The GolfCourseHome Life

New Communities Newsletter, June 1: Use the New GCHN Links Card at 260 Courses

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 513  Tuesday June 1, 2010   Circulation: 30,342

   ---------------------------------------------------

 
Play golf at a discount with the new GCHN Links Card.

    Today's Headlines

    *  Win Free Entry to the World Amateur Handicap Championship!
    *  Announcing the New GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card
    *  This Week's Deals and Specials
    *  Special Events
    *  Community News
    *  Best Deals of 2010
    *  Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    *  ICW Cruise Update: Harbour Town Y.B. with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island, SC
    *  This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Friday June 4!

Announcing the New GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card: Play Golf for Less!

In case you missed it, we launched the new GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card, on Friday. More than 250 courses in the Northeast, Virginia and the Carolinas honor the GCHN Links Card which entitles you to a discount on your greens fees. And now, you are invited to purchase the GCHN Links Card(s) at a 38% discount off the retail card rate.  

Many of these layouts are at golf communities where you can experience the community and what it is has to offer while playing their golf course at a discount. For example, you can play for less at Owl's Nest in New Hampshire's White Mountains, and in Virginia, you can play these championship layouts:

• Kingsmill Resort & Spa, VA

• Tradition at Stonehouse, VA

• Tradition at Brickshire, VA 
  
  
• Ford’s Colony, VA

The GCHN Links Card is part of the Exclusive Links Card program which has been widely recognized as the premier golf discount program in the country for more than 20 years.

Watch New Communities newsletter for announcements of new courses as are they are added to the GCHN Card line-up. To receive your discount, use promo code GCHN when ordering your GCHN Links Card here.

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WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE WORLD AMATEUR HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP!

Special to GolfCourseHome Readers: Win free entry and travel to the 27^th Annual Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 30 to September 3. Click the link to find out more. If  you love the game of golf and a good time, this is just the event for you.

The Golf.com World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and more than 25 foreign countries and is open to all golfers.  Players are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and play a different Myrtle Beach golf course each day.  At night, the fun continues at the World’s Largest 19th Hole, where free food, drinks and live entertainment deliver a good time.

A fifth round “Flight Winners Playoff” allows the nearly 80 flight winners to compete for the right to be crowned World Champion. CLICK HERE to win free entry, travel and more to the World Am.

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=> ICW Cruise Update: New Installment! Harbour Town Y.B. with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island, SC

> Other ICW entries: "A Visit to Daniel Island & Its New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood" ;  "Mega Yachts of Charleston," plus visits to St. James Plantation and Brunswick Forest and North River Golf Club.

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Hampton Lake, SC ’s value-priced homesites have become a better value with just-announced new pricing. Now you can purchase a homesite beginning in the mid-$90,000s. Savvy GolfCourseHome visitors have already recognized what an excellent buy Hampton Lake provides, having accounted for two homesite purchases since the waterfront communities'  launch on the GCH Network in mid-January. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL announces a Special Summer Incentive Program: Now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying their Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues and other fees for season 2011. Visits through Harbour Ridge’s Discovery Package are available and attractively priced. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA will host the 89th Georgia Amateur Golf Championship on its Deer Creek course, July 7 - 11. This is the first time this championship has been held at The Landings. A field of 156 competitors will play the first two rounds, with the low 70 and ties making the cut. Defending champ Russell Henley, set a tournament scoring record of 16 under par 268. Bobby Jones is the youngest champion in the event's history, having won it in 1916 at the age of 14. Click here for more information about The Landings!

> Carolina Trace, NC reports that the club’s Musical Dinner Theatre has sold out its two-night engagement. Trace Players, a group of singers, dancers and stand-up comics, all Country Club members, wowed their audiences with this year’s production, “Love Changes Everything.” An annual fund-raising event, the show is member-written and member-produced, with a cast and crew of 30 others devoting hours to on-stage and off-stage assignments. Click here for more information about Carolina Trace!

> Lakewood Ranch, FL and Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will host its Music on Main concert Friday, June 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will benefit Manatee County Habitat for Humanity. The Yesterdayze Band will take the stage, with surf rock and 60s music. Check out the fountain area for some extra activities, including Akiko face painting’s unique designs, Aggie Originals’ caricature art, Flipper Clipper’s temporary tattoos and the Pittsburgh Pirates batting cage. Click here for more information about Lakewood Ranch!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Reynolds Plantation, GA, offers an exclusive opportunity for everyday golfers to go inside the private world of the touring professional this summer at the Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation. Now in its third year, The TaylorMade Tour Experience is a comprehensive game-enhancement program unlike any in the world, featuring a special guest tour professional whose time with the guests includes a private dinner. Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

> The Bay Club, MA opened the club pool for the season on Saturday, May 29. Swim training for adults or young children is available. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> North River Golf Club, Beaufort
Championship golf course, planned golf clubhouse, tennis and fitness, homes from $234,900

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
 => Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

 

> The Bay Club, MA's offering of a complimentary Social Membership—a $30,000 value—to buyers of the new “Stirling” home design in the Bay Club’s Preserve neighborhood. A product of Abbott Development, this model features 2,206 square feet of living space, 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom configurations and multiple luxury finishes and amenities. Introductory price for the Stirling is $595,000, which includes the $30,000 Social Membership....

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's spring release of premium homesites, at value prices that start at just $250,000. These properties are not the "non-view interior sites" that you might expect to find at other places.  These sites offer big views—for example, Homestead 162, is 1.88 acres, at 4,100 feet of elevation, with views to the northeast, north, and northwest. In addition to value lot pricing, current buyers will also enjoy special club membership incentives....

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's a new visitation package offer for anyone wishing to experience the community’s rarefied lifestyle. For just $350, get two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf for two players, unlimited tennis, unlimited use of the fitness center, two lunches for two in the Riverfront Clubhouse, plus one dinner for two....

> Blackstone, AZ's summer tee times on the Blackstone golf course to members of local private golf clubs from June 1 through Sept. 26.Individuals belonging to private golf clubs or groups of private club members can schedule tee times on the Jim Engh-designed course through their club professional. Guests of members are also welcome. Rates, which include green fee and cart, are $50 plus tax per player....

> Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club, FL's price reductions up to $200,000 for the first 10 home buyers who commit to purchase one of the community’s award-winning homes. Golf course lots are included in the specially reduced inventory....

> The Georgia Club, GA's Free Golf Program which invites you to join the pros for on-the-course instruction sessions. Each clinic offers an in-depth lecture on golf fundamentals including putting, chipping and full swing....

> Brunswick Forest, NC's combination of its Summer Concert performance series with a final opportunity to take advantage of a limited homesite release beginning at just $75,000. This 3-day/2-night $99 Getaway includes lodging for two, golf, a Saturday evening poolside party, a community tour and a Friday evening concert in the park. In addition there is a limited-time homesite buyer incentive of up to 90% financing, an annual Golf Pass and special introductory pricing....

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discover Balsam visitation package, good all summer through Sept. 4. For $199 per night, enjoy accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with the opportunity to explore Balsam and the surrounding area. The beautifully decorated cabins are part of our Private Residence Club fractional ownership offering. They feature luxury bedding, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces....

GOLFCOURSEHOME MAGAZINE NEWS

> GolfCourseHome Magazine Now Online: Check out the new digital version of GolfCourseHome Magazine online where you can click to the Featured Community page of each Dream 18 golf hole directly from the magazine. Zoom in and out, search the issue, read articles and and more. Click here to view GCH Magazine!

> Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.a

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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250+ Courses Honor GCHN Links Discount Card Including 15 Golf Community Layouts

More than 250 courses honor the just introduced GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links card, and now, you are invited to purchase GCHN Links Card(s) at a 38% discount off the retail card rate.

The GCHN card is your insider’s pass to playing multiple rounds at participating courses at significant savings. Many of these layouts are at golf communities where you can experience the community and what it is has to offer while playing the course at less than the regular rate.

Master-planned golf communities featured on the GolfCourseHome Network that honor that GCHN Card include:

• Owl’s Nest, NH

• Ford’s Colony, VA

• Heritage Shores Golf Club, DE

• Kingsmill Resort & Spa, VA

• Tradition at Stonehouse, VA

• Tradition at Brickshire, VA

• Anderson Creek Club, NC, and others

The GCHN Links Card is part of the Exclusive Links Card program which has been widely recognized as the premier golf discount program in the country for more than 20 years. Watch the GolfCourseHome New Communities Newsletter for announcements of new courses as are they are added to the GCHN Card line-up.

To receive your discount, use promo code GCHN when ordering.

GCHN Cards are available for:

Premium Northeast GCHN Links Card
130 courses in VT, NH, ME
Retail Rate $79
GCHN price $49 – save $30!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

Mid Atlantic GCHN Links Card
60 courses in VA, MD, DE, PA, & NJ
Retail Rate $65
GCHN price $39– save $26!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

Carolinas GCHN Links Card
60 courses in NC & SC
Retail Rate $65 
GCHN  price $39–save $26!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

For additional information visit www.thelinkscard.com or call 800-639-1941

New Communities Newsletter, May 28: Introducing the GCHN Links Discount Card

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 512  Friday May 28, 2010   Circulation: 30,342

   ---------------------------------------------------

 
Play golf at a discount with the new GCHN Links Card.

    Today's Headlines

    *  Win Free Entry to the World Amateur Handicap Championship!
    *  Announcing the New GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card
    *  This Week's Deals and Specials
    *  Community News
    *  Best Deals of 2010
    *  Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    *  ICW Cruise: A Visit to Daniel Island's New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood
    *  This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Tuesday June 1!

Announcing the New GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card: Play Golf for Less!

Summer is just around the corner and we're pleased to announce, just in time for the warmer weather, that you can play golf for less at top layouts in New England, the Mid Atlantic or the Carolinas with the new GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card.

Many of these layouts are at golf communities where you can experience the community and what it is has to offer while playing their golf course at a discount.

The GCHN Links Card is part of the Exclusive Links Card program which has been widely recognized as the premier golf discount program in the country for more than 20 years.

Watch your New Communities newsletter for announcements of new courses as are they are added to the GCHN Card line-up. Order GCHN Links Card here.

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WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE WORLD AMATEUR HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP!
Special to GolfCourseHome Readers: Win free entry and travel to the 27^th Annual Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 30 to September 3. Click the link to find out more. If  you love the game of golf and a good time, this is just the event for you.

The Golf.com World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and more than 25 foreign countries and is open to all golfers.  Players are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and play a different Myrtle Beach golf course each day.  At night, the fun continues at the World’s Largest 19th Hole, where free food, drinks and live entertainment deliver a good time.

A fifth round “Flight Winners Playoff” allows the nearly 80 flight winners to compete for the right to be crowned World Champion. CLICK HERE to win free entry, travel and more to the World Am.

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=> ICW Cruise Update: New Installment! Harbour Town Y.B. with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island, SC

Other ICW entries: "A Visit to Daniel Island & Its New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood" ;  "Mega Yachts of Charleston," plus visits to St. James Plantation and Brunswick Forest and North River Golf Club.

Back to top

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> The Bay Club, MA is offering a complimentary Social Membership—a $30,000 value—to buyers of the new “Stirling” home design in the Bay Club’s Preserve neighborhood. A product of Abbott Development, this model features 2,206 square feet of living space, 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom configurations and multiple luxury finishes and amenities. Introductory price for the Stirling is $595,000, which does include that $30,000 Social Membership. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC announces a spring release of premium homesites, at value prices that start at just $250,000. These properties are not the "non-view interior sites" that you might expect to find at other places.  These sites offer big views—for example, Homestead 162, is 1.88 acres, at 4,100 feet of elevation, with views to the northeast, north, and northwest. In addition to value lot pricing, current buyers will also enjoy special club membership incentives. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL has a new visitation package offer for anyone wishing to experience the community’s rarefied lifestyle. For just $350, get two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf for two players, unlimited tennis, unlimited use of the fitness center, two lunches for two in the Riverfront Clubhouse, plus one dinner for two. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

> Heritage Shores, DE announces Memorial Day Weekend Golf Specials. The specials run from this afternoon through Monday the 31st and include a $35 Super-Twilight rate that begins at 4 p.m. Or, you can go off the tee earlier under the regular Twilight rate of $55, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  Designed by a leading American golf architect, Arthur Hills, the Heritage Shores golf course stretches 7,005 yards from the back tees. It’s a links-style design with water flanking a majority of the holes. Click here for more information about Heritage Shores!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Savannah Lakes Village, SC is featured prominently in the current issues of Retirement Lifestyles and Carolina Living magazines. The community was named one of the nation's  "Fabulous 46" communities in the spring issue of Retirement Lifestyles, which is published by the National Active Retirement Association (NARA). The community also received prime position within the Carolina Living Guide with a full color, full page ad on the inside front cover. Click here for more information about Savannah Lakes Village!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> North River Golf Club, Beaufort
Championship golf course, planned golf clubhouse, tennis and fitness, homes from $234,900

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
 => Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

 

> Blackstone, AZ offers summeer tee times on the Blackstone golf course to members of local private golf clubs from June 1 through Sept. 26.Individuals belonging to private golf clubs or groups of private club members can schedule tee times on the Jim Engh-designed course through their club professional. Guests of members are also welcome. Rates, which include green fee and cart, are $50 plus tax per player....

> Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club, FL is offering price reductions up to $200,000 for the first 10 home buyers who commit to purchase one of the community’s award-winning homes. Golf course lots are included in the specially reduced inventory....

> The Georgia Club, GA and its golf professionals are unveiling a Free Golf Program. It’s an invitation to join the pros for on-the-course instruction sessions. Each clinic offers an in-depth lecture on golf fundamentals including putting, chipping and full swing....

> The Georgia Club, GA has a new Invitational Member offer, good through May 28. Under the program, new Invitational Members can pay their initiation deposit in six equal installments of $2,000 each year for six years ($12,000 total). New Members can delay the first installment of the initiation deposit until 2011. Membership offers a 100% refundable initiation deposit upon resignation, and no assessments are applied....

> Brunswick Forest, NC is combining its Summer Concert performance series with a final opportunity to take advantage of a limited homesite release beginning at just $75,000. This three-day/two-night $99 getaway includes lodging for two, golf, a Saturday evening poolside party, a community tour and a Friday evening concert in the park. In addition there is a limited-time homesite buyer incentive of up to 90% financing, an annual Golf Pass and special introductory pricing....

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC has a Discover Balsam visitation package good all summer through Sept. 4. For $199 per night, enjoy accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with the opportunity to explore Balsam and the surrounding area. The beautifully decorated cabins are part of our Private Residence Club fractional ownership offering. They feature luxury bedding, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces....

> Running Y Ranch, OR marks its recent No. 4 ranking in the Golf Digest list of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women by offering a new Golf for Women Package. The one-night package include two rooms for a foursome of women in the Running Y Lodge, one day of golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed course, golf cart, range balls and 15 % off at the resort’s Sandhill Spa. Package price is $114 per person. Award is based on criteria such as design, amenities and atmosphere....

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada reports brisk sales and construction activity and reminds buyers that financing is still available on all property purchases at 4% over a 10-year term—with a limited-time bonus offer of interest-free payments in the first year. With the recent sale of three lots there are now only six oceanfront lots at Sunset Dunes still available....

> Hampton Lake, SC's special, limited incentive offer on an income-producing home guaranteed to yield $18,000 in rental revenue in the first year of ownership. The first buyer to purchase a Vacation Arbors home and place it in the rental program will be guaranteed by Hampton Lake, LLC a minimum rental income amount of $4,500 per quarter for the first four quarters after move-in date....

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's special Stay & Play program--now with summer rates. Priced at $350 per couple, the offer includes two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf (for two), unlimited tennis, use of the fitness center, plus lunches and a dinner for two....

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 here!

Back to top

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

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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Introducing the GolfCourseHome® Network Exclusive Links Card-- Play Golf for Less!

New! Play golf for less at top layouts in New England, the Mid Atlantic or the Carolinas with the GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card. (Playing golf is even more fun when you can do it at a significant discount from the posted greens fees!)

As a GCHN visitor, you are invited to purchase GCHN Links Card(s) at a 38% discount off the retail card rate.

The GCHN card is your insider’s pass to playing multiple rounds at more than 250 courses at significant savings. Many of these layouts are at golf communities where you can experience the community and what it is has to offer up close and personal.

The GCHN Links Card is part of the Exclusive Links Card program which has been widely recognized as the premier golf discount program in the country for more than 20 years. Watch the New Communities newsletter for announcements of new courses as are they are added to the GCHN Card line-up.

To receive your discount, use promo code GCHN when ordering.

GCHN Cards are available for:

Premium Northeast GCHN Links Card
130 courses in VT, NH, ME
Retail Rate $79
GCHN price $49 – you save $30!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

Mid Atlantic GCHN Links Card
60 courses in VA, MD, DE, PA, & NJ
Retail Rate $65
GCHN price $39– you save $26!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

Carolinas GCHN Links Card
60 courses in NC & SC
Retail Rate $65 
GCHN  price $39– you save $26!
Purchase GolfCourseHome Network (GCHN) Links Card

For additional information visit www.thelinkscard.com or call 800-639-1941

ICW Cruise: Harbour Town Y.B. with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island, SC

Editor's Note: The ICW series of blog entries details the April 2010 cruise down the ICW made by WaterViewHome Network Publisher David Lott. The purpose of the trip is twofold: to accompany Captain Steve Weisbrod who is delivering a 43-foot Lagoon PowerCat from Lewis, DE, to Key West, FL, where it will become part of a charter fleet, and to visit golf and waterview communities and report on them. You can read other entries by clicking on the headlines on the list of entries at the end of this installment.

Mile 559: Harbour Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head Island Island, SC

The weather is beautiful for April, in the 60s and sunny, so we decide to head south to Hilton Head Island by going outside the ICW. What a change of scene when you 'go outside!' The tight corners, encroaching vegetation and shore debris all fall away as you break out into the open sea and a limitless horizon.

No more worrying about going aground, the depth gauge shows 20, 30, 40, 50 feet and more to the seabed far below. We listen to the chatter on the radio, but instead of cocking our ears for bridge closings, moving shoals and boats aground, we hear about submerged debris that has fallen off of freighters and the approach of supertankers that have a blind spot a quarter-mile long.

The water into Hilton Head Island is very shallow, hence long piers are needed to get to a comfortable boat depth.

Towards day's end we came into Hilton Head Island, arriving by going under the bridge to the island from the mainland. I had been coming to the island every October since 2001 for an industry conference and had always driven over that bridge. Very strange to be coming by boat and slipping by under it.

The bridge over to Hilton Head Island, my first time motoring under it.

We were greeted by kayakers enjoying the inlets and marsh.

We continued on past the bridge and Harbour Town Yacht Basin at Sea Pines Plantation came into view. The Horizon Classic had just ended the week before and vestigates of the tournament were everywhere, a kind of ghost tournament town all set up with no one to cheer.

Harbour Town's distinctive lighthouse tell us we are almost there.

Tournament ghost town: everything but the people.

The finishing hole offers not only great golf views, but also water views.

Easing up to the entrance to the basin.

Good-sized yachts save you the trouble of hotel reservations and check-out is whenever you want.

We had made good time into the basin, arriving around 5 o'clock. I had spent most of the day calling area clients to see if they could come over to our boat for cocktails. It was the middle of the week, but fortunately a few could make it. What a pleasure meeting for drinks in the harbor. A great way to spend the evening.

On display: the new GolfCourseHome Magazine and WaterView burgee.

Captain Steve with Tobin Spirer of Spirer Communications.

Guests include Pat Judd, sponsor of Dataw Island, and her husband, and Beverly Serral, sponsor of Sea Pines Plantation.

The day ended with an excellent seafood dinner at the dinner located at the base of the Harbour Town lighthouse. On the way the back to the boat, I took the show below, a glimmering reminder of a memorable day.

Time-lapse photography, not quite successful, but evocative of the magical atmosphere of Harbour Town.

Next Installment: A Visit to Windmill Harbour, SC

Follow the Complete Trip Down the ICW by clicking on the headlines below.

ICW Trip Announcement 

DAY 1 - Havre de Grace, MD - Engine Trouble 

DAY 2 - Alligator River Marina, NC - River Forest, NC   

DAY 2: A Visit to River Dunes, Oriental NC

DAY 3 - The Oriental Boat Show Is a Town-Wide Celebration

DAY 4 - Tiptoeing Past Firing Lines to North River Club & Brunswick Forest

DAY 5 - St. James Plantation Marina - New Home Construction

DAY 6: Charleston's Mega Dock Is a Showcase for the World's Most Beautiful Yachts

Day 6: Daniel Island's Mitchell Wharf Offers Deepwater Docks, River Views

Day 6: Harbour Town Yacht Club with All the Trimmings on Hilton Head Island

Day 7: Discovering Windmill Harbour's Elegance and Privacy on HHI, SC

Has Tiger Wood's Bulging Disc Sparked Some Questions about Your Own Neck?

Mid-match adjustment: Dr. Dale Richardson adjusts Padraig Harrington's spine.

5 questions (and answers) to ask about a bulging disc in your neck.
by Jay Greenstein 

1. What is a bulging disk?

The discs are the cushions between each of the spinal bones, or vertebra. When healthy, they are made up of a fibrous outer portion, the annulus fibrosis and a gelatinous center, the nucleus polposus, in similar design to a jelly donut.

Whether through chronic repetitive stress or acute trauma, the outer portion can tear allowing the jelly to push out towards the spinal cord and nerve roots. In some instances, the bulge can break through the annulus completely and result in a herniation of the nucleus.

2. What are the typical symptoms of a bulging disk?

 A bulging disc in the neck can cause local neck symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling, as well as symptoms into the arm on one side or even in both arms depending upon the location and severity of the disc.

In addition to pain, numbness and tingling, other symptoms in the arm can include weakness in one or a group of muscles, again depending on location and severity of the disc bulge. Symptoms can also go into the upper back as well.

3. How is the golf swing affected by disk problems?

Pain will cause individuals to compensate movement patterns that affect the spinal tissues adversely. In many situations, golfers with a history of neck pain are reinforcing faulty movement patterns which lead them into more severe disc issues. 

The goal for the golfer experiencing symptoms due to disc problems is to reduce pain and inflammation as quickly as possible and at the same time seek out a functional solution to ensure that the positive outcome attained through proper conservative treatment is maintained in the long term.

Once proper treatment has occurred and the golfer is ready to resume playing, making sure that they have been evaluated for proper swing mechanics and having a total body functional movement screen can be very beneficial to reduce the probability of future injuries.

4. How can doctors of chiropractic help golfers with disk injuries?

Doctors of Chiropractic are well trained to evaluate and treat spinal disc problems. According to the scientific literature, a multi-modal approach to treat these conditions seems to fare best. Doctors of Chiropractic are leading experts in spinal manipulation, Flexion Distraction Technique, spinal decompression and a variety of other manual techniques that can reduce pain and inflammation in the neck.

Doctors of Chiropractic can also prescribe and perform physiotherapy modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation and low level laser therapy. Active exercise and rehabilitation techniques, soft tissue treatment and activity of daily living counseling are also managed by Doctors of Chiropractic and play an important role in functional improvement and long lasting positive outcomes.

In many cases, Doctors of Chiropractic can all but eliminate the need for more invasive procedures such as spinal epidural injections and surgery, which have less scientific support.

Just as important, Doctors of Chiropractic understand the need to refer for advanced imaging and/or medical intervention when appropriate. For disc problems, they are critical component of the healthcare team and can get golfers back out on the course again.

5. What are some basic exercises golfers can do to prevent injury?

Because each golfer has their own individual biomechanical needs and issues, there isn’t necessarily a “one size fits all” exercise for golfers. The smart golfers who really take injury prevention seriously seek out trained professionals to get an accurate assessment of their musculoskeletal system.

Many Doctors of Chiropractic are Certified Golf Fitness Instructors through Titleist Performance Institute and can help golfer get on the road to health, wellness and fitness and stay there!

About the Author
Dr. Jay Greenstein
DC, CCSP, TPI CGFI
CEO, Sport and Spine Rehab
Chiropractor of the Year (2007), Maryland Chiropractic Association
Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner
Certified in Graston Technique
Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor

Dr. Greenstein is a Maryland native. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National College of Chiropractic, and earned his post-graduate degree in Sports Chiropractic at the Logan College of Chiropractic.

In addition to maintaining his private practice as CEO of Sport and Spine Rehab, he has served as a recommended provider for the National Football League (NFL) Players Association and for the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. He has also been the Official Team Chiropractor for the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders since 1997.

Europe's Debt Problems Could Keep U.S. Mortgage Rates Below 5% This Summer

By Patricia Orsini  

Europe just delivered the U.S. housing market a pleasant surprise for summer. Thanks to the financial chaos across the pond, experts are forecasting that mortgage rates may fall to 4.5 percent over the next few months, rather than shoot up to 6 percent, as previously predicted.

This could provide the historic opportunity many buyers have been waiting for.

The lower rates are good news for home sellers, as well. When the Obama administration's tax credit expired at the end of April, some real estate brokers were convincing sellers to reduce asking prices by $8,000 -- the same amount first-time buyers might have gotten through tax credits in the preceding months. With reduced rates, the cost of a home goes down, and sellers might be able to sell closer to their original asking price.

It's also a reversal of fortune for the more than half of all borrowers with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages of 5.75 percent or higher, who might be able to refinance their rates at more than a full percentage point. Furthermore, more people will qualify for mortgages, and others might find they qualify for a slightly larger loan.

"The lower the rate, the more affordable the mortgage payment; it's a great buying opportunity," Melissa Cohn, president of mortgage broker Manhattan Mortgage Co., in New York City, told HousingWatch.

Speaking from her office Monday afternoon, Cohn added, "We are definitely busy. People want to take advantage of this opportunity. I've been in business for 25 years; in terms of fixed rates, this is the lowest I have seen."

Mortgage rates declined this week, upending predictions that rates already had hit rock-bottom and would be increasing again as the Federal Reserve's mortgage-securities purchase program ended. The reason: Investors from around the world who are finding refuge in U.S. Treasury bonds.

Amid concerns about the global economy, America is looking like a safe bet in terms of investment. The rates on the bonds decrease when there is more investment; when Treasury bonds drop, so do mortgage rates.

This wasn't something people were predicting a month ago, when projections were for interest rates to go up, says Manhattan Mortgage's Cohn. On Monday, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan was 4.87 percent.

In late March, according to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 4.9 percent. By the week of April 8, the rate had gone up to 5.21 percent, then dropped slightly in the following weeks.

The rush to qualify for the tax credit made April a big one for home sales -- existing home sales were up 7.6 percent from March. But there still are plenty for sale. At the end of April, there was an 8.4-month supply of homes nationwide.

Not everyone believes the lower rates will boost the number of home sales. Unemployment remains high, and qualifying for a mortgage is not as easy as it once was.

Nevertheless, the low rates and large number of homes for sale scream opportunity for buyers. But they need to act quickly, says Cohn. While the Wall Street Journal reported that industry-watchers are saying rates could go as low as 4.5 percent this summer, Cohn says no one knows how this is going to play out.

"The mortgage rates are based on the economy, and the economy is volatile right now," she says. "When we start seeing positive signs in Europe, the rates will start going up again."

Cohn's advice: Stay on top of the news. "If the markets are volatile, the rates can change more than once a day.

"Before they head north," she says, "take advantage of the volatility."
 

New Communities Newsletter May 25: Win Free Entry to the World Amateur Handicap

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 511  Tuesday May 25, 2010   Circulation: 30,342

   ---------------------------------------------------

Hilton Head Plantation, SC: No. 1 Most Visited WaterView Community in May

    Today's Headlines

    * Win Free Entry to the World Amateur Handicap Championship!
    * Top 10 WaterView Communities Offering Golf in May
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News
     *Best Deals of 2010
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * ICW Cruise: A Visit to Daniel Island's New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Friday May 28 !

Back to top

WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE WORLD AMATEUR HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP!
Special to GolfCourseHome Readers: Win free entry and travel to the 27^th Annual Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 30 to September 3. Click the link to find out more. If  you love the game of golf and a good time, this is just the event for you.

The Golf.com World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and more than 25 foreign countries and is open to all golfers.  Players are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and play a different Myrtle Beach golf course each day.  At night, the fun continues at the World’s Largest 19th Hole, where free food, drinks and live entertainment deliver a good time.

A fifth round “Flight Winners Playoff” allows the nearly 80 flight winners to compete for the right to be crowned World Champion. CLICK HERE to win free entry, travel and more to the World Am.

Back to top

=> ICW Cruise Update: Next Installment! "A Visit to Daniel Island & Its New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood"
Other recent ICW Cruise posts: "Mega Yachts of Charleston," plus visits to St. James Plantation and Brunswick Forest and North River Golf Club.

Back to top

TOP 10 WATERVIEW COMMUNITIES OFFERING GOLF IN MAY

  1. Hilton Head Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC - Golf on property
  2. Woodlake, Tazewell, TN  - Golf on property
  3. Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill, NC  - Golf on property
  4. Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina, FL - Golf nearby
  5. The Reserve at SugarTree, Lipan, TX  - Golf on property

  6. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC  - Golf on property
  7. St. James Plantation, Southport, NC  - Golf on property
  8. Windmill Harbour, Hilton Head Island, SC - Golf nearby
  9. Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL  - Golf on property
10. Sunset Dunes, Prince Edward Island, Canada - Golf nearby

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Blackstone, AZ offers summer tee times on the Blackstone golf course to members of local private golf clubs from June 1 through Sept.26.Individuals belonging to private golf clubs or groups of private club members can schedule tee times on the Jim Engh-designed course through their club professional. Guests of members are also welcome. Rates, which include green fee and cart, are $50 plus tax per player. Click here for more information about Blackstone!

> Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club, FL is offering price reductions up to $200,000 for the first 10 home buyers who commit to purchase one of the community’s award-winning homes. Golf course lots are included in the specially reduced inventory. Click here for more information about Harbor Hills!

> The Georgia Club, GA and its golf professionals are unveiling a Free Golf Program. It’s an invitation to join the pros for on-the-course instruction sessions. Each clinic offers an in-depth lecture on golf fundamentals including putting, chipping and full swing. Click here for more information about The Georgia Club!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC held its Second Annual Lake Keowee Antique Boat Show last Saturday. Along with the beautiful antique boats, there was a special storytelling presentation by Chris Smith, the grandson of the founder of Chris*Craft boats. Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Carolina Trace, NC recently cut the ceremonial ribbon on a new 30,000 sq. ft. clubhouse. The new building, which replaces one destroyed by fire in 2008, was finished on budget and two months ahead of schedule. The new clubhouse is used for entertainment, fitness, dining and club activities. It is the first in a series of amenity upgrades at the club. Click here for more information about Carolina Trace!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> North River Golf Club, Beaufort
Championship golf course, planned golf clubhouse, tennis and fitness, homes from $234,900

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
 => Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

Back to top

BEST DEALS OF 2010

 

> The Georgia Club, GA has a new Invitational Member offer, good through May 28. Under the program, new Invitational Members can pay their initiation deposit in six equal installments of $2,000 each year for six years ($12,000 total). New Members can delay the first installment of the initiation deposit until 2011. Membership offers a 100% refundable initiation deposit upon resignation, and no assessments are applied. Click here for more information about The Georgia Club!

> Brunswick Forest, NC is combining its Summer Concert performance series with a final opportunity to take advantage of a limited homesite release beginning at just $75,000. This three-day/two-night $99 getaway includes lodging for two, golf, a Saturday evening poolside party, a community tour and a Friday evening concert in the park. In addition there is a limited-time homesite buyer incentive of up to 90% financing, an annual Golf Pass and special introductory pricing. Click here for more information about Brunswick Forest!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC has a Discover Balsam visitation package good all summer through Sept. 4. For $199 per night, enjoy accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with the opportunity to explore Balsam and the surrounding area. The beautifully decorated cabins are part of our Private Residence Club fractional ownership offering. They feature luxury bedding, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Running Y Ranch, OR marks its recent No. 4 ranking in the Golf Digest list of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women by offering a new Golf for Women Package. The one-night package include two rooms for a foursome of women in the Running Y Lodge, one day of golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed course, golf cart, range balls and 15 % off at the resort’s Sandhill Spa. Package price is $114 per person. Award is based on criteria such as design, amenities and atmosphere. Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada reports brisk sales and construction activity and reminds buyers that financing is still available on all property purchases at 4% over a 10-year term—with a limited-time bonus offer of interest-free payments in the first year. With the recent sale of three lots there are now only six oceanfront lots at Sunset Dunes still available. Click here for more information about Sunset Dunes!

> Hampton Lake, SC's special, limited incentive offer on an income-producing home guaranteed to yield $18,000 in rental revenue in the first year of ownership. The first buyer to purchase a Vacation Arbors home and place it in the rental program will be guaranteed by Hampton Lake, LLC a minimum rental income amount of $4,500 per quarter for the first four quarters after move-in date.

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's special Stay & Play program--now with summer rates. Priced at $350 per couple, the offer includes two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf (for two), unlimited tennis, use of the fitness center, plus lunches and a dinner for two.  

> Woodside Plantation, SC's extension of its Spring Savings Spectacular through May 31, for guests who attend its Spring Fling celebration May 28-30, 2010.  The Spring Fling is Woodside’s most anticipated annual event and is a fun-filled weekend of great camaraderie, fine dining, golf outings, historic trolley tours, a pub party and a special Saturday evening gala featuring live music and dancing.  

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge on a Discovery Package....

> Champion Hills, NC's a Stay & Play package includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180....

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 here!

Back to top

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

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

Back to top

NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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The Landings to Host the 89th Georgia Championship on Its Deer Creek Course

The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA, has announced that the 89th Georgia Amateur Championship which will be played on its Deer Creek course, July 7 – 11.

This is the first time The Landings will be hosting the Georgia Amateur after successfully hosting four Georgia Senior Championships (1987, 1989, 2002, and 2008), two Georgia Junior Championships (2000 and 2006), the 1990 Georgia Top 40 Women’s Classic and the 2006 Georgia-South Girl’s Junior Challenge Match.

Qualifying rounds are getting underway this month around the state to complete the field of 156 competitors, who will be welcomed by club members in July. Request more information about The Landings.

The Georgia Amateur Championship began in 1916, when 14-year-old Bobby Jones captured the inaugural title. The championship is open to male amateur golfers who are GSGA members and are residents of Georgia. A field of 156 competitors will play the first two rounds with the low 70 and ties making the cut for rounds three and four. 

Last year’s champion, Russell Henley, set a tournament scoring record of 16-under-par 268 and captured his second-straight Georgia Amateur title by 8 strokes over David Noll Jr. of Dalton. He became the first champion to claim back-to-back titles in 15 years.

Only eight golfers in the history of the Championship have won consecutive titles. Twenty-four of the 64 past Georgia Amateur Champions have gone on to be inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

Previous venues for this event included the Country Club of Columbus, The Savannah Golf Club, The Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta, Capital City Club, Atlanta, Augusta Country Club, Sea Island Golf Club- St. Simons Island and many others.

The Landings on Skidaway Island is located less than ten miles south of historic Savannah, GA.  Six championship golf courses frame the center of this premier gated residential community set on a 6,500-acre island. Request more information about The Landings.

Members enjoy four elegant dining clubhouses, miles of walking and biking trails, 34 tennis courts, two deep-water marinas and a variety of other coastal amenities.

Named “one of the nation’s best residential communities” by the Urban Land Institute, homes at The Landings range from $250,000 to $1 million plus; home sites from $120,000.  More information is available by calling 1-800-841-7011. Request more information about The Landings.

New Communities Newsletter: North River Golf Club Joins GolfCourseHome Network

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 510  Friday May 21, 2010   Circulation: 30,342

   ---------------------------------------------------

North River Golf Club, NC: Golf, amenities on the coast.

    Today's Headlines

    * North River Golf Club Joins GolfCoursHome
    * Win Free Entry to the World Amateur Handicap Championship!
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
     *Best Deals of 2010
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * ICW Cruise: A Visit to Daniel Island's New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Tuesday May 25 !

> We are pleased to announce the addition of North River Golf Club, home to a 7,210-yard championship golf course and ideal for boating, swimming, fishing and relaxing, to the GolfCourseHome Network.

Set on the famed Crystal Coast in Blackbeard’s backyard, North River Golf Club is designed as a community of separate villages with varied home styles. Property owners select from single-family homes, bungalows, patio homes and condominiums, all within minutes of sporting enjoyment.

> GolfCourseHome Magazine Goes Digital: Check out the new digital version of GolfCourseHome Magazine online where you can click to the Featured Community page of each Dream 18 golf hole directly from the magazine. Zoom in and out, search the issue, read articles and and more!

NORTH CAROLINA
=> North River Golf Club, Beaufort
Championship golf course, planned golf clubhouse, tennis and fitness, homes from $234,900

Back to top

WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE WORLD AMATEUR HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP!
Do you love the game of golf and a good time? We have just the event for you. Win free entry and travel to the 27th Annual Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 30 to September 3.

The Golf.com World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and more than 25 foreign countries and is open to all golfers.  Players are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and play a different Myrtle Beach golf course each day. 

At night, the fun continues at the World’s Largest 19^th Hole, where free food, drinks and live entertainment deliver a good time.

A fifth round “Flight Winners Playoff” allows the nearly 80 flight winners to compete for the right to be crowned World Champion. CLICK HERE to win free entry, travel and more to the World Am.

Back to top

=> ICW Cruise Update: Next Installment! "A Visit to Daniel Island & Its New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood"

Other recent ICW Cruise posts: "Mega Yachts of Charleston," plus visits to St. James Plantation and Brunswick Forest and North River Golf Club.

Back to top

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> The Georgia Club, GA has a new Invitational Member offer, good through May 28. Under the program, new Invitational Members can pay their initiation deposit in six equal installments of $2,000 each year for six years ($12,000 total). New Members can delay the first installment of the initiation deposit until 2011. Membership offers a 100% refundable initiation deposit upon resignation, and no assessments are applied. Click here for more information about The Georgia Club!

> Brunswick Forest, NC is combining its Summer Concert performance series with a final opportunity to take advantage of a limited homesite release beginning at just $75,000. This three-day/two-night $99 getaway includes lodging for two, golf, a Saturday evening poolside party, a community tour and a Friday evening concert in the park. In addition there is a limited-time homesite buyer incentive of up to 90% financing, an annual Golf Pass and special introductory pricing. Click here for more information about Brunswick Forest!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC has a Discover Balsam visitation package good all summer through Sept. 4. For $199 per night, enjoy accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with the opportunity to explore Balsam and the surrounding area. The beautifully decorated cabins are part of our Private Residence Club fractional ownership offering. They feature luxury bedding, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Colleton River Plantation, SC hosted a qualifier for the US Open Championship on its acclaimed Pete Dye Course on Monday, May 17. The qualifier saw a field of 100 top players, as part of Colleton River’s continuing effort to share its exceptional golf courses with the golfing community. Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

> Carolina Country Club, SC plans a Memorial Day Sip and Chat celebration beginning at 7 p.m. on the club patio. Dinner begins at 8:00. Sip and Chat events are a regular feature at the club, gathering people are from all over the country to enjoy hors d' oeurvres and cocktails as they meet and mingle. Click here for more information about Carolina Country Club!

> Frenchman’s Creek, FL recently held a special reception for the Palm Beach Master Brokers Forum (MBF), an organization comprised of South Florida’s top residential real estate agents.  The event, chaired by MBF board member Virginia Spencer, was held at the community’s exquisite beach club in Juno Beach. More than 50 Master Brokers and guests were in attendance. Click here for more information about Frenchman’s Creek!

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JUST ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> North River Clu, Beaufort
Championship golf course, planned golf clubhouse, tennis and fitness, homes from $234,900

North River Club is a master-planned, 620-acre sporting community on an idyllic Crystal Coast site just five miles from historic Beaufort, North Carolina. Designed around an 18-hole championship golf course, it offers excellent amenities and true village warmth.

The community’s award-winning golf course opened in 2007 to rave reviews from experts and recreational players. Laid out by Bob Moore for JMP Golf Design, it features expansive waste bunkers. Lakes and ponds, many with wooden bulkheads, bring water into play on seven holes.

Planned amenities at the golf complex include a large practice range, putting green and a spacious two-story clubhouse. Inside will be a club grill, golf pro shop, locker rooms and a members lounge. Besides the magnificent golf course, onsite amenities will include a racquet club, a resort-quality swim center, Club House and a convenient, inviting village center.

A Community of Villages: North River Club is clustered into separate villages with varied home styles. Owners select from single-family homes, bungalows, patio homes and condominiums, all within minutes of the best boating, fishing and water sports on the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Real Estate: North River Golf Club, SC

• Multiple single-family housing options
• Clustered by style in distinct villages
• • Bungalow Homes, Custom Homes, Cove Patio Homes, Fairway Villas
  • Square footage from about 1,100 to over 3,000 square feet
  • Design themes include Craftsman and Lowcountry styles
  • Favorite Models
  • • Ibis II 3-BR, 2-bath, 1,665 square feet, 2-car garage, $234,900
    • Emma Taylor's Meadow, 3-BR, 2.5-bath, 2-car garage, 1,933 square feet, $276,295 
• Click here for more information about North River Golf Club!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
 => Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

Back to top

BEST DEALS OF 2010

> Running Y Ranch, OR marks its recent No. 4 ranking in the Golf Digest list of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women by offering a new Golf for Women Package. The one-night package include two rooms for a foursome of women in the Running Y Lodge, one day of golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed course, golf cart, range balls and 15 % off at the resort’s Sandhill Spa. Package price is $114 per person. Award is based on criteria such as design, amenities and atmosphere. Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada reports brisk sales and construction activity and reminds buyers that financing is still available on all property purchases at 4% over a 10-year term—with a limited-time bonus offer of interest-free payments in the first year. With the recent sale of three lots there are now only six oceanfront lots at Sunset Dunes still available. Click here for more information about Sunset Dunes!

> Hampton Lake, SC's special, limited incentive offer on an income-producing home guaranteed to yield $18,000 in rental revenue in the first year of ownership. The first buyer to purchase a Vacation Arbors home and place it in the rental program will be guaranteed by Hampton Lake, LLC a minimum rental income amount of $4,500 per quarter for the first four quarters after move-in date.

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's special Stay & Play program--now with summer rates. Priced at $350 per couple, the offer includes two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf (for two), unlimited tennis, use of the fitness center, plus lunches and a dinner for two.  

> Woodside Plantation, SC's extension of its Spring Savings Spectacular through May 31, for guests who attend its Spring Fling celebration May 28-30, 2010.  The Spring Fling is Woodside’s most anticipated annual event and is a fun-filled weekend of great camaraderie, fine dining, golf outings, historic trolley tours, a pub party and a special Saturday evening gala featuring live music and dancing.  

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge on a Discovery Package....

> Champion Hills, NC's a Stay & Play package includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180....

> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, TX's special bonus—buy a homesite and get golf membership at no charge, plus pay no dues for one year. This attractive dues-and-membership offer extends thru June 30. Homesites are priced as low as $19,900 for a private, wooded half-acre....

> Bright’s Creek, NC's price-reduced home with golf and mountain views. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 s. f. of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It has sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 here!

Back to top

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

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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2008 Clubhouse Fire Sparks Carolina Trace Members to Build Back Better Then Ever

Carolina Trace Country Club clubhouse engulfed in fire.

At 7 pm on January 31, 2008, the quiet night air at Carolina Trace Country Club in Sanford, NC, was shattered by the high-pitched wail of fire engines racing through its private gates to the community’s clubhouse. Engulfed in a major fire, the clubhouse was quickly surrounded by firefighters from 12 fire departments who fought for hours to save the building, but couldn't. The next morning revealed the charred, blackened remains of the once-active community hub.

Charred remains, but the start of something new.

Now, less than two years later, proud members at Carolina Trace have cut the ribbon on a new 30,000 sq. ft. clubhouse–architecturally and aesthetically engaging, and a symbol of an active membership who used the disaster as a springboard to upgrading their amenities and to making a statement about the health of the community as a whole. To top it off, the new building was finished two months ahead of schedule and on budget. Request more information about Caroline Trace.

New building complete, no trace of the disaster remains.

Toughing Out the Recession
The new clubhouse and invigorated membership at Carolina Trace stand in stark contrast to the many golf communities that in the past 18 months have had to close their doors.

Despite temporarily losing the hub of their community amid a crippling, world-wide recession, members immediately mobilized to re-create their country club life–post-fire style.

Diners on the new veranda enjoy lake views.

Two objectives guided the initiatives: 1. Rebuild the clubhouse quickly, elegantly and fiscally responsibly and 2. Creatively continue most of the active lifestyle in temporary venues.

The new pub leads into the dining room.

Club members rose to the task from all directions. They supported planned events, the board supported aggressive marketing strategies, and the staff maintained operations at a rental home within the gates.

Activities Resume
Members opened their homes so chess, painting, bridge classes, board meetings and dinner parties could continue. Buses were chartered for cultural and sporting events. Tents provided cover for holiday celebrations and parties. And golf and tennis operations resumed immediately after the fire, enabling the club to host its 200 annual tournaments in addition to daily play.

Members listened to each other, identified their priorities, and together, figured out how to meet those needs in post-fire style while enhancing camaraderie and keeping Club membership high.

The new clubhouse encompasses 30,000 sq. ft and is used for entertainment, fitness, dining and club activities.

Today, members are playing golf on two world-class championship golf courses, playing tennis on lighted, state of the art Har-Tru® courts, kayaking or pontoon-boating on beautiful Lake Trace.

Soaring ceilings and windows accent the dining room.

And in the new clubhouse members work out in the fitness center, participate in more than 70 social clubs and more than 10 events and activities weekly, and dine casually in Jones Pub and Veranda or formally in the Hearthstone Room, Founders Room or the Grand Ballroom. While one could say life has returned to normal at Carolina Trace, it is also clear how special its country club lifestyle is. Request more information about Caroline Trace.

The Landings' Challenger Tennis Event Produces Record Crowds & Great Matches

Find more photos like this on Skidaway Today

The Landings on Skidaway Island, Ga, reports that its 2010 Tail USTA $50,000 Savannah Challenger was once again a major success. Held May 1-9, the event drew thousands of tennis fans from the region who were treated to a week of exciting matches between 48 of the world's top tennis pros who vied for highly coveted ATP ranking points which would put them in major ATP Tour events in addition to prize money. Request more information about The Landings.

Kei Nishikori of Japan won the singles title, defeating Ryan Sweeting of the United States 6-4, 6-0, while the doubles team of Jamie Baker and James Ward of Great Britain defeated Bobby Reynolds (US) and Fritz Wolmarans (South Africa) 6-3, 6-4.

More than 3,200 tennis fans and Landings residents attended the event, surpassing the previous year's total as capacity crowds filled the stands on several days during the week-long tournament. For those who live at this multi-sport master-planned community, it was a chance to see world-class tennis right in their own backyard. Request more information about The Landings.

Several other successful events were held in conjunction with the tournament, including a Landings Kid's Day Clinic sponsored by Palm Avenue that gave children a unique opportunity to interact with tennis professionals, a Ladies Day featuring special prizes for the women in attendance, a players' party at the Village Bar and Grille on Skidaway Island, and a Pro-Am in which 100 percent of the proceeds were donated to the Savannah Community Foundation.

The event's title sponsor was Tail Activewear, a leading brand in women's golf and tennis apparel. Other sponsors included the Atlanta Bread Company, Burger King, the Georgia Ports Authority, Mandarin Express, Memorial University Medical Center, SATA, the Greater Savannah Sports Council, the Savannah Tennis League, Southern Eagle Distributors, Trinchero Family Estates, the Village Bar and Grille, Welch Tennis Courts, Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control, Southern Motors Acura and Vinyl Industries. Hoover Dodge Jeep Chrysler provided the vans for player transportation, and Dr. Spencer Wheeler of Chatham Orthopaedic Associates served as the tournament physician. Coca-Cola provided water and electrolytes for the players.

For a complete wrap-up of the 2010 Tail USTA $50,000 Savannah Challenger, including detailed information about the qualifying rounds and main draw competition, please visit SavannahChallenger.com. Request more information about The Landings.

Calling All Golfers: World Amateur Handicap in Myrtle Beach Is Your Chance to Shine

Do you love the game of golf and a good time? We have just the event for you.

Win free entry and travel to the 27th annual Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship in Myrtle Beach, S.C., August 30 to September 3, 2010.

The Golf.com World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from all 50 states and more than 25 foreign countries and is open to all golfers.  Players are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and play a different Myrtle Beach golf course each day. 

At night, the fun continues at the World’s Largest 19th Hole, where free food, drinks and live entertainment deliver a good time.

A fifth round “Flight Winners Playoff” allows the nearly 80 flight winners to compete for the right to be crowned World Champion.  CLICK HERE to win free entry, travel and more to the World Am.

Frenchman's Creek Beach & CC, Citing Sound Financials, Invests in Improvements

Royal Palm trees dress up Frenchman's Creek's entranceway.

Frenchman's Creek Beach & Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, reports that the club is in excellent financial condition and is in the midst of investing in a number of capital improvements.

So far in 2010, the club has upgraded infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, and have re-landscaped Tournament Drive.  Stunning Royal Palm trees now paint the drive up to the clubhouse where the front lobby, grille room hallway and cupola areas have all been redecorated. Request more information.

This summer, the club will complete the redecoration of the ladies card room, the construction of the new Fitness Center & Spa and the reconstruction and expansion of the back half of  the clubhouse, which will include the food & beverage storage areas, loading docks, employee lockers and cafeteria areas. Request more information.

New Communities Newsletter, May 18: The Top 10 Most Visited Communities in May

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 509  Tuesday May 18, 2010   Circulation: 30,337

   ---------------------------------------------------

Bright's Creek, NC: New to the Top 10 Most Visited list.

    Today's Headlines

    * Top 10 Most Visited Communities in May
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News & Updates
     *Best Deals of 2010
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * ICW Cruise: A Visit to Daniel Island's New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Friday May 21!

=> ICW Cruise Update: Just added: "A Visit to Daniel Island & Its New Mitchell Wharf Neighborhood"
Other recent posts: "Mega Yachts of Charleston," plus visits to St. James Plantation and Brunswick Forest and the North River Club, coming soon to GCHN.net.

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TOP TEN MOST VISITED COMMUNITIES

Nearly half of the Most Visited Golf & WaterView Communities in May are new to the Top 15. Texas and Colorado are represented, as well as Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida.

Geographic preferences range from the the mountains of Colorado and western North & South Carolina to the coast and lakes and points in between. See below for the complete list of the Top 15.

Top 10 Most Visited Communities in May

1. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC
2. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL
3. Del Webb's Stone Creek, Ocala, FL
4. Bright's Creek, Mill Spring, NC - New to the Top 10!
5. Harbour Ridge, Stuart, FL

6. Deer Brook Golf Club, Shelby, NC
7. Treasure Lake, DuBois, PA - New to the Top 10!
8. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, NC
9. Carolina Country Club, Spartansburg, NC - New to the Top 10!
10. Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC

The Next 5 Most Visited Communities

11. Stonehouse, Toana, VA
12. The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake, Fort Worth, TX -  New to the Top 15!
13. Rio Grande Club, Suth Fork, CO -  New to the Top 15!
14. St. James Plantation, Southport, NC - New to the Top 15!
15. The Cliffs at Keowee, Sunset, SC  - New to the Top 15!

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Running Y Ranch, OR marks its recent No. 4 ranking in the Golf Digest list of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women by offering a new Golf for Women Package. The one-night package include two rooms for a foursome of women in the Running Y Lodge, one day of golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed course, golf cart, range balls and 15 % off at the resort’s Sandhill Spa. Package price is $114 per person. Award is based on criteria such as design, amenities and atmosphere. Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada reports brisk sales and construction activity and reminds buyers that financing is still available on all property purchases at 4% over a 10-year term—with a limited-time bonus offer of interest-free payments in the first year. With the recent sale of three lots there are now only six oceanfront lots at Sunset Dunes still available. Click here for more information about Sunset Dunes!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Indian River Colony Club, FL recently held a Rally for the Cure golf tournament, welcoming a field of 60 women golfers all outfitted in pink apparel as they vied for cash prizes and golf accessories while raising money and awareness for breast cancer research. The 18-hole scramble event raised $1,565 for cancer research. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation was the event sponsor. Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

> The Cliffs at Glassy, SC will host a special Cooking with Karl culinary workshop on Wednesday, May 26 at 3 p.m. Executive Chef Karl Lundgren and Pastry Chef Angela Minor will interactively demonstrate how to create an array of delectable delights as well as educate in an intimate and fun atmosphere. Class is limited to 20. Fee is $25 per person. Click here for more information about The Cliffs at Glassy!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL reports lots of real estate showings, listings and sales. In the second quarter, the realty group has closed three property purchases and gone to contract on two more. Just listed is a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on Sweetbay Circle for $385,000 and a 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence on Harbour Ridge Boulevard for $329,900. A Harbour Ridge home in that same price range has a sale pending very shortly after coming on the market. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

> The Bay Club, MA reports that one of its members, Peter Uihlein, has risen to the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, making him the world’s top-ranked amateur golfer.

> Reynolds Plantation, GA, and its Lake Club Tennis Center welcomes Peter Burwash International (PBI) professional Joachim Hohnstadt to the tennis staff for the summer season.

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
=> Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

> Hampton Lake, SC's special, limited incentive offer on an income-producing home guaranteed to yield $18,000 in rental revenue in the first year of ownership. The first buyer to purchase a Vacation Arbors home and place it in the rental program will be guaranteed by Hampton Lake, LLC a minimum rental income amount of $4,500 per quarter for the first four quarters after move-in date.

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's special Stay & Play program--now with summer rates. Priced at $350 per couple, the offer includes two nights in a fully equipped condominium, two rounds of golf (for two), unlimited tennis, use of the fitness center, plus lunches and a dinner for two.  

> Woodside Plantation, SC's extension of its Spring Savings Spectacular through May 31, for guests who attend its Spring Fling celebration May 28-30, 2010.  The Spring Fling is Woodside’s most anticipated annual event and is a fun-filled weekend of great camaraderie, fine dining, golf outings, historic trolley tours, a pub party and a special Saturday evening gala featuring live music and dancing.  

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge on a Discovery Package....

> Champion Hills, NC's a Stay & Play package includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180....

> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, TX's special bonus—buy a homesite and get golf membership at no charge, plus pay no dues for one year. This attractive dues-and-membership offer extends thru June 30. Homesites are priced as low as $19,900 for a private, wooded half-acre....

> Bright’s Creek, NC's price-reduced home with golf and mountain views. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 s. f. of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It has sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discovery Package, just $199/night, comes with accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with fireplace & daily breakfast. Enjoy a guided horseback ride, 30 miles of hiking trails with a staff naturalist or explore the nearby towns of Waynesville and Sylva....

> Windmill Harbour, SC's reduced price by $300,000 of the luxury home at 6 Millwright. Equipped with a hot tub/spa, fireplace, private pool, 3-car garage and Jarvis Creek views, this 6,105-sq.-ft. home on a large lot is currently listed at $1,999,000. It has 4 BR & 4 BAs, & is near the marina and Yacht Club...

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.a

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* North River Club, NC
* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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ICW Cruise: Daniel Island's Mitchell Wharf to Offer Deepwater Docks, Wando River Views

Editor's Note: The ICW series of blog entries details the April 2010 cruise down the ICW made by WaterViewHome Network Publisher David Lott. The purpose of the trip is twofold: to accompany Captain Steve Weisbrod who is delivering a 43-foot Lagoon PowerCat from Lewis, DE, to Key West, FL, where it will become part of a charter fleet, and to visit golf and waterview communities and report on them. You can see other entries by clicking on the headlines on the list of entries.

ICW Trip Announcement 

DAY 1 - Havre de Grace, MD - Engine Trouble 

DAY 2 - Alligator River Marina, NC - River Forest, NC  

DAY 3 - Oriental Boat Show Is a Town-wide Celebration - A Visit to River Dunes

DAY 4 - Tiptoeing Past Firing Lines to North River Club & Brunswick Forest

DAY 5 - St. James Plantation Marina - New Home Construction

DAY 6: Charleston's Mega Dock Is a Showcase for the World's Most Beautiful Yachts

Charleston: Mile 469: A Visit to Daniel Island.

Daniel Island Marketing Director Julie D. & daughter Sophie

The day started off with a delightful introduction. I was picked up at the marina by Daniel Island Marketing Director Julie Dombrowski, with whom I had been working for five years via phone and email, and who was accompanied by her daughter Sophie.

It was the first time we had met--yet  another face to place with the voice after many years of marketing co-operation. Meeting Sophie was a bonus. She was on her way to school at Daniel Island which was where this photo was taken.

Julie's husband owns Ted's Butcher Block, a local shop offering gourmet meats, cheeses and freshly prepared meals. While I was in Charleston, the crew from one of the mega yachts stopped in and ordered $2,000 worth of meat with one order.

My arrival at Daniel island had just missed the conclusion of the Family Circle Cup which features the top women tennis pros in the first outing of the spring clay court season. The Family Circle Cup goes back to the 1970s when I covered the event and it began its tradition of introducing to the international stage soon-to-be famous players such as Pam Shriver and Jennifer Capriati. Request more information.

Part of the pagentry that accompanies the tournament is the fly-over by the Blue Angels, the aerial goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps. It is a spectacular week to be on-island.

Daniel Island home under construction.

Since the time available for my visit was short, we drove straight to where the action now is at Daniel Island. We drove by this home under construction to the edge of the community that borders on the Wando River en route to the site of the future Mitchell Wharf neighborhood. Boaters will be interested in the new release of homesites here which come with a permit to install a deepwater dock. Homesite and home packages start in the $600,000s and go up to $1.2 million. Request more information.

Mitchell Wharf will look out on the Wando River.

In addition to the beach shown above, Mitchell Wharf will also have other common areas such as parks, playgrounds and pools.

To the left of Mitchell Wharf are peaceful marsh views.

Quintessential Daniel Island neighborhood--Charleston architecture, tidy streets.

As we rode on through Daniel Island I was impressed how mature the community is--buyers don't have to wait for infrastructure and amenities to be built. Everything is in, no waiting.

Kid's paradise--a tree house with a water view.

Kids are a welcome part of life here, witness the elementary school we dropped Sophie off at, and this tree house, above, will keep any child's imagination filled with visions of pirates and days at sea. The swimming club, below, is also a popular spot. Request more information about Daniel Island.

An easy place to spend the day--the swim club.

Homes look out on the delicate marsh eco-system.

Everywhere you look you are reminded of the delicate ecosystem that surrounds Daniel Island. The homes above look out over march, through which you can see a simple boardwalk which will give you a memorable nature tour.

Boardwalks skirt the marsh.

This home caught my eye with its impressive entrance and gas light.

Close up of the front door.

Gas lamp on front stairway.

We stopped by the 11th green and 12th tee on the Tom Fazio-designed Beresford Creek Course which is neatly tucked into neighborhoods of stately homes. Request more information about Daniel Island

Golf course home overlooking the 11th green, Beresford Creek Course.

Home overlooking the 12th tee, Beresford Creek.

I returned to the marina and we immediately we cast off and headed towards our next destination--Hilton Head Island. As we moved out of the harbor we passed the Coast Guard station. Th passage had special meaning for me. My father, as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, was Captain of the Port of Charleston during World War II, receiving a special commendation from the governor at the war's end. 

Coast Guard on duty at harbor entrance.

As we departed, this sailboat headed downwind along with us.

Next Stop. Hilton Head Island, Harbour Town Yacht Basin and more.

New Communities Newsletter, May 14: Scotch Hall Preserve Joins WVH Network

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 508  Friday May 14, 2010   Circulation: 30,337

   ---------------------------------------------------

Scotch Hall Preserve, NC joins WaterViewHome Network.

    Today's Headlines

    * Scotch Hall Preserve Joins WaterViewHome.net
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News & Updates
     *Best Deals of 2010
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * ICW Cruise: Next Installment--"Mega Yachts of Charleston SC"
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Tuesday, May 18!

We are pleased to announce the addition of Scotch Hall Preserve, an emerging master-planned community on the vast, sparkling estuary that is Albemarle Sound, to the WaterviewHome Network. Designed for the healthy, family-centered lifestyle with all the amenities, Scotch Hall Preserve and its 107-slip marina will also be a fine place for your boat to call home!

=> ICW Cruise Update: See news about my cruise on the ICW on the WaterViewHome blog, with photos of my visit to Daniel Island, SC, plus Brunswick Forest, and St. James Plantation.

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Access to multiple waterways, Palmer Signature golf, planned marina, homesites from $125,000

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL announces a Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge through a Discovery Package. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

> Champion Hills, NC offers a Stay & Play package. It includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180, which includes a one-night stay for two on site or in historic Hendersonville, dining at the Clubhouse and a private, guided tour of the community, club and featured homes. Click here for more information about Champion Hills!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Daniel Island, SC hosts a Concert in the Park along the lakefront at Smythe Park this Saturday, May 15, at 7 p.m.. This free concert, open to the public, features Jeremy Davis and the 16-piece Equinox Jazz Orchestra. Concert-goers will take part in a picnic competition for Best Overall Picnic Spread, with the winners receiving a $500 award made as a contribution to the charity of their choice. Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

> Boca Woods Country Club, FL recently gathered some 150 club members for a Fun and Games Evening in support of the charitable efforts of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Members of Boca Woods make significant contributions to the Federation's annual campaign each year, helping fund the federation’s good works in the U.S., Israel and 70 countries worldwide. Click here for more information about Boca Woods Country Club!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Champion Hills, NC, debt-free, and member-owned since 2001, reports another strong year for property sales in 2009, with 19 properties sold and 8 property owners building new custom homes. In other news, the community’s Tom Fazio golf course was ranked No. 5 in the state by Golf Digest. Currently on offer are villas, cottages and custom homes from $400,000 to $3.5 million-plus and prime building lots starting at $100,000. Click here for more information about Champion Hills!

> PGA Village, FL invites visitors to view the brand-new Senior PGA Championship museum exhibit, on display in the adjacent PGA Historical Center. The tournament is the oldest major championship in senior golf, dating back to 1937.

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Scotch Hall Preserve is a master-planned, upscale enclave for second-home and pre-retirement buyers. Occupying a 900-acre cape bounded by the Albemarle Sound, the community is equally attractive to golfers and boating enthusiasts.

The community’s private golf course was named by Golf Digest as America’s Ninth Best New Private Course in 2009. This 7,254-yard layout is an Arnold Palmer Signature design, with several holes paralleling the sound and scenic Salmon Creek.

The planned Family Club Retreat will offer a swimming pool, sports lawn, pavilion grill, and a bathhouse. And the proposed full-service clubhouse will be the perfect setting for family and social events from wine tastings to wedding receptions.

State-of-the-Art Recreation: The proposed Kids Adventure Camp will feature playgrounds and outdoor recreation for children of all ages, as well as picnic areas and other features.

The planned Boat Basin and Marina with its 107 slips and fueling dock promise convenience and access to the waters of the Sound, the Chowan River and Salmon Creek—for residents with watercraft from kayaks and sailboats to inboard cruisers.

Real Estate:  Scotch Hall Preserve, NCX

• Variety of 450 custom homesites
• Views of the golf course, coastal wetlands, Salmon Creek, Albemarle Sound
• Sized from a quarter-acre to one acre-plus
• Priced from $125,000
• Family Club Retreat Cottages
  • 10 cottage-style homes
  • Maintenance-free living
  • Adjacent to Family Club Retreat
  • Average area of 2,600 square feet
  • Fully furnished
  • Priced from $540,000
  • Click here for more information about Scotch Hall Preserve!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET! 

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

TENNESSEE
=> Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge on a Discovery Package....

> Champion Hills, NC's a Stay & Play package includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180....

> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, TX's special bonus—buy a homesite and get golf membership at no charge, plus pay no dues for one year. This attractive dues-and-membership offer extends thru June 30. Homesites are priced as low as $19,900 for a private, wooded half-acre....

> Bright’s Creek, NC's price-reduced home with golf and mountain views. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 s. f. of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It has sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discovery Package, just $199/night, comes with accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with fireplace & daily breakfast. Enjoy a guided horseback ride, 30 miles of hiking trails with a staff naturalist or explore the nearby towns of Waynesville and Sylva....

> Windmill Harbour, SC's reduced price by $300,000 of the luxury home at 6 Millwright. Equipped with a hot tub/spa, fireplace, private pool, 3-car garage and Jarvis Creek views, this 6,105-sq.-ft. home on a large lot is currently listed at $1,999,000. It has 4 BR & 4 BAs, & is near the marina and Yacht Club...

 

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada's new Couples Golf Festival visitation package. This 4-night package on July 8-12 features world-class golf, memorable dining and includes opening reception, 3 rounds of golf at host golf courses and closing banquet....

> GlenLakes, FL's price reductions, including a 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath luxury model home with private pool in the GlenLakes estate section—previously listed at $725,000—is now being offered for $625,000. Click here for more information about GlenLakes!

> River Oaks, CT's Trial Membership for incoming first-year members. Pay a $10,000 deposit for dues and fees, plus certain daily usage fees, and enjoy golf membership privileges. Upon returning in 2011, holders of the 2010 trial membership will be credited their $10,000 fee toward full equity golf membership, which is currently set at $45,000. Click here for more information about River Oaks!

> Hampton Lake, SC's new lakefront model home available for $629,500. This Lakeland Collection LifeSmart™ home enjoys stunning lake views and desirable outdoor living. Owners will be able to kayak their way to the Lakeside Amenity Village and enjoy the award-winning facilities there. Home also includes a spacious Owners Retreat, expansive screened atrium with fountain, and many upgrades. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.a

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* North River Club, NC
* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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Teton Springs, ID, Celebrates GCH Dream 18 Selection in Its Monthly Newsletter

All Season Realty and Teton Springs, ID, celebrated its recent selection to the 2010 GolfCourseHome Dream 18 list of great residential golf holes with an announcement in its monthly newsletter. See the complete list here. Read all about the Dream 18 in the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine.

Celebrities & the Courses They'll Play Announced for BMW Charity Pro-Am

Celebrity course rotations for the upcoming BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation golf tournament were announced today.

Celebrities that are scheduled to compete in this year’s event include: Catherine Bell, Lucas Black, Javier Colon, Don Felder, Thomas Gibson, Oliver Hudson, Rob Marciano, Branford Marsalis, Jennifer Mills, Terry O’Quinn, Michael Pena, Jerry Rice, Jim Rice, George Rogers, Joe Don Rooney, Kurt Russell, Stefanie Schaeffer, Sterling Sharpe, Kevin Sorbo, Kordell Stewart, Dabo Swinney, Paula Trickey, Gary Valentine, Patrick Warburton and Ben Wright.

Celebrities will play the following course rotations:

Thursday

The Carolina Country Club
Catherine Bell
Javier Colon
Oliver Hudson
Terry O’Quinn
Jerry Rice (pro)
George Rogers
Joe Don Rooney
Kurt Russell
Dabo Swinney
Patrick Warburton

Bright’s Creek Golf Club
Thomas Gibson
Rob Marciano
Stefanie Schaeffer
Sterling Sharpe
Kordell Stewart 
Paula Trickey
Gary Valentine
Ben Wright

Thornblade Club
Lucas Black
Don Felder
Branford Marsalis
Jennifer Mills
Michael Pena
Jim Rice
Kevin Sorbo

Friday
 
The Carolina Country Club
Lucas Black
Don Felder
Branford Marsalis
Jennifer Mills
Michael Pena
Jim Rice
Kevin Sorbo

Bright’s Creek Golf Club
Catherine Bell
Javier Colon
Oliver Hudson
Terry O’Quinn
Jerry Rice (pro)
George Rogers
Joe Don Rooney
Kurt Russell
Dabo Swinney
Patrick Warburton

Thornblade
Thomas Gibson
Rob Marciano
Stefanie Schaeffer
Sterling Sharpe
Kordell Stewart 
Paula Trickey
Gary Valentine
Ben Wright

Saturday
 
The Carolina Country Club
Thomas Gibson
Rob Marciano
Stefanie Schaeffer
Sterling Sharpe
Kordell Stewart 
Paula Trickey
Gary Valentine
Ben Wright

Bright’s Creek Golf Club
Lucas Black
Don Felder
Branford Marsalis
Jennifer Mills
Michael Pena
Jim Rice
Kevin Sorbo

Thornblade
Catherine Bell
Javier Colon
Oliver Hudson
Terry O’Quinn
Jerry Rice (pro)
George Rogers
Joe Don Rooney
Kurt Russell
Dabo Swinney
Patrick Warburton

Sunday
All golf is played at Thornblade Club (only the 14 lowest scoring pro-amateur/pro-celebrity teams advance to play Sunday’s final round).

The 2010 BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation will be played May 13-16, 2010, at Bright's Creek Golf Club, The Carolina Country Club and Thornblade Club golf courses. All four rounds will be televised live by the Golf Channel.

Daniel Island Opens Free Concerts in the Park for Another Season This Saturday

> Daniel Island, SC hosts a Concert in the Park along the lakefront at Smythe Park this Saturday, May 15, at 7 p.m.  This free concert, an annual event at Daniel Island, is open to the public and will feature Jeremy Davis and the Equinox Jazz Orchestra. The lake at Smythe Park will provide an ideal backdrop for the orchestra’s classy sound. Hailing from Savannah, Jeremy Davis and his 16-piece orchestra plays standards from the repertoire of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr. and many others. Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

Each year the Daniel Island Community Foundation hosts a picnic competition for those attending the concert. This year the best overall picnic spread will receive a $500 contribution for the Charity of their choice. Picnic judging will begin at 6:00pm on Saturday evening with the Concert beginning at 7:00pm.

 

No worries for those who don’t pack a picnic, food vendors, including Orlandos Italian Eatery, Et Cetera Gourmet Food Shoppe, and T&T’s Kettle Korn will be on site selling delicious food, Italian ices and beverages.

Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

Hampton Lake, SC Guarantees $18,000 Rental Income on Arbor Home Purchase

Here's a deal hard to resist: Get a guaranteed rental income of $18,000 from your retirement home the very first year you own it at Hampton Lake, SC.

Building on the immediate success of the community's original Arbor Collection, Hampton Lake’s The Vacation Arbors feature the same high level of details and finishes, but offer the additional opportunity of providing immediate income when you place your home in the rental pool. Request more information now.

This is an excellent strategy for those who want to take advantage of the current buyer’s market and offset some of the costs of a retirement home in the years before they move in.

However, this guarantee applies to only the first to purchaser. So it pays to act quickly.

Here are the details: The first person to purchase a Vacation Arbors home (prices begin in the mid-$200,000s) and place it in the rental program, will be guaranteed by Hampton Lake, LLC, a minimum rental income amount of $4,500/quarter for the first four quarters after your move-in date. That’s $18,000 guaranteed. Request more information now.

This is a limited promotion for homes that have already proven very popular. Call 866.875.5253 or Request more information now.    

Anyone who has purchased a Vacation Arbor also qualifies for this offer. Owner is limited to one week per quarter for personal use for the initial year.

New Communities Newsletter, May 11: SugarTree, TX, Joins WaterViewHome

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 507  Tuesday May 11, 2010   Circulation: 30,343

   ---------------------------------------------------

The Reserve at SugarTree, TX joins WaterViewHome Network.

    Today's Headlines

    * The Reserve at SugarTree Joins WaterViewHome.net
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News & Updates
    * Best Deals of 2010
    * 5 Questions to Ask a Community Design Center Specialist
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * Follow My Cruise Down the IntraCoastal Waterway to Golf & Waterfront Communities
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Friday, May 14!

We are pleased We are pleased to announce the addition of The Reserve at SugarTree, a master-planned community outside Ft. Worth, Texas, to the WaterViewHome Network.

Striking a balance between city convenience and country seclusion, The Reserve at SugarTree is set among natural creeks, sparkling ponds and well-groomed fairways. With access to fishing on the Brazos River and a suite of wonderfully designed amenities, it delivers a true private-resort feel within the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.

=> ICW Cruise Update: See news about my cruise on the ICW on the WaterViewHome blog, with photos of my visit to Daniel Island, SC, plus Brunswick Forest, and St. James Plantation.

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL announces a Special Summer Incentive program. From now through Sept. 30, Harbour Ridge will give buyers the option of paying the Club Equity fee over a 3-year period and will waive one half of Club Dues along with other fees for the 2011 season. Buyers are invited to visit Harbour Ridge through a Discovery Package. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

> Champion Hills, NC offers a Stay & Play package. It includes a round of golf for two on the private, top-ranked Champion Hills course plus lunch at the Clubhouse, a tour of the property and two nights’ lodging at a local inn or B&B in historic Hendersonville—all for $375. There is a one-night visitation option, priced at $180, which includes a one-night stay for two on site or in historic Hendersonville, dining at the Clubhouse and a private, guided tour of the community, club and featured homes. Click here for more information about Champion Hills!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Harbor Hills Golf & Country Club, FL has scheduled its 15th Annual Kid’s Camp for July 12-16. Serving ages 6-14, Kid's Camp is a fun-filled week that includes golf, tennis, cooking, lifeguard-supervised swimming, games and crafts. Enrollment is limited to 36 children and open to the public with first preference given to Harbor Hills members' children and grandchildren.  Click here for more information about Harbor Hills!

> Carolina Trace, NC recently hosted the Robert Trent Jones Championship presented by the Tarheel Junior Golf Foundation on its Lake Course. The field consisted of middle school and high school boys and girls, a total of 69 players from several U.S. states, plus Sweden and South Africa. Day One weather conditions were ideal for scoring and the leaders did just that. The winners of each division will go on to play in the Callaway World Junior Championship in San Diego.  Click here for more information about Carolina Trace!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Owen Glen, GA has its golf course—Old Union at Owen Glen—featured on the covers of the May issues of Golf Georgia magazine and Fore Georgia magazine. The 7,667-yard course was designed by renowned architect Denis Griffiths, the only American to design a golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland. Owen Glen's Discovery Tour includes golf for two on Old Union, two nights’ lodging in historic Blairsville, breakfast plus dinner for $149 per couple. Click here for more information about Owen Glen!

> Dataw Island, SC has promoted two members of its golf course maintenance staff. Dustin Nemenz is now superintendent of the Tom Fazio-designed Cotton Dike golf course. Anthony Robertson has been promoted to superintendent of the Arthur Hills-designed Morgan River golf course. Click here for more information about Dataw Island!

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at SugarTree, Lipan
The Reserve at SugarTree is an exceptional community designed as an oasis in the heart of Texas. SugarTree provides world-class amenities for the whole family with access to fishing on the Brazos River and The SugarTree Golf Club located within the community.

One-half to three acre homesites are available for custom-home construction. Fitness-minded residents walk and jog along the many roads that wind pleasantly through the community, shaded by a canopy of magnificent oaks lining the community’s gated entrance road.

In a rolling, creek-laced area naturally suited to course design, the SugarTree course is a challenging charmer. This 6,659-yard, par-70 layout brings in the Brazos River, 55 sand bunkers, fairways lined by live oaks and pecans, and water coming into play on 13 of the 18 holes.

World-Class Amenities: The Reserve at SugarTree amenities include the Amenities Center, reserved exclusively for property owners, which offers swimming, fitness, entertaining and socializing. Its outdoor pavilion area overlooks the community’s private pool.

Real Estate: The Reserve at SugarTree, TX

• One-half- to 3-acre homesites starting at $23,000
• • Golf course, wooded, & nature views
  • No time requirement to build
  • Choose your own custom builder
  • Click here for more information about The Reserve at SugarTree!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET!

TENNESSEE
=> Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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5 QUESTIONS TO ASK A COMMUNITY DESIGN CENTER SPECIALIST

=> Here's the next installment in our 5 Questions to Ask...." series. Noted interior designer Elaine Williamson answers these questions you need to consider as you start to work with a community design center.

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

>  The Reserve at Sugar Tree, TX is offering a special bonus—buy a homesite and get golf membership at no charge, plus pay no dues for one year. This attractive dues-and-membership offer extends thru June 30. Homesites are priced as low as $19,900 for a private, wooded half-acre....

> Bright’s Creek, NC features a home with golf and mountain views at a new reduced price. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 s. f. of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It has sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discovery Package, just $199/night, comes with accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with fireplace & daily breakfast. Enjoy a guided horseback ride, 30 miles of hiking trails with a staff naturalist or explore the nearby towns of Waynesville and Sylva....

> Windmill Harbour, SC's reduced price by $300,000 of the luxury home at 6 Millwright. Equipped with a hot tub/spa, fireplace, private pool, 3-car garage and Jarvis Creek views, this 6,105-sq.-ft. home on a large lot is currently listed at $1,999,000. It has 4 BR & 4 BAs, & is near the marina and Yacht Club...

 

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada's new Couples Golf Festival visitation package. This 4-night package on July 8-12 features world-class golf, memorable dining and includes opening reception, 3 rounds of golf at host golf courses and closing banquet....

> GlenLakes, FL's price reductions, including a 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath luxury model home with private pool in the GlenLakes estate section—previously listed at $725,000—is now being offered for $625,000. Click here for more information about GlenLakes!

> River Oaks, CT's Trial Membership for incoming first-year members. Pay a $10,000 deposit for dues and fees, plus certain daily usage fees, and enjoy golf membership privileges. Upon returning in 2011, holders of the 2010 trial membership will be credited their $10,000 fee toward full equity golf membership, which is currently set at $45,000. Click here for more information about River Oaks!

> Hampton Lake, SC's new lakefront model home available for $629,500. This Lakeland Collection LifeSmart™ home enjoys stunning lake views and desirable outdoor living. Owners will be able to kayak their way to the Lakeside Amenity Village and enjoy the award-winning facilities there. Home also includes a spacious Owners Retreat, expansive screened atrium with fountain, and many upgrades. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.a

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* North River Club, NC
* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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Running Y Ranch Named One of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest

Running Y Ranch Resort, OR is a Golf Digest winner.

Last month, Golf Digest Magazine ranked Running Y Ranch Resort No. 4 on its list of America’s Top 50 Courses for Women. The Running Y was selected due to its female-friendly design, amenities, courteous staff, programs and an atmosphere that appeals to women.

This ranking differs from other Golf Digest rankings, such as America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, which are based on panelists' evaluations of categories like Shot Values and Resistance to Scoring. In compiling America's Top 50 Courses for Women, the magazine considered nominations and evaluations by a panel of more than 100 female raters, while also taking into account how well each course met the woman-friendly criteria established by the editors.

In honor of this prestigious ranking, Running Y Ranch Resort is offering a new Golf for Women Package. The one-night package includes:

• Two rooms of lodging for a foursome of women in the Running Y Lodge
• One day of golf on the resort’s award-winning Arnold Palmer designed golf course, complete with a golf cart and range balls
• Unlimited use of the driving range and practice facilities
• 15 percent off at the resort’s Sandhill Spa

Additional rounds of golf and nights can be booked as well. The package price is $114 per person. Interested parties can book online at runningy.com and use the code GOLFWOMEN.

About Running Y Ranch
The Running Y Ranch is a full-service resort community situated in the heart of the breathtaking beauty of Southern Oregon's Cascade Mountain range, just across the California border near Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Running Y's exceptionally mild climate and 300 days of sunshine add up to a four-season recreational paradise for homeowners and vacationers alike. The resort offers an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, on-site spa and recreation center, plus much more.

###

Bay Club at Mattapoisett Announces Its Selection to Golf Course Home Dream 18

Bay Club's two-page spread in GolfCourseHome Magazine.

From the Bay Club website: "The Bay Club at Mattapoisett is proud to announce that the club has been selected by Golf Course Home as a part of their Dream 18.

The GolfCourseHome® Dream 18 is a fantasy golf course created from the best golf holes from the more than 325 golf courses featured on GolfCourseHome.net, representing more than 5,800 golf holes in the U.S. , Canada , Mexico and the Caribbean."

The Dream 18 is the core feature of the newly launched GolfCourseHome Magazine which spotlights 18 different communities and their specially selected "Dream hole."

via bayclubmatt.com

The Bay Club’s Peter Uihlein Rises to No. 1 as the World's Top-Ranked Amateur Golfer

The Bay Club’s Peter Uihlein is the new World Amateur Golf Ranking No. 1 player.  Uihlein moved into the top spot after Italy’s Matteo Manassero announced his transition to the professional game.

The World Amateur Golf Ranking for men is based on the results of over 750 amateur tournaments and is updated weekly. Rankings are based on the players’ average performances in counting events over a rolling 52 week period.

via bayclubmatt.com

On Mother's Day: We Salute These Spirited Companies Offering Hope, Love & Affection

Mother's Day is almost here and we want to take a moment to honor the contributions of the women of GolfCourseHome. We count a great deal on these ladies (and mothers). And not only are they there when we need them for the GCH Network, but they're also there for the charities they support.

Gardner Hume Collection
Elise Ryan, the GCH Eastern Sales Manager, also owns the Gardner Hume Collection which is featured on the GolfCourseHome Style website. Gardner Hume Collection offers fine, imported, handcrafted ceramics from Italy. From cachepots to serving bowls and platters to baby bowls and wine holders--their artisan quality is perfect for decorating a golf or waterview home, a client, a graduate, a special couple or friend, and of course, Mother's Day.

Elise Ryan with Publisher David Lott.

Hope in Bloom
Elise denotes a percentage of her profits to Hope in Bloom which provides volunteers who create beautiful gardens for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Hope in Bloom began when Founder Roberta Dehman Hershon learned that Beverly Eisenberg, her friend of almost 50 years, learned she had breast cancer.

The idea became a reality when Eisenberg died from the disease in August 2005. Since then dedicated volunteers have transformed 77 yards in the state of Massachusetts into colorful gardens that transmit a message of hope.

Roberta Dehman Hershon, founder of Hope in Bloom.

Each garden is tailored to the recipient’s residential space and lifestyle. A Hope in Bloom garden can improve the quality of life for patients and their families, serving as beautiful, tranquil places to sit, reflect and escape from the world of doctors, hospitals and illness.

Dog Friendly
Sarah Whitman is another member of the GCH Team, handling all web updates and day-to-day website maintenance. Whitman owns and operates a series of websites and blogs designed to promote dog-friendly companies, rescue organizations, dog health and other topics of interest to dog lovers.

Sarah Whitman and her dog Cori.

Rescues get a free spot on the websites; companies help keep things running by paying a small subscription fee, earning them comprehensive promotion throughout the sites.

Whitman is also founder of Cori's Vision, an initiative to help newly blind dogs and their caretakers. This project was inspired by Cori, her golden retriever mix who lost her vision from glaucoma in 2005. For more info, visit www.WhitmanSyndication.com, Sarah's umbrella site with links to all sites in the series.

These people are an integral part of the team that makes the world go round at GolfCourseHome.  So as the spring season of renewal is upon us we salute their contributions and encourage our readers to make a contribution to their own causes: 

We salute, too, VP of Sales Alan Pearce's better half, Maureen, who for years ran a wonderful charity fashion show in Short Hills, NJ. And, of course, our own mothers who inspired and believed in us. So in the spirit of "pay it forward," help us support these organizations:  Hope in Bloom.org, DogFriendlyCompanies.com, and Gardner Hume Collection. They all represent the spirit of the Golf Course Home Style and add a richness to our lives and those we love.

New Communities Newsletter, May 7: Woodlake, TN, Joins WaterViewHome

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 506  Friday May 7, 2010   Circulation: 30,337

   ---------------------------------------------------

Woodlake Golf Community, TN joins WaterViewHome Network.

    Today's Headlines

    * Woodlake Golf Community Joins WaterViewHome.net
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News & Updates
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * Follow My Cruise Down the IntraCoastal Waterway to Golf & Waterfront Communities
    * Best Deals of 2010
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Tuesday, May 11!

We are pleased to announce the addition of Woodlake Golf Community, an established sporting community that lies along 34,000-acre Norris Lake, to the WaterViewHome Network. Surrounded by Appalachian serenity and excellent amenities, Woodlake residents are drawn to its affordable real estate, championship golf, a modern fitness center and pool—as well as varied watersports on the vast and pure lake waters.

=> ICW Cruise Update: a new entry about my cruise on the ICW is up on the WaterViewHome blog, with photos of my visit to Daniel Island, SC, plus Brunswick Forest, and St. James Plantation.

=> Mother's Day Salute: We salute the women of GolfCourseHome and their support of important charities that being people offerings of hope, love and affection. See it on the GCH blog.

=> SPECIAL Mother's Day DEAL: Last 3 days! Get a 25% discount when you buy the premiere issue of Golf Course Home Magazine online by Mother's Day! Just use the code MOM by May 9th.

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

TENNESSEE
=> Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Boating on Lake Norris, championship golf, fitness center, pool, golf homesites from $38,000

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DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> The Reserve at SugarTree, TX Special Offer: get a golf membership at no charge, plus no dues payment for one year with homesite purchase. This attractive dues-and-membership offer extends through June 30. Homesites at The Reserve, which lies on the shores of the Brazos River, are priced as low as $19,900 for a private, wooded half-acre. Click here for more information about The Reserve at SugarTree!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA will host its annual CCA Kid's Fishing Derby on May 29, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the Kids’ Fishing Lagoon in the Oakridge neighborhood. Children as young as 3 and as old as 15 are welcome. At last year’s derby some 60 kids participated and caught a total of 493 Bluegills and a few Bass. The derby is a catch-and-release event that helps teach natural resource conservation. Click here for more information about The Landings!

> Carolina Country Club, SC and Bright’s Creek, NC are co-hosting the 2010 BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament on May 13-16. This is the only tournament on the PGA TOUR’s Nationwide Tour where amateurs and celebrities are grouped with Nationwide Tour professionals in a four-day better-ball competition The professional winner of the overall 72-hole event will take home $108,000 from the total purse of $600,000, which is one of the largest purses on the Nationwide Tour. Click here for more information about Carolina Country Club!  Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic was honored by the editors of Golfweek Magazine recently when its Guavaberry Golf & Country Club was named one of Golfweek’s Best Courses of the Caribbean & Mexico for 2010. The Gary Player-designed championship course, opened in 2002, reaches No. 43 on this prestigious ranking. Click here for more information about Casa del Lago!

> Teton Springs, ID and its destination Teton Springs Resort Lodge reports advance bookings for the 2010 season that are 20 percent ahead of last year’s. Located outside Jackson, Wyoming and just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, the Teton Springs community allows residents to place their Lodge condo homes in the resort rental pool for income generation. Click here for more information about Teton Springs!

> Quail Ridge Country Club, FL and its members are celebrating the grand opening of the community’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Fitness Center at Quail Ridge. The spacious new facility is equipped with the latest in strength equipment and cardio machines and it offers a range of yoga and aerobic programs at every level of training intensity. Click here for more information about Quail Ridge!

> Boca Woods Country Club, FL reports that its Women’s Golf Association used a Gift of Giving theme for it season-ending event, a relief-supplies drive that delivered a large quantity of much needed goods to survivors of the earthquake in Haiti.

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Woodlake Golf Community, Gallatin
Located 45 miles north of Knoxville, Tenn., on Norris Lake, Woodlake boasts a championship golf course and affordable, large homesites with lake and golf course views. It offers residents a country club lifestyle within one of the Southeast’s most unique recreation areas.

Awarded 4 Stars in Golf Digest's "Places to Play" guide for 2009, The course was designed by the prestigious Florida-based G.C.R., Inc., a firm known for such quality design and construction work as Windsor Golf and Polo Club in Vero Beach and Sandestin Golf Course, Destin, Fla.

Amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, lighted tennis facility and restaurant and east Tennessee's purest reservoir, 34,000-acre Norris Lake, which is available for every possible water activity and sport. An outdoor amphitheater is ideal for concerts and plays.

East Tennessee's Natural Wonder: Woodlake is also convenient to all the state and local parks east Tennessee has to offer. Norris Lake is true gateway—it extends 56 miles up the Powell River and 72 miles up the Clinch River, providing more than 800 miles of shoreline access.

Real Estate: Woodlake Golf Community, TN

• Homesites feature mountain, lake and golf course views

  • Wooded homesites, from $27,000
  • Golf course homesites, from $38,000
  • Condominiums with views of hole No. 4 on the golf course
  • Prices begin at $174,000
  • Resale single-family homes, priced from $320,000 to $650,000
  • Click here for more information about Woodlake!

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RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET!

FLORIDA
=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

> Bright’s Creek, NC features a home with golf and mountain views at a new reduced price. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 s. f. of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It has sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discovery Package, just $199/night, comes with accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with fireplace & daily breakfast. Enjoy a guided horseback ride, 30 miles of hiking trails with a staff naturalist or explore the nearby towns of Waynesville and Sylva....

> I visited both Bright's Creek and Balsam Mountain Preserve last summer on a trip to North Carolina mountain communities. Read about the trip on the GCH blog....

> Windmill Harbour, SC's reduced price by $300,000 of the luxury home at 6 Millwright. Equipped with a hot tub/spa, fireplace, private pool, 3-car garage and Jarvis Creek views, this 6,105-sq.-ft. home on a large lot is currently listed at $1,999,000. It has 4 BR & 4 BAs, & is near the marina and Yacht Club...

 

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada's new Couples Golf Festival visitation package. This 4-night package on July 8-12 features world-class golf, memorable dining and includes opening reception, 3 rounds of golf at host golf courses and closing banquet....

> GlenLakes, FL's price reductions, including a 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath luxury model home with private pool in the GlenLakes estate section—previously listed at $725,000—is now being offered for $625,000. Click here for more information about GlenLakes!

> River Oaks, CT's Trial Membership for incoming first-year members. Pay a $10,000 deposit for dues and fees, plus certain daily usage fees, and enjoy golf membership privileges. Upon returning in 2011, holders of the 2010 trial membership will be credited their $10,000 fee toward full equity golf membership, which is currently set at $45,000. Click here for more information about River Oaks!

> Hampton Lake, SC's new lakefront model home available for $629,500. This Lakeland Collection LifeSmart™ home enjoys stunning lake views and desirable outdoor living. Owners will be able to kayak their way to the Lakeside Amenity Village and enjoy the award-winning facilities there. Home also includes a spacious Owners Retreat, expansive screened atrium with fountain, and many upgrades. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

> Colleton River Plantation, SC's price reduction by $103,385 on a wonderfully sited Golf Cottage. Now offered at $895,000, it is next to the Nicklaus clubhouse, the community tennis center and the main clubhouse and pool. A 6-bedroom home, it offers a 4-bedroom lockout suite with kitchen and great room on the main level, plus a 2-bedroom suite with kitchen, dining area and den located on the lockout upstairs. Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, Delaware

Brickshire, Providence Forge, Virginia

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* North River Club, NC
* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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Nick Cassini Hired by Scotch Hall Preserve, NC, as the New Director of Golf

Scotch Hall Preserve overlooks Albemarle Sound.

Scotch Hall Preserve, a 900-acre private golf and waterview community bounded by Albemarle Sound, has recently hired former touring professional and world No. 1 amateur golfer Nick Cassini as Director of Golf.

Cassini manages Scotch Hall Preserve’s golf operations and member events, including working with course superintendent David Bentley.  Cassini’s depth of experience playing a variety of courses around the world allows him to see the Arnold Palmer Signature course at Scotch Hall Preserve through the eyes of both the amateur and the professional. Click here for more information

"Most courses have around fourteen memorable and four forgettable holes," he says. "The first time I played Scotch Hall Preserve, what struck me was that Arnold Palmer had created eighteen distinctly memorable holes. Palmer basically had a blank canvas - a mile of level shoreline - to work with, which I'd imagine is pretty rare. It’s a fantastic course – I wouldn’t change anything about it."

Athletic Background
Born in southern Spain and having grown up on golf courses across Europe through age 12, Cassini was introduced to golf by his father, who himself was an accomplished athlete, competing on the pro tennis tour at Wimbeldon, US Open, French Open, Davis Cup and other events.

Cassini played NCAA golf for University of Georgia and, in his senior year, was voted a First-Team All-American and SEC Athlete of the Year. He won the prestigious Porter Cup, was selected to the Walker Cup team, and was ranked the #1 Amateur Golfer in the World in 2001 by Golfweek.

Cassini was on the 1999 NCAA Championship Team and played competitively on the Nationwide Tour, PGA TOUR, and European Tour until 2006, with sponsorship from elite brands that included Nike, Titleist, Cleveland, Taylor Made, Nickent and Arrowhead Clinics.

After a shoulder injury in 2006, Cassini retired from professional play and joined IMI (developer of Scotch Hall Preserve), serving in real estate sales at storied Sea Island and at luxury residential properties in Cabo San Lucas and Anguilla.

About Scotch Hall Preserve
Scotch Hall Preserve is a 900-acre residential, golf and boating community on three miles of waterfront on North Carolina’s scenic Inner Banks, where Albemarle Sound meets the Chowan River and Salmon Creek.

The community is located 20 minutes from the historic towns of Windsor and Edenton, N.C., a two-hour drive east of Raleigh, N.C., and just over an hour from the Outer Banks and Tidewater, Va.

Click here for more information about Scotch Hall Preserve, or call toll-free (877) 847-3727.

5 Questions to Ask of an Interior Designer or Community Design Center Specialist

This article is the newest entry in our '5 Questions to Ask...' series in which we arm prospective home buyers with key questions to ask about a master-planned community. Other articles in the series include:

The Top Five Trends Driving Today’s Master-Planned Community Designs
Five Questions to Ask .... When Looking at a Health and Wellness Community
5 Questions to Ask About Equestrian Facilities

5 Questions to Ask of an Interior Designer or Community Design Center Specialist
by Elaine Williamson

Natural materials: To maintain an even appearance, choose all the natural materials, such as stone, at the same time. Even better, you should be doing the choosing. See question No. 4 below.

Ease of Choosing Materials?
Q1. Are there different classes of materials to choose from in the design center, or are standard and upgrade options intermingled/scattered through out?

A. A good showroom of options should have either design boards or areas designated from Standard Grade to, depending on the builder and design center, a Level 3 or 4 that displays the higher-end material.

Standard tile, carpeting, backsplash and builder options will tend to be limited in terms of choice, typically simple in structure and basic in material. You should be able to notice that a Level 3 carpet will be denser and a better weight grade that a standard selection. Tile may vary from a simple white tile to a travertine depending on the home.

Visit your local home centers to see what materials are available, feel the difference between a standard grade carpet and a higher-end carpet. Ask yourself, will this one make a difference in the way I live, do I need to upgrade? Know your needs before you sit down at a design center to make your final choices.

Added Fees for Materials?
Q2. Are there additional fees associated with using favored materials not available from the community design center?

A. In my experience good builders will have a materials allowance available to their clients for every detail throughout the home. A custom home builder may be more flexible in terms of making your own material purchase from outside of his design center then say a tract home builder who does not have as much flexibility as far time.

If you decide to go outside the builder and purchase materials from an outside source, be aware that the builder’s in-house contractors may not have the experience to properly install that particular material, and you will be responsible for any additional installation costs to have it done right. Another thing to consider is that builders will, in most cases, not honor warranties purchased from outside sources.

Materials Budgeting for High-Use Areas?
Q3. What types of materials are included in your builder package for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and hardware? Can they differ from room to room or be combined in a single room to create a unique look--as can be done with tile and wood flooring?

A. Traditionally a builder, like a consumer, will go into a home building situation with a budget, usually per area, with different materials to be used within that space already in mind. A builder will usually put more of the budgeted funds in high-profile areas, such as the kitchen, living room, family areas that are used and visited more often than a guest bedroom and bath area that may be frequented just a few times a year.

You should be given the freedom to move your monies into areas that suit you best. That being said, your designer and design center should be there to guide you in the areas of importance. Don’t neglect the master bedroom in favor of an entire home covered in travertine floors.

Various wood colors and textures, granite counter tops and a variable paint palate have come together to create a unique and personalized space in this kitchen.

Who Selects Natural Materials?
Q4. Since any such natural geological material, such as flagstone and the like, can vary, can I visit the stone yard and pick out the exact slabs or materials I want?

A. Whenever possible, you the homebuyer should make this selection. Although the selection process can be tedious and time consuming, it is important to be involved since natural stone, or any natural material, is never consistent in color, quality or texture. 

One slab of Black Forest granite may be more heavily layered than another, and granite with veining may have a stronger pattern in one slab than another, thus changing the entire look of the room. Also, buy all of your natural materials for one space all at one time. You'll be more likely to avoid variations in materials that will become obvious upon install.

Complimentary Consultation Time?
Q5. Will I receive complimentary consultation time with a professional interior designer who will help with planning and material selection?

Your builder and the type of home you are purchasing will be the determining factors as to whether you receive complimentary interior design time with a professional.

A standard tract home traditionally will offer a standard package of 2 hours of consultation time with their in-house designer, while a custom builder may have their designer work directly with you throughout the entire building process.

__________________

Elaine Williamson is Principal of Dallas-based Elaine Williamson Designs--a full service, award-winning firm that specializes in high-end custom interior design and style making. The firm’s project portfolio includes residential and high-rise properties as well as commercial and retail projects nationwide.
With over 20 years experience and clients across the United States, Williamson’s reputation for creating distinctive, highly personalized designs that are elegant with maximum visual appeal, yet entirely functional, comfortable and livable, have made her among Dallas’ most  sought after interior designers.

New Communities Newsletter, May 4: Hilton Head Plantation Joins WVH Network

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 12, No. 505  Tuesday May 4, 2010   Circulation: 30,325

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hilton Head Plantation, SC joins WaterViewHome Network.

    Today's Headlines

    * Hilton Head Plantation Joins WaterViewHome.net
    * This Week's Deals and Specials
    * Special Community Events
    * Community News & Updates
    * Recently Added to GolfCourseHome
    * Follow My Cruise Down the IntraCoastal Waterway to Golf & Waterfront Communities
    * Best Deals of 2010
    * This Month's Spotlighted Communities
    * Watch for the next issue of New Communities, coming Friday, May 7!

We are pleased to announce the addition of Hilton Head Plantation, a 4,000-acre private residential golf community on the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Royal Sound, to the WaterViewHome Network. With seven miles of nature and leisure trails, two nature conservancies and two miles of beachfront, Hilton Head Plantation is ideal for boating, golf and enjoying the natural pleasures of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

=> ICW Cruise Update: a new entry about my cruise on the ICW is up on the WaterViewHome blog, with photos of my visit to Daniel Island, SC, plus Brunswick Forest, and St. James Plantation.

=> SPECIAL Mother's Day DEAL: Get a 25% discount when you buy the premiere issue of
GolfCourseHome Magazine online by Mother's Day! Just use the code MOM by May 9th.

NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Lake and lagoon system stocked for fishing, four golf courses, marina, homes from $175,000

DEALS & SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Bright’s Creek, NC features a home with golf and mountain views at a new reduced price. This 5-BR home at 601 Chestertown Drive in The Reserve neighborhood has 5,223 square feet of living space, including a first floor master, 3 bedrooms on the terrace level and a carriage suite with full bath over the garage. There are two fireplaces indoors and one on each of the outside decks, plus a private cart path next door leading to the Bright’s Creek clubhouse. Priced now at $1,649,000 furnished. Click here for more information about Bright’s Creek!

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC, now back in business and stronger financially than before, features reduced-price homesites starting at just $250,000, making the community a solid value compared with similar developments in the North Carolina mountains. The community has gone from possible foreclosure to re-opening in little more than six months. It had sold 230 of its planned 354 homesites at an average price of $530,000 before market conditions took a temporary toll. Click here for more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve!

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SPECIAL EVENTS

> Hampton Hall, SC and its member residents will gather for a special Mother's Day Brunch
Sunday, May 9, in the Community Clubhouse. The Hampton Hall culinary team invites residents to celebrate the day with a buffet brunch priced at just $21.95 for adults. Children under age five eat free. Reservations are suggested. Click here for more information about Hampton Hall!

> Indian River Colony Club, FL will help the U.S. Army celebrate its 235th birthday on Sunday, June 13, with a gala ball at the Colony Hall. This will be the 14th Army Ball that has been held at IRCC. Returning to entertain the Army Ball guests will be the 20-piece Swingtime Jazz Band, featuring favorite tunes from the songbooks of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Woody Herman.  Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

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COMMUNITY NEWS & UPDATES

> Reynolds Plantation, GA and its famed Ritz-Carlton Lodge, in partnership with women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam, held a grand opening this week of the world’s first ANNIKA Boutique, an upscale specialty shop that features the ANNIKA Collection golf attire by Cutter & Buck, Callaway golf products and ANNIKA Syrah and Chardonnay. Specialty items, including a Swedish line of baby clothing, Polarn O. Pyret, worn by Annika’s young daughter, Ava, also will be available. Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

> Scotch Hall Preserve, NC introduces its new director of golf, Nick Cassini. An accomplished club professional with a stellar playing record, Cassini was the world’s top-ranked amateur golfer in 2001. He turned professional and competed on the Nationwide, PGA and European Tours through 2006, when injury cut short his career. He will oversee golf operations at Scotch Hall Preserve's Arnold Palmer Signature course, named to Golf Digest's Top 10 Best New Private Courses in 2009. Click here for more information about Scotch Hall Preserve!

> The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA welcomes Steven Freund as the new Executive Director of the club. Freund comes to The Landings from The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation. Brunswick Forest, NC adds David Maurer to its professional staff as the community’s new Lifestyle Consultant. Maurer is an expert on lifestyle activities at marina- and golf-based communities.

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NEW THIS WEEK ON WATERVIEWHOME.NET 

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton
Hilton Head Plantation is a private gated community on the north end of Hilton Head Island that is convenient to shopping, dining, golfing and many other top amenities. Within the gates of the plantation are four golf courses, offering a full range of membership options.

More than 4,000 acres ringed by Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal make for a superior lifestyle and diversification in views and price points. Owned by its residents, the Plantation is managed by the Property Owners Association, a board and a full-time professional staff.

The full-service Skull Creek Marina located on the Intracoastal Waterway provides boaters access to Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Facilities include a boat yard and fuel service. The 158 boat slips are available for rent or purchase and can accommodate up to 200-foot boats.

Four Fine Clubs Offer Extraordinary Golf: Membership at each of the four golf clubs is optional. Residents enjoy the ability to choose a membership that best matches their interests. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to play at other courses in this golf-rich area.

Real Estate: Hilton Head Plantation, SC

• Estate and single-family homes
• Patio homes, condominiums
  • Priced from $175,000 to about $4 million for estate homes
  • Lot prices from $99,000 to $1.5 million
  • Views of golf, lagoon, lake, wooded, saltwater marsh, Port Royal Sound
    
  • Click here for more information about Hilton Head Plantation!

RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake
Gated community, Davis Love III golf, fitness center, fishing ponds, homes from the $130,000s  

TEXAS
=> The Reserve at Sugar Tree, Lipan
Gated, master-planned community, golf, swimming, fishing, homesites from $23,000

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill
Master-planned community, Palmer golf, marina, shooting club, homesites from $125,000

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET!

FLORIDA
=> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach
Boat slips, marina, yacht club, fitness center, tennis, hiking trails, homes with slip from $199,999

FLORIDA
=> Sailfish Point, Stuart
Marina and yacht club, Nicklaus Signature golf, homes from $675,000 to $23.9 million

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BEST DEALS OF 2010

> Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC's Discovery Package, just $199/night, comes with accommodations in a private mountaintop cabin with fireplace & daily breakfast. Enjoy a guided horseback ride, 30 miles of hiking trails with a staff naturalist or explore the nearby towns of Waynesville and Sylva....

> Windmill Harbour, SC's reduced price by $300,000 of the luxury home at 6 Millwright. Equipped with a hot tub/spa, fireplace, private pool, 3-car garage and Jarvis Creek views, this 6,105-sq.-ft. home on a large lot is currently listed at $1,999,000. It has 4 BR & 4 BAs, & is near the marina and Yacht Club...

 

> Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada's new Couples Golf Festival visitation package. This 4-night package on July 8-12 features world-class golf, memorable dining and includes opening reception, 3 rounds of golf at host golf courses and closing banquet....

> GlenLakes, FL's price reductions, including a 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath luxury model home with private pool in the GlenLakes estate section—previously listed at $725,000—is now being offered for $625,000. Click here for more information about GlenLakes!

> River Oaks, CT's Trial Membership for incoming first-year members. Pay a $10,000 deposit for dues and fees, plus certain daily usage fees, and enjoy golf membership privileges. Upon returning in 2011, holders of the 2010 trial membership will be credited their $10,000 fee toward full equity golf membership, which is currently set at $45,000. Click here for more information about River Oaks!

> Hampton Lake, SC's new lakefront model home available for $629,500. This Lakeland Collection LifeSmart™ home enjoys stunning lake views and desirable outdoor living. Owners will be able to kayak their way to the Lakeside Amenity Village and enjoy the award-winning facilities there. Home also includes a spacious Owners Retreat, expansive screened atrium with fountain, and many upgrades. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

> Colleton River Plantation, SC's price reduction by $103,385 on a wonderfully sited Golf Cottage. Now offered at $895,000, it is next to the Nicklaus clubhouse, the community tennis center and the main clubhouse and pool. A 6-bedroom home, it offers a 4-bedroom lockout suite with kitchen and great room on the main level, plus a 2-bedroom suite with kitchen, dining area and den located on the lockout upstairs. Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

> Woodside Plantation, SC is currently offering a Spring Savings Spectacular on all homesites, including spectacular lakefront sites (only a couple remain available), golf sites on either the award-winning Nicklaus Design Course or the new Hollow Creek Course designed by Fuzzy Zoeller and Clyde Johnston, and scenic or private wooded homesites. This incentive is valid for the next 15 purchasers or until May 15. Click here for more information about Woodside Plantation!

> Amelia Island Plantation, FL's new Play Money Package, good thru May. First-time guests will receive $100 per day to play while returning guests will receive $150 per day. Use the resort credit toward golf, spa, dining, tennis, Segway tours, kids programs, alcoholic beverages and more. Resort credit requires a two-night stay and does not apply toward room rates. Click here for more information about Amelia Island Plantation!

Remember to check out the premiere issue of GolfCourseHome Magazine featuring the Dream 18 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.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Creighton Farms, Aldie, Virginia

Lake Ridge, Cedar Hill, Texas

Regency at Dominion Valley, Haymarket, Virginia

Carolina Trace, Sanford, North Carolina

Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, Virginia

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* North River Club, NC
* The Sanctuary, SC - Private Residence Club

WaterViewHome

* River Dunes, NC

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