Florida LINKS Living – Winter 2014 – St. Andrews Country Club

FLORIDA LINKS living

St. Andrews Country Club A new generation of members—from newly retired to young families—and a spectacular clubhouse renovation have infused new life into this luxurious and elite Boca Raton club

W

elcome to the new St.

“Our membership is proud, ecstatic really, with the

Andrews Country Club.

transformation,” says General Manager Craig Martin,

The elite Boca Raton

C.C.M. “We’ve received a big thank you for getting

country club community,

the Club looking like it deserves to look.”

famous for its luxury, privacy, and uncompromising

Along with the structural and programming changes, a much more important transformation is taking

level of service, is more relaxed, more casual, and

place at this community that has always been at

more fun these days. And the members love every bit

the forefront of leading private clubs: St. Andrews’

of it. But then they would. The evolution is just what

demographic is shifting younger. An influx of young

they ordered.

families have infused the Club with fun and vitality.

You can feel—and see—the change the moment

Families, including many internationals, have helped

ABOVE: The new Recreation & Aquatic Center is the perfect playground for kids of all ages.

BELOW: Main Clubhouse Entrance

you walk into the newly renovated clubhouse. As impressive as ever, the social center of the community feels more like a welcoming home, and not like a country club. Wood floors, a large fireplace, and comfortable gathering spots welcome members and invite them to stop and stay awhile.

The changes are all part of the Club’s $15 million “Club Improvement Plan,” endorsed by members, which encompassed a complete redesign of the clubhouse, Gallery restaurant, main entry features, landscaping, and the recreation and aquatic center.

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shape the community’s evolution. The change is re-

white bunkers and majestic palms, is the shorter of

flected in longer clubhouse hours, a new Recreation &

the two, but requires pinpoint accuracy. With water

Aquatic Center designed to delight families of all ages,

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

a new game room and outdoor play area for kids, and

errant shots. The Olde Course allows you to test your

a new joie de vivre embraced by a membership that

mettle playing from the tips that stretch to nearly

has always been close-knit and treasured the colle-

7,000 yards, or play it forward and reap the benefits

gial, family atmosphere. The club is truly a place that

of generous landing areas and open approaches to

grandkids and young families will love.

the greens.

The golf is spectacular as ever, but there is a new

To keep up to speed with their games, members

emphasis on bringing the fun back, of creating clinics

have embraced the new Golf Performance Center.

and opportunities to help families enjoy the game

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

more. The very popular Nine & Dines not only help

Coaching System and FlightScope Launch Monitor

to increase the camaraderie of golfers but also

with instant, visual feedback that shortens the time

increase play.

it takes to absorb lessons and put them into practice

The golf at St. Andrews has always been a hallmark of the Club. The two courses—the Arnold Palmer

on the course.

St. Andrews is also the home course of LPGA

Signature and Gene Bates designs—are as aesthetically

Touring Professional Morgan Pressel, who holds her

pleasing as they are a joy to play. For those privileged

annual Morgan & Friends Fight Cancer Tournament

enough to call this home, the ability to play without

here. Pressel’s uncle, Aaron Krickstein, a former ATP

ever making a tee time is a satisfying reward.

Tour pro who was the youngest player ever to win a

Deciding which course to favor could be a lifelong, albeit pleasurable, process. The Palmer, with its pearl-

Grand Prix event, oversees a booming tennis program played on 15 lighted clay courts.

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 Golf Performance Center

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FLORIDA LINKS living

Golf has a rich history here. Bob Toski, PGA Tour champion and legendary golf instructor, was

new Vine Room is enveloped with bottles of wine showcased behind art deco glass displays.

the club’s first director of golf when it opened in

The Club’s successful transformation is reflect-

1983. Today, as Pro Emeritus, his presence is still

ed, too, in the market’s response. There has been

felt as a frequent, and beloved, visitor to the club.

a 43 percent increase in real estate sales over the

It is a testament to the nature of St. Andrews

previous year and a resurgence of homebuilder

that its origins and its new vitality

activity. In the past year, 27

are equally embraced.

percent of sales were priced

This may not be your grand-

between $750,000–$1 million

father’s country club anymore,

and 24 percent of homes were

but it is an exciting and improved

selling in the $1.6 million to

version. The updated facilities are

$5 million range.

still spectacular, the staff impec-

St. Andrews Country Club has

cably attentive, the food superb,

always been known for exceed-

and the impressive state-of-the-

ing expectations and providing

art security second to none.

exceptional high-end service to

And all of it is delivered within

their members and their guests.

the context of upscale Boca

With these newly upgraded

Raton, the perfect destination

facilities, the professional staff

for luxurious living.

at St. Andrews is able to cater to

Members now have five dining

their members’ needs in every

spaces to enjoy year round, including the aptly

way, allowing all members—whether new retirees

named The View, with walls of windows provid-

or young families—to truly live in luxury,

ing breathtaking views of the golf courses. The

St. Andrews Style.

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ABOVE: The Olde course offers enjoyment for golfers of all levels.

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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503-yard 9th hole, Palmer Course

ST. ANDREWS COUNTRY CLUB 17557 Claridge Oval West Boca Raton, Fla. 33496 561.451.4900 StAndrewsCC.com LL_WINTER14_ST_ANDREWS_Reprint.indd 16

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