, Ocean Views, More

Frenchman’s Creek, FL offers ocean views and much more.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Frenchman’s Creek, FL to the WaterViewHome Network. Sited on a historic inlet in Palm Beach Gardens, Frenchman’s Creek is one of south Florida’s luxury landmarks for golf and water-view real estate.

Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club is a residents-only, year-round country club, considered among the finest communities in south Florida. Highlights of the community are its private oceanfront Beach Club, along with two renovated and redesigned 18-hole golf courses.

Only 600 families reside in these expansive, manicured surroundings, participating in an active life of casual elegance, luxury and grace. Residents of Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club enjoy concierge service and extraordinary security.

Other notable amenities include 17 Har-Tru tennis courts (nine lighted for evening play), deepwater anchorage for private yachts, a luxurious 70,000-square-foot clubhouse, four restaurants and an 11,000-square-foot fitness and spa facility featuring 15 personal trainers, five fitness instructors and an array of classes.

Loggerhead Club and Marina: Adjacent to the community and accessible through the deep-water canals, this full-service club and marina offers residents priority access to available boat and yacht slips. This well-protected harbor accommodates vessels ranging in length from 30 to 120 feet.

Real Estate: Frenchman's Creek Beach & Country Club

* Custom/estate homes
* Villa homes, patio homes and 37 townhomes
      o Ninety-five homes are on deep-water canals
* Home prices range from $750,000 to over $5 million
* Click here for more information about Frenchman’s Creek!

New! Dancing Bear Ranch, TX Offers Medinah Lake Activities, Estate Homesites

Dancing Bear Ranch, TX offers access to Medinah Lake.

We are pleased to welcome Dancing Beach Ranch, a private gated community located 20 minutes from San Antonio, TX.

Dancing Bear Ranch is a private gated community on 2,565 rolling acres, featuring Texas Hill Country estates and custom homes with private access on Medinah Lake. A short ride away is San Antonio—one of America’s most affordable and fastest-growing cities.

The community's infrastructure is already completed, including a private water system, paved roads and underground utilities. In addition to these necessities, many luxury amenities are also open and ready for use, including resort-style zero-edge pool and hot tub, Fitness Center, 25-acre Lakeside Park, private boat ramp, fishing dock and much more.

Lakeside Sports: Covering 5,246 acres, Medinah Lake is a clear Texas Hill Country reservoir which was created 1913 to provide irrigation water for surrounding ranches and farms. Today, Medinah Lake is better known for boating, water sports and scuba diving.

Real Estate: Dancing Bear Ranch, TX

• Estate homesites from one to five acres

• Scaled for custom-designed residences with open floor plans and natural landscaping

• Lots with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic lake views
  
• Prices from the $60,000s
  
  
• Medinah Lake Preferred Home Builders
  
• Click here for more information about Dancing Bear Ranch!