The GolfCourseHome Life

Top 10 Most Visited Communities: Florida Remains Big Destination, Waterfront Communities Soar in Popularity & Sales

Seasons change and so do our readers’ interest in various areas of the country. However, one thing remains true–Florida continues  to draw strong interest in all seasons–half of the Top 10 are in the  Sunshine State.

And communities near water, or offering water-oriented  amenities, are enjoying a surge in activity and sales. See if you can find your favorites below! --David Lott, Founder/Publisher

TOP 10 MOST VISITED GOLF & WATERVIEW COMMUNITIES ON THE GCH NETWORK

1. PGA  Village, Port St. Lucie, FL – New to Top 10

2. DeBordieu,  Georgetown, SC - – New

3. Treviso  Bay, Naples, FL

4. Brier  Creek, Raleigh, NC – New - Toll Brothers National Sales Event

5. Dataw  Island, SC – New

6. Ocean  Ridge Plantation, Sunset Beach, NC – Up from No.  11

7. Jupiter  Country Club, Jupiter, FL - New - Toll Brothers National  Sales Event

8. Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC - New

9. Amelia  National, Fernandina Beach, FL

10. Frenchman’s  Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, FL – New - Toll Brothers National Sales Event

The Next Five Most Visited Communities

11. Hasentree,  Wake Forest, NC - New - Toll Brothers National Sales Event

12. Frederica,  St. Simons Island, GA

13. Regency at Dominion Valley, Haymarket, VA – New - Toll Brothers National Sales  Event

14. Dominion Valley Country Club, Haymarket, VA – New - Toll Brothers National Sales  Event

15. Palmetto  Dunes, Hilton Head Island, SC - New

2010 GolfCourseHome Index Highlights Active Year for Communities, Members

Welcome to the 2010 GolfCourseHome Index, your guide to the major articles, awards and stories of the year. It's your introduction to the weath of information available during the past 12 months to subscribers of the GCH New Communities Newsletter which feature special deals, price reductions, golf travel, stay and play packages, golf package, real estate promotions and more twice a week, plus links to the articles, news and announcements below. 

It's been a busy year, yet we expect 2011 to be even busier. We wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year! Enjoy!

HEADLINES

• Awards & Course Rankings

• Community News & Milestones

• Celebrities & Pros

• Discount Golf

• GolfCourseHome Magazine

• Intracoastal Waterway Cruise to Golf & Waterfront Communities

• Lifestyle - Community Living

• New Communities on the WaterViewHome Network

• New Communities on the GolfCourseHome Network

 

Awards & Course Rankings

2010 GCH Dream 18 - Great Residential Golf Holes

2010 GolfCourseHome Home 'Best of the Best' Rankings

Golf Magazine's 'Top 100 Courses You Can Play' Features Courses You Can Live On

Golf Digest Names Cliffs at Keowee Springs an 'America's Best New Private Course'

Top Golf Communities Are Available in America's Most Affordable Places to Retire

Ballyhack Ranked No. 15 on Golfweek Magazine's 2010 Top 40 'Best New Courses'

Back to top

Celebrities & Pros

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

Back to top

Discount Golf

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

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

Back to top

Intracoastal Waterway Cruise to Golf & Waterfront Communities

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

Day 8: Going 'Outside' to Fernandina & The Peaceful Marshes at Oyster Bay Harbour

Back to top

GolfCourseHome Magazine

GolfCourseHome Magazine Launched Featuring GCH Dream 18 Great Golf Holes

GolfCourseHome Magazine Now Available for iPad on Magcloud-Magazine-Stand App

Back to top

Lifestyle - Community Living

Dog-Friendly Communities Catering More to Both Owners and Their Canine Friends

Hills Quarter Sailors Find Their Safe Harbor at Rappahannock River Yacht Club

Quail Ridge's Bill Ely, a Retired General, Shoots His Age in the Game for a Lifetime

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

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

Back to top

Community News & Milestones

Balsam Mountain Preserve, NC to Re-Open Thanks to Residents & Vestlyn BMP Support

Bay Club Member Peter Uihlein tops David Chung to win U.S. Amateur Championship

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

Real Estate Sales at Brunswick Forest, Wilmington, NC Top $30 Million for 2010

Carolina Colours, NC, Opens Front Nine with Capacity Crowd, Rave Reviews

Bay Club at Mattapoisett MA Earns Its 7th Audubon Society Silver Certification

Landings Resident Dr. Elizabeth Miller to Run 60 Miles on Her 60th Birthday for Charity

Back to top

New Communities on the GolfCourseHome Network

Arizona

Terravita, Scottsdale - Master-planned, gated community by Del Webb, 823 acres, health and fitness centers, outdoor spa, miles of trails, desert and golf view homes from $275,000

Delaware

Bayside, Selbyville - Near Assawoman Bay, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, several environmental awards, tennis, canoeing, trails, homes from $299,990

Heritage Shores, Bridgeville - Active 55+ community set between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, Arthur Hills golf, Fitness & Aquatic Center, lots from $99,990

Florida

Boca Woods Country Club, Boca Raton - Two championship golf courses, swimming pool, valet parking, 24/7 security, homes with golf or lake views from the $200,000s

Heron Creek, North Port - 676-acre gated golf community, 27 holes of Arthur Hills golf, 21,000 square foot clubhouse, tennis, wedding facilities, homesites from $65,000

Rive Isle Golf & Nautical Estates, Parrish - Gulf Coast waterfront estate community, Ted McAnlis golf, lodge overlooking Manatee River, homesites from the $100,000s

Sailfish Point, Stuart - 532-acre sea island surrounded by ocean and inlets, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, marina and yacht club, active social scene, homesites from $475,000

Solivita, Poinciana - 55+ community with two championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, 19,000 square foot clubhouse, lifelong learning classes, homes from the $100,000s

Georgia

Achasta, Dahlonega  - Reynolds Signature Community, 1,058 acres, mountain environment, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, clubhouse, pool, spa, homesites from the $100,000s

Sanctuary Cove, St. Simons Island - 18-hole Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, clubhouse, tennis, day dock - deepwater, riverfront, lakefront and marshfront homesites from $49,900

Savannah Quarters, Savannah - Greg Norman golf, 29,000 square foot clubhouse, swim and fitness center, several neighborhoods, custom homes from $388,500, lots from $59,900

Massachusetts

The Residences at Black Rock, Hingham - 357-acre community just south of Boston in coastal MA, award-winning Brian Silva course, pools, tennis, homes from $950,000

The Villages at Brookside, Bourne - Championship golf, resort style pool, clubhouse with grill, easy access to Cape Cod beaches and shopping, homes from $345,000

 Willowbend Country Club, Mashpee - 27 holes of championship golf, clubhouse, fitness complex, pools, tennis, spa, homesites from $269,000, condos from $275,000, estate homes from $730,000

Michigan

 Forest Dunes, Roscommon - Championship golf by Tom Weiskopf, 15,000 square foot Adirondack-style clubhouse, easy access to Huron National Forest, trails, homesites from $59,000, homes from $259,000

North Carolina

Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake - Gated community on 1,700 acres, fishing, tennis, spa, Davis Love III golf, homes and homesites from the $130,000s

Carolina Colours, New Bern - Coastal community with waterway access, William Love golf, social pavilion, homesites from $60,000, homes from the $200,000s

Chapel Ridge, Pittsboro  - Easy access to Research Triangle, Fred Couples signature golf, pool, tennis, clubhouse, basketball courts, homesites with nature views from the $90,000s)

Jefferson Landing, Jefferson - Private gated community, Blue Ridge Mountain views, championship golf, 32,000 square foot clubhouse, homesites from the $40,000s

North River Golf Club, Beaufort - Oceanfront sporting estate on 620 acres, 18 holes of championship golf, boat coral, walking trails, homes from the low $230,000s

 Rock Barn Golf & Spa, Conover - Blue Ridge Mountain community, award winning golf, equestrian center, pools, full service spa, homes from $399,000, homesites from $99,000

Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill - Inner Banks community,  private award-winning Arnold Palmer golf course, 107-slip marina, pool, homesites from $125,000

South Carolina

Hampton Lake, Bluffton - Lake community minutes from Hilton Head, overlooks 165-acre lake, 340-acre nature preserve, spa, boatslips, homes from the $200,000s

Hilton Head Plantation, Hilton Head Island - 4,000-acre community on Port Royal Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, boating, tennis, four golf courses, condos from $175,000

The Sanctuary, Bluffton Private Residence Club within Hampton Lake, furnished and accessorized fractional homes, Pete Dye golf, spa, fitness, priced from the $175,000s

Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick - Lakefront community with 1,200 nautical miles of shoreline, protected by parks and forest, golf, marina, homesites from $180,000

Texas

The Bridges at Preston Crossings, Gunter - Fred Couples golf, close to shopping, several lakes nearby, pool, tennis, clubhouse with dining, homesites from the $50,000s

Lake Ridge, Cedar Hill - Jeff Brauer golf, sports facilities, fishing pond, walking and jogging trails, clubhouse and grill, nearby marinas, close to Dallas, homesites from the $90,000s

The Reserve at SugarTree, Lipan - Gated community, award-winning golf, clubhouse, amenity center, walking paths, fishing on nearby Brazos River, homesites from $23,000

Virginia

Brickshire, Providence Forge  - Between Richmond and Williamsburg, Curtis Strange Signature Golf Course, clubhouse, swimming, trails, nature preserves, homes from the low $300,000s

Hills Quarter, Irvington - 475-acre community in famed Northern Neck area, clubhouse with pools, tennis, year-round panoramic views, planned winery, homes from $299,000

Ballyhack Golf Club, Roanoke - Private mountainview community on 370 acres, championship Lester George golf, dining, 75 estate-size homesites from the $170,000s

River's Bend, Chester   - Set on the James River, Steve Smyers golf, tennis, riverfront pier, tennis, pool, racquet club, nature trails leading to the river, homes from $180,000

Back to top 

New Communities on the WaterViewHome Network

Caribbean

Caribbean Golf & Ocean House, St. Kitts ~ Rentals Only~

Delaware

Bayside, Selbyville, Delaware

Florida

Bellalago, Kissimmee, Florida

Frenchman's Creek, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Indian River Colony Club, Viera, Florida

Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach, Florida

Rive Isle Golf & Nautical Estates, Parrish, Florida

River Wilderness, Parrish, Florida

Sailfish Point, Stuart, Florida

Georgia

Sanctuary Cove, St. Simons Island, Georgia

North Carolina

River Dunes, Oriental

Scotch Hall Preserve, Merry Hill, North Carolina

South Carolina

Hampton Lake, Bluffton, South Carolina

Hilton Head Lakes, Hardeeville, South Carolina

Hilton Head Plantation, Bluffton, South Carolina

The Sanctuary, Bluffton, South Carolina

Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick, South Carolina

Wild Wing Plantation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Windmill Harbour, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Texas

Dancing Bear Ranch, San Antonio, Texas

Lake Ridge, Cedar Hill, Texas

The Reserve at SugarTree, Lipan, Texas

Back to top

 

 

Press Release from Reynolds Plantation Celebrates GCH 'Best of the Best' Ranking

GREENSBORO, Ga. -- The third time is the charm (again) for Reynolds Plantation which captured its third consecutive No. 1 ranking on the GolfCourseHome Network's annual 'Best of the Best rankings - the website group's compendium that takes into account all major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for this year.

GolfCourseHome's editors arrive at their rankings by studying and compiling all of the year's prominent golf and real estate magazine ranking and rating lists which range from best in state to best residential, encompassing public, private, classic and modern golf course rankings, plus top 100 lists and more.

"Our overall appeal as a top-caliber golf community is solidified by this independent recognition," said Bob Mauragas, vice president of golf at Reynolds Plantation. "It's a great source of pride to our entire community to be cited, not just in 2010, but for the past three years. Our commitment to excellence remains a top priority."

In 2011 the Oconee clubhouse and its "top 100 golf shop" will re-open, including the addition of an expanded and improved TaylorMade Golf Performance Lab. Request more information about Reynolds Plantation.

GolfCourseHome's 2010 "Best of the Best” Rankings: Where Golf & Living Are No. 1

Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Isl., SC: A strong No. 2.

 By The Editors of the GolfCourseHome Network 

Welcome to the GolfCourseHome® Network's 3^rd Annual "Best of the Best" rankings--our compendium of honors reflecting all major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for this year.

Golf publications, as you surely know, send out hundreds of researchers and reporters to judge and rate golf courses at clubs, resorts and communities. As these rankings and “best of” lists proliferate, it’s impossible for a reader to keep straight which properties have earned what distinction.

That’s where the GolfCourseHome Network comes in. We study, capture and compile all the prominent lists, from Best in State to Best Residential, to Best Public to Best Private, to Best Classic to Best Modern, from Top 100 to Top 50 and beyond.

To all courses and communities, these annual (and biennial) awards mean a great deal. There's prideful crowing when a top ranking is achieved and much soul-searching when it’s lost.

A Full-Scale Compilation
Rather than send out field researchers and raters to cobble together our own, proprietary ranking system, GolfCourseHome leverages the value of all the rankings out there to create a full-scale compilation you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a whole that's worth much more than the sum of its parts.

Below is a glittering array of  GolfCourseHome communities that have each received a notable cluster of accolades, arranged and presented in an omnibus rankings we call the "Best of the Best."

For the third year in a row, Reynolds Plantation tops the list with an industry leading 17 major magazine awards. Four of the Top 10 are new to the list while six communities are repeat winners. See all the results below!

GolfCourseHome Network's "Best of the Best" Rankings

The Top 10

1. Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA, (17 major magazine awards) continues its dominance of the ‘Best of the Best’ rankings with its third consecutive No. 1 ranking in as many years. Reynolds Plantation, which now includes Reynolds Landing, which was merged into the community in 2009, is a still-growing luxury landmark presiding over vast Lake Oconee. The resort community’s portfolio of golf courses and other fine amenities lifts the community to the pinnacle of the golf rankings, both for its courses and its full array of features.  

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• One of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine
• No. 100 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Great Waters course)
• No. 51, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Great Waters course)
• No. 3 (GW), No. 6 (Oconee) and No. 8 (National), Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Georgia
• No. 97, Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses (Great Waters)
• No. 20, Golf Digest’s Best in Georgia (Oconee)
• No. 13, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest (Oconee)
• No. 37, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (GW)
• No. 57, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Oconee)
• No. 3 (GW), No. 4 (Oconee), No. 5 (National) and No. 11 (Reynolds Landing), GOLF     Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Georgia
• No. 44, Golf World’s Readers Choice Top 50 Private Clubs (Reynolds Landing)
• Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

2. Sea Pines, Hilton Head SC (12 awards) did much to invent the concept of master-planned luxury golf communities in idyllic settings. Spread across an inspiring ocean forest on Hilton Head Island, it is for many Americans their first experience of Lowcountry beauty. It’s become a staple of the rankings thanks to great golf and amenities, most notably its jewel, the Pete Dye-designed Harbour Town Golf Links. (Except where noted, all golf accolades refer to Harbour Town Golf Links.)

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 31, Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
• No. 13, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses
• No. 2, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in South Carolina
• No. 13, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 75, America’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 3, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina
• No. 49, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest (Heron Point by Pete Dye)
• No. 44, 100 Top Courses in the U.S. by GOLF Magazine
• No. 14, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
• No. 2, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in South Carolina
• No. 13, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in South Carolina (Heron Point by Pete Dye)
• Click here for more information about Sea Pines!
  

3. Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs, VA (9 awards) basks in the glory of the lofty rankings and ratings garnered by the famed Cascades Course and a sister course at the historic Homestead resort property, Lower Cascades.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine (Homestead Preserve)
• No. 49, Golfweek’s Top 100 Classic Golf Courses (Cascades)
• No. 15, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Cascades)
• No. 1, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Virginia (Cascades)
• No. 7, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Virginia (Lower Cascades)
• No. 24, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest (Cascades)
• No. 4, Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia (Cascades)
• No. 24, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Cascades)
• No. 1, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Virginia (Cascades)
• Click here for more information about Homestead Preserve!

4. Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin TX, (11 awards) was vital to the emergence of the Texas Hill Country as a sophisticated golf and resort destination. It also helped spread Tom Fazio’s stellar course-design reputation throughout the Southwest. The residential component of Barton Creek is a golf- and spa-lover’s ticket to enjoyment of this award-winning community on a daily basis. 

• No. 38, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses (Fazio Canyons)
• No. 82, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses (Fazio Foothills)
• No. 4, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Texas (Canyons)
• No. 6, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Texas (Foothills)
• No. 98, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest (Canyons)
• No. 10, Golf Digest’s Best in Texas (Canyons)
• No. 43, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest (Foothills)
• No. 71, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Canyons)
• No. 77, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Foothills)
• No. 1, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Texas (Canyons)
• No. 2, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Texas (Foothills)
• Click here for more information about Barton Creek!

5. Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC (7 awards) is a vast but hidden-away resort community on a 20,000-acre Lowcountry woodland site bordered by the May River—which gives its name to the Jack Nicklaus Signature course you come here to play. Apparently Palmetto Bluff isn’t hidden away from the award-givers, to wit:

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 24, Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses
• No. 4, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in South Carolina
• No. 22, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 9, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina
• No. 62, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
• No. 5, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in South Carolina
• Click here for more information about Palmetto Bluff!

6. The Villages at Tullymore, Stanwood MI (7 awards) is a showcase of Midwestern beauty and grandeur all in one golf-loving locale. A community of custom homesites bordering highly ranked golf courses, nature preserves, lakes and brooks, the community is part of the popular Tullymore - St. Ives Resort complex. Popular with people who compile the best-of lists, too. (All honors refer to Tullymore Course.)

• No. 70, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
• No. 4, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Michigan
• No. 90, America’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 15, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 4, Golf Digest’s Best in Michigan
• No. 76, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
• No. 4, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Michigan
• Click here for more information about The Villages at Tullymore!

7. Forest Dunes, Roscommon MI (8 awards) combines with The Villages at Tullymore to close out our Magnificent Seven with a one-two Michigan punch. One of the prominent newcomers to the rankings game is the venerable weekly magazine Golf World—whose readers rate Forest Dunes the No. 1 among private clubs.

• No. 37, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
• No. 90, Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
• No. 3, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Michigan
• No. 1, Golf World’s Readers Choice Top 50 Private Clubs
• No. 18, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 6, Golf Digest’s Best in Michigan
• No. 45, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
• No. 3, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Michigan
•  Click here for more information about Forest Dunes!   

Back to top

8. Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, VA (5 awards) is a destination resort community that adds a bit of glamour—in a classy way—to this history-steeped region. A longtime stop on the professional golf tours, the community is known for its 2,900 acres of woodland and cutting-edge culinary excellence.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 9, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Virginia (River Course)
• No. 15, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Virginia (River Course)
• No. 15, Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia (River Course)
• No. 9, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest (Plantation Course)
• Click here for more information about Kingsmill!

9. Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton SC (4 awards) appeared early on the enticing marsh landscape just west of Hilton Head and thus laid claim to the most ideal site. Its two excellent private courses have been in place long enough now to be winning awards for renovation and remodeling, along with the high national ratings Colleton River residents have gotten used to:

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 92, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Nicklaus course)
• No. 15, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Nicklaus course)
• No. 22, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Nicklaus course)
• Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

10. Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls OR (5 awards)  is a great example of how a resort component injects energy and a fun factor into community life, especially in the wide open spaces of the mountain West. Members here take adventure outings, ride horseback, go birding and play plenty of golf on Oregon’s only Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 8, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Oregon
• No. 66, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
• No. 9, Golf Digest’s Best in Oregon
• No. 4, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest
• Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!

The Next 5

11. Branson Creek, Hollister, MO (7 awards) continues its rise toward the pinnacle of resort and residential excellence in the entire Ozarks region. Still a fine real estate value despite its many distinctions, the community earns golf accolades via two courses of notably different styles but similar high standards of design and conditioning.

• One of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine
• No. 93, America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest (Branson Creek Course)
• No. 7, Golf Digest’s Best in Missouri (Branson Creek)
• No. 1, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Missouri (Branson Creek)
• No. 82, 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Branson Creek)
• No. 1, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Missouri (Branson Creek)
• No. 36, America's Top 50 Courses for Women by Golf Digest (Murder Rock Course)
• Click here for more information about Branson Creek!

12. The Cliffs Communities, Travelers Rest, SC (4 awards) is actually an jeweled necklace of lavishly amenitized communities covering a sweep of rural Carolina territory from Asheville, N.C. east toward Greenville, S.C. Property owners wake each morning with a wondrous array of lifestyle options and activities, with golf as the theme that unites everything.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 96, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Cliffs Keowee Vineyards)
• No. 18, Golf Digest’s Best in North Carolina (Cliffs Walnut Cove)
• No. 25, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Cliffs Keowee Vineyards)
• Click here for more information about The Cliffs!  

13. Isleworth, Windermere FL (3 awards) is surely the most prestigious address in central Florida, anchored by a rigorous but aesthetically alluring golf course freshened (and toughened) daily by breezes off the Butler chain of lakes.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 72, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
• No. 23, Golf Digest’s Best in Florida
• Click here for more information about Isleworth! 

14. Desert Mountain, Scottsdale AZ (3 awards) could be considered the Sea Pines of the West, for its pioneering vision of a destination community in the desert. The golf at Desert Mountain was entrusted to Jack Nicklaus, who poured his considerable energy into this portfolio of six Signature private courses.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• No. 95, Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Chiracuhua course)
• No. 17 (Chiracua), No. 21 (Renegade) and No. 22 (Geronimo), Golf Digest’s Best in        Arizona
• Click here for more information about Desert Mountain!

15. Owl’s Nest, Thornton NH (3 award) is a New England ski country jewel that’s beginning to receive some long-deserved recognition for its superior golf amenity—a Mark Mungeam design that opened in 1988 and offers a variety of backdrops, including wide meadows, a four-acre spring-fed pond and White Mountain peaks.

• No. 5, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in New Hampshire
• No. 10, Golf Digest’s Best in New Hampshire
• No. 5, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in New Hampshire
• Click here for more information about Owls Nest!

Communities of Distinction

> Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala, FL (3 awards) is a posh enclave in central Florida’s equestrian region and home to a celebrated Ron Garl championship golf course.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• One of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine
• No. 29, Golf Digest’s Best in Florida
• Click here for more information about Golden Ocala!

> Woodside Plantation, Aiken SC (3 awards) is known nationally for its Reserve Club golf amenity, featuring a golf course by Jack Nicklaus that fits seamlessly into the community’s 2,900 acres of rolling countryside near the historic city of Aiken,

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• One of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine
• No. 16, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Reserve Club course)
• Click here for more information about Woodside Plantation!

> Daniel Island, Charleston SC (3 awards)  is a small town, an island and a country club community all in one, with homes fronted by sidewalks and a system of lovely parks, plus the upscale amenities you would expect.

• A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
• One of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine
• No. 19, Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Ralston Creek course)
• Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

> Bayside, Selbyville DE (3 awards) enjoys a waterfront perch along the sands of Assawoman Bay but adds a vibrant and walkable town center that keeps life interesting through all four seasons. A Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course keeps the shotmaking more than interesting.

• No. 1, Golfweek’s Best You Can Play in Delaware
• No. 3, Golf Digest’s Best in Delaware
• No. 1, GOLF Magazine’s Best You Can Play in Delaware
• Click here for more information about Bayside!

Click here to see the 2009's Best of the Best!

New Communities Newsletter, Nov. 12: Top 5 Most Visited Carolina Communities

  ~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
   NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter 
Vol. 12, No. 562 Friday, November 12, 2010 Circulation: 28,700

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

 
Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC: A Top 5 Most Visited.

 Today's Headlines

    *  Top 5 Most Visited Carolina Communities
    *  Deals and Specials of the Week
    *  Special Community Events
    *  Community News and Updates
    *  Best Real Estate Deals of 2010 
    *  Florida Real Estate Deals
    *  Best Stay 'n Play Deals of 2010  
    *  Recently Added to GolfCourseHome & WaterviewHome  
    *  This Month's Spotlighted Communities 
    *  New Communities Coming Online Soon!  
    *  Watch for our next issue, coming Tuesday November 16th!

Good Morning! Here are the Top 5 Most Visited Carolina golf and waterview communities this month on GolfCourseHome. 

Top 5 Most Visited Carolina Golf Communities in November

1. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC - Golf and water activities
2. Deer Brook Golf Club, Shelby, NC - Foothills of the Blue Ridge
3. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, NC - Mountain golf
4. The Cliffs at Glassy, Landrum, SC - Mountain golf
5. Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC - Golf and lake activities

See below for more details, deals and stay'n play packages, plus a Florida section of Deals online in Best Real Estate Deals of 2010.
 

Back to top

DEALS AND SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Teton Springs Resort, Victor, Idaho After an active summer/fall--24 homes sold ranging from $275,000 to $1.3 million--a wide range of great opportunities remains. There's something for everyone, says All Season Resort Realty, including a 2 BR/2 BA condo near the clubhouse for just $260,000. Additional available properties include custom homes, forest cabins, golf homes, Teton Springs Lodge condo-hotel units and homesites. Click here for more information about Teton Springs

> The Communities at Branson Creek, Hollister MO features standout real estate values on the four remaining homes in the resort-class Fieldstone Bluffs neighborhood, available from the low $200,000s. Also on offer is a one-half acre “hot lot,” priced at $34,500 and sited beside green space. BuyER would enjoy Murder Rock Golf Club membership and Branson Creek course discounts. Click here for more information about Branson Creek!

>  Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's current featured role on Golf Channel’s Destination Golf and “The Big Break DOM” inspires a Thanksgiving Stay' n Play Special, with 2 nights lodging at Casa Del Lago, 2 rounds of golf, plus a Day Pass at the Costa Caribe beach hotel and casino. Click here for more information about Casa del Lago!

> Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne FL presents a limited-time Golf Getaway Package. Visit this community on Florida's Space Coast and enjoy two nights in a nearby hotel, a tour of the community, a round of golf on Indian River’s championship golf course, and dinner at our private At Ease Club. Price for three days/two nights is only $99. Your tour will be hosted by one of our residents. Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

Back to top

COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENTS

 > Savannah Quarters, Savannah, GA will host its annual Member-Member golf tournament on Nov. 13-14. Also, enjoy the weather and scenery at the next Sunset Thursday event on Nov. 18, featuring live entertainment, golf contests and prizes, field games and savory food and drink specials on the event lawn. The community’s 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Sat., Nov. 20 from 11am to 2 pm. Click here for more information about Savannah Quarters!

Back to top

COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES

> Boca Woods Country Club, Boca Raton FL recently hosted a new-member reception for the 21 new equity golf members and two executive-level golf members who have enrolled this year. The community has more than doubled its prior-year membership enrollments and home sales. As homes continue to sell, Boca Woods is investing $5.5 million to refurbish its two private, 18-hole golf courses.  Click here for more information about Boca Woods Country Club!

> Achasta, Dahlonega, GA lets residents see how they stack up against collegiate tennis players in its first-ever Pro Am Tennis Tournament. Running today and tomorrow, the event features players from North Georgia College & State University and will raise money for the North Georgia College tennis team. Today's action will be highlighted by dinner and a surprise Pro Exhibition in the evening. Click here for more information about Achasta

Back to top

BEST DEALS OF 2010  

   >> Real Estate Deals

> Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick SC’s reduction on a prestigious golf home is cut by $60,000 to $429,000. Home, which enjoys views of entire first hole, has 4BR, 3 baths in 2,800 SF.  Bonus area upstairs has LR, BR and a full bath. Send me more info…

 > Hills Quarter, Irvington, VA's featured homesite in the St John’s neighborhood is Lot 21, priced at just $80,000 with a premium golf course view and proximity to all community and area amenities.  Send me more info... 

> Achasta, Dahlonega, GA’s Deal of the Decade pricing special means homesites can be purchased at prices nearly 35 percent less than previously quoted. A nearly three-quarter acre homesite with expansive views of the North Georgia mountains, that closes before Dec. 31 can be purchased for $145,600. Send me more info…

> Hills Quarter, Irvington, VA's premium lakeview homesite, Lot 103, occupies a wooded setting in the Hubbard neighborhood with an incentive asking price of $98,000.  It is convenient to Hills Quarters amenities, including clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis.  Send me more info...

> Hills Quarter, Irvington, VA’s  large, level homesite with hardwood trees and a premium view of a golf course lake is  priced at $125,000. Setting is private and located conveniently to Hills Quarters amenities, including clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis court.  Send me more info...  

> Owen Glen, Blairsville, GA's professionally decorated and handsomely furnished 3-BR/2-BA model home. This 2,115-sf home, with a natural stone fireplace and 2-car garage, is located on a one-acre site and listed for sale at $359,000. Send me more info… 

> The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, Six Mile, SC’s Lake Breeze Cottages are in a pristine, mountain-like setting and limited to six total, all within walking distance of the International Institute of Golf. Floorplans range from 1,900 to 2,100 sf. Pricing is from the mid-$400,000s. Send me more info…

 > Sunset Dunes, PEI, Canada’s pre-designed, pre-priced and pre-selected Robinson Craftsmen homes series will be constructed on 15 of the community’s 26 lots still available. These Craftsmen Collection homes are attractively priced. Send me more info...

> Heritage Shores, Bridgeville, DE’s price-reduced homes are still available, including the Cooper design for $265,990 with a bonus of $10,000 in closing cost assistance. Or pay $241,145 for the Kinkaid, also 2BR and 2-bath, and get $30,000 in options or closing cost assistance. Send me more info...

Back to top

FLORIDA DEALS

> GlenLakes Golf & Country Club, Weeki Wachee, FL's “Steal of a Deal” featuring home price reductions below builder cost. Savings of up to 40% on brand new builder inventory homes with many luxury features.  Homes are located throughout our GlenLakes' landscaped neighborhoods and are available for immediate occupancy. Send me more info....

> SummerGlen, Ocala, FL's $5,000 in free options and up to one year to start construction on your new home for any new homes sold in October, 2010. Free option and upgrade choices would include granite countertops, upgraded kitchen cabinetry, garage extension, hardwood flooring and a golf cart garage. Send me more info...

> PGA Village Verano, Port St. Lucie, FL’s move-in-ready villa for $149,990. Featuring 2 BR/2 BAs and a 2-car garage in a single-story layout, this Amelia design villa has 10-foot ceilings, walk-in closets and gourmet kitchen. Send me more info.....

> Oyster Bay Harbour, Fernandina Beach, FL 's attractive Lot & Boat Slip Special, priced at $199,000. The price includes a beautiful Live Oak wooded lot and a 40-foot boat slip in the marina, plus free membership to the Oyster Bay Yacht Club, a $3,500 value. Favorable financing terms are an added incentive—put 25% down and pay only 3% interest for 3 years... Send me more info... 

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Stuart, FL's waiver from paying dues for 12  months--an $8,800 value--for the first 10 purchasers of property at the community after Oct. 1. A new purchaser will also have the option of paying the membership equity fee over time with no interest. Send me more info.....

> Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart, FL’s price reduction to $345,000 from $399,000 on a 3BR/3-BA home that features a spacious living room which opens onto a large covered lanai. Also included is a built-in entertainment center and swimming pool.  Send me more info….

Back to top

   >> Discovery & Stay'n Play Deals  

> Heritage Shores, Bridgeville DE’s November golf special for members bringing guests this month provides the special rate of just $25 any time. Send me more info…

 > Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA’s Ultimate Golf vacation features accommodations in your choice of luxury cottages or condos. Comes with breakfast buffet daily, one round of golf per night access to practice areas and a dozen TaylorMade golf balls. Cost per person is $249. Send me more info…

> Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA’s Cottage Getaway, valid thru Dec. 31, starts at $330 per night. Stay in a cottage on Lake Oconee or other luxury lodgings. Enjoy daily breakfast at the Plantation Grille, and dining in several different venues. Daily housekeeping included. Send me more info …

> Ballyhack Golf Club, Roanoke, VA's Stay & Play at Ballyhack special. Package includes an overnight stay in one of the club’s well-appointed golf course cottages, with two days of unlimited golf, dinner and a membership information package. Up to 4 people in a group permitted. Package price: $399/pp. Send me more info....

>   Casa Del Lago, Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic's current featured role on Golf Channel’s Destination Golf and “The Big Break DOM” inspires a Big Break Stay' n Play  package, with 2 nights lodging at Casa Del Lago, 2 rounds of golf, plus a Day Pass at the Costa Caribe beach hotel and casino. Send me more info...

> Anderson Creek Club, Spring Lake, NC’s Vacation Inspection Program lets visitors tour the community and play its Davis Love III-designed golf course. Priced from just $94 per night, package includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast, property tour and golf for two. Send me more info...

> Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, Hendersonville, NC’s Autumn Golf Special in time for prime foliage viewing. Four can play for the price of three and enjoy 50-mile Blue Ridge Mountain views with fall colors in the higher elevations. Send me more info…

> Brunswick Forest, Leland, NC’s 3-day/2-night $179 Getaway Packages include luxury accommodations for two, golf at Cape Fear National, privileges at the community’s 18,000-sf Fitness and Wellness Center and FallFest food and fun events. Tour the community to see limited-time incentives for homesites beginning at $75,000. Send me more info…

> Indian River Colony Club, Viera, FL's Getaway Package for 3 days/2 nights, just $99, includes a round of golf for two and dinner at the community’s private At Ease Club. Tour will be hosted by an Indian River Colony Club resident. Send me more info....

> The Links at Gettysburg, Mt. Joy Township, PA’s reduced green fees to its winter rate early. Monday through Thursday rate is $40, or play on weekends until noon for $47 and after 12 p.m. for $40. The popular 4-for-the-price-of- 3 coupon remains available. Send me more info...

Back to top

RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET  

GEORGIA
=> Savannah Quarters, Savannah
Golf by Greg Norman, minutes from Savannah, swim and fitness center, home from the $140,000s

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Rock Barn Golf & Spa, Conover
36 holes of golf, spa, fitness center, aquatics, equestrian center, homes from $399,000

MASSACHUSETTS
=> Willowbend Country Club, Mashpee 
27-hole golf course, world-class tennis, pool, fitness, spa, gourmet dining, villa condos from $275,000

=> The Villages at Brookside, Bourne
Championship golf, clubhouse and grille, Cape beaches, “green” construction homes from $345,000

=> The Residences at Black Rock, Hingham 
Master-planned community with private golf, grand clubhouse, homes from $950,000

MICHIGAN
=> Forest Dunes Country Club, Roscommon
Lodge-style clubhouse, Tom Weiskopf Signature golf course, fishing, homes from $259,000

FLORIDA
=>  Solivita. Poinciana
55+ community, 36 holes, two clubhouses, fitness, aquatics, homes from the mid-$100,000s

Back to top

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> River Dunes, Oriental
State-of-the-art marina complex, guest cottages, Harbor Club, trails, walking/jogging paths, homes from the $600,000s

FLORIDA
=> Bellalago, Kissimmee 
Atlantic access through 22,700-acre Lake Toho, two vast clubhouses, homes from the $100,000s 

=> Indian River Colony Club, Viera 
Championship golf, 55-plus, security, lakeside and fairway homes from the low-$100,000s 

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.

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Sailfish Point, Stuart, Florida

Brunswick Forest, Leland, North Carolina

Carolina Trace, Sanford, North Carolina

Rive Isle, Parrish, Florida

The Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

Back to top

NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

 * Moss Creek, SC
 * Watersong, FL
 * Tesoro, FL
 * River Landing, NC
 * Farm Neck Golf Club, MA
 * Terravita, AZ

Back to top

New Communities Newsletter, October 26: Forest Dunes Golf Club Joins GCH Network

    ~  GolfCourseHome®Network ~
   NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter 
Vol. 12, No. 557 Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Circulation: 30,000

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

Forest Dunes Golf Club, MI: Fishing, hiking, great golf.

 Today's Headlines

    *  Forest Dunes Golf Club Joins GolfCourseHome
    *  Deals and Specials of the Week
    *  Community News and Updates
    *  Special Community Events
    *  Best Real Estate Deals of 2010
    *  Best Stay 'n Play Deals of 2010 
    *  Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses You Can Play (& Live On)
    *  Recently Added to GolfCourseHome & WaterviewHome  
    *  This Month's Spotlighted Communities 
    *  New Communities Coming Online Soon!  
    *  Watch for our next issue, coming Friday, October 29th!

 Good Morning! We are pleased to announce the addition of Forest Dunes Golf Club, an environmentally progressive community in upper Michigan, to the GolfCourseHome Network.

Home to a Tom Weiskopf Signature golf course that has earned the elusive Signature Golf Sanctuary status from Audubon International, the community is presided over by a grand Adirondack lodge-style clubhouse.

At Forest Dunes, sporting residents enjoy not only great golf but also fishing on the 27-acre Lake AuSable and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, hunting and bird-watching. See more details and new deals below!

NEW THIS WEEK ON GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

MICHIGAN
=> Forest Dunes Country Club, Roscommon
Lodge-style clubhouse, Tom Weiskopf Signature golf course, fishing, homes from $259,000

Back to top

DEALS AND SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Hills Quarter, VA has reduced the price of its Featured Home to $399,000 from $432,000. Located In  The Adams in St. John’s section of the community, this warm, inviting home has beautiful views of a large natural pond on the 7th fairway of King Carter Golf Club. The Adams design features vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace in the living room, two extra bedrooms and a large attached garage. Relax on the cozy covered front porch and an inviting back deck with excellent views. Click here for more information about Hills Quarter

> Sunset Dunes, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has reduced the price on its show beach home by $30,000 to $269,000, plus GST. This Craftsman Collection Home is encircled by private beach and sand dunes and features 3 main-level bedrooms, large sleeping loft with sitting and observation area, 2 baths with 1860 s.f. of interior living, plus 144 s.f. exterior screened room. A maintenance- and worry-free retreat, the home's furnishings and appliances can be included for an additional $22,000.00 or 4 appliances for $7,500. Click here for more information about Sunset Dunes.

Back to top

COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES 

> Windmill Harbour, SC homes continue to move at a steady pace. In recent weeks two properties went from pending to closed. This activity follows up three new sales in September and four new sales in August. Other activity includes the arrival of two new listings on the market and seven listings undergoing price reductions--further evidence that sellers are heeding the market and adjusting prices appropriately. Click here for more information about Windmill Harbour

> St. James Plantation, NC reports that its Reserve Clubhouse is under construction and set for an on-schedule spring 2011 opening. The 24,000-sf beauty, to be the first LEED certified clubhouse in its region, was designed by award-winning Chapman Coyle Chapman Architects. It overlooks No. 18 green of the Nicklaus Design Reserve course and will offer members and guests multiple dining venues, including a Tuscan-style wine room for private parties. Click here for more information about St. James Plantation!

> The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA congratulates community resident Landon Trust, age 16, who finished rehabbing two significant injuries, to his foot and shoulder, and competed brilliantly in the Sea Island Tennis Championships to finish runner-up in the Boys 16s division. Click here for more information about The Landings!

Back to top

COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENTS

> Daniel Island, SC claims a fair amount of the credit as Charleston, SC, takes home the title of ‘America’s Best Tennis Town.’ Enjoyed year-round, tennis hits the local spotlight each year with the Family Circle Cup tournament at Daniel Island Club’s spectacular 18-court tennis center. Not to be outdone, golf is big as well at Daniel Island with the start yesterday of the Nationwide Tour Championship. Click here for more information about Daniel Island

> The Bay Club, MA is hosting a fall series of evenings titled Exploring Healthy Living with noted author Dr. Lilian Cheung to discuss her new book "Savor--A Mindful Approach to Fitness, Eating and Life which she co-authored with Zen Buddhist master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Also this month, there will be a special viewing of the documentary film Food, Inc. which examines corporate farming in the U.S. and its attendant problems.  Click here for more information about The Bay Club

Back to top 

GOLF MAGAZINE'S TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY (& Live On)

> Golf Magazine's list of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" tabs several golf communities with public courses that are featured on GolfCourseHome.

While some people would rather not have the course open to the public, the big positive is that greens fees and other expenditures contribute to the operation of the course and the community, saving money for residents. As a buyer, you can visit and play the course and the community without introduction.

Rank  Previous  Name    Designer   Year Opened   Location

#14   14  Harbour Town, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, 1969, Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC

#24   17 The Homestead (Cascades), William Flynn, 1923, Hot Springs, VA

#45 NEW  Forest Dunes Golf Club , Tom Weiskopf, 2002, Roscommon, MI

#57   58  Reynolds Plantation (Oconee), Rees Jones, 2001, Greensboro, GA

#62   52  May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff, Jack Nicklaus, 2004, Bluffton, SC

#76   95  Resorts of Tullymore and St. Ives (Tullymore), Jim Engh, 2002, Stanwood, MI

#77   71  Barton Creek Resort (Fazio Foothills), Tom Fazio, 1986, Austin, TX

#82   76  Branson Creek Golf Club, Tom Fazio, 2000, Hollister, MO

Back to top

BEST DEALS OF 2010  

   >> Real Estate Deals

> GlenLakes Golf & Country Club, FL's “Steal of a Deal” featuring home price reductions below builder cost. Savings of up to 40% on brand new builder inventory homes with many luxury features.  Homes are located throughout our GlenLakes' landscaped neighborhoods and are available for immediate occupancy. Send me more info....

> Anderson Creek Club, NC's $25,000 Buyer’s Incentive runs thru the end of October on all Caviness & Cates homes. Apply the $25,000 toward closing costs, upgrades or anything else. Homes under this incentive range from $255,000 to $379,900 on the fairway. Send me more info...

> Willoughby Golf Club, FL’s price reduction to $345,000 from $399,000 on a 3BR/3-bath home that features a spacious living room which opens onto a large covered lanai. Also included is a built-in entertainment center and swimming pool.  Send me more info….

> Brickshire, VA’s price cut on a Milestone Custom Homes model down to $499,900. Home has fine golf views plus maintenance-free porch and deck. Fully upgraded, this model provides one-level living with top-grade appliances & granite plus luxury baths. Send me more info…

> SummerGlen, FL's $5,000 in free options and up to one year to start construction on your new home for any new homes sold in October, 2010. Free option and upgrade choices would include granite countertops, upgraded kitchen cabinetry, garage extension, hardwood flooring and a golf cart garage. Send me more info...

> PGA Village Verano, FL’s move-in-ready villa for $149,990. Featuring 2 BR/2 BAs and a 2-car garage in a single-story layout, this Amelia design villa has 10-foot ceilings, walk-in closets and gourmet kitchen. Send me more info.....

> The Communities at Branson Creek, MO’s outstanding values in the The Cliffs at Murder Rock golf course neighborhood. Two condos are each available for $349,900. Floor plans feature a combined living-dining-kitchen space, large master bedroom suites and more. Send me more info.…

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's waiver from paying dues for 12  months--an $8,800 value--for the first 10 purchasers of property at the community after Oct. 1. A new purchaser will also have the option of paying the membership equity fee over time with no interest. Send me more info.....

> Oyster Bay Harbour, FL's attractive Lot & Boat Slip Special, priced at $199,000. The price includes a beautiful Live Oak wooded lot and a 40-foot boat slip in the marina, plus free membership to the Oyster Bay Yacht Club, a $3,500 value. Favorable financing terms are an added incentive—put 25 percent down and pay only 3 percent interest for 3 years... Send me more info...

Back to top

   >> Discovery & Stay'n Play Deals

> Reynolds Plantation, GA’s Cottage Getaway, valid thru Dec. 31, starts at $330 per night. Stay in a cottage on Lake Oconee or other luxury lodgings. Enjoy daily breakfast at the Plantation Grille, and dining in multiples fine venues. Daily housekeeping included. Send me more info …

> Ballyhack Golf Club, VA invites you to take advantage of its Stay & Play at Ballyhack special. Package includes an overnight stay in one of the club’s well-appointed golf course cottages, with two days of unlimited golf, dinner and a membership information package. Up to 4 people in a group permitted. Package price: $399/pp. Send me more info....

>  Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's  current featured role on Golf Channel’s Destination Golf and “The Big Break DOM” inspires a Big Break Stay' n Play  package, with two nights lodging at Casa Del Lago, two rounds of golf plus a day pass at the Costa Caribe beach hotel and casino. Send me more info...

>  Anderson Creek Club, NC’s Vacation Inspection Program lets visitors tour the community and play its Davis Love III-designed golf course. Priced from just $94 per night, package includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast, property tour and golf for two. Send me more info...

> Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's  Big Break DOM.'   Package includes 2 night's accommodation, 2 rounds of golf and Day Pass at the nearby Costa Caribe beach hotel and Casino (food & drinks included. Click Here for More Information about Casa Del Lago

> Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC’s Autumn Golf Special in time for prime foliage viewing. Four can play for the price of three and enjoy 50-mile Blue Ridge Mountain views with fall colors in the higher elevations. Send me more info…

> Brunswick Forest, NC’s 3-day/2-night $179 Getaway Packages include luxury accommodations for two, golf at Cape Fear National, privileges at the community’s 18,000-sf Fitness and Wellness Center and FallFest food and fun events. Tour the community to see limited-time incentives for homesites beginning at $75,000. Send me more info…

> Indian River Colony Club, FL's Getaway Package for 3 days/2 nights, just $99, includes a round of golf for two and dinner at the community’s private At Ease Club. Tour will be hosted by an Indian River Colony Club resident. Send me more info....

> Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL's new Stay & Play. For $450/couple, the package includes 2 nights in a fully equipped condominium or patio home, 2 rounds of golf for two, tennis, fitness center usage, 2 lunches, dinner and more. Send me more info....

> The Cliffs Communities, SC's 2-night ($229) or a 3-night Discovery Package ($299), including accommodations at the award-winning Bed & Breakfast Inn, La Bastide or at one of the private community homes. Call 888-750-4035 today to schedule your fall visit. Click here for more information about The Cliffs Communities!

Back to top

NEW THIS WEEK ON GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET

MICHIGAN
=> Forest Dunes Country Club, Roscommon
Lodge-style clubhouse, Tom Weiskopf Signature golf course, fishing, homes from $259,000

Forest Dunes Golf Club, centered in naturally beautiful Northern Michigan, is a 1,200-acre golf community recognized for environmental awareness--it is one of just 16 Audubon International Signature Gold Sanctuaries world-wide.

The community’s Tom Weiskopf signature golf course is 7,104-yards of beautiful fairways and greens ringed by the Huron National Forest and wends through dunes and towering pine trees. It was ranked No. 3 among all public-access golf courses in Michigan by Golfweek magazine.

The community's centerpiece is the 15,000-square-foot clubhouse. Inspired by Adirondack lodge architecture, it houses a private members' lounge, full-service locker rooms, spa and a formal lodge room, a private dining room and a an informal grill, meeting rooms and resort-style golf shop.

A View on Value with Lake Lots: Its 28-foot depth makes Lake AuSable tranquil as well as beautiful. A limited number of custom homesites along the golf course, on Lake AuSable and within the pine woods have been released for sale starting as low as $59,000.

Real Estate: Forest Dunes Golf Club, MI

• Custom homesites
• Priced from $59,000 to $250,000+
• Golf course, lake and wooded views
• Click here for more information about Forest Dunes!

Back to top

RECENTLY ADDED TO GOLFCOURSEHOME.NET  

MASSACHUSETTS
=> The Villages at Brookside, Bourne
Championship golf, clubhouse and grille, Cape beaches, “green” construction homes from $345,000

FLORIDA
=>  Solivita. Poinciana
55+ community, 36 holes, two clubhouses, fitness, aquatics, homes from the mid-$100,000s

 MASSACHUSETTS
=> The Residences at Black Rock, Hingham 
Master-planned community with private golf, grand clubhouse, homes from $950,000

VIRGINIA
=> Hills Quarter, Irvington
Master-planned, 475-acre community, championship golf, affordable designer homes 

=> Ballyhack Golf Club, Roanoke
Lester George-designed golf course, 11,500-square-foot clubhouse, homesites from the $170,000s 

=> River’s Bend Golf Club, Chester 
Championship golf course, swimming and racquet club, James River riverfront pier, homes from $250,000 

Back to top

RECENTLY ADDED TO WATERVIEWHOME.NET

NORTH CAROLINA
=> River Dunes, Oriental
State-of-the-art marina complex, guest cottages, Harbor Club, trails, walking/jogging paths, homes from the $600,000s

FLORIDA
=> Bellalago, Kissimmee 
Atlantic access through 22,700-acre Lake Toho, two vast clubhouses, homes from the $100,000s 

 FLORIDA
=> Indian River Colony Club, Viera 
Championship golf, 55-plus, security, lakeside and fairway homes from the low-$100,000s 

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.

Frenchman's Reserve, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Sailfish Point, Stuart, Florida

Brunswick Forest, Leland, North Carolina

Carolina Trace, Sanford, North Carolina

Rive Isle, Parrish, Florida

The Bridges at Preston Crossing, Gunter, Texas

Back to top

NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

* Rock Barn, NC
* Terravita, AZ
* Willowbend, MA
* Savannah Quarters, GA

Back to top

Golf Magazine's Top 100 You Can Play Features Top Master-Planned Communities

Branson Creek, MO: Its Tom Fazio course is No. 82.

Golf Magazine and Golf.com have released the 2010 Top 100 Courses You Can Play (public courses) and Oregon's Pacific Dunes heads the list once again with Pebble Beach, CA, running a close second. Also, among the Top 100 are six courses attached to master-planned golf communities featured on GolfCourseHome.net.

As public courses, these six award-winners are easily available to you as a entre to the community, giving you an opportunity to view the property up close and get a sense of what it would be like to live there. Thus, you can create your own Discovery Package.

Barton Creek, Austin, TX, distinguished itself with two courses in  the Top 100. Harbour Town, host of the annual PGA Tour Verizon Heritage Classic and located at the famed Sea Pines Plantation, maintained its spot in the Top 15 at No. 14.

Reynolds Plantation's Great Waters course moved up five places from No. 42 to No. 37.

Golf Magazine's 2010 Top 100 Courses You Can Play
Courses Linked to a Golf Community

Information listed in order: Current ranking, previous ranking, course architects, year opened, city and state

14      14        Harbour Town, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, 1969  Hilton Head Island, SC

37      42        Reynolds Plantation (Great Waters), Jack Nicklaus, 1992, Greensboro, GA

62      52        May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff, Jack Nicklaus, 2004, Bluffton, SC

71      67        Barton Creek Resort (Fazio Canyons), Tom Fazio, 2000, Austin, TX

77      71        Barton Creek Resort (Fazio Foothills)  Tom Fazio, 1986, Austin, TX

82      76        Branson Creek Golf Club  Tom Fazio, 2000, Hollister, MO

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

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

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

Popular Sites Include Tiger Woods' Florida Golf Community, Other Southern Faves

Early favorite communities in December:

1. Isleworth, Windermere, FL - Tiger Woods' community reaps the benefits of recent news & media focus

2. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL - Frequent favorite maintains its popularity

3. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, NC - New video featuring Woods & his course design

4.  Isleworth Featured Home, Windermere, FL - Palatial $5.9-million-dollar home offers golf & lake views

5. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC - The community that started it all is still going strong

Top Websites Offer Info About Florida Golf Communities, Golf Estate Homes

The top seven GCH network websites for November are:

1. FloridaGolfCommunities.net - Florida golf & waterview communities
2. GolfCourseCommunities.net - Golf & waterview communities
3. Golf-Estate.net - Golf & waterview communities offering homes from $1 million & up

4. PrivateGatedCommunities.net - Private and gated golf & waterview communities
5. PrivateResidenceClubs.net - Communities offering fractional real estate
6. SeniorGolfCommunities.net - Golf and waterview communities for those 55 & up
7. CarolinaGolfCommunities.net - Golf and waterview communities in North & South Carolina

November's Top 10 Communities Offer Both Waterviews and Championship Golf

Please see below this month's Top 10 Most Visited Golf and WaterView Communities. The communities listed offer championship golf within the community unless otherwise noted.

Top 10 Most Visited Golf & WaterView Communities

1. The Settings of Lake Rhodiss, Valdese, North Carolina - nearby golf

2. Reverie on the Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina - nearby golf

3. River Wilderness, Parrish (near Sarsota), Florida

4. Frenchman's Creek Beach & Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

5. Goose Pond Island, Scottsboro, Alabama - near the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

6. Verano, Port St. Lucie, Florida

7. Carolina Trace, Sanford, North Carolina

8. Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, Tennessee

9. Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton, South Carolina

10. Wild Wing Plantation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

November's Top Sites and Communities Include Golf Estate Homes, Florida Listings

November's Top 5 Network Websites

1. GolfCourseCommunities.net - Golf course and waterviewe communities
2. FloridaGolfCommunities.net - Florida golf and waterview communities
3. Golf-Estate.net - Golf and waterview communities with homes for $1 million and up
4. PrivateGatedCommunities.net - Private, gated golf and waterview communities
5. PrivateResidenceClubs.net - Clubs offering fractional real estate

Top 5 Most Visited Communities

1. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC
2. Stone Creek, Ocala, Florida
3. Heritage Bay, Naples, Florida
4. The Vineyards, Naples, Florida
5. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina

October's Most Visited Websites Include Florida Golf Site, Estate Home-Related Site

October's Top 5 Most Visited Network Sites

1. FloridaGolfCommunities.net - golf & waterview communities in Florida
2. GolfCourseCommunities.net - golf & waterview communities
3. Golf-Estate.net - golf & waterview communities offering homes & estates from $1 million & up
4. PrivateGatedCommunities.net - private, gated golf & waterview communities
5. PrivateResidenceClubs.net - fractional real estate

Top Ten Most Visited Communities Include Those in Florida, Carolinas, Georgia

This Month's Top 10 Most Visited Communities

1. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida
2. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina
3. Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
4. Del Webb's Stone Creek, Ocala, Florida
5. Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club, Florida

6. Del Webb's BellaTrae at Champions Gate, Champions Gate, Florida
7. Mountain Air Country Club, Burnsville, North Carolina
8. Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Stuart, Florida
9. Del Webb's Sun City Peachtree, Griffin, Georgia
10. The Cliffs at Glassy, Greenville, South Carolina

Golf Digest's '75 Best Golf Resorts in North America' Features Top Golf Communities

Reynolds Plantation, Ga:features a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a ''75 Best Resort.'

Reynolds Plantation, Ga, continuing a pattern of prior years, has added another major golf publication award to its growing 2009 list. The community's Ritz-Carlton Lodge grabbed a tie for 13th place on Golf Digest's 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America list for 2009 which is coming out in the magazine's October issue.

Being a top resort is one thing, but knowing you can live there as well provides a solid-gold guarantee that all your amenities are going to be top drawer. The top-rated community is The Homestead which is part of Homestead Preserve.

See below for other GolfCourseHome Network communities that also have been recognized as a world-class resort.

Golf Digest's 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America (previous ranking)

9. THE HOMESTEAD, Hot Springs, Va. (18)

T-13. THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE, REYNOLDS PLANTATION Greensboro, Ga. (20)

36. THE SEA PINES RESORT, Hilton Head Island, SC (39)

49. BARTON CREEK, Austin, TX (47)

51. PGA VILLAGE, Port St. Lucie, Fla. (57)

Golf World Readers' Choice 2009 Rankings Include Top Courses You Can Live On

Forest Dunes GC, Roscommon, Mich.: No. 1 Public course.

The 2009 ranking season has begun with course rankings from Golf Magazine already in and now Golf World's Readers' Choice selections have just been released.

Among Golf World's rankings you'll find their Top 50 resort, public and private courses. And in those groups are several world-class master-planned, golf communities whose other amenities measure up to their highly ranked layouts. Best of all, they offer real estate at prices more affordable and more reasonably priced than in prior years.

See below those communities which are featured on the GolfCourseHome Network.

Golf World Readers' Choice Rankings

The Top 50 Resort Courses
 6.       Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Ga.
12.      Bay Creek Resort & Club, Cape Charles, Va.
17.      BellaTrae at ChampionsGate Golf Resort, ChampionsGate, Fla
46.      Harbour Town GL/Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC
49.      Barton Creek Resort & CC, Austin, Texas

The Top 50 Private Courses
44.      Reynolds Landing, Greensboro, Ga. - now part of Reynolds Plantation, Ga.
47.      The Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Top 50 Public Courses
1.      Forest Dunes GC, Roscommon, Mich.

Golf Magazine's 2009 Top 100 Courses in the U.S. & World Shine Again for Sea Pines

Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, SC: Double winner.

Congrats goes to the Harbour Town golf course at Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island ,SC, which again was named to both of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses lists--Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and and Top 100 Courses in the World.

The Pete Dye - Jack Nicklaus course comes in at No. 44 on the Top 100 in the U.S. list and No. 73 on the Top 100 in the World list.

Both rankings are a few steps down from the course's 2007 rankings, but every two years the course successfully fends off newer, shinier layouts to maintain its place among the world's elite golf courses. It is one of the main attractions to home buyers looking at real estate at Sea Pines.

And One to Watch....

Another course at a real estate community caught the eye of the Golf Magazine reviewers even though it is not open for play yet. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, N.C., is to be Tiger Woods's first design in the U.S. and is slated to open in 2010.

Sited in the Blue Ridge Mountains, High Carolina has generated a lot of buzz and curiosity. But as the Editors at the magazine write, "We know Tiger can play, but can he design? We're about to find out." Stay tuned.

Top 5 Most Searched-for States & Websites Are Headed by Florida & Golf-Estate.net

The No. 1 most-visited Member Website on the GolfCourseHome Network in September is Golf-Estate.net which features golf and waterview homes selling for $1 million and up. For the complete Top 5, see below.

The No. 1 most searched-for state for golf and waterview real estate continues to be Florida despite the negative publicity in the past year.

Top 5 Most Popular Network Sites

1. www.Golf-Estate.net - Million dollar golf & waterview homes and estates
2. www.FloridaGolfCommunities.net - Florida golf communities
3. www.PrivateGatedCommunities.net - Private, gated golf & waterview communities
4. www.CarolinaGolfCommunities.net - North Carolina and South Carolina golf & waterview communities
5. www.PrivateResidenceClubs.net - Fractional golf & waterview real estate

Top 5 Most Searched States (for Golf & WaterView Communities)

1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. South Carolina
4. Arizona
5. Georgia

Top Visited North Carolina Spots Include Mountain, Coastal Communities

This Month's Top 5 North Carolina Communities

1. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville - Blue Ridge Mountains
2. Deer Brook Golf Club, Shelby - Blue Ridge Mountain foothills
3. Bald Head Island, Bald Head Island - Atlantic Coastal island community
4. Cummings Cove Golf & CC, Hendersonville - Blue Ridge Mountains
5. St. James Plantation, Southport - Atlantic Coastal community

Florida, Carolinas Hold Top Spots for Most Popular Golf Community States in August

Amelia Island Plantation, FL covers 1,350 secluded acres.

Top 5 Most Popular Communities (Month of August)

1. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL
2. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC
3. Del Webb's Sun City Peachtree, just south of Atlanta, GA
4. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala, FL
5. Treasure Lake, DuBois, PA

Top 5 Most Searched States (Month of August)

1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. South Carolina
4. Georgia
5. California

Nine New Golf and Waterview Communities Join Network - New Website Makes 43

Las Gardenias at Cabo Real is on the Sea of Cortez.

The summer of 2009 goes into the books as an active period. In addition to nine new golf and waterview communities joining the Network, personal visits were made to four western North Carolina communities, plus a unique visit by sail to Bay Club, MA. We also launched the 43rd Network Member Website www.GolfCourseProperty.net

Here's the summer list, which includes two communities in Mexico and seven in 6 U.S. states:

MEXICO
=> Las Gardenias at Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas
Along Sea of Cortez beaches, R.T. Jones II golf, Cabo Real amenities, final phase of 12 villas from $483,000

=> Las Villas de Mexico at Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas
Luxury villas within Club Campestre, Nicklaus Design golf, ocean views, from $375,000

CALIFORNIA
=> Tehama, Carmel
Championship golf, tennis, fitness center, pool, community center, estate lots from $2.5 million

GEORGIA
=> Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain
Vast botanical gardens, PGA Tour-tested golf, resort-quality spa, real estate from $140,000s

RHODE ISLAND
=> Carnegie Abbey, Portsmouth
Narragansett Bay views, championship golf, deluxe spa, equestrian center, homes from $799,000

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> Hilton Head Lakes, Hardeeville
Lowcountry lifestyle, lakes, 22 miles of shoreline, nature preserve, clubhouse, docks, homesites from the $90,000s

=> Wild Wing Plantation, Myrtle Beach
27-hole golf complex, 180 acres of freshwater lakes, resort pool complex, lots from $90,000

TEXAS
=> Dancing Bear Ranch, Mico
2,565 acres, clubhouse, , resort-style pool, private boat ramp, 25-acre lakeside park, estate homesites from 2 to 6 acres

VIRGINIA
=> Viniterra at New Kent Vineyards, New Kent
Rees Jones golf course, The Club at Viniterra, New Kent Vineyards winery, golf homesites from $250,000

Top Ten Most-Visited Communities Offer a Winning Combination of Golf and Water

Amelia Island Plantation is on Florida's east coast.

The combination of golf and waterfront makes an impact in the Top 10 Most Visited Communities rankings this month--half of the Top 10 offer this pairing.

Top 10 Most Visited Communities on GolfCourseHome® Network

1. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida
2. Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
3. Del Webb's Sun City Peachtreee, Georgia
4. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala, Florida
5. Treasure Lake, Dubois, Pennsylvania

6. Stone Creek, Ocala, Florida
7. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina
8. Stonehouse, Toano, Virginia
9. The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake, Ft. Worth, Texas
10. Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Stuart, Florida

No. 1 Most Visited Network Website (not including GolfCourseHome.net)

1. SeniorGolfCommmunities.net

Popular Spots Include Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania Communities

Amelia Island Plantation, FL is set on 1,350 acres.

The Top 5 Most Active Communities so far this month represent a wide range of living styles--but they all excel in an active and involved lifestyle.

JUNE - Top 5 Most Visited Communities

1. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida - Island Living
2. Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Island Living
3. Frenchman's Creek, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida - Luxury Golf & Marina Living
4. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, South Carolina - Luxury Mountain Living
5. Treasure Lake, DuBois, Pennsylvania - Lakeside Living

18 GolfCourseHome Communities Named to Golfweek Mag.'s 'Best You Can Play' List

Eighteen master-planned golf and waterview communities featured on GolfCourseHome.net and the GolfCourseHome Network are ranked on Golfweek Magazine's 2009 Best Courses You Can Play list.

Representing 10 states, these courses are open to the public, providing an ideal way to investigate the community and the course on one visit. Click on the links below to learn more about each community, its amenities and real estate.

Key: Golfweek recognizes courses as classic--built prior to 1960 (c), or modern--built 1960 or later (m); * – new to list

Alabama
5. Ross Bridge, Hoover (m)*

Florida
5. Juliette Falls GC, Dunnellon (m)*
23. Lake Jovita (South), Dade City (m)

Georgia
3. Reynolds Plantation (Great Waters), Oconee (m)
5. Reynolds Plantation (Oconee), Oconee (m)
8. Reynolds Plantation (National), Oconee (m)

Michigan
2. Forest Dunes, Roscommon (No. 82 m)
4. Tullymore, Stanwood (m)

Missouri
1. Branson Creek, Branson (m)

New Hampshire
5. Owl’s Nest, Campton (m)

Oregon
8. Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls (m)

South Carolina
2. Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island (No. 28 m)
5. May River Course at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton (m)
10. Barefoot Landing (Love), North Myrtle Beach (m)

Texas
5. Barton Creek (Fazio-Canyons), Austin (m)
8. Barton Creek (Fazio-Foothills), Austin (m)

Virginia
1. Homestead Resort (Cascades), Hot Springs (No. 47 c)
6. Homestead Resort (Lower Cascades), Hot Springs (c)
7. Riverfront GC at Harbor View, Suffolk (m)
8. Bay Creek GC (Nicklaus) Cape Charles (m)
9. Kingsmill (River), Williamsburg (m)

Investigate Over 175 Golf and Waterview Communities on 42 Popular Websites

Golden Ocala, FL is featured on FloridaGolfCommunities.net.

Did you know that you can investigate more than 175 golf and waterview communities across 42 GolfCourseHome® Network sites? Here are the Top 5 Member Websites:

Top 5 Most Popular Network Sites

1. FloridaGolfCommunities.net  -    No. 1 on Google for 'Florida golf communities' out of 8 million sites
2. PrivateGated Communities.net - No. 3 on Google for' private gated communities out of 4.3 million sites
3. LuxuryGolfCommunities.net -     No. 1 on Google for 'luxury golf communities' out of 59 million sites
4. SeniorGolfCommunities.net -      No. 1 on Google for 'senior golf communities' out of 9.5 million sites
5. GolfCourseCommunities.net -     No. 4 on Google for 'golf course communities' out of 573,000 sites      (GolfCourseHome.net is No. 1 & 2)

Top 10 Most Visited Communities on GolfCourseHome Network in April

Here are the Top 10 Most Visited Communities on the GolfCourseHome Network in April:

1. Amelia Island Plantation FL
2. Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, SC
3. Barefoot Resort & Golf N. Myrtle Beach, SC
4. Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA
5. Golden Ocala, Ocala, FL
6. Stone Creek, Ocala, FL
7. Del Webb's sun City Peachtree, Griffin ,GA
8. Heritage Bay Golf & CC, Naples, FL
9. Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC, Stuart, FL
10. Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC

The Next 5

11. Daniel Island, Charleston, SC
12. Treasure Lake, DuBois, PA
13. River Strand Golf & CC, Bradenton, FL
14. Ross Bridge, Hoover, AL
15. The Vineyards, Naples, FL

GolfCourseHome's 2009 "Best of the Best” Rankings: Where Golf & Living Are No. 1

Reynolds Plantation, GA: No. 1 for the second straight year.

Welcome to GolfCourseHome®'s Second Annual "Best of the Best" Rankings—our compendium of honors reflecting all major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for this year.

The "rankings season," which extends from October to March, is full of varied  lists from Best in State to the 100 Greatest, offering multiple ways to shine.

How We Rank Them
GolfCourseHome does not send out field researchers and raters in pursuit of its own, proprietary ranking system. Instead we harness the value in each ranking list and synergize it into a whole that's worth even more than the sum of its parts. A community may grab an occasional accolade or two, but when the awards stack higher and higher, you know the community is special.

Topping our list for the second year in a row is Reynolds Plantation which has received 13 awards from major magazines of every sort for its many golf courses and for the community in general.

GolfCourseHome's 2009 "Best of the Best” Rankings

The Top 10 Summary

1. Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA - 13 major magazine awards

2. Sea Pines, Hilton Head, SC – 10 major magazine awards

3. Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs , VA – 11 major magazine awards

4. Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, TX – 9 major magazine awards

5. Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton , SC – 7 major magazine awards

6. The Powder Horn, Sheridan , WY – 5 major magazine awards

7. Desert Mountain , Scottsdale , AZ – 6 major magazine awards

8. Bay Creek, Cape Charles , VA – 5 major magazine awards

9. Briar’s Creek, Johns Island, SC – 4 major magazine awards

10. Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, VA – 5 major magazine awards

The Best of the Rest....

Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton, SC – 5 major magazine awards

Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls, OR  – 5 major magazine awards

Suncadia, Roslyn WA – 5 major magazine awards

Belfair, Bluffton SC  – 4 major magazine awards

Branson Creek, Hollister, MO  – 4 major magazine awards

Spring Island, Spring Island SC  – 5 major magazine awards

The Cliffs Communities, Travelers Rest, SC  – 4 major magazine awards

Montreux, Reno, NV  – 4 major magazine awards

The Top 10 (with Details)

1. Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA commands a vast, wooded perch on Lake Oconee and uses that prime site to ultimate advantage. Its stable of golf courses and other desirable amenities lifts Reynolds Plantation to the pinnacle of the golf rankings, both for its courses and its overall amenities.

•    Top 100 Golf Community 2009 by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine, 2008
•    No. 97 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Great Waters course)
•    No. 95 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Oconee course)
•    No. 71 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Creek Club)
•    No. 55 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Great Waters course)
•    No. 76 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Oconee course)
•    A Golfweek Best You Can Play in the U.S. (Great Waters, Oconee and National courses)
•    No. 97 on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses (Great Waters)
•    No. 18 on Golf Digest’s Best in Georgia (Great Waters)
•    No. 20 on Golf Digest’s Best in Georgia (Oconee)
•    No. 42 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (GW)
•    No. 58 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Oconee)
•    Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

2. Sea Pines, Hilton Head SC is an iconic Hilton Head community on a huge waterfront site with a long list of great amenities but one in particular that garners close attention from the raters—Pete Dye’s Harbour Town Golf Links.

•    Top 100 Golf Community 2009 by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine, 2008
•    No. 28 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
•    No. 12 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses
•    No. 15 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
•    No. 75 on America’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest
•    No. 4 on Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina
•    No. 40 on 100 Top Courses in the U.S. by GOLF Magazine
•    No. 14 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    Click here for more information about Sea Pines!

3. Homestead Preserve enjoys its glory from the lofty rankings and ratings garnered by the famed Cascades Course and a sister course at the historic Homestead resort property.

•    A Links Magazine Premier Property
•    No. 2 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Cascades)
•    No. 47 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Classic Golf Courses (Cascades)
•    No. 13 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Cascades)
•    No. 82 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Lower Cascades)
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. (Cascades and Lower Cascades)
•    No. 16 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest (Cascades)
•    No. 97 on America’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest (Cascades)
•    No. 2 on Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia (Cascades)
•    No. 61 on 100 Top Courses in the U.S. by GOLF Magazine (Cascades)
•    No. 17 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Cascades)
•    Click here for more information about Homestead Preserve!

4. Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, TX, was vital to the emergence of the Texas Hill Country as a sophisticated golf and resort destination. It also helped spread Tom Fazio’s stellar course-design reputation throughout the Southwest. The residential component of Barton Creek is a golf- and spa-lover’s way of enjoying this award-winning community on a daily basis.

•    Top 100 Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. (Fazio Foothills and Fazio Canyons)
•    No. 26 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses (Canyons)
•    No. 60 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses (Foothills)
•    No. 83 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest (Canyons)
•    No. 19 on Golf Digest’s Best in Texas (Canyons)
•    No. 29 on Golf Digest’s Best in Texas (Foothills)
•    No. 71 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Foothills)
•    No. 67 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine (Canyons)
•    Click here for more information about Barton Creek Resort & Spa!

5. Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC is perhaps the most highly lauded community of recent vintage in the entire U.S. Current awards for this 20,000-acre resort/residential Lowcountry property:

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 54 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
•    No. 30 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    No. 22 on Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina
•    No. 52 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine.
•    Click here for more information about Palmetto Bluff!

6. The Powder Horn, Sheridan WY shines in the eyes of course and resort raters partly thanks to its dramatic Western setting. But through the years the golf experts have continued to see the Powder Horn course as a super-solid test of shotmaking. The community around it earns laurels for superior design and amenities.

•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 16 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
•    No. 76 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    No. 4 on Golf Digest’s Best in Wyoming
•    Click here for more information about The Powder Horn!

7. Desert Mountain, Scottsdale AZ is an upscale and highly influential Arizona enclave that helped put Scottsdale on the map. Its collection of Indian-named golf courses, all by Jack Nicklaus, make it a must-play compound for all fans of Jack.

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 76 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Chiracuhua course)
•    No. 94 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Geronimo course)
•    No. 18 on Golf Digest’s Best in Arizona (Chiracua)
•    No. 24 on Golf Digest’s Best in Arizona (Geronimo)
•    Click here for more information about Desert Mountain!

8.  Bay Creek, Cape Charles, VA is a golf and marina community that has built its reputation steadily since opening its first golf course in 2003. A one-two punch of golf course designs by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus is part of the community’s charm, as is the peaceful Chesapeake Bay environment around it.

•    Top 100 Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    No. 96 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Golf Courses (Nicklaus course)
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. (Nicklaus)
•    No. 7 on Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia (Nicklaus)
•    No. 12 on Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia (Palmer course)
•    Click here for more information about Bay Creek!

9. Briar’s Creek, SC is a private Lowcountry retreat that boasts one of the top four or five Rees Jones golf courses anywhere. Lovely marshland views and a lively club community make it a leader among the new breed of Carolina properties.

•    Top 100 Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    No. 56 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
•    No. 8 on Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina
•    No. 90 on 100 Top Courses in the U.S. by GOLF Magazine
•    Click here for more information about Briar’s Creek

10. Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, VA is a resort community that adds special appeal to the Williamsburg destination. A longtime stop on the professional golf tours, the community is known for its 2,900 acres of woodland fronting a broad, historic river.

•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    Top 100 Community by Where to Retire Magazine
•    No. 95 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses (River course)
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. (River)
•    No. 4 on Golf Digest’s Best in Virginia
•    Click here for more information about Kingsmill!

The Best of the Rest

Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton SC is spread across a romantic landscape of marsh and woodland—terrain that inspired two great modern course designers to do some of their finest work, as the rankings prove:

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 67 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Nicklaus course)
•    No. 95 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Dye course)
•    No. 20 on Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Nicklaus course)
•    Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

Running Y Ranch, OR is a high-country community where members take adventure outings, ride horseback, go birding and play plenty of golf on Oregon’s only Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    No. 66 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest
•    No. 9 on Golf Digest’s Best in Oregon
•    Click here for more information about Running Y Ranch!
 
Suncadia, Roslyn WA represents a finely honed blend of resort ambience with a distinctive private golf community, Tumble Creek, within its borders. Its honors reflect that versatile profile:

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf (Tumble Creek)
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine (Tumble Creek)
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S. (Prospector course)
•    No. 10 on Golf Digest’s Best in Washington (Prospector)
•    No. 4 on Golf Digest’s Best in Washington (Tumble Creek)  
•    Click here for more information about Suncadia!

Belfair, Bluffton SC is a double-Fazio venue in the oak-studded Lowcountry of South Carolina, not far from Hilton Head Island attractions.

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 81 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (West course)
•    No. 25 on Golf Digest’s Best of South Carolina (East course)
•    Click here for more information about Belfair!

Branson Creek, Hollister, MO is new to our Best of the Best list for 2009. It is one of the most admired resort -and-club properties ever to emerge from the woodland beauty of the Ozarks region. As the ratings show, Branson Creek’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course is worth going out of your way for.

•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    No. 60 on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses
•    No. 7 on Golf Digest’s Best in Missouri
•    No. 76 on 100 Top Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine
•    Click here for more information about Branson Creek!  

Spring Island, Spring Island SC is one of the great environmental and cultural club communities in the U.S., a place where history, a love of nature and high-toned amenities come together seamlessly.

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 27 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
•    No. 89 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
•    Click here for more information about Spring Island!

Forest Dunes, Roscommon, MI is a secluded jewel of a golf community and just one of only 16 Audubon International Signature Gold Sanctuaries worldwide. Tom Weiskopf designed the Forest Dunes course, determined to give it classic lines and contours along with intense strategic appeal.

•    No. 24 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Golf Courses
•    No. 82 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Golf Courses
•    A Golfweek Best Course You Can Play in the U.S.
•    No. 20 on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public  Courses
•    No. 6 on Golf Digest’s Best in Michigan
•    Click here for more information about Forest Dunes!

The Cliffs Communities, Travelers Rest, SC is a leading innovator among Southeastern U.S. communities, as evidenced by these honors:

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 11 on Golf Digest’s Best in North Carolina (Cliffs Walnut Cove)
•    No. 6 on Golf Digest’s Best in South Carolina (Cliffs Keowee Vineyards)
•    Click here for more information about The Cliffs!

Montreux, Reno, NV occupies a beautiful site in the Lake Tahoe region and draws visitors year-round—not just during it PGA Tour stop.

•    Top 100 Golf Community by Travel + Leisure Golf
•    A Premier Property by LINKS Magazine
•    No. 83 on Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential Courses
•    No. 4 on Golf Digest’s Best in Nevada
•    Click here for more information about Montreux!

Click here to see the 2008 Best of the Best!

Golf Course Rankings - Harbour Town, Powder Horn, Forest Dunes in Top 100

Sea Pines Plantation is home to Harbour Town Golf Links.

Congratulations on these golf courses (and their communities) being named to Golfweek magazine’s 2009 list of its Top 100 Modern Golf Courses:

No. 28. Harbour Town Golf Links Hilton Head Island, S.C., 1970, Pete Dye
No. 76. The Powder Horn  Sheridan, Wyo., 1997, Dick Bailey
No. 82. Forest Dunes  Roscommon, Mich., 2003, Tom Weiskopf

Top 3 Most Popular GolfCourseHome and WaterView Home Network Websites

The Founders Club, FL is featured on a top network site.

Top 3 Most Popular GolfCourseHome Network Websites

1. www.FloridaGolfCommunities.net
2. www.PrivateGatedCommunities.net
3. www.Golf-Estate.net

Top 3 Most Popular WaterViewHome Network Websites

1. www.WaterfrontCommunities.net
2. www.OceanViewCommunities.net
3. www.Lakefront-Communities.net

Golf Digest Honors Two Jim Engh Courses: Reyolds Plantation & Four Mile Ranch

The course at Reynolds Plantation wins Golf Digest award.

Golf Digest's 2003 Architect of the Year keeps on racking up awards. In the magazine's latest annual honors, he nabbed two for his new courses at Reynolds Plantation and Four Mile Ranch. Both are top communities where the layouts would be your home course. See details below.

Golf Digest 2009 BEST NEW PRIVATE Course

    9. The Creek C. at Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Ga.
    Yards: 7,079, Par: 72 Designed by Jim Engh

Golf Digest 2009 BEST NEW PUBLIC Course

    4. Four Mile Ranch G.C., Canon City, Colo.
       7,053 yards, Par 72 Fee: $59, Designed by Jim Engh