Florida Links Living Fall 2012

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a supplement to LINKS Magazine

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A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITIES AND MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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contents 4

Boca West Country Club

8

Ibis Golf & Country Club

An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

4

Tried and true, this Palm Beach enclave with three Nicklaus courses offers the best of both worlds — city sophistication and convenience in a lush oasis of unexpected tranquility

14

Sailfish Point

18

St. Andrews Country Club

This secluded sea-island community with a private harbor offers unrivaled ocean access and proximity to the best of South Florida

Luxurious, privileged, and exceptionally private, this elite Boca Raton club delivers uncompromising levels of service, amenities, and lifestyle along with outstanding golf

24 Publisher’s Letter

18

Sense of Community

On the cover: Ibis Golf & Country Club

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Boca West Country Club An unwavering commitment to extraordinary service and amenities has made this private residential country club one of the best in the country

I

t is no small feat to be named the nation’s

“We are in the member-pleasing business,” says Jay

top private country club (nine years run-

DiPietro, club president and general manager. “We

ning nonetheless) by the Platinum Clubs of

understand what people want and don’t want. We

America. But in Boca Raton, a city rich with

work hard at it. And we recruit and hand pick the

the world’s finest private clubs found any-

nicest, friendliest, most attentive people in the world

where, that numero uno ranking among the elites and

to work here.” More than 800 of those hand-picked

the bragging rights that come with it just might be

employees work in the club during peak season.

the most satisfying honor.

Boca West Country Club, perfectly situated on 1,400 lushly landscaped acres between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, isn’t just one of the topranked clubs in the country. With more than 8,000 residents, it is also one of the largest.

Everything is bigger than life here, from the magnificent clubhouse, sports center and spa to the four championship golf courses to the six separate dining venues that rival the top restaurants of any major city.

And while the club’s size allows it to skillfully handle any member function, and serve 900 for dinner in the clubhouse, Boca West’s biggest asset isn’t its grand scale, but its staff.

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ABOVE: The clubhouse can accommodate a variety of social events.

OPPOSITE: The cascading water feature at the club’s Aquatic Center BELOW: A waterfall serves as the backdrop at the 18th green on Fazio II.

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ABOVE: The golf experience overall is first class, starting with the lush landscaping.

RIGHT: The 506-yard 18th on Palmer I features a nifty “beach bunker.”

FAR RIGHT: With more than 30 courts, tennis is huge at Boca West.

BELOW: The Spa lobby’s waterfall sculpture

The members appear to be well pleased. Thirty five percent of them live here year round, a figure double or better that of other southern Florida communities. They love it so much that they can’t wait to tell their friends about the place. That “word of mouth” is the main factor in selling homes. Even in lean real estate years, Boca West will still sell an impressive 100 homes a year.

“Our members support our club because they treasure it here,” says DiPietro. “They are proud of their club.”

What’s not to be proud of? The

great golf, but lots of it. With member tournaments

facilities seem forever young

typically attracting 500 participants, multiple courses

because everything is constantly

are a necessity.

Palmer I, the first course completed here, is a true

started in 1970, and has never had

championship golf course and often the venue used

an assessment, everything looks

for big tournaments. Fazio II, with its waterfalls at the

brand new.

9th and 18th greens that spill over hand-sculpted

The golf experience, like everything else, is first class. The four

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Dye, have all been rebuilt since 1997 and offer not just

community, the clubhouse, all the

refreshed. Even though the club was

6

golf courses, by Arnold Palmer, Jim Fazio and Pete

stones, is considered the most aesthetically pleasing.

When they hired Dye to design course IV, they told

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Boca West Country Club 20583 Boca West Drive Boca Raton, Fla. 33434 561.488.6934 BocaWestCC.org

Palmer I PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,220 YEAR FOUNDED: 1997 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

FazIo II him they wanted a Pete Dye course that was playable.

poolside casual to elegant fare in Panache,

“I’ll build you a golf course I would want to play

and the venues are designed to serve

every day,” Dye said. And he did exactly that.

every taste.

There are so many details that enhance the golf ex-

Likewise, there are a number of op-

PAR: 71 YARDAGE: 6,811 YEAR FOUNDED: 2005 ARCHITECT: Jim Fazio

Palmer III PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,753 YEAR FOUNDED: 1999 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

perience. Laser finders in every cart eliminate looking

tions for living in this paradise. Condo-

for yardage on sprinkler heads, while the paspalum

miniums from the $100,000s to $8 mil-

turf on the Fazio and Dye courses handles the south

lion homes in re-gated neighborhoods

Florida climate beautifully and hardly ever presents a

are available. One of the convenient

bad lie. In addition to separate locker rooms and card

membership perks is the ability to select

rooms for men and women, they each have their own

the option that suits you best on an an-

extensive pro shops as well.

nual basis. While social membership is the mini-

Dye IV PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,954 YEAR FOUNDED: 2006 ARCHITECT: Pete Dye

While golf may reign supreme, tennis flourishes

mum, every year you can pick and choose what oth-

here, too. More than 30 Har-Tru courts, a full sched-

er memberships you would like, including individual

ule of tournament and social events, an active junior

golf memberships.

BELOW: Members can choose from six different dining venues.

program, a top ten pro shop, and exhibitions by some of the sport’s best players, keep things busy courtside.

You can’t spend any time here without discovering that food is a very big deal at Boca West. The club has a well-earned reputation for providing its members an incredible dining experience. The food is so good and so appreciated, members have no need to travel outside the gates for gourmet dining.

DiPietro never forgot advice he received early in his career: “Some people play golf, some people play tennis. Everybody eats.” And eat they do. The club serves a remarkable three quarters of a million meals a year through its six restaurants. The menus, from

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Ibis Golf &Country Club Tried and true, this Palm Beach enclave with three Nicklaus courses offers the best of both worlds— city sophistication and convenience in a lush oasis of unexpected tranquility

F

lorida is treasured for its wildlife and

has a flavor unlike any other luxurious residential

nowhere is it more abundant, or

community in this desirable region of Florida.

more revered, than within Ibis Golf

only club in the world with three Nicklaus family

skirts of West Palm Beach.

courses (Jack, Jack II, and Steve) and each of them is

Just a few miles west of I-95 and minutes from the

elegance and diversions of the Palm Beaches, this private golf community bordered by the 12,000-acre Grassy Waters Nature Preserve feels like an oasis of natural beauty. From the moment you enter royal palm-lined Ibis Boulevard, you feel a world apart.

The landscaping is lush, scenic lakes accent the grounds, and birds—spoonbills, blue heron, sandhill cranes, and ibis—are always in view. Nature permeates

everything. The streets are lined with trails for walking, jogging, and biking in the midst of the beauty. Ibis

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Golf also defines the Ibis experience. This is the

& Country Club on the western out-

unique. Jack’s Signature Legend course features an

ABOVE: The sprawling clubhouse can accommodate a variety of social events.

OPPOSITE: The Legend’s 159-yard 13th features an enticing island green.

BELOW: The club takes its name from the graceful white bird that populates the 1,900-acre community.

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RIGHT: For bird lovers, Ibis is filled with many species, including sandhill cranes.

BELOW: There are 1,808 residences at Ibis, including this one with a beautiful infinity pool overlooking a lake.

practice range is generous, too, with five target greens, complimentary range balls, and a short-game element in each corner. It is no stretch to have 80 members hitting balls at one time.

Heading up an instructional staff of 11 is Martin Hall, host of Golf Channel’s popular program, School of Golf. One the country’s premier instructors, Hall is a veteran of the European Tour and has taught players on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and LPGA Tour, including Morgan Pressel. abundance of mounding. Jack II’s Heritage gives you

many to Ibis, it is the extraordinary quality of life

water carries. And Steve’s Tradition is more links

(what they refer to as The Ibis Experience) that makes

style, with undulating greens that place a premium on

this multi-generational membership well satisfied.

your short game. Play all 54 holes and you’ll never see

enjoy as possible. That is important, as this is a year-

re-grassed, new members will reap the benefits of a

round south Florida community (more than half the

completely up-to-date experience.

members consider this their permanent home) that is engaged and very active every season. Facilities are

Nicklaus stamp, outstanding layouts, and meticulous

open all year and there is always a lot going on,

grooming, is that the finishing holes of each course

including tennis (14 Har-Tru, HydroGrid-lighted

comprise arguably the three hardest finishing holes

courts plus a bustling program), fitness, yoga, water

in Palm Beach County, which sits just fine with a

aerobics, card games, kids’ camps, and popular member

membership that loves to play golf. And play golf

events held at the Mediterranean-style clubhouse.

they do! The Club boasts numerous member events

Cultural opportunities abound thanks to the tireless

and playing opportunities for all skill levels, and

efforts of the Ibis Cultural Association. Members can

remarkably, close to 80 percent of spouses play.

participate in acting and writing workshops, take lan-

Monthly complimentary clinics keep the active

guage and art classes, perform in musical presenta-

membership engaged.

tions, showcase their photography, and sharpen their

There is plenty of room for everyone. Five of the nines begin at the clubhouse, allowing for comfortably spaced starting times. The double-ended, 20-acre

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Great pride is taken to create as many activities to

the same hole twice. With two courses just recently

What all the courses have in common, beyond the

10

While the superb quality of the golf initially draws

the benefit of generous fairways, but requires more

cooking skills. The roster of events is diverse and full.

With more than 1,800 homesites featuring lake, golf, or preserve views in a collection of 33 beautiful

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Sand and water lurk everywhere on Legend’s 576-yard 8th.

BELOW: The Patio Cafe is located by the heated, 25-meter pool.

BOTTOM: The Ibis dog park is a popular amenity among the members.

Ibis Golf & Country Club

neighborhoods, there is plenty of choice

8225 Ibis Boulevard West Palm Beach, Fla. 33412 561.625.8500 IbisGolf.com

when it comes to finding the home that suits you best. Ibis offers everything from condos, villas, single-family homes, and large estate homes, priced from the

TRADITION

$200,000s into the millions.

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,130 YEAR FOUNDED: 2001 ARCHITECT: Steve Nicklaus

Their final neighborhood, with new construction opportunities, is well underway. Located at the southern end of this

HeRITAGe

nearly 2,000-acre community, The Woodlands is a very private, tranquil enclave almost completely surrounded by the

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,062 YEAR FOUNDED: 1991 ARCHITECT: Jack Nicklaus II

Grassy Waters Nature Preserve.

LeGeND

Ibis is an equity club owned by the members, who are justifiably proud of their spectacular amenities, unsurpassed lifestyle, and well-earned reputation. The

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,187 YEAR FOUNDED: 1991 ARCHITECT: Jack Nicklaus

much-awarded club was honored with BoardRoom magazine’s Emerald Club distinction and was recently named the Sunshine state’s 2012 Community of the Year by the Florida Communities of Excellence Awards.

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003. SAILFISH POINT Sotheby’s International Realty 1648 SE Sailfish Point Blvd.

Stuart, Fla. 34996 800.799.7772 SailfishPoint.com info@SailfishPoint.com

FLORIDA LINKS

ot all oceanfront property is created

River converge to surround the island with a variety of

equal. Just ask the residents at Sailfish

waters. And where the Gulf Stream keeps the waters

Point, a 532-acre sea-island commu-

temperate, while onshore breezes moderate the climate.

ABOVE: The Atlantic, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian River surround the 532-acre community.

BELOW: A large waste bunker and lake guard the 520-yard 10th.

OPPOSITE: The soothing sound of surf is always present during a round on the Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

nity on Hutchinson Island, an hour north of Palm Beach.

“When you see that aqua blue water it takes your breath away, it absolutely takes your breath away,” says resident Carolyn Wax. “Because you realize that this is really a tropical paradise.”

Adds her husband, Ed: “I never knew this part of Florida existed. We joke about it. We call it the un-Florida because you don’t see tall buildings. You see the ocean. It’s like being on a tropical island all the time.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM MANDEVILLE

Lest you think there is a bit of hyperbole involved, consider that this “island within an island” enjoys more than a mile of private white-sand beach on the Atlantic, a private deepwater harbor and perhaps the most enviable and unique location in Florida. This is where the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian FALL 2012

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FLORIDA LINKS

ne of the most enduring

impeccably attentive, the food superb, and the impres-

images in golf, the Swilcan Bridge

sive state-of-the-art security second to none. All of it

at the Old Course at St. Andrews,

delivered within the context of upscale Boca Raton,

evokes powerful memories.

the quintessential destination for luxurious living.

Arnold Palmer’s farewell wave in

The golf at St. Andrews impresses immediately.

1995; Jack Nicklaus’s a decade later. The greats of the

The marvelous landscaping around the tee boxes and

game have all paused on its historic span.

green complexes makes the Arnold Palmer Signature

The humble stone bridge is a fitting visual for the

and Gene Bates designs as aesthetically pleasing as

private golf community known as the “St. Andrews of

they are a joy to play. For those privileged enough to

Florida.” As you pass through St. Andrews Country

call this home, the ability to play without ever making

Club’s front gate, replicas of the iconic bridge wel-

a tee time is a most satisfying reward.

004. ST. ANDREWS COUNTRY CLUB 17557 Claridge Oval West Boca Raton, Fla. 33496 561.451.4900 StAndrewsCC.com

ABOVE: The impressive 125,000-square-foot clubhouse is one of many amenities for members to enjoy.

OPPOSITE: The Olde course boasts a gently rolling layout with native Florida landscaping.

BELOW: Spa entrance

come you. Lit up beautifully under the deep Florida night sky, they set the tone of a very private community where the golf is great and tee times are nonexistent, where everything is first class, from the food to the staff. And where the members treasure the collegial, family atmosphere.

They also treasure having the best of everything.

Owned by its members, St. Andrews Country Club holds itself to uncompromising standards. The results are rewarding. The facilities are spectacular, the staff

FALL 2012

Go to LINKSMagazine.com for more information FALL 2012

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13

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Sailfish Point

This secluded sea-island community with a private harbor offers unrivaled ocean access and proximity to the best of South Florida

N

ot all oceanfront property is created

River converge to surround the island with a variety of

equal. Just ask the residents at Sailfish

waters. And where the Gulf Stream keeps the waters

Point, a 532-acre sea-island commu-

temperate, while onshore breezes moderate the climate.

ABOVE: The Atlantic, St. Lucie Inlet, and Indian River surround the 532-acre community.

BELOW: A large waste bunker and lake guard the 520-yard 10th.

OPPOSITE: The soothing sound of surf is always present during a round on the Jack Nicklaus Signature course.

nity on Hutchinson Island, an hour north of Palm Beach.

“When you see that aqua blue water it takes your

breath away, it absolutely takes your breath away,” says resident Carolyn Wax. “Because you realize that this is really a tropical paradise.”

Adds her husband, Ed: “I never knew this part of Florida existed. We joke about it. We call it the un-Florida because you don’t see tall buildings. You see the ocean. It’s like being on a tropical island all the time.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM MANDEVILLE

Lest you think there is a bit of hyperbole involved, consider that this “island within an island” enjoys more than a mile of private white-sand beach on the Atlantic, a private deepwater harbor and perhaps the most enviable and unique location in Florida. This is where the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian FALL 2012

FLORIDA LINKSliving

15

LL_SPRNG11_SAILFISH_LAYOUT 8/28/12 1:47 PM Page 16

take a boat all the way across the state to the Gulf of Mexico (about a half day trip through the Okeechobee Waterway).

One of the largest private marinas in Florida, the 77-slip Sailfish Point Marina and Yacht Club is also the only place in the state where you can go from private marina to open water in five minutes. The marina can handle vessels up to 125 feet long.

Fishing enthusiasts know why this is called the sailfish capital of the world. “The fishing is terrific for gamefish,” says resident Kevin Adrian. “Sailfish are here year round—dolphin, wahoo, cobia. The river fishing is excellent, too. People fish right off the docks for snook. You can go out and wade in the river.

It’s just the perfect spot.”

ABOVE: The oceanfront clubhouse has great al fresco dining.

BELOW: The 372-yard 11th was part of a $6 million restoration in 2007.

16

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For those who enjoy life on the water, everything

While the water surrounds life here, there is plenty

comes together here. Homes around the harbor allow

to keep residents busy on dry ground. Har-Tru tennis

residents to keep their boats just steps from the door.

courts maintained to professional standards, a luxuri-

You can just as easily travel by boat to nearby Stuart

ous full-service spa and salon, a fitness complex with

for dinner as you can to the Bahamas, just 75 nautical

a pool and professional trainers—all are available for

miles away. This is the only place in Florida you can

residents and their guests.

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But it is the spectacular oceanfront clubhouse with

Nicklaus returned in 2007 to do an extensive

its beachside club and lounge that is the center of

$6 million renovation to his design. The changes,

onshore activities. Residents gather here for casual

members say, made a good course great. Though

al fresco meals or more formal coat-and-tie special

there are plenty of “wow” moments along the way,

occasions. It is where rounds of golf begin and end,

the 18th hole makes for a fantastic finish. Known

where friends come together for casino nights, wine

as the “Window on the Sea,” this 443-yard par 4

tastings and themed dinners.

has you putting out to the sounds and sights of

In the end it is the island’s unassuming, friendly

the ocean.

atmosphere and its people that are the main attraction. “Where can you go and have the beach at your front door? Golf, tennis, and then it’s a community of fantastic people,” says resident Don McCaffery. “These people are not acquaintances, this is truly a community.”

A community with an excellent Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, where members never have to make

Though this is a very private,

Sailfish Point

secluded island community, connected to the mainland by a fixed-span

Sotheby’s International Realty 1648 SE Sailfish Point Boulevard Stuart, Fla. 34996 800.799.7772 SailfishPoint.com info@SailfishPoint.com

bridge, residents are just a 10-minute

PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 7,151 YEAR FOUNDED: 1981 ARCHITECT: Jack Nicklaus

endary array of attractions, activities

car (or boat) ride from the restaurants, shopping, medical services and small-town charm of downtown Stuart. Palm Beach, with its legand adventures, is just an hour south.

Almost every home is waterfront

a tee time. Originally opened in

at Sailfish Point, but there are a

1981 as one of Nicklaus’ early Signa-

variety of ways to own, from spa-

ture courses, every hole offers exceptional water

cious estate homes and luxury oceanfront condos to

views, be it lake, river, inlet or ocean. The premium

villas and townhomes with private docks. Prices

location along the Atlantic means those onshore

range from $500,000 to upwards of $10 million.

breezes make this a subtly different course every

Seasonal rentals are also available for those who

time you play it.

want a taste of paradise before they call it home.

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ABOVE: The green of the 614-yard 14th, one of the toughest holes on the course, overlooks the St. Lucie Inlet.

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St. Andrews Country Club Luxurious, privileged, and exceptionally private, this elite Boca Raton club delivers uncompromising levels of service, amenities, and lifestyle along with outstanding golf

O

ne of the most enduring

impeccably attentive, the food superb, and the impres-

images in golf, the Swilcan Bridge

sive state-of-the-art security second to none. All of it

at the Old Course at St. Andrews,

delivered within the context of upscale Boca Raton,

evokes powerful memories.

the quintessential destination for luxurious living.

Arnold Palmer’s farewell wave in

The golf at St. Andrews impresses immediately.

1995; Jack Nicklaus’s a decade later. The greats of the

The marvelous landscaping around the tee boxes and

game have all paused on its historic span.

green complexes makes the Arnold Palmer Signature

The humble stone bridge is a fitting visual for the

and Gene Bates designs as aesthetically pleasing as

private golf community known as the “St. Andrews of

they are a joy to play. For those privileged enough to

Florida.” As you pass through St. Andrews Country

call this home, the ability to play without ever making

Club’s front gate, replicas of the iconic bridge wel-

a tee time is a most satisfying reward.

come you. Lit up beautifully under the deep Florida night sky, they set the tone of a very private community where the golf is great and tee times are nonexistent, where everything is first class, from the food to the staff. And where the members treasure the collegial, family atmosphere.

They also treasure having the best of everything.

Owned by its members, St. Andrews Country Club holds itself to uncompromising standards. The results are rewarding. The facilities are spectacular, the staff

FALL 2012

ABOVE: The impressive 125,000-square-foot clubhouse is one of many amenities for members to enjoy.

OPPOSITE: The Olde course boasts a gently rolling layout with native Florida landscaping.

BELOW: Spa entrance

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Deciding which course you favor could be a life-

mettle playing from the tips that stretch to nearly 7,000

long—and most pleasurable—process. The Palmer, with

yards, or play it forward and reap the benefits of gener-

its pearl-white bunkers and majestic palms, is the short-

ous landing areas and open approaches to the green.

er of the two, but requires pinpoint accuracy. With

Whichever course you play, you will need to make

water in play on every hole, you can’t afford too many

sure your putting game is sharp. The TifEagle greens

errant shots. The Olde Course allows you to test your

are kept exceptionally groomed and firm. To keep up

RIGHT (clockwise from left): Lunch buffets are offered daily as well as Sunday brunches; one of 15 clay courts; the fully equipped fitness center; the new Golf Performance Center BELOW: The Olde course offers enjoyment for golfers of all levels.

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to speed with their games, members have em-

than any club in the area. And the spa, with a full-

braced the new Golf Performance Center. The

service salon, master colorist, and onsite physical

state-of-the-art facility features a V1 Digital

therapists, is every bit as luxurious as those found

Coaching System and FlightScope Launch Moni-

in the best resorts.

tor with instant, visual feedback that shortens the

The members are, in fact, dedicated to ensuring

time it takes to absorb lessons and put them into

that St. Andrews remains at the forefront of leading

practice on the course.

private clubs. Recognized as one of the leading Plat-

Befitting the St. Andrews name, golf here has a

inum Clubs of America, they have also earned the

rich history. Bob Toski, PGA Tour

distinguished Emerald Club Award.

champion and legendary golf

Members have just approved a plan

instructor, was the club’s first

to enhance the clubhouse, pool

director of golf when it opened in

complex, and provide for future

1983. Today, as Pro Emeritus, his

improvements on the golf course.

presence is still felt. A frequent and

All without raising members’

beloved visitor, his legacy is carried

monthly dues.

on by a former assistant and one

The low-density community is

of Golf Digest’s America’s Best

limited to 730 single-family homes

Teachers, Glenn Hall.

on its 700-plus manicured acres.

While the golf is great, they are

This is a place where you will nev-

fond of saying, “Food is king.” It

er feel crowded, in the club, on the

is certainly fit for royalty. The

course, or in your home. The

daily lunch buffets and Sunday

houses, each of them a custom

brunches are feasts for the eyes as well as the palate. From the chef’s herb garden outside the

design, are magnificent and no two are alike.

A close-knit community with a genuine family

clubhouse to the carefully selected prime steaks to

atmosphere, the affection members have for

always-fresh seafood, the food here is as impres-

St. Andrews (about half the families make this

sive and bountiful as the venues it is served in.

their primary home) and each other translates

Likewise, the 125,000-square-foot clubhouse and the accompanying fitness, spa, and tennis center. The level of luxury and personalized service

favorably. Most new real estate sales are referrals from current members.

For all its privileges and all its enviable ameni-

must be seen and felt to fully appreciate. None

ties, the greatest asset at St. Andrews is its staff.

other than Aaron Krickstein, former ATP Tour

“They make the difference,” says General Manager

pro, oversees a booming tennis program with 15

Craig Martin, C.C.M. “Our staff is committed to

lighted clay courts. The extensive fitness facility

delivering service that is inspiring, attention and

has all the latest cardio equipment equipped with

care that are genuine, and making members feel

personal TV screens and more fitness trainers (30)

special every time.”

FALL 2012

ABOVE: The pool pavilion and water park consists of a Junior Olympic pool, Jacuzzi spa, and terraced lounging areas.

LEFT: St. Andrews Country Club’s resident touring professional and hometown favorite, LPGA star Morgan Pressel

St. Andrews Country Club 17557 Claridge Oval West Boca Raton, Fla. 33496 561.451.4900 StAndrewsCC.com

PAlmer PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,526 YEAR FOUNDED: 2003 ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer

Olde PAR: 72/73 YARDAGE: 6,887 YEAR FOUNDED: 1995 ARCHITECT: Gene Bates

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SenSe of Community AS PUBLISHER OF LINKS, I’m on the road a great deal visiting clients all over the country. But there’s little doubt where I log the most miles: Florida. From Jacksonville to Naples and from the Panhandle to the Keys, I must have crisscrossed the state a hundred times over the years.

The one area of the Sunshine State I’ve spent more time than anywhere else, though, is the southeast corridor, where there are so many great golf communities, like the four we feature in this latest edition of “Florida LINKS Living.” The 100-mile stretch from Vero Beach to Boca Raton is truly a golfer’s paradise with some of the best country club living in the U.S. At the northern end is Sailfish Point, located at the tip of Hutchinson Island. With a mile of private beach fronting turquoise waters, it’s one of the most evocative settings around. Throw in a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and a deepwater harbor with the open ocean just minutes away, and it’s hard to beat.

A little farther down I-95 in West Palm is Ibis Golf & Country Club, which not only has a Jack Nicklaus Signature course but two others as well by sons Jack II and Steve. And although you’re just minutes from the great shops and dining of the area, the community, bordered by a 12,000-acre preserve, has a very serene environment.

Not for nothing does it take its name from the beautiful white bird common to the area; wildlife thrives there.

At the southern end right next to each other, you’ll find two more terrific options: St. Andrews Country Club and Boca West Country Club. St. Andrews features two outstanding courses, including one designed by The King, Arnold Palmer, as well as a world-class tennis program led by one-time top 10 player Aaron Krickstein. At Boca West, Palmer designed not just one but two of the four courses there, while Pete Dye and Jim Fazio created the others. There are also 33 Har-Tru tennis courts and six restaurants.

In the last 12 months, I’ve made at least half a dozen trips down to the area and I can really see a rebound in the real estate market compared to a year or two ago. Twelve to 24 months ago there were a lot of lookers, but not a lot of buyers. That’s definitely changed. With prices so affordable and interest rates so low, people have finally gotten off the sidelines. I really expect prices to be higher in a year as sales gain traction, so if you’ve done your due diligence and are ready to get in the game, too, I highly recommend you pay a visit to one of the four communities in here.

Maybe we’ll run into one another!

Sincerely,

Jack Purcell President and Publisher jpurcell@linksmagazine.com

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FALL 2012

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yamahagolfcar.com ©2012 Yamaha Golf-Car Company

Toll Free: 1.866.747.4027

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CHOOSE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. Yamaha’s fuel injected PTV is an aerodynamic wonder. Featuring a quiet 11.4 horsepower engine and gas mileage that’s up to 38% better than the competition.

See for yourself. Go to yamahagolfcar.com to find the dealer nearest you and to schedule a test drive. One drive and you’ll know why we’re up to the challenge.

yamahagolfcar.com ©2012 Yamaha Golf-Car Company

Toll Free: 1.866.747.4027