Florida LINKS Living – Winter 2014 Golden Ocala

FLORIDA LINKS living

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.

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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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