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Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
A new neighborhood is rising at this elegant, one-of-a-kind private community, set in the rolling hills of central Florida, that offers the best of everything
H
ere in the “Horse Capital of the
Golden Ocala, with its lush, manicured grounds
World,” the very heart of central
punctuated by lakes, towering oaks, and rolling hills,
Florida, it is easy to be captivated by
impresses immediately. Entering through the front
the idyllic beauty of the gently roll-
gate you are transported into a wonderland filled
ing hills, the endless horse pastures
with fountains, statuary, and gardens at every turn.
bounded with four-board fences,
Elevation changes reveal sweeping views breaking
and graceful oaks draped with Spanish moss. Time almost seems to stand still in this poetic setting. Though tranquil, it is far from remote. Ocala, with all of its culture, shopping, and restaurants, is nearby.
through dense stands of towering trees. Every imaginable amenity and activity is available for the fortunate membership—from great golf
ABOVE: Members enjoy many amenities, particularly the spa and fitness center. BELOW: The jumping ring at the Equestrian Center
and tennis to a full-service spa and a spectacular
Those who live here absolutely love the land and the lifestyle it offers. With 1,300-acres, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club was born from that special appreciation of this region. A local family, the Roberts, wanted to create a residential golf and equestrian community that echoed the ambiance of their own estate—a private sanctuary where families could enjoy horseback riding, championship golf, luxury homes, and superb amenities. Their vision was to establish the best residential development available anywhere at any price. Remarkably, they did just that. WINTER 2014
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ABOVE: Central Florida is considered “The Horse Capital of the World.” RIGHT: Just outside the Clubhouse are two practice holes. BELOW: The 128-yard 4th hole (left) is patterned after the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon. The 377-yard 3rd hole is on the right.
clubhouse. Then, of course, there are the horses. They are majestic, have plenty of pasture, and there are hundreds of acres on which to ride them. (Horses aren’t the only animals loved here; this is a very pet-friendly community.) The homes, as might be expected, are extraordinary, luxurious, and often grand in size. But now, for the first time, this exceptional country club community has introduced a new residential offering priced in the $250,000s. (Until now it has taken well over $450,000 to get a home here.) The neighborhood of Eagle’s Landing, designed around mature oak trees in a park-like setting, has changed all that. Sized from 1,560 to 2,120 square feet, and available in both townhouses and single-family homes, these
and instead of palm trees, live oaks and majestic pines
maintenance-free residences are perfect for those who
line the fairways. The layout has gained fame because
don’t need or desire larger living spaces but still want
of the eight holes patterned after some of golf’s most
to enjoy all that life here offers. Eagle’s Landing has
famous holes, including those at Augusta National,
struck a chord with homebuyers; 15 of the residences
Baltusrol, Muirfield, and the Old Course at St.
were reserved even before construction began.
Andrews. While those holes give a real sense of
One amenity homeowners at Eagle’s Landing will
playing the originals—when Davis Love III saw
have the opportunity to enjoy is the Ron Garl-
the one patterned after the Postage Stamp at Royal
designed golf course. This is not your typical Florida
Troon, he said all it was missing was the ocean—it is
course. Elevation changes provide for rolling fairways,
Garl’s original design you will remember most.
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The tennis is outstanding here, too. The six Har-Tru Hydro-Grid courts (with another seven being built), all lit for night play, host the club’s
LEFT: The Spa offers a full menu of treatments for both women and men.
competitive team that has enjoyed success not only in state but also nationally. Not far from the courts is a state-of-the-art, enormously popular spa (with a beautiful resort-style pool just outside its doors)
365 members love the privacy (gated with 24-hour
where members can take advantage of everything
security) they have here as much as they love not
from haircuts to facials. The fitness center makes full
having to call for a tee time. The location also ensures
use of the latest technology, too. Each member has a
there is something for this very social bunch to do
smart key that they insert into every piece of fitness
in the area every weekend. Within an hour they can
equipment to direct and track their workouts.
be fishing in the Crystal River, enjoying
For all the natural beauty found within its gates
the beach at Daytona, tubing at Rainbow
and all the amenities offered, the unrivaled star of
Springs, or spending a day at Disney
the community is its two-story 77,000-square-foot
World with the grandkids.
clubhouse. An important part of the Roberts’ vision
This is a lively time at Golden Ocala. A
to provide the best of everything, the building is mag-
new neighborhood is under construction,
nificent inside and out. The expansive verandas, with
new tennis courts are on their way, and
dramatic views of the gardens and lake, and grand
a 14-stall horse barn will soon join the
outdoor staircase are a favorite of wedding parties. It
22-stall barn already in place. But perhaps
is also the place where members can enjoy both fine
most important, the Roberts’ vision to
dining at Raspberrys or more casual fare at Knickers.
provide the best of everything is being
A close, welcoming community, Golden Ocala’s
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reaffirmed on a daily basis.
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club 8300 NW 31st Lane Road Ocala, Fla. 34482 352.369.6969 GoldenOcala.com
GOLDEN OCALA PAR: 72 YARDAGE: 6,735 YEAR FOUNDED: 1986 ARCHITECT: Ron Garl
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The 491-yard 12th hole is patterned after Augusta National’s 12th.
GOLDEN OCALA GOLF & EQUESTRIAN CLUB 8300 NW 31st Lane Road Ocala, Fla. 34482 352.369.6969 GoldenOcala.com FLL_WINTER14_GoldenOcala_Reprint.indd 8
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