The GolfCourseHome Life

Kiawah Island, SC, Tops GolfCourseHome 2011 'Best of the Best' Community Rankings

Kiawah Island, SC: New 'Best of the Best' No. 1.

The Golf Course Home® Network has released its 2011 "Best of the Best" golf community rankings and the annual list has its first new No. 1 in four years--Kiawah Island, SC.

The GCH Network’s annual compendium takes into account all major media rankings of golf communities and their amenities for the calendar year. The 2011 edition's new top-rated community nudged aside famed Reynolds Plantation, GA, which had been the list's leading property for the past three years.

How It Works
GolfCourseHome Editors arrive at their rankings by studying and compiling all of the year’s prominent magazine ranking and rating lists which range from Best in State to Best Residential, from Best Public to Best Private to Best Classic, from Best Modern to Top 100 to Top 50, plus ratings from Forbes.com, Where to Retire magazine and other  major media outlets.

“Rather than send out field researchers and raters to create yet another rating system,” says GolfCourseHome Network Publisher David Lott.

“GolfCourseHome leverages the value of all existing rankings to create a full-scale compilation you won’t find anywhere else. The best rise to the top riding the wave of repeated accolades from a wide variety of sources. We’ve identified these superior communities for our readers and they are, indeed, the best of the best.”

The GCH Best of the Best list's new No. 1—Kiawah Island, SC (18 major awards)—features the dramatic Ocean Course which has been selected as the host course for the 2012 PGA Championship. Six of the Top 10 are new to the list while four communities are repeat winners.

GolfCourseHome® Network 2011 ‘Best of the Best’ Rankings (with prior year rank)

  1.  --  Kiawah Island, SC - 18 major magazine awards 
  2.  1   Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA - 15 awards

  3.  2   Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC – 11 awards

  4.  5   Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC – 6 awards

  5.  --  The Communities of Branson Creek, Hollister, MO – 6 awards

 

  6.  9   Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton, SC - 6 awards

  7.  --  Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, AZ - 6 awards

  8.  --  Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, VA - 5 awards

  9.  --  Isleworth, Windermere, FL - 4 awards

10.  --  Victoria Park, Deland, FL - 4 awards

Communities of Distinction

Daniel Island, Charleston, SC - 2 awards

Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC - 2 awards

Frenchman’s Creek, Palm Beach Gardens FL - 2 awards

For complete rankings along with details of all major magazine awards, read here. 

Golf Course Home® Network (GolfCourseHome.com) features 44 Member Websites, database of 500+ master-planned communities and features on 150+ world-class golf and waterview communities in North America and the Caribbean.

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'

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Celebrities & Pros

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

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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

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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

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GolfCourseHome Magazine

GolfCourseHome Magazine Launched Featuring GCH Dream 18 Great Golf Holes

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

New Communities Newsletter, Dec. 10: Del Webb's Terravita, AZ, Joins GCH Network

  ~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
   NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter 
Vol. 12, No. 570  Friday, December 10, 2010  Circ. 28,710

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

Owen Glen, GA: Private golf, $30,000 purchase incentive.    

 Today's Headlines   

    *  Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, Joins GolfCourseHome
    *  Deals and Specials of the Week
    *  Special Community Events

    *  Best Real Estate Deals of 2010
    *  Florida Real Estate Deals
    *  Best Stay 'n Play Deals of 2010 

    *  GolfCourseHome's 2010 'Best of the Best' Rankings
    *  Recently Added to GolfCourseHome & WaterviewHome   

    *  This Month's Spotlighted Communities 
    *  New Communities Coming Online Soon!  
    *  Watch for our next issue, coming Tuesday, December 14th!

Good Morning! Here's a major purchase incentive just in at press time from Owen Glen, Blairsville, GA: Receive $30,000 worth of designer furnishings and accessories, when you purchase their handsome 3BR/3 BA, recently completed, home on one acre at 602 Owen Vista Drive for $299,900. It sounds like a game-show jackpot.

Owen Glen is set on a peaceful mountain site between Blairsville, GA, and Murphy, NC. Among the many features of this custom-crafted home are eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, hardwood floors, stacked-stone fireplace, garden tub and double vanities, covered porches, deck and 2-car garage.

Plus, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Blairsville’s only private golf community. Purchase this home before Jan. 31, 2011, and all the furnishings and accessories are yours at no additional charge. Request more info. See more deals and community news below.

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NEW THIS WEEK TO GOLFCOURSEHOME  

ARIZONA
> Terravita, Scottsdale

Terravita, which means "land and life," is a Del Webb master-planned community that features a gate-guarded entrance, lovely desert and mountain views and a private championship golf course designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash. Residents enjoy expansive views as the majority of the homesites back up either to the golf course or natural desert areas.

Amenities are headed by the private, 18-hole championship golf course complete with large two-way driving range, chipping and putting greens. The 34,000-s.f. clubhouse is complemented by health and fitness center, swim and tennis center with lap pool and lagoon style pool and five tennis courts, one a stadium style showcase.

Walk About: A scenic 6-mile network of trails interconnects the entire community, making morning and evening walks a real sensory pleasure.

Real Estate: Terravita, AZ

• Resale homes from 1,400 to over 3,700 square feet
• Priced from $275,000 to more than $700,000
• Developer homes sold out since 1997
• Click here for more information about Terravita!

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DEALS AND SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's current featured role on Golf Channel’s Destination Golf and “The Big Break DOM” inspires a New Year’s Eve 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.  Click here for more information about Casa del Lago!

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COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENTS

> Treasure Lake, DuBois, PA is celebrating the season for kids and families. This Saturday, December 11, from 9:30 to 1 p.m. there is a Santa’s Workshop event in the festively decorated Lakeview Lodge. After breakfast with Santa, children will go upstairs to make Christmas gifts with his elves.  Click here for more information about Treasure Lake!

> Hampton Lake, Bluffton, SC will present a Friends of the River Lecture next month on Jan. 26 beginning at 11 a.m. The lecture will be delivered in PowerPoint format by three representatives of
Friends of the Rivers, a local organization that is instrumental in the preservation of area waterways, considered some of the cleanest in the nation. Attendees will learn how to implement best management practices of  their home and community to protect the environment. Click here for more information about Hampton Lake!

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COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES

> Blackstone, Peoria, AZ reports that its Jim Engh-designed Blackstone golf course is currently open on Mondays for outside tournaments as well as customized golf outings. “This distinctive venue can easily accommodate area businesses, charitable organizations and other groups that hold fundraising tournaments, outings and other events,” said Blackstone Director of Golf Todd Cernohous. Groups enjoy use of the 30,000-square-foot Hacienda clubhouse.  Click here for more information Blackstone!

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Greenville SC, through its Charitable Foundation, recently distributed four $5,000 checks to Prevent Child Abuse of Pickens County, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, MARYS House, and Helping Hands. These four non-profit organizations were chosen by The Reserve’s membership earlier in 2010 to receive the Foundation’s annual gift which, this year, totals $40,000. Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

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GCH Network 2010 ‘Best of the Best’ Rankings
(with prior year rank)

Here's the Top 5 of the 'Best of the Best' Rankings which were released on Tuesday. Click here to see the full article and rankings along with a summary of all major magazine awards won by each community.

  1.  1.    Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA - 17 major magazine awards 
  2.  2.    Sea Pines, Hilton Head SC - 12 awards  
  3.  3.    Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs, VA - 9 awards
  4.  4.    Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin TX - 11 awards
  5.  5.    Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC - 7 awards

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BEST DEALS OF 2010  

   >> Real Estate Deals

> Blackstone, Peoria, AZ’s two remaining Cachet Homes now feature a significant purchase incentive. Get new construction, a builder warranty, new bank-approved pricing, an estate-sized lot in Blackstone and an immediate response on your offer.  Send me more info...

> Sanctuary Cove, St. Simons Island GA’s incredible day of land specials and property tours is this Saturday, Dec. 11. Buy a homesite and  Sanctuary Cove will reimburse your airfare at closing. Featuring dockable waterfront, riverfront, and marshfront lots, Sanctuary Cove is home to a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course. Call 1-800-664-4178 to reserve your spot. Click here for more information about Sanctuary Cove!

> The Owners Club at Hilton Head, SC’s unlimited, cart-fee-only golf, with no restrictions for share holders on 8 championship courses at five different Hilton Head plantations: Indigo Run, Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Hall, Port Royal Plantation, Shipyard Plantation. Cart fee is always $30 any day of the year. Send me more info… 

> Teton Springs, Victor ID’s latest alert to buyers highlights a 4 BR-4BA custom home that has just been approved for short sale at a price of just $585,000. With 4,000 s.f. of finished space, this is one of the best per-SF deals you’ll see, especially against the backdrop of 780-acre Teton Springs. Send me more info…

> Hampton Lake, Bluffton SC’s new product line, The Signature Series, starts in the low $400,000s for homes on wooded homesites, and the low $500,000s for lakefront homes. Four builders are available to work with. Send me more info...

  > The Communities at Branson Creek, Hollister MO’s has standout values on 4 remaining homes in Fieldstone Bluffs section, listed from the low $200,000s. Also, a half-acre “hot lot,” at $34,500, whose buyer would get Murder Rock G.C.membership and Branson Creek course discounts. Send me more info…

> 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…

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FLORIDA DEALS

> Solivita, Poinciana FL’s year-end Inventory Blowout Sale gives property buyers an average of $55,000 in savings per model--plus all closing costs are waived for the buyer. Some 30 new homes must be sold and delivered by Dec. 30, when sale ends.  Send me more info…

> 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….

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   >> Discovery & Stay'n Play Deals  

> The Communities at Branson Creek, Hollister MO’s Annual Pass at the award-winning Murder Rock Golf & Country Club course is now $500 and entitles you to play Murder Rock during the 2011 season (12 months) for only $25 a round. Purchase before Dec. 17 and get a $50 Murder Rock gift card. Click here for more information about Branson Creek!

> Forest Dunes, Roscommon, MI’s Couples Package comes wrapped up with champagne, candles and chocolates. Stay one or two nights in a well-appointed luxury home complete with concierge service. Enjoy unlimited access to cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Rates, per couple, range from $149 to $169 for one night and from $199 to $219 for two nights. Send me more info....

> Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL's 3-day/2-night Yacht & Play puts your yacht in the community marina and you on the community's Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Acquaint yourself with this amenity rich, island community and enjoy lunches, dinners, use of amenities, real estate tour and more. $699/couple plus tax. Send me more info....

 > Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne FL’s limited-time Golf Getaway Package includes 2 nights in a nearby hotel, community tour, a round of golf on Indian River’s championship course and dinner at private At Ease Club. Price for 3 days/2 nights only $99. Send me more info…

> Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's Christmas Stay' n Play includes 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...

> Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, FL’s special pricing on its Stay & Play visitation-vacations in the warm Florida air means luxurious accommodations in three-bedroom, two- bath club villas, which overlook the 18th green of the golf course and the spectacular 32,000-square-foot clubhouse.  Send me more info…

> Savannah Quarters, Savannah GA’s Visitation Package is available exclusively for subscribers to the GolfCourseHome newsletter, for just $99, discounted from the original rate of $199. Take advantage of this 3-day/2-night Discovery Getaway, which includes a community tour and lodging in Historic Savannah. Send me more info...

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Greenville SC’s Discover Real Estate guest packages start at $145, including up to $200 in club credits. Stay in Village Guest House and get two rounds of golf, half-day boat rental, lunch at The Market, dinner at the Orchard House and golf pro shop merchandise.  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....

> 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...

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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

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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 

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

Dominion Valley Country Club, Haymarket, Virginia

Branson Creek, Hollister, Missouri

Isleworth, Windermere, Florida

Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Georgia

River Wilderness, Parrish, Florida

Horn Rapids, Richland, Washington

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE IN 2011!

 * Grand Haven, FL
 * Victoria Park, FL
 * Moss Creek, SC
 * Watersong, FL
 * Tesoro, FL
 * River Landing, NC
 * Farm Neck Golf Club, MA

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New Communities Newsletter, Dec. 7: 2010 'Best of the Best' Rankings Released

  ~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
   NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter 
Vol. 12, No. 569  Tuesday, December 7, 2010  Circ. 28,710

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

  
Reynols Plantation, Greensboro, GA: No. 1 three straight years.

 Today's Headlines   

    *  GolfCourseHome's 2010 'Best of the Best' Rankings
    *  Terravita, Scottsdale, AZ, Joins GolfCourseHome
    *  Deals and Specials of the Week
    *  Special Community Events
    *  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 Friday, December 10th!

Good Morning! Today we announce the 3rd Annual GCH 'Best of the Best' rankings, our compendium of rankings that takes into account all major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for this year.

 GolfCourseHome Editors arrive at their rankings by studying and compiling all of the year’s prominent magazine ranking and rating lists which range from Best in State to Best Residential, from Best Public to Best Private to Best Classic, from Best Modern to Top 100 and Top 50 and beyond.

Topping the GCH 'Best of the Best' compendium for the third year in a row is Reynolds Plantation, GA, which captured 17 major magazine awards--a tour de force that put the community far ahead of the field. Four of the Top 10 are new to the list while six communities are repeat winners. See the results below!

GCH Network 2010 ‘Best of the Best’ Rankings
(with prior year rank)
  1.  1.    Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro GA - 17 major magazine awards 
  2.  2.    Sea Pines, Hilton Head SC - 12 awards  
  3.  3.    Homestead Preserve, Hot Springs, VA - 9 awards
  4.  4.    Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin TX - 11 awards
  5.  5.    Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC - 7 awards
 
  6.  --    The Villages at Tullymore, Stanwood MI - 7 awards 
  7.  --    Forest Dunes, Roscommon MI - 8 awards 
  8. 10.  Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg, VA - 5 awards 
  9.  --    Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton SC - 4 awards 
10.  --    Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls OR - 5 awards 

The Next 5

11. Branson Creek, Hollister, MO - 7 awards
12. The Cliffs Communities, Travelers Rest, SC - 4 awards
13. Isleworth, Windermere FL - 3 awards
14. Desert Mountain, Scottsdale AZ - 3 awards
15. Owl’s Nest, Thornton NH - 3 awards

Communities of Distinction
> Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala, FL - 3 awards
> Daniel Island, Charleston SC - 3 awards
> Bayside, Selbyville DE - 3 awards

For the complete list and awards summary, click here.

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NEW TO GOLFCOURSEHOME  

ARIZONA
> Terravita, Scottsdale
Terravita, which means "land and life," is a Del Webb master-planned community consisting of 823 acres designed for a diverse population of full and part-time residents of all ages. It is a guard-gated community in which the majority of the homesites back up to the golf course or natural desert areas. Resale homes from 1,400 to over 3,700 s.f. and are priced from $275,000 to more than $700,000.

Amenities include the private, 18-hole championship golf course by Billy Casper and Greg Nash, 34,000-s.f. clubhouse, health and fitness center, swim and tennis center, plus a scenic 6-mile network of trails interconnecting the entire community. Send me more info

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DEALS AND SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

> Blackstone, AZ has only two remaining Cachet Homes and currently features a significant purchase incentive on them. Get new construction, a builder warranty, new bank-approved pricing, an   lot in Blackstone and an immediate response on your purchase offer. Click here for more information about Blackstone!

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COMMUNITY SPECIAL EVENTS

> The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA has a series of special events this December; many of which have become family traditions. The Holiday Wreath Workshop starts off the season with an area expert offering artistic pointers. Also, youth members of the Bay Club are treated to an incredible Gingerbread House Workshop. Members also plan a trip to attend a New Bedford Symphony Orchestra performance. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Greenville SC held its annual tree-lighting ceremony, decorating an impressive 40-foot evergreen in the Village Center. More than 100 families gathered for this annual event, which included caroling, candle lighting and a worship service in Founders Hall. John Smith, The Reserve’s 2010 Artist in Residence, chose the occasion to present a newly completed work to The Reserve’s Community Foundation board members, for inclusion in The Reserve’s permanent collection.  Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

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COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES

> St. James Plantation, NC opened its new dog park this past week in the community’s Woodlands Park neighborhood. An official leash-cutting ceremony kicked off festivities as dog-loving residents explored the new facility. The dog park rounds out Woodlands Park’s amenity roster—an amphitheatre, lake, picnic pavilion, walking loop and comfort station. Click here for more information about St. James Plantation!

> Solivita, Poinciana FL residents were recently treated to a holiday enactment of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” by the community’s own Theatre Group, during several dinner theater performances Nov. 13-14 at the community’s Mosaics restaurant. It marked the first time that the Solivita Theatre Group had performed in a dinner theater format, to excellent feedback that promises more such future engagments. A dozen Solivita residents participated in the production.  Click here for more informatieon about Solivita!

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BEST DEALS OF 2010  

   >> Real Estate Deals

> Sanctuary Cove, St. Simons Island GA’s incredible day of land specials and property tours is this Saturday, Dec. 11. Buy a homesite and  Sanctuary Cove will reimburse your airfare at closing. Featuring dockable waterfront, riverfront, and marshfront lots, Sanctuary Cove is home to a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course. Call 1-800-664-4178 to reserve your spot. Click here for more information about Sanctuary Cove!

> The Owners Club at Hilton Head, SC’s unlimited, cart-fee-only golf, with no restrictions for share holders on 8 championship courses at five different Hilton Head plantations: Indigo Run, Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Hall, Port Royal Plantation, Shipyard Plantation. Cart fee is always $30 any day of the year. Send me more info… 

> Teton Springs, Victor ID’s latest alert to buyers highlights a four-bedroom, four-bath custom home that has just been approved for short sale at a price of just $585,000. With 4,000 s.f. of finished space, this is one of the best per-SF deals you’ll see, especially against the backdrop of 780-acre Teton Springs. Send me more info…

> Hampton Lake, Bluffton SC’s new product line, The Signature Series, starts in the low $400,000s for homes on wooded homesites, and the low $500,000s for lakefront homes. Four builders are available to work with. Send me more info...

  > The Communities at Branson Creek, Hollister MO’s has standout values on 4 remaining homes in Fieldstone Bluffs section, listed from the low $200,000s. Also, a half-acre “hot lot,” at $34,500, whose buyer would get Murder Rock G.C.membership and Branson Creek course discounts. Send me more info…

> 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…

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FLORIDA DEALS

> Solivita, Poinciana FL’s year-end Inventory Blowout Sale gives property buyers an average of $55,000 in savings per model--plus all closing costs are waived for the buyer. Some 30 new homes must be sold and delivered by Dec. 30, when sale ends.  Send me more info…

> 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….

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   >> Discovery & Stay'n Play Deals  

> The Communities at Branson Creek, Hollister MO’s Annual Pass at the award-winning Murder Rock Golf & Country Club course is now $500 and entitles you to play Murder Rock during the 2011 season (12 months) for only $25 a round. Purchase before Dec. 17 and get a $50 Murder Rock gift card. Click here for more information about Branson Creek!

> Forest Dunes, Roscommon, MI’s Couples Package comes wrapped up with champagne, candles and chocolates. Stay one or two nights in a well-appointed luxury home complete with concierge service. Enjoy unlimited access to cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Rates, per couple, range from $149 to $169 for one night and from $199 to $219 for two nights. Send me more info....

> Sailfish Point, Stuart, FL's 3-day/2-night Yacht & Play puts your yacht in the community marina and you on the community's Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Acquaint yourself with this amenity rich, island community and enjoy lunches, dinners, use of amenities, real estate tour and more. $699/couple plus tax. Send me more info....

 > Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne FL’s limited-time Golf Getaway Package includes 2 nights in a nearby hotel, community tour, a round of golf on Indian River’s championship course and dinner at private At Ease Club. Price for 3 days/2 nights only $99. Send me more info…

> Casa Del Lago, Dominican Republic's Christmas Stay' n Play includes 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...

> Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, FL’s special pricing on its Stay & Play visitation-vacations in the warm Florida air means luxurious accommodations in three-bedroom, two- bath club villas, which overlook the 18th green of the golf course and the spectacular 32,000-square-foot clubhouse.  Send me more info…

> Savannah Quarters, Savannah GA’s Visitation Package is available exclusively for subscribers to the GolfCourseHome newsletter, for just $99, discounted from the original rate of $199. Take advantage of this 3-day/2-night Discovery Getaway, which includes a community tour and lodging in Historic Savannah. Send me more info...

> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Greenville SC’s Discover Real Estate guest packages start at $145, including up to $200 in club credits. Stay in Village Guest House and get two rounds of golf, half-day boat rental, lunch at The Market, dinner at the Orchard House and golf pro shop merchandise.  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....

> 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...

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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

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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 

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

Dominion Valley Country Club, Haymarket, Virginia

Branson Creek, Hollister, Missouri

Isleworth, Windermere, Florida

Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Georgia

River Wilderness, Parrish, Florida

Horn Rapids, Richland, Washington

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NEW COMMUNITIES COMING ONLINE SOON!

GolfCourseHome

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

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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!   

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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!

Branson Creek Celebrates GCH 'Best of the Best' Selection with Press Release

Branson Creek, part of a master-planned, multi-use, destination property that spans 7,500 acres in the popular Ozarks highlands region of Missouri, has just issued a press release celebrating its selection as a GolfCourseHome Network 2009 'Best of the Best' community.

The Network's compendium of rankings takes into account all major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for this year.

"We're pleased to receive this national recognition and proud to see SW Missouri recognized as a great destination for active living and vacation homes with affordable lifestyle options," said Kim McDonald Vice President of Sales & Marketing on behalf of the company.

Branson Creek earned its place among the 19 winners by having captured five major magazine awards. Branson Creek was also ranked in 2008 by "Where To Retire Magazine" as one of the Top 100 Master Planned Communities in the United States. Golfweek magazine named its golf course the No. 1 'Course 'You Can Play' in Missouri.

The community is home to the new Branson Airport which officially opens on May 11, 2009. Featuring two championship golf courses, including Murder Rock and Branson Creek the Tom Fazio designed course ranked by Golf Digest as the No. 1 public course in Missouri, The Communities at Branson Creek has weathered the current economic downturn with an aggressive pace of development of new homes, golf villas and custom home sites.

Reynolds Plantation Issues Press Release Citing Selection as a GCH 'Best of the Best'

We were happy to receive this press release today from Reynolds Plantation, which headed GolfCourseHome's 2009 'Best of the Best' rankings for the second year in a row.

>>Greensboro, Ga. (May 7, 2009) – LINKS magazine and GolfCourseHome.net have both named Reynolds Plantation as one of its “Best of the Best” golf communities for 2009.

LINKS magazine selected Reynolds Plantation as the “Best of the Best” in its “America’s Premier Properties 2009” guide to the best golf communities in the United States.  This is the third consecutive year that Reynolds Plantation has appeared in the “Premier Properties” guide in recognition of the exceptional lifestyle at the community.

Reynolds Plantation tops the list for the second year in a row on GolfCourseHome.net’s 2009 “Best of the Best” rankings.  This compendium of honors reflects all the major media rankings of golf courses and golf communities for the year.  Reynolds Plantation has received 13 awards from major magazines for the outstanding quality of its golf courses and for the community in general.

Of Reynolds Plantation, GolfCourseHome.net said, “A community may grab an occasional accolade or two, but when the awards stack higher and higher, you know the community is special.”

 

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!