Watersound Lifestyle | Spring/Summer 2024

Spring/Summer 2024

LIFESTYLE WATERSOUND SM

Large homesites, impeccable amenities and unmatched lifestyle await.

PAIGE AIGRET

KARI C. BARLOW

STEVE BORNHOFT

VICKI BURRIS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SHELBY CARRICO

ABIGAIL ABESAMIS

CARRIE HONAKER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

BRANDAN BABINEAUX

SHELBY CARRICO

CHANDLER FLINT

LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

TODD PONDER

BARRY WEBB

KURT LISCHKA JEFF MARSH

JOSEPH WOODLEY

(late march 2024) now open

A Q&A with the nonprofit’s executive director, April Wilkes.

Par for the Course Career golfer Ben Blalock reveals his greatest joy as a PGA-certified coach.

The Third, the newest Watersound Club golf course, is on its way to completion.

76 More Than Meets the Eye

Found The unparalleled luxuries of the summertime Watersound Club experience. 64 Billfish Is Back Point South Marina Bay Point reintroduces this well-loved big-game fishing event. 70 Excellence in the Making

Elevating the Watersound Club experience with bigger, better amenities at the Camp Creek Clubhouse.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CLUB EXPERIENCE

As I eagerly await the warmer days of spring and summer, it’s safe to say that our special Club community of friends and family is already in full bloom. From amenities that launched in 2023, which have quickly become Member favorites, to the new amenities taking shape at this very moment, there’s more to love about your Watersound Club experience than ever before!

We take pride in offering experiences that become the fabric of your family’s favorite memories and activities and events you’ll cherish with friends old and new. In this issue of Watersound Lifestyle magazine, you’ll learn about the many ways that new events are uniting Watersound Club Members and offering relaxing or invigorating experiences. Some will teach new skills, others will let you simply enjoy the camaraderie of shared interests. We’ll speak with a fellow Watersound Club Member who is nationally known for founding an iconic Nashville eatery, and you’ll learn why time spent at the beach is a crucial part of his family’s recipe for a life well lived. Discover the experiences that led to the creation of some of your favorite dishes at ANR, 1936, and Bark ’N Brine.

We’re excited to share more of the story about how The Third golf course came to be and what we think Members will love most about playing their first rounds on the new course. We’ll also speak with Patrick Murphy, senior vice president of St. Joe Resort Operations, to take a deeper look at how Members can get the most out of the new Camp Creek clubhouse.

Finally, no issue would be complete without a glimpse of the insights provided by our golf, tennis and pickleball instructors to ensure that you enhance your skills and enjoyment from Watersound Club amenities.

On behalf of the Watersound Club team, thank you for continuing to make the Watersound Club experience a special one! As always, it is our honor to serve you.

VICKI BURRIS WATERSOUND CLUB DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Mark Your Calendars

Year-round events you won’t want to miss in 2024

Written By SHELBY CARRICO

The Watersound Club community is buzzing with excitement about the invigorating year-round calendar of recurring events. While there’s always something fun on tap for Watersound Club Members, this year’s lineup makes it easier than ever to take part in Club activities and reinforce the camaraderie that Members enjoy.

Ready to get involved? Here are some of our favorite recurring events taking place throughout 2024:

PICKLEBALL LEAGUE

Kicking off the lineup is the eagerly awaited Pickleball League — a new addition for pickleball enthusiasts. With its rising popularity, pickleball has captured the attention of many, and Watersound Club Members are no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice eager to learn, this league promises fun, friendly competition and the chance to show your skills. With a series of men’s and women’s tournaments, pickleball socials, specialized classes, and informative clinics throughout the year, Watersound Club pickleballers are guaranteed ample opportunities to hone their skills and rise to the top of their game.

COMPLIMENTARY BONFIRES (MONTHLY)

Imagine cozy fires, starry skies and the soothing sound of waves. Relax and unwind during monthly complimentary bonfire evenings at the Beach Club. Enjoy toasting marshmallows for s’mores and conversations with fellow Members, fostering connections and making memories.

WINE AND SPIRITS

PAIRING DINNERS

Food and drink enthusiasts, enjoy an exclusive series of dinner pairings

Pickleball League

In December, Camp Creek Inn held an inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting event with carolers, hot chocolate and holiday treats.

throughout many Watersound Club dining venues. Explore delectable cuisines with the finest spirits curated by expert chefs and sommeliers. From wild game and bourbon to Italian cuisine and wine, elevate your dining experience as you savor the flavors of each carefully crafted course.

MEMBER MEET AND MINGLES (QUARTERLY)

Member Meet and Mingles are designed for socializing and to facilitate friendships and networking. Whether you’re a long-standing Member or a recent addition to the community, these quarterly gatherings promise fellowship, inclusivity and the opportunity to expand your social circle.

Member Meet and Mingles

TRIVIA NIGHTS

Get ready for evenings filled with laughter and friendly competition as Trivia Night, a Member-favorite event, reigns supreme at multiple Watersound Club venues. Grab your crew and head to Beach Break Grill for Trivia Tuesday, a team trivia night, held every three weeks, with a new theme. Prizes are awarded to the first, second and third place winners! Can’t get enough trivia? Gather Kitchen + Bar offers trivia every other Thursday night.

BOOK CLUB (MONTHLY)

For avid readers and literary enthusiasts, our Watersound Club monthly book club is a great way to join fellow bibliophiles to discuss new reads, share perspectives and immerse in lively conversations.

HEALTH TALKS

Dive into expert-led health and wellness topics at the Watersound Club’s Wellness Center with our Health Talks series. In these sessions, industry professionals offer valuable insights and tips for a healthier lifestyle. Whether the topic is related to nutrition, mental health, fitness or holistic wellness, Health Talks aim to empower and educate our Members.

MEMBER MONDAY (WEEKLY)

Don’t forget Member Monday! From 4 p.m. to close, enjoy 50% savings on food and beverage purchases every Monday at some of your favorite Watersound Club dining venues, including 1936, Beach Break Grill, Gather Kitchen + Bar, Bark ’N Brine, and 30⁰86⁰.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holidays always bring excitement, especially with our refreshed Watersound Club holiday events promising to make 2024 the best year yet. From the thrill of Doom at the Dunes’ haunted trail, to the festive Christmas tree lighting at the Camp Creek amenities and the vibrant Fourth of July celebrations at the Beach Club, we’re never far from a festive celebration. This lineup is only the tip of the iceberg! Get ready for exciting Watersound Club events and a whole lot more! Whether you’re into competition, learning or spending quality time with fellow Members, there is something for everyone. Join in to make new friendships, spend more time with loved ones and take part in unforgettable experiences and entertainment. Be sure to check your Member app to stay up to date on Watersound Club events throughout the year!

Enjoy weekly Member Monday specials on delicious food and refreshing beverages from many member favorite Watersound Club venues.

JUST GETTING STARTED

Women’s tennis program building its base at Camp Creek courts

Written By KARI C. BARLOW

Women’s tennis is making its mark at the Camp Creek tennis complex, and head tennis pro Barry Webb couldn’t be happier.

“These ladies, they’re competitive!” said Webb, who coaches the Club’s three official women’s teams — the Watersound Sharks, the Watersound Pretty Little Lobbers and the Camp Creek Crushers. “It’s so rewarding watching them. I get a little pumped up about it because it’s why I do what I do. They’re not my kids, but that’s kind of the way that I feel about them — and you want to see your kids succeed.”

All three teams compete in the Ladies Doubles League of the Northwest Florida Tennis Association. The Sharks were undefeated in the final season of 2023 while the Lobbers placed second in the same division. The Crushers remained one of the league’s top elite teams.

Webb said the players on the women’s teams work hard but also have fun, and that combination has increased interest in the program. Adding to the appeal is the ability to practice and play on the eight new Har-Tru clay courts at the Camp Creek tennis complex, which opened in April 2023.

“It’s the complete package here,” added Watersound Club tennis pro Toby Fasth, who assists Webb in coaching the women’s teams. “It’s a beautiful facility. We’re getting more and more players.”

Sister O’Connell, who plays for the Sharks, agreed.

“Not one opposing team has come to our Camp Creek facility and not been bowled over,” she said. “It has a pro shop. There’s water, there’s the ice machine. The culinary staff has been doing lunch for us after our home matches. It feels like a really elevated experience.”

SEEING THE LADIES Tennis teams grow and thrive leaves Watersound Club head tennis pro beaming with pride.

O’Connell joined the Sharks to connect with other women and get some exercise after her kids started school.

“It’s an awesome team,” she said. “Everyone works really well together. There’s no drama. There’s just a lovely sense of friendship and camaraderie.”

And O’Connell has grown to love competitive doubles play.

“I feel like I’m using a different part of my brain,” she said. “I have learned how to back someone up and how to anticipate how they will handle a shot.”

Courtney Roberts, who plays for the Lobbers, said the Camp Creek tennis amenities and Webb’s commitment to his players have

made it easy for her to relax, have fun and improve fast.

“Barry cares about our team, and he checks in with us,” said Roberts, who joined the tennis program to meet new friends. “We’re a fun group of ladies. It was kind of like the ‘Bad News Bears’ for a hot minute, but then we got better!”

Webb and Fasth, who each offer private and group tennis clinics, said the women’s program is in building mode, and their goal is to add more teams in the near future.

“I don’t see it being stagnant — juniors or adults,” Webb said. “I see everything expanding. Every month, play has increased and participation has increased. This is just getting started!”

GROWING THE GAME

If you happen to see a bunch of preschoolers chasing red tennis balls around the Camp Creek courts, make no mistake — there’s a method to the madness.

“It’s organized chaos out there,” said Laura Kelly, tennis coordinator and pro shop supervisor at the Club. “But they get it. You know, forehand with one hand and backhand with two hands. … They may not be perfect, but they learn.”

The classes — which adhere to the United States Tennis Association’s official 10 & Under tennis program, using a progression of red, orange and green balls — are part of the Club’s long-term plan to grow the game among its youngest members.

Kelly, who has worked at the Camp Creek tennis complex since it opened in April 2023, introduced the USTA program in June. Since then, interest has soared, and the Tennis for Tots class is her most popular.

“It’s been very successful,” she said. “The parents have really

embraced it. I’ve got people on the waiting list!”

The classes — which use a shorter court and a red ball that is only 25% compressed — are perfect for introducing tiny arms and legs to the basics of tennis.

“They have rackets that are their size,” Kelly said. “We work on throwing the ball. It’s mainly those gross motor skills where they’re learning how to balance on one foot and learning how to stop and go. I do have some 3- and 4-yearolds who are hitting it over the net!”

The next group, 5- to 7-year-olds, also use a red ball but begin to learn

the basics of scorekeeping and specific strokes. The 8- to 10-yearolds progress to an orange ball, which is 50% compressed, and learn more technique. When kids reach 11 and 12, they move on to classes with Watersound Club tennis pros Barry Webb and Toby Fasth.

Webb and Kelly want to grow the children’s program and create multiple 10-and-under teams that would eventually seed future middle school teams.

“The great thing about tennis is you start young, and you can play forever,” Webb said. “Tennis is a lifetime sport.”

For Kelly, who has taught the USTA program for 25 years, the key is having fun and building children’s confidence.

“Tennis is not an easy sport,” she said. “That’s why I love coaching so much. I let them know it’s OK to mess up. It’s building them up and letting them know that they can do hard things!”

Shaping Communities, CHANGING LIVES

How The St. Joe Community Foundation impacts local community

While The St. Joe Community Foundation’s name is often seen in association with local charitable organizations, not everyone knows the Foundation’s story or how it selects which groups are awarded grants. Watersound Club director of membership Vicki Burris sat down with April Wilkes, executive director of The St. Joe Community Foundation, to learn more about how the organization operates and how it is designed to positively impact the local community.

Vicki Burris: Tell me about how the Foundation was founded and what it means to our community.

April Wilkes: The Foundation was created in 1999 to enrich the lives of those living in the communities where we build. We have provided a lot of grants throughout Bay and Walton counties over the years. We recently exceeded $44 million in total grants to nonprofits, and it’s amazing to see that money making a difference in the community.

VB: Tell me about what those check presentations look like.

AW: It’s fun! The St. Joe Community Foundation board meets every

two months to decide on our grant applications and make those awards, and a lot of the nonprofits like for us to come out and do a “big check” presentation, which is a lot of fun. I really enjoy going to the schools to do check presentations with all the students. It’s a great way to let the community know what the Foundation is doing.

VB: I know I’ve heard The St. Joe Company CEO Jorge Gonzalez say, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Could you explain how the grant application process works and how a local nonprofit can be involved?

AW: Certainly. Our pillars are education, health care, cultural arts and environmental stewardship. We look for applicants that are 501(C) (3)s that fall into those categories. They can apply online and reach out to me with any questions ahead of time to make sure they qualify. Then, the board meets to review the applications and award those grants. It’s a pretty easy process. We receive a lot of applications from teachers and school districts, and we do a lot with health care, the Bay Arts Alliance and the Cultural Arts Alliance in Walton County, too.

VB: I understand there’s a student scholarship program, too?

AW: Yes! We started that three years ago, and I love it. It’s called “No Ordinary Joe.” We receive three nominees from every public high school in Bay County and Walton County, and they automatically receive $500 scholarships just for being nominated. Then, we ask the students to make an application explaining how they feel about community service and leadership, which is something that we feel is very important to our community. Once those applications have been reviewed, we announce one winner per high school who receives a second scholarship, this one is for $2,500. Then, we bring all of those school winners in for individual interviews, and one student in each county is named the “No Ordinary Joe” scholarship winner, and they each receive an additional $10,000 scholarship.

THE ST. JOE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION proudly awards funds to strengthen and support various community efforts and programs, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

VB: That is truly amazing! What a great opportunity!

AW: It’s so much fun to meet these kids who are truly outstanding and want to serve the community.

VB: And it sets a wonderful foundation for them to continue a tradition of giving in their own lives.

It’s amazing to see how much good The St. Joe Community Foundation has done in our community. If you’d like to learn more about the Foundation, feel free to stop by The St. Joe Company corporate office to pick up a printed copy of The St. Joe Community Foundation Impact Report, or visit www.JoeFoundation.com.

The St. Joe Community Foundation’s mission is to enrich the quality of life of the people who live, work and play in Northwest Florida. Created in 1999, the Foundation provides grants to other 501(C)(3) entities for the areas of education, environmental stewardship, building healthier communities, and programs that honor the cultural arts. We believe that St. Joe is creating communities that will have a long-range impact on the towns and lives of people in the region. The Foundation is funded exclusively by a transfer fee on the sale of real estate in certain communities and resorts St. Joe develops. This fee applies the first time a property is sold, and on each resale. The Foundation is a separate entity from The St. Joe Company and has a separate Board of Directors.

Watersound Club® Lifestyle Members are invited to enjoy additional amenities at WaterColor Inn — Gather Kitchen + Bar and a relaxing beachfront pool. 34 GOLDENROD CIR.

(850)534-5025

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 9PM

BEN BLALOCK,

PGA Master

Professional, leverages his expertise to lead his students to strengthen their game.

LEARNING A Game of LIFELONG

Career golfer finds greatest satisfaction in his students’ successes

Written By CARRIE HONAKER

Ben Blalock loves a puzzle.

“Every shot is a miniature goal,” he said. “When I play golf, it’s not about winning trophies. It’s about gaining knowledge, understanding the process, and ultimately, solving the puzzle each shot presents.”

Today, as Watersound Club director of golf instruction, Blalock spends his days helping Club Members find the same resolve. But growing up on St. Simons Island, golf was top of mind even from a young age. By the time college rolled around, he knew coaching was his long game.

In 2011, he attained his coaching certification from the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), and in 2012, he moved to Long Cove Club on Hilton Head, the first time he had responsibility over all golf instruction programs at one club. In 2018, he took his shot at directing a larger membership club in Raleigh, North Carolina, overseeing 36 holes and over 1,000 members.

The title PGA Master Professional, the top qualification you can earn from the organization, also came in 2018. Blalock joined the ranks of approximately only 400 golfers in the country to achieve the title. The rigorous work and dedication to the game are not for everyone: You

must be a PGA member in good standing for eight years and complete a project, similar to a thesis, guided by the PGA.

“It was four years of self-guided research approved by the PGA, and then I had to go in front of a panel and defend it. In my case, four other PGA Master Professionals read the project and developed questions, trying to tear it apart,” he said.

Blalock focused on flawed instincts common in golf and examined those for validity. When validity was missing, he explained the more scientific approach, similar to myth-busting.

Later in 2018, Blalock uncovered the puzzle piece that would complete his vision as a coach — the Watersound Club position. In each of the Club’s courses, he saw potential for his students to learn key skills.

The accessibility and fun, low-key environment of the Origins course appealed to the teacher in him.

“You don’t feel the pressure you feel at Shark’s Tooth or Camp Creek golf courses,” he said. “It’s incredibly maintained. And it could not be named better. It is where you create your origin story as a golfer.”

According to Blalock, the Tom Fazio course design, the topography and

the landform changes are what make Camp Creek Golf Course stand out. The greens present constant challenges.

“Shark’s Tooth is more of a test from tee to green,” Blalock said. “The holes out there get difficult quickly. It tests your game in a different way than the Camp Creek course. You can strengthen your game in all facets just by playing between the two courses.”

As a career golfer, he enjoys the diversity of play and challenge in the Club’s two 18-hole courses. But more than challenging, Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses are busy. As a coach, Blalock appreciates the educational opportunities presented at Origins.

“I’ve got people that want to learn to play golf, but they’re not ready to drive on the Autobahn,” Blalock said. “When you need a place to take beginner golfers to the golf course, not just the practice range, Origins stands out. It’s so nice to take a group of 16 ladies, all new and feeling that pressure at Camp Creek Golf Course, over to Origins. It’s fun, and nobody has a negative experience.”

In each lesson, clinic or program, Blalock enjoys collaborating with the student, no matter the skill level. As a first rule of order, student and teacher develop a common goal for the session. Sometimes, that’s qualifying for the amateur state open. Other times, the goal might just be to get the ball in the air. Maybe they want to be able to play with their spouse and spend time together.

“Everyone can play better than they realize,” Blalock said.

He teaches players how the golf club works in ways not obvious but essential, emphasizing a club-focused philosophy rather than a body-focused one. He also teaches a one task at a time approach.

“We far too often try to contort ourselves or move into one position and out of another position, but that makes it more difficult,” Blalock explained. “Instead, stay focused on the small tasks like your grip, aiming properly and having the ball in the correct position. All of those happen before you even begin to swing. Then, when it comes time to swing, you just hit the ball in a certain spot.”

ON THE COURSE,

Blalock embraces coaching challenges, feeling greater reward when students perfect lessons or achieve goals.

Instruction is offered in several programs to fit the Member’s needs. Individual lessons, clinics and schools occur throughout the year. Two teaching studios — with integrated video capture, a club fitting studio and an on-site short game practice center — augment time on the green. Technology drives personalized instruction with tools like TrackMan Radar for ball and club data and Smart2Move Force Plate Technology for 3D body movement data.

“Lessons come with a club fitting for the whole bag — driver down to putter — every club gets a custom fitting with five different vendors,” Blalock added.

The Club also offers Operation 36, golf instruction for kids, as well as ladies, in the fall, winter and spring. A six-week program of classes and practices on the golf course covers one subject per week. Starting at a close distance on the green, students gradually move away from the hole, increasing difficulty as skills grow.

A lifelong learner, Blalock regularly participates in training programs, achieving new instruction certifications from the U.S. Kids Golf and PGA of America and earning a Best in Your State accolade from Golf Digest magazine. Adding another feather in his cap, Blalock received the PGA Gulf Coast Chapter’s Teacher of the Year award in 2022.

“It’s a wonderful honor, but not the reason I do this work,” Blalock said.

For him, the everyday challenges are what make coaching rewarding — helping a player who struggles with slicing the ball learn the solution, coaching a young player stuck on Operation 36’s 25-yard mark to conquer that distance, inspiring a group of ladies to become lifetime golfers and teaching others how to solve the puzzle inherent in each shot.

“Every day I get to coach is fun,” Blalock said. “It may sound corny, but those sunsets we get at the end of the day on the green are pretty special. I’ve lived in a lot of places, grew up on St. Simons Island — but the Watersound area stands out.”

LOCATED IN THE CAMP CREEK CLUBHOUSE

OPEN DAILY 5 – 9 PM

Creole meets Coastal

Enjoy delicious fine dining cuisine at the newest Watersound Club® dining venue—ANR. Fresh grouper, succulent oysters, and other southern staples take on Louisiana-inspired flavors, enhancing the coastal delights we know and love.

CAMP CREEK HEALTH TALK events take place in the Mindful Movement studio and cover topics such as hormone health, elbow issues and gut health.

TRUST YourGUT Learning to

Health Talks let Members learn life-enhancing habits from medical professionals

Written By CARRIE HONAKER

Yoga mats, a snack and an open discussion forum on health and wellness. That’s what Watersound Club Members enjoy when they attend a Health Talks event, and it’s as easy as signing up in your app.

Each Health Talk happens in the Mindful Movement Studio and is limited to 25 people. Similar to a lunch and learn, the talks run one hour and cover topics like hormone health, elbow issues and gut health.

“It’s a free health talk where we can share information with our Members that they may not know,” said Sandra Smith, Watersound Club wellness manager. “It’s fun! You will find friends there and get informed on when you should go glutenfree or what movements you should avoid and how our bodies are all different. Our goal is to help educate members to make them the best version of their healthy selves.”

In a recent talk, Dr. Bart Precourt advised members about gut health. In health care for almost three decades, he was inspired to study gut health because of personal issues. After deep research, he connected his issue to antibiotics destroying his gut’s microbiome.

“It took me years of incorporating [functional medicine and nutrition] into my practice and helping patients,” Precourt said. “Now, I speak nationally, and I teach other doctors around the country. The challenge is that it’s not taught. It’s not a magic pill. It’s not a drug you take. It’s a journey that will change your life. I feel better at 54 years old than ever in my life.”

Dr. Bart believes everybody has a gut issue, known or unknown, that started at childhood because of processed foods and what he calls the biggest culprit, antibiotic use.

“Changing our mindset from what’s wrong with me to what is my body asking for could be a game changer for most of us.”

— DR. BART PRECOURT

“If we become better listeners, we can get better responses out of our bodies,” Precourt said. “Changing our mindset from what’s wrong with me to what is my body asking for could be a game changer for most of us.”

A few key principles guide Precourt’s philosophy: eat whole, one-ingredient, organic food; sleep uninhibited; be in rhythm with nature.

According to Precourt, the best thing you can do is stick to the perimeter, rather than the inner aisles where everything is processed and packaged. The second part of his food advice is if it is one ingredient, eat it.

“The ingredients of an apple is apple, chicken is chicken, celery is celery,” he said. “It’s not complicated, but it’s not customary yet. In the last 20 years, 80% of what’s in the grocery store has chemicals. That’s where the gut breaks down and 70% to 80% of your immune system is in your gut. Dopamine, serotonin — the things that inhibit us from having depression and anxiety

DR. PRECOURT shares the importance of eating oneingredient, organic foods, the healing factor of sleep, and the necessity for proper hydration.

— are all made in your gut. If you heal your gut, you change your life.”

Precourt also emphasized an understanding of the stress and stimulus we experience daily. Eating while in the car, on the run, on the phone, and when we’re nervous all inhibit proper digestion to the point that even good foods can have bad outcomes.

“We have lost the ritual that goes with eating,” he said. “When you’re under stress, you don’t release digestive enzymes. We need to be in what we call parasympathetic activity, which is rest and digest. Taking a couple of breaths in with slow exhales before you eat is a good practice because most of us are running around pretty stressed.”

Sleep is another factor. When we sleep, we heal, our body detoxes, energy is restored and our hormones are balanced. Inhibitors like wine or sleep aids hurt the natural process of sleeping. For Precourt, the optimal amount is 7 ½ to 8 ½ hours nightly.

And while hydration is a necessity for overall health, electrolytes should also be a chief consideration when consuming food and beverage.

“Water helps filter things through the body, but probably most important is our electrolytes like sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium,” Precourt explained. “If we become depleted in those, we have no energy.”

The good news is they can be found in nature. Himalayan or Celtic sea salt, eating and drinking whole foods, having fruits and even animal products all provide necessary electrolytes according to Precourt.

“We shouldn’t be saying you can only eat meat or only eat vegetables,” he said. “Our ancestors all grew up on all of them. And we should have them in the cleanest available form. If we do that, we have a shot at good gut health.”

For Precourt, it comes down to nature’s rhythm: wake with the light, sleep once dark, and always eat during light.

I’ve Got a Golden Scallop!

Point South Marina Port St. Joe elevates scallop season with a creative twist

Written By PAIGE AIGRET

Preston Sutter has long referred to scalloping as the Easter egg hunt of the ocean.

The search for scallops brings families together for a day of fun suited for all ages. Participants swim in shallow waters, donning snorkel masks and a catch bag as they scan the waters of St. Joseph Bay for the blue-eyed underwater treasures.

“The kids are all excited about going and finding scallops,” said Sutter, general manager of Point South Marina Port St. Joe. “They get in 2–3 feet of water with a mask and snorkel on, and everybody packs a lunch. It’s an all-day affair. A lot of boats tie up together. It’s a very social thing to do.”

To Sutter, scallop season is the best season to be in Port St. Joe and the perfect reason to visit the town’s Point South Marina.

“A lot of scallop season is centered around this bay and the Panhandle. It’s a tradition here that’s been going on for generations,” he said. “The town’s got its best foot forward during scallop season. There’s live music at local bars and restaurants. There’s just a lot of buzz.”

Sutter calls Port St. Joe very analog, noting how most residents and

AFTER STUMBLING upon scallopshaped book ends at a local antique shop, nostalgic inspiration struck Preston Sutter. Now, the trophies are a staple of scallop season in Port St. Joe.

visitors wouldn’t bother searching for that missing remote back at the beach house, but they might spend some time on that shaker of salt lost somewhere in “Margaritaville.”

Last June, about a month before the 2023 scallop season opened, Sutter found himself wandering aisles at a local antique shop. He came across a set of vintage brass bookends in the shape of scallops. After some intense hunting around the shop, Sutter made out with a set of six.

The finds ignited a childlike excitement, and two thoughts suddenly merged in his brain: The saltwater Easter egg hunt that is scallop season and Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. With that, the Golden Scallop Search was born.

“I was a Gen X kid that grew up watching Willy Wonka,” Sutter said. “The idea of finding a golden ticket, it’s in our blood, right? The search for the ‘Golden Scallops’ sparked excitement in the community and helped put us back

SUTTER’S TIPS

TAKE IT SLOW:

The rush to find treasure may leave you distracted. Slow down, take in the scenery and you’re sure to come across those gleaming blue eyes. In the meantime, enjoy other seagrass discoveries, including flounder, starfish, seahorses and sand dollars.

SAFE AND SAVVY:

Wearing a life jacket allows you to effortlessly float the shallow waters while you search.

GRAB YOUR GEAR: Sunscreen is a must, and a long sleeve sun shirt will save you from the hours of sun hitting your back side. Water shoes or sandals are helpful for navigating. You’ll need a mesh bag for your scallops, which can be purchased at the Ship Store.

Everybody in town and all over social media, people were going crazy about finding one and hounding me for tips or hints on where they could find one.”

— PRESTON SUTTER, general manager of Point South Marina Port St. Joe

on the map after we reopened the marina. It really made a fun addition to scallop season.”

Sutter brought his brass-bookend “Golden Scallops” to the trophy shop where he commissioned engraved labels for each. Just before the start of the season, Sutter took to the water to plant his Golden Scallops in the natural path of scallop hunters — shallow waters anywhere between Point South Marina Port St. Joe, Presnell’s Marina and Blacks Island.

“We just put them in the water and tried to put them in sandy places where they could be found,” Sutter said. “It was really exciting for people to come in when they found one. We’d take our picture with them and put it on social media. It became a valued addition to scalloping.”

Many came out in hopes of claiming their own Golden Scallop, just as many were there for the classic hunt of the blue-eyed bivalves.

“I don’t know that some would’ve even come to the marina or stopped through had they not found one,” Sutter said.

When found, the winners were instructed to head to Point South Marina Port St. Joe to redeem $100 toward their Ship Store purchase. Word of mouth sent treasure hunters in droves.

“It was wild; it really was like Willy Wonka or something,” Sutter recalled.

“Everybody in town and all over social media, people were going crazy about finding one and hounding me for tips or hints on where they could find one.”

The game added a layer of enjoyment for those who may have already met their legal catch allowance for the season or who had yet to venture out to find any saltwater delicacies for themselves.

For the 2024 season, Sutter hopes to put more scallop trophies in the water, to number them for tracking and to implement a tiered system — bronze, silver and gold — for easy, medium and hard finds. And, if you’re lucky, you might catch Sutter walking around the marina in a purple suit performing a scallop-season somersault, fully channeling his inner Gene Wilder. But, like Wonka, don’t count on any helpful tips from Sutter. The best hint he’ll offer — “they’re out in the water.”

THE GOLDEN SCALLOPS have sparked excitement among community members, transient visitors and scallop hunters both new and seasoned.

A PEEK INSIDE

The Sullivans find the Watersound Camp Creek® community perfectly suits their lifestyle

Written By LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

As soon as they heard about the Watersound Camp Creek community being developed by The St. Joe Company, Meredith and John David Sullivan knew they wanted to live there. John David, a founding partner with Berkshire Hathaway Beach Properties of Florida, had worked with The St. Joe Company for several years and had high hopes for this new project.

“We knew the Watersound Camp Creek community was going to be an exclusive, gated community with estate-size lots and all custom homes,” John David said. “No other development like this existed in the area. What further attracted us was that rentals would be prohibited and connectivity to Watersound Club amenities like pickleball, tennis, swimming, on-site dining and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course would be very convenient.

“Our architect, Paul Geary, had previously designed a house for us on an executive lot in another community, but we ultimately decided against building there. We kept the plans but sold the lot and wondered if we could modify them for a Watersound Camp Creek home. When the lots were finally offered, we showed Paul what was available and bought based on his guidance.”

Although the house’s lot size differed from the original plans, Geary included many of the Sullivans’ desired elements. The result is a 5,700-square-foot, two-story contemporarystyle home built by Regal Stephens of Santa Rosa Beach. The Sullivans collaborated with Rosemary Beach-based Tracery Interiors and gave them freedom to create an aesthetic with appealing textures, striking finishes, statement lighting and comfortable furnishings.

“We wanted to create a home with unique details that worked with how we live and entertain,” John David said. “We wanted something that our three kids, who are high school, college, and post-college age, would also like.”

Black steel French doors welcome visitors, opening to a spacious foyer which floods with natural lighting. Anchoring the left side of the open concept is one of the home’s many seating areas. Its cozy furnishings, gas

MEREDITH AND JOHN DAVID SULLIVAN were drawn to the allure of an exclusive, gated community with expansive land and custom homes. And so, the Sullivan family enlisted architect Paul Geary to design the family's contemporary-style estate in Watersound Camp Creek.

fireplace and wall-mounted television offer a relaxing retreat. The dining area, centered in the expansive living space, features a long marble table with eight luxe fabric chairs for formal or casual gatherings. The nearby gourmet kitchen creates perfect symmetry with its sleek white oak custom cabinetry, display shelving and white Moroccan-tile backsplash.

Topped with quartzite marble, the generous center island and the custom vent hood act as focal points.

The Sullivans frequently host guests, so the plans needed to include separate areas for formal, casual, and outdoor entertaining. They also wanted uninterrupted views of the pool and hot tub from anywhere in the main space through the great room’s expansive windows.

A neutral color palette of blacks, whites, tans and grays add extra warmth to the spaces with white oak ceiling beams and floors.

The ground-floor primary suite, just off the main living area, provides the couple a place for solitude and reflection. “This bedroom is just right for us,” Meredith said. “We didn’t want anything too big but insisted on a vaulted ceiling because we didn’t want any rooms above us.”

The space has a luxurious bathroom with one large closet, a steam shower, dual vanities and a tub.

Stairway access at the front of the house, with strategically placed

windows highlighting a modern highceiling chandelier, leading to the second floor. The landing opens to a casual seating area and three bedrooms, all with their own en suite bathrooms.

An easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces was another must for the Sullivans.

“We could do that by having a courtyard that showcased our pool, outdoor seating and summer kitchen,” John David noted.

The outdoor kitchen includes a sizable black soapstone countertop, an EVO flat top grill, a DCS gas grill and an Argentine grill. Counter seating, sofas surrounding a fireplace and a wall-mounted television create a casual atmosphere. Remote-controlled retractable screening controls sunlight and glare for those sunny Florida days.

The large open courtyard bridges the main house to a self-contained 1,400-square-foot guest house.

“We have a guest house with no bedrooms,” John David chuckled. “We wanted a place where we could have larger gatherings.”

Most notable in the home are features like the whole-room golf simulator, an eye-catching wet bar with a dimmable lighted onyx countertop, and behind a hidden door, John David’s guitar collection. The secret room serves as a jam session space for gigs with his band, Cadillac Willy.

“With four bedrooms and 5 ½ baths, we have a lot of room in this house, but it is all functional and we love it,” John David said.

“It suits the way we want to live.”

THE SULLIVAN FAMILY'S home is a sanctuary of aesthetic delights, including John David's cherished guitar collection nestled behind a concealed door which leads to a room for jam sessions with his band, Cadillac Willy.

A PERFECT DAY OF DINING

This indulgent itinerary will optimize your Club restaurant experience

Written By ABIGAIL ABESAMIS DEMAREST

Watersound Club membership has many perks, and the exclusive food and drink offerings are one of the best. Members get access to dining venues across the Club’s properties where you can eat, drink and snack to your heart’s content while enjoying views of sparkling pools, pristine golf courses and the Gulf of Mexico.

Not sure where to start? This carefully curated itinerary highlights some of the best bites and sips the Club has to offer. Pick your preference, pop in for a meal or buckle up for a gastronomically adventurous day of eating and hit every stop.

BREAKFAST AT 1936 (CAMP CREEK INN)

The casually upscale 1936, named for the year The St. Joe Company was founded, is the ideal way to start your day of dining. It’s also the perfect place to fuel up after a workout at the nearby Watersound Club Wellness Center or before a game of pickleball. Start with light bites like the Grapefruit Brulee and the House Smoked Salmon Plate. Then, enjoy heartier fare like the Southern Eggs Benedict featuring fried green tomatoes or the Rice Crispy and Pecan Crusted French Toast topped with warm maple syrup.

POOLSIDE SNACK AT BEACH BREAK GRILL (BEACH CLUB)

Beach Break Grill is a fast-casual spot for a delicious, chicken-centric dining experience with a beachy vibe! Located at the Beach Club, Beach Break Grill specializes in serving up mouth watering chicken dishes, including sandwiches, salads and baskets. Indulge your sweet tooth with our delectable sweet treats, including hand-scooped ice cream with all the toppings you can dream of, nostalgic floats that transport you to summers past and warm chocolate chunk cookies that are guaranteed to melt in your mouth. With a poolside wraparound bar, enjoy watching the game or spending time with family and friends while sipping on Beach Break's signature cocktails, beer and wine selections.

LUNCH AT BARK ’N BRINE (CAMP CREEK INN)

Adjacent to the Camp Creek Inn pool, this casual venue is not your typical Southern smokehouse.

Bark ’N Brine brings smoldering flavor to its feelgood, health-conscious fare. Standout items include House Smoked Brisket and Gulf Grouper sandwiches served on a brioche bun, plus the Watersound Club Salad, made with mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta and an aged balsamic vinaigrette. Stop by on Taco Tuesdays for tasty tacos topped with fire-kissed accoutrements like smoky barbecue sauce, roasted corn and chipotle aioli.

SUNSET SIPS AT 30°86° (BEACH CLUB)

Gulf Coast sunsets are spectacular to behold, and there’s no better place to enjoy them than the Sunset Bar at 30⁰86⁰. Swing by this Beach Club venue for handcrafted cocktails like the Sunny Day Lemonade with 360 Vodka, St. Germain, strawberry puree and lemonade; the Sailor’s Sunset with Cruzan white rum, pomegranate liqueur, blood orange, Topo Chico

START YOUR MORNING with breakfast at 1936, offering light and healthy fare as well as hearty Southern plates.

dinner spot,

and rosemary; or a classic Watersound ‘Rita featuring Mr. Boston triple sec, fresh citrus and agave. Kick back and sip as you watch the sun sink beneath the Gulf.

DINNER AT ANR (CAMP CREEK INN)

Camp Creek Inn’s flagship dining venue is named after the Apalachicola Northern Railroad, and the menu is inspired by iconic Southern towns big and small. A warm skillet of complimentary cornbread is brought to every table at the start of the meal. Follow up with appetizers like Cajun Fried Oysters drizzled with a flavorful curry vinaigrette and Creole Baked Crabmeat Stuffed Shrimp. Flavorful mains include classic Shrimp and Grits and the Proscuitto-Wrapped Halibut served over a sinful lobster risotto.

DESSERT AT GATHER KITCHEN + BAR (WATERCOLOR INN)

There’s always room for dessert, right? Finish your day at WaterColor Inn with Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. It’s topped with caramel syrup, candied pecans and vanilla ice cream. They also serve a traditional strawberry shortcake if you’re looking for something fresh and fruity. Either way, you’re sure to have sweet dreams at the end of your delicious day of dining.

*Menu items may be subject to change

ENJOY CASUAL EATS

at the at the Beach Club, perfect for a post-swim lunch. ANR is the ideal

offering seafood plates and upscale takes on Southern classics.

THIS SUMMER MAKE A Splash

Spending time in the water is the best way to celebrate our hottest season

Written By KARI C. BARLOW

When springtime rolls into summer, the Watersound Club experience is at its best.

From the crystalline white sand and striking turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico to sprawling resort-style pools, Watersound Club membership has everything you and your family need to get the most out of your summertime lifestyle. Especially on the days when you want to cool off and beat the Florida heat!

Whether you prefer a pristine beach or a luxurious poolside cabana, you will find stunning scenery, space to relax and unmatched service while enjoying Watersound Club amenities. So, settle back and prepare to make memories you will cherish for years to come!

Here’s a quick rundown of the amazing aquatic amenities and activities available to Members and their guests across Watersound Club properties:

BEACH CLUB

Cool off with luxurious amenities and concierge-style service designed to keep you happy and comfortable.

Private Beach Access

† A Members-only boardwalk leads to a private stretch of beautiful white sand beach.

† Complimentary beach setups, including chairs and an umbrella — no reservations needed.

† Enjoy swimming, shelling and soaking up the sunshine.

† Complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddle boards — and a catamaran for a small fee — are available from Watersound Club beach services.

ENJOY

Poolside Comfort

† Two 7,000-square-foot resortstyle pools with zero entry — perfect for little ones.

† Lazy river — popular with all ages.

† 25,000-square-foot pool deck with complimentary towel service, lounge chairs and cabanas.

Nearby Dune Lakes

† Complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for water fun at Camp Creek Lake and the WaterColor BoatHouse on Western Lake.

CAMP CREEK AMENITIES

Sitting amid the tall pines just north of 30A and adjacent to Camp Creek Golf Course, this property’s upscale poolside complex — just a short stroll from a spacious clubhouse, dining

options, wellness center and tennis courts — offers a fitness and waterpark experience for the whole family.

Adult Pool

† Lap swimming and leisure swimming in a 19-meter fitness pool for adults.

† Water Aerobics classes for low-impact fitness.

† AquaFit classes with water weights and pool noodles.

† AquaBoard Yoga classes with individual balance boards.

Resort Pool

† 6,500-square-foot zeroentry pool featuring a 270-foot lazy river.

† Popular water slide measuring 19 feet tall and 139 feet long.

Activity Pool

† 6,500-square-foot zero-entry pool for all ages.

† Volleyball net and Basketball hoop for all-day fun.

BAY POINT

Billfish OPEN

The return of an iconic tournament puts Point South Marina Bay Point in the spotlight

Written By STEVE BORNHOFT

Justin Bannerman, as proud as any parent to be the General Manager at the newly reborn Point South Marina Bay Point, was gassing up his truck when “George Roberts” came up on his phone.

Here was a call he had to take.

“I just talked to St. Joe,” Roberts reported. “Billfish is a go.”

“George, I’m sure you’re talking about 2024,” Bannerman responded.

“No, man, 2023, it’s on.”

A billfish tournament had last been held at Bay Point in 2012. In subsequent years, the marina had been ransacked by Hurricane Michael; redeveloped to be bigger and better than ever by its current owner, The St. Joe Company; and reopened as Point South Marina Bay Point on June 1, 2022.

Roberts, an asphalt contractor, was among four men who were gung-ho about restoring a billfish tournament at Bay Point. In that, he was joined by John Warren, the owner of Bay Point’s golf course properties; WJHG-TV sports director Scott Rossman and Jay Quave, the owner of a Panama Jack products distributorship.

“I fully intended to bring back a tournament,” Bannerman said. “But in 2023? I didn’t anticipate that.”

Consider: Marina director Bannerman was new to town. His staff was new to their jobs. The marina, itself, was brand new and untested as to the demands placed on such a facility by an event sure to attract north of 50 sportfishing yachts.

But Bannerman was not inexperienced. Prior to moving to Panama City Beach, he had worked as the director of Charleston Harbor Marina in South Carolina, where he helped oversee six billfish tournaments.

“I told my team, ‘This is going to be like nothing you have ever done. You are going to be exhausted, but you just need to make peace with that.’ And they did,” Bannerman said. “There is nothing like the first year. Given the history of billfish tournaments at Bay Point, expectations were going to be

MANNING MCPHILLIPS JR. (Left) fishing aboard The Huntress, earned the 1985 Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament’s top prize of $15,000 with a 745-pound blue marlin. That fish held up as a tournament record until 2001 when it was eclipsed by a 1,046-pound “grander” landed by Conrad Hawkins.

(Right page, small) A large crowd of onlookers witnessed the weighing in of a large yellowfin tuna at the 1985 Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament. The Invitational awarded prizes in six species categories: blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and dolphin (mahi mahi).

extremely high, but if we succeeded in meeting them, the team was going to be able to look back years from now and say, ‘I was part of that.’”

As it happens, the 2023 Bay Point Billfish Open, held June 28–July 2, came off without a hitch.

“I heard not one word of negative feedback from any of the entrants, the captains, the mates or the anglers.

Everyone was 100% satisfied,” Rossman said.

So it is that the event — the 2024 tournament is scheduled for June 26–29 — has a great foundation on which to build.

PENT-UP DEMAND

For years during which no tournament was held, Rossman, moving about the community, would be approached by people who wanted to know if and when a big-game fishing event might be reintroduced at Bay Point. He had served as the emcee at the old Bay Point tournament and has performed that role in recent years at billfish tournaments in Biloxi and Sandestin.

Rossman and Quave are longtime friends who attend the same church.

For a couple of years prior to the tournament’s restart, they talked

about getting a group together and bringing it back.

At some point, they got serious enough to contact Warren, knowing that they would need his buy-in and that of HOA’s with which he has close relationships, to make a new event happen. Rossman and Quave discovered that Warren and Roberts, independently, had been talking and had the same goal in mind. The foursome, now partners in the event, started meeting regularly and visited Biloxi and Sandestin to get a close look at how their tournaments are run.

“When we approached St. Joe, as the owner of the marina, it took only a meeting or two before they were on board,” Rossman said. Here was an event that would put Point South Marina Bay Point on the map in a big way.

“I have always called it the social event of the summer,” Rossman said. “It is so much more than a fishing tournament.”

In 2023, concerts, free to the public, were held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights at the event. A weigh-in leading up to the closing of the tournament scales took place Saturday evening, and an awards brunch was conducted Sunday. Sixty-one tournament vessels departed Grand Lagoon on Thursday morning, paraded to the Russell-Fields Pier and then took off for blue water in response to a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

A single blue marlin exceeding the tournament’s 120-inch size limit was weighed in, and it arrived at the scales on Saturday, when it was greeted by a huge throng of onlookers.

“I had a dream that we hung a big fish,” Bannerman said. “I was so excited that we were actually going to have a marlin weighed in on Saturday as the cherry on top of a great tournament. From start to finish, you couldn’t have scripted it any better.”

“You can have some nice tuna, wahoo and dolphin come to the scales, but when a big blue marlin comes in, that’s what truly gets the crowd excited,” Rossman concurred.

BEHIND THE SCENES

For a marina, there are two major challenges associated with hosting a billfish tournament. One is the power grid.

“You’ve got these 70-, 80-, 100-foot boats coming in that draw 200 amps of power each,” Bannerman explained. “That is a heavy lift for any marina. I’ve heard stories that at the old Bay Point tournament, they used to completely cover the transformers in ice because they were getting so hot.”

The other big hurdle is keeping up with fuel needs, but Point South Marina cleared the fuel hurdle with flying colors.

“We sold 42,000 gallons of fuel in four days,” Bannerman said. “That’s getting it done. Our fuel tank at the marina holds 15,000 gallons. During the tournament, our fuel supplier, Patrick Rowe, parked a truck here that holds 5,000 gallons. Once we got down to 10,000 gallons in our tank, he dumped his 5,000 in and returned to the terminal and got another load. That was the cycle. We never dropped below 10,000 gallons.”

A NEW FISHING DAY

During the 11-year Bay Point tournament hiatus, fishing vessels evolved “exponentially,” Bannerman said. The period saw the ascendancy of large, center-console boats powered by multiple outboard engines.

“Scout boats just had a 66-foot center console come out of the mold, and they are rigging it now,” Bannerman said late last year. “It’s going to have six, 600-horsepower engines on the back. I’ve got two Pursuits here at our marina with quad 450s on them. Those boats run $1.3 million — for a center console!”

Meanwhile, more traditional tournament fishing boats are getting longer and especially wider.

“Back in the day, a 65-foot boat was only 15 feet wide,” Bannerman said. “Now, a 65 is 18.5 feet wide. Daniel Fussell (currently the field operations manager for The St. Joe Company) helped make sure that in the design for the new marina the beams of the slips here are massive compared to other marinas.”

Bannerman noted that the Bay Point Marina, pre-Hurricane Michael, numbered 180 slips. Now, within the same footprint, slips total 140.

“It makes life so much easier,” Bannerman said. “You’ve been out all day, you’re frazzled, especially if conditions have been rough, and for captains to be able to come home to a place that is sheltered and with big berths makes a huge difference. Otherwise, it’s always in the back of your head that as a captain or boat owner, you’ve got to thread the needle.

AFTER AN 11-YEAR HIATUS, the Bay Point Billfish Open returned to wecloming crowds and plentiful catches. The June 2023 event marked a year since Point South Marina Bay Point's reopening after destruction wrought by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Worrying about wrecking the boat is in the back of your head all day.”

For Bannerman, the contrast between Point South Marina Bay Point and his place of work in Charleston couldn’t be more stark.

“I came from a marina that was 25 years old and rundown,” he said. “It’s in an area with 6-foot tides so that all your plumbing and all your electrical goes up and down 6 feet multiple times every day. It’s a nightmare. It’s always run and fix.

“Stepping into this, it’s a brandnew marina.”

As marina director, Bannerman has an overriding goal that he has impressed upon his staff.

“Maybe there is someone in Atlanta or Birmingham who has never even thought about becoming a boat owner, but he has a neighbor with a boat at Point South Marina Bay Point,” Bannerman painted a picture. “That neighbor keeps coming back home from Panama City Beach with reports of the great experiences that he and his family have enjoyed at Bay Point.

“Eventually, he influences that nonboat owner to buy a Grady-White or a Hatteras instead of an investment property so he can participate in the Bay Point Billfish Open and other activities here at Bay Point. Creating that kind of environment here, that’s our mission.”

THE NEWEST WATERSOUND Club golf course, The Third, is nearing completion and promising to be a remarkable addition to the Watersound Club portfolio.

IT TAKES A TEAM TO BRING A NEW GOLF COURSE TO LIFE

The newest Watersound Club golf course is nearing completion

The newest Watersound Club golf course is on its way to completion. The Third will be the third private golf course in the Watersound Club portfolio, and it is already generating media buzz from outlets such as Golf, Inc., Club & Resort Business magazine, Yahoo Sports and more.

The Third is certainly top of mind for Watersound Club Members and staff, and excitement is only building as the course enters its final stages before welcoming Watersound Club Members.

Although plans were not officially announced until 2022, developing a new Club golf course has involved years of planning, design and discussion. As vice president of Club operations, Mike Jansen, explains, there are many stages involved in taking a project of this scale from idea to reality. The process involves a lot of work, collaboration and cooperation from Mother Nature to get across the finish line.

1. Planning for Growth

MJ: “The St. Joe Company has a vast amount of land resources, and it came down to making a decision about what the future of the Club would look like. Instead of impeding the growth of the Club, we look to enhance the membership experience by building new amenities as opposed to capping the membership and keeping things the same. With that in mind, we started taking steps toward adding a third golf course several years ago, not realizing that the permitting would take quite as long as it did, but we worked through all of that successfully. With that, we were able to designate about 300 acres to develop a golf course that is going to be unique to this area, and unique in part because it’s not likely anyone

else would have the land to spread it out as generously as this course design calls for.

Our hope is that Members will see that we are dedicated to making sure that as membership grows, the Watersound Club experience continues to grow as well.”

2. Finding the Right Partners

MJ: “Given Davis Love III’s stature within the industry, his history as a tour player and the fact that he’s based in the Southeast and understands the area, we felt very confident in our choice to partner with him and his golf course design firm. Love Golf Design has an outstanding portfolio of work, and it seemed to be a natural fit in addition to the existing Tom Fazio and Greg Norman-designed courses we have. We selected MacCurrach Golf for the course construction, having previously worked with them on four golf courses, including Southwood in Tallahassee, and we have an excellent working relationship with them.”

3. Clearing a Path & Shaping the Course

MJ: “With permits in hand, we partnered with TES (Total Earth Services) for the main earthwork, including digging 28 acres of lakes that contribute more to the aesthetics of the course versus frustrating hazards for the golfers. O’Connell & Associates and Scot Sherman of Love Golf Design made sure that the water isn’t in play much because that’s not what we wanted for The Third.

Once the land was cleared, we began installing irrigation, coring out bunkers and greens and shaping the holes. Tom Weber, MacCurrach’s expert shaper, has an esteemed reputation within the industry. After the main shaping is done and you get down to doing the finer grading, you use a smaller bulldozer equipped with

GPS that steers itself along the course design. Occasionally, you then use a smaller tractor with a laser level that does exactly what you program it to do. In the old days, you would’ve eyeballed it, but with today’s technology, it can be fine-tuned with precision.

On the elevated areas rising up from native grasses and wild rosemary, we used white sand taken from the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway for capping, giving the course really beautiful, exposed sand dunes.”

4. Letting Mother Nature Do Her Work

“Once the course is shaped and the irrigation is in place, we are left to depend on Mother Nature. We can only move as fast as nature and the weather allow. As spring approaches, the temperatures should warm up enough to allow dormant sodding around the greens and tee boxes to begin. Going into summer, we put in what is called ‘sprigs’ of grass for the greens and fairways, which only grow once it’s warm enough. They need warmth; they need lots of sun; they need the right amount of rain and the right amount of nutrients.

Hopefully, the summer weather will be favorable for growing grass, and you’ll have those months for the course to become established. During that time, you’re watering, fertilizing and mowing, all the regular course maintenance procedures to help the grass grow in. If everything works perfectly in our favor, you could be playing the course late in the year. If there are delays, or if growing conditions aren’t exactly right, you just have to wait until Mother Nature can finish the job, and that may mean waiting for warm growing conditions to return.

I can’t emphasize enough how much the timetable is weather-dependent. We’re going to need a lot of warmth and

sun, and I’m optimistic because we get a lot of both, but opening a new golf course is a big undertaking even under ideal circumstances.”

5. Finishing Touches

“Toward the end of the process, our team will be constantly rolling the golf course to smooth out the greens and fairways. Sometimes, you’re topdressing it with sand to help the process, and we will be punching the greens and fairways to help aerate the grass all the way to the end, even. Continually mowing and fertilizing also helps the grass knit together to form ideal course conditions.

This is an exciting process, and we have an excellent team working to bring The Third to completion. I know our Members are excited, but no one wants to get this course open more than I do!”

What to expect: The Third is designed to be a one-of-akind, par-72 layout championship golf course with six sets of tee distances for each hole. The course will play from 4,900 to 7,600 yards in length and suit various skill levels.

MEET THE NEW BOSS

MEET JARED WALL,

Watersound Club Golf Course

superintendent for The Third golf course. Moving closer to family, Wall left his native Georgia home where a part-time job on a golf course changed his career trajectory. He has since earned an advanced certificate of horticulture while attending college in Lake City, Florida, and went on to work at some of the top golf courses in Florida and Georgia, where he led teams through intensive golf course renovations and reconstructions.

State of the Art

WELLNESS CENTER

The Watersound Club lifestyle truly centers around happiness. A healthy body and mind makes a world of difference. Watersound Club Members enjoy a variety of ways to maintain their physical and mental acuity at the Wellness Center. Be sure to make some time for yourself here during your next visit.

A Bigger, Better Club

New amenities enrich the Watersound

Club experience

Written By STEVE BORNHOFT

Patrick Murphy recalls the early days of the WaterColor community as if they were another era in the evolution of The St. Joe Company as a developer and hospitality business.

But now, 25 years later, the Watersound Camp Creek community is unfolding in much the same way that WaterColor community did.

“In the old days,” said Murphy, who is The St. Joe Company’s senior vice president of hospitality, “couples would stay at the WaterColor Inn once or twice, then they would rent a home with the whole family and then they bought.”

The advent of the Camp Creek Inn and clubhouse, which opened in July, makes the same “try before you buy” opportunity possible at St. Joe’s latest South Walton residential development.

“A lot of people who are thinking about moving to the area will want to stay at the Inn and experience the Club lifestyle when they are considering options,” Murphy said. “I believe the

Inn and Clubhouse provide an ideal experience for Members and those considering joining the Club.”

For established Club Members, the arrival of the 75-room Camp Creek Inn and the adjoining collection of Watersound Club amenities has been a welcome development. It has presented them with new dining venues, tennis and pickleball courts, resort pools and a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

“We were growing the Club and knew we were missing a campus-style club atmosphere that would appeal to entire families,” Murphy said. “We had the Watersound Beach Club amenities with great pools, a Gulf-front location and good food and beverages. We had golf, tennis and a clubhouse at Shark’s Tooth and golf at the Camp Creek property. But we didn’t have one location where mom and dad could play golf or racquet sports, work out, swim and go to a restaurant. We wanted a one-stop shop.”

The wellness center was the starting point when planners began thinking

We were growing the Club and knew we were missing a campusstyle club atmosphere that would appeal to entire families. We had the Watersound Beach Club amenities with great pools, a Gulffront location and good food and beverages. We had golf, tennis and a clubhouse at Shark’s Tooth and golf at the Camp Creek property. But we didn’t have one location where mom and dad could play golf or racquet sports, work out, swim and go to a restaurant. We wanted a one-stop shop.”

— PATRICK MURPHY, senior vice president of hospitality of The St. Joe Company

MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS enjoy amenities galore at Camp Creek, including the wellness center, restaurants and, of course, the Member clubhouse.

about what has become the Camp Creek campus. Once the wellness component was addressed, other amenities fell in line.

“Then we asked ourselves how we could tie all these elements together,” Murphy said.

A clubhouse and inn that might be used jointly by Members and visitors emerged as the answer to that question.

“When we were designing what we call the Inn, we determined that we wanted a member clubhouse with guest rooms above it versus designing a hotel,” Murphy said.

Given the Inn’s location next to the Camp Creek Golf Course, its ground floor features a pro shop called the Outfitter Shop and men’s and women’s locker rooms.

It also features the Club Room, which is appropriate to small groups; a conference room; an open space comparable to a hotel lobby that functions as a Member gathering area; and two restaurants.

Bar and lounge 1936 offers casual dining, while the upscale ANR restaurant offers fine-dining options born of the South.

The dining venues’ names are nods to The St. Joe Company’s past. The St. Joe Paper Co. was established in 1936, and its Apalachicola Northern Railroad (ANR) carried product from Port St. Joe north toward Tallahassee and an intersection with an eastwest line. On the walls of the Club Room are maps from St. Joe archives dating to the 1930s and 1940s.

St. Joe retained the Kuo Dietrich Chi architectural firm in Atlanta for the Camp Creek Inn project. For the firm, clubhouses are something of a specialty. It won a second-place award in 2023 from Golf Inc. for its clubhouse project at the Old Toccoa Farm golf club in Mineral Bluff, Georgia. A year earlier, it earned first-place honors for a clubhouse at Springdale Resort in North Carolina.

“We told the architect that we wanted Camp Creek Inn to have a New Orleans vibe to it,” Murphy said. “After Katrina, a lot of folks from Louisiana relocated

here, and our area has adopted a Cajun-Creole feel. We liked the style developed by the famous Louisiana architect A. Hays Town.”

Feedback from guests and Club Members about the Camp Creek campus has been overwhelmingly positive, both as to accommodations and amenities.

“Rarely do you have a property with relatively few rooms that has so many amenities,” Murphy said.

“They were built for Members, but Camp Creek Inn guests are entitled to use them as ‘Members for a stay,’ and there are more amenities here than you can get anywhere else in a setting like ours.”

Watersound Club Members looking to host get-togethers or reunions like having the Camp Creek Inn in the neighborhood.

Rather than putting up guests in their homes, their friends and relatives can opt for a room at the Inn.

“Club Members have been among our better customers,” Murphy said.

“And referrals from membership have been very strong.”

LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT to Camp Creek Golf Course, the new Clubhouse at Camp

offers Members and guests a respite after hitting the

Creek Inn

green.

It’s easy when everything you want and need is all right here.

A beautiful new residence. Brag-worthy amenities. Gourmet dining, an on-site spa and salon, fitness classes, art classes, adventurous excursions. You can have all that (plus more!) at Watersound FountainsSM

The lifestyle you’ve been longing for is here. And best of all? It’s walking distance to all your favorite stores.

HotSOME LIKE IT

Member Nick Bishop Sr. talks fried chicken, family and hospitality

Written By CARRIE HONAKER

Photos By JOSEPH WOODLEY

The restaurant business is in Nick Bishop Sr.’s blood.

For 31 years, he opened Morrison’s Cafeterias across the South before a 2006 retirement which didn’t stick. Three months in, a vacant building in Franklin, Tennessee, caught his eye. By 2007, he opened his own business, Bishop’s Meat & Three. A few years later, his son Nick Jr. left his music career working with John Prine in Nashville and joined him.

That’s when they tested their version of Nashville hot chicken.

“Everybody that walked in the front door, we knew by first name, they ate with us two or three days a week,” Bishop said. “They were the perfect group for us to try our version of Nashville-style hot chicken. It quickly became one of the biggest sellers, garnering 40% of our sales.”

In 2012, Bishop and his son opened the first Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, just off Broadway in Nashville. His grandmother and mother, both named Hattie, inspired the name. He has a 12-year-old granddaughter named Hattie to carry on the legacy.

Now 13 locations, including six outside of Tennessee, offer their craveable fried chicken. Six heat levels and iconic Southern sides like pimento mac and cheese, collard greens and their riff on black-eyed pea salad bring people through the door again and again.

“I was someone who was going to work hard,” Bishop said. “I wasn’t the best, but I poured my heart and soul into it. Our community in Nashville got behind the concept. We have a great team and a lot of people who care deeply about what we do. Our footprint around the country is a lot larger than the number of stores we have, that’s for sure.”

FOR NICK BISHOP SR., family and fried chicken go hand in hand. With son Nick Jr., he first opened Hattie B's Nashville hot chicken joint in 2012.

Still, it is family that provided their strong foundation.

THE FIRST HATTIE B’S location, just off the famed Broadway in Nashville, was named as an ode to Bishop’s mother and grandmother, both named Hattie.

“We are a family-owned and operated business,” he said. “I remember the little condiment racks that we put on the tables, my daughters and wife painted them. Everybody was involved. I just celebrated my 45th wedding anniversary in December. We have eight grandchildren and it’s just been truly a blessing the way things have turned out in my life.”

Before his small family business became a restaurant empire, Bishop and his wife would often visit 30A. In the late ’70s, they attended Auburn University and escaped to Grayton Beach State Park to camp. Now, they regularly hop on direct flights from Nashville to visit their coastal home.

“We love the area,” he said. “Grayton Beach people, and all along 30A, are great. There are many really successful people down there but they don’t talk about it. They’re very normal. You never get the feeling they’re out of your league.”

In October 2023, Bishop and his wife discovered the Watersound Club lifestyle. The amenities, access to well-maintained golf courses and opportunities to make memories with their grandkids inspired them to join.

“Having the Club as an option for us is pretty special,” Bishop said. “My wife and I both play golf. She’s kind of a beginner and I’ve been playing for a long time but I’m not good. The golf courses are great, but there is so much more to do. The Beach Club is a very nice facility with lots of activities for young children. It’s like having a little Disney right on your doorstep, except better.”

He also appreciates the attention to detail the staff employs and the delicious food options. A gumbo connoisseur, Bishop has sampled many versions of the Southern favorite, including up and down 30A. Today, he declares Chef Joseph Truex’s recipe at 1936 as the best he’s tasted.

“Everything is very well done at the Club,” he added. “The staff is top-notch. They must be giving them the hospitality class that I went through 40 years ago because they are so good.”

We love the area. Grayton Beach people, and all along 30A, are great. There are many really successful people down there but they don’t talk about it. They’re very normal. You never get the feeling they’re out of your league.”

— NICK BISHOP, Restaurateur “

With five grandkids under 7, the expansive pools and slide at the Camp Creek amenities promise future fun.

“They’re going to be in that lazy river and won’t even want to go home — what a great place to make family memories!”

Hattie B’s motto highlights it best, sharing a sentiment valued by the Bishops and the Club equally: “We know communities, families and friends thrive on love, hospitality and great food. That’s why we’re in this.”

That’s why the Club feels like home.

THE PROS TENNIS TIPS FROM

5 key strategies for winning doubles

Written By BARRY WEBB

There are several tips you can easily implement for successful doubles play at any level. The following tips will improve your tennis game, so try your best to make them a part of your game plan for every match!

WATCH THE BALL

Most tennis players do not watch the ball all the way to contact with the racket strings. Often, they look at their target or their opponent’s movements, resulting in a missed hit. Pick your shot and keep your eyes on the ball through impact to increase your accuracy.

LIMIT UNFORCED ERRORS

Most points in tennis are not won but lost, as errors typically determine who wins the point. Balls missed in the net or outside of the lines are where matches are decided. Give yourself a greater margin for success by keeping the ball in play and making your opponent earn each and every point.

PARTNER COMMUNICATION

Communicating with your partner is essential. It can be as simple as calling a ball in the middle of the court or calling the cover on a lob.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR partner is vital to elevating your game and understanding how to make proper adjustments.

It can be as complicated as sharing your serve location if you’re planning to come into the net behind the serve and if there will be a switch/poach included. Also, remember to talk with your partner about the strengths and weaknesses you notice in the opposing team so you can make adjustments during the match.

COURT POSITIONING

Court positioning is a big part of winning tennis. Your position can put you in the right place at the right

time to continue or end points. Move forward together when you or your partner hit an offensive shot, and move back together when a defensive shot has been hit. Learning to double team or follow the ball location together will leave fewer gaps for your opponents to exploit.

BELIEVE

Believe in yourself and your ability. A major part of competition is having confidence and knowing that you were made for the moment. Concentrate on what you can control — your attitude and effort. Patience and perseverance will lead to on- and off-court success.

Tennis is truly a sport for a lifetime. Every time you’re on the court, you can learn something new and create new relationships. While these tips will help you improve your game, the most important thing to know about tennis is that it’s a ton of fun!

I look forward to seeing you on the court soon!

Barry Webb is a USPTA and PTR Certified Tennis Professional who serves as and serves as Watersound Club Head Tennis Pro. To register for private lessons, open groups and small groups, contact Barry Webb via email at Barry.Webb@stjoe.com.

THE PROS PICKLEBALL TIPS FROM

Written By TODD PONDER

Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity around the globe, thanks to its unique blend of strategy, camaraderie and accessibility. As with other sports, an understanding of fundamentals will be essential to your success on the court — from the nuanced art of dinking to overall gameplay dynamics.

Pickleball combines elements from tennis, badminton and ping pong. The game is played by two or four

players, each outfitted with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball. The court dimensions are smaller than those of tennis, creating a fastpaced and dynamic environment that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels.

THE SYMPHONY OF DINKING

At the heart of pickleball lies the art of dinking — a subtle yet strategic shot that has become a defining feature of

the game. Dinking involves delicately tapping the ball over the net, creating a low and controlled shot. Try to keep the ball close to the net, making it challenging for opponents to respond with a powerful return. This skill is crucial during play within the nonvolley zone, or “kitchen,” where volleys are restricted. To master the dink, you must hone your touch, accuracy and court positioning, adding a layer of finesse to your game.

THE INCLUSIVE aspect of pickleball welcomes various playing styles and skill levels to enjoy friendly competition.

GENERAL GAMEPLAY DYNAMICS

The overall gameplay in pickleball is characterized by lively rallies, swift volleys and strategic positioning. The game begins with an underhand serve, ensuring the ball clears the 7-foot non-volley zone on both sides of the net. The unique double-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed, adding an element of anticipation and

strategy to each exchange. Players alternate serving until a point is scored, fostering an engaging backand-forth dynamic.

NAVIGATING THE NON-VOLLEY ZONE AND KITCHEN RULES

Strategic court positioning is paramount in pickleball, particularly within the kitchen. Because volleying is prohibited within this zone, you rely on thoughtful shot placement and dinking finesse. To improve your game, you’ll need to master the delicate balance between aggressive play and careful shot selection.

INCLUSIVITY AND VERSATILITY

One of pickleball’s standout features is inclusivity. There’s room for varying playing styles, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner looking for a new challenge. My main tip is to not be afraid to get started or get more involved! Pickleball’s fundamental principles create an environment where players can enjoy the thrill of the game

while refining their skills. Remember, the game is not just about scoring but about mastering the symphony of dinking, strategic positioning and fostering a sense of community.

So, let the rallies begin, and may your pickleball journey be filled with the joy of play and the spirit of friendly competition!

Watersound Club pickleball pro Todd

Ponder enjoys introducing newcomers to the game, honing skills and strategy with experienced players, and most of all, growing the local pickleball community. Ready to get started? Todd leads “Learn to Play Pickleball” classes several times a week. Instruction includes proper mechanics, rules, scoring and strategy. At the Camp Creek pickleball courts, open play is available daily from 8–11 a.m. and from 6–9 p.m. Courts can be reserved after 11 a.m. for one to two hours at a time. Clinic and class schedules can be viewed at WatersoundClub.com/ tennis-and-pickleball-clinics.

EVENTS

Golf Tournaments

Feb. 18–20

Watersound Invitational

March 14–16

Shootout at the Creek (Member — Guest Tournament)

April 18–20

Watersound Club Member — Member Tournament

June 21–22

Watersound Club Championship

July 25–27

Norman — Fazio Classic

Sept. 19–21

Watersound Club Senior Member — Guest Tournament

Oct. 10

Watersound Women’s Invitational

Oct. 24–26

Sharkfest Member — Guest Tournament

Visit Members.WatersoundClub.com to learn more about these events and other recurring events like trivia night, bingo, golf leagues and more.

HOW TO BECOME A

WATERSOUND CLUB® MEMBER

LIFESTYLE MEMBERSHIP

Experience unlimited golf at Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek courses, as well as access to the Beach Club and Camp Creek lifestyle amenities. Find private air charter on the Watersound Club Pilatus PC-12 NG. You’ll enjoy fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball and a robust calendar of social events throughout the year. Topping things off are a multitude of dining options and an extensive list of outdoor amenities the whole family will enjoy!

Visit WatersoundClub.com, call 850.213.5181 or email Membership@StJoe.com to start your application. Information in this Membership section provides a summary of the Watersound Club Membership program. As this information is only summary in nature, you should read the Membership Plan and Rules and Regulations for a complete understanding regarding Membership rights and privileges. Membership privileges and benefits are subject to change from time to time.

Progress

NOT PERFECTION

Well, maybe a little perfection. From learning the basics to fine-tuning your swing, Watersound Club Members have no shortage of golf instruction opportunities at the Golf Performance Center. Director of Instruction Ben Blalock offers an array of courses throughout the year ranging from juniors’ camps to ladies’ clinics to private one-on-one instruction.

Learn more about the Golf Performance Center’s offerings in your weekly Membership e-Newsletter or by viewing the events calendar on the Member website.

WATERSOUND CLUB®

PHONE DIRECTORY

CONTACTS

MEMBERSHIP

Membership Office

850.213.5181

Vicki Burris, Director of Membership 850.213.5182

Hollie Parker, Membership Sales & Relations Manager

Betsy Grinstead, Membership Sales & Relations Manager

850.213.5185

850.213.5179

Cassie Dortch, Membership Accounting 850.213.6523

OPERATIONS

Mike Jansen, Vice President

850.249.3045

Patrick Richardson, Director of Golf 850.249.3017

Josh Parker, Director of Agronomy 850.249.4168

Jennie Frey, Membership Amenities Manager 850.213.5184

Katie Griffitts, Club Events Manager 850.258.8924

BEACHCLUB

Greeter Desk

850.534.2500

Jennifer Lombard Knight, General Manager 850.231.7624

Dining

Beach Break Grill

850.534.2500

30°86° 850.534.2500

SHARK’STOOTH

Main Line

850.249.3015

Patrick Kralik, Clubhouse Manager 850.249.4168

Golf Golf Shop 850.249.3041

Paul Zeuschner, Head Golf Professional 850.249.3046

CAMPCREEKCLUBHOUSE&AMENITIES

Main Line 850.231.7600

Dave Merryman, General Manager

Kristy McKinney, Assistant General Manager

Alexa Guarachi Bruner, Director of Tennis & Pickleball

534.2078

Barry Webb, Head Tennis Pro ......................... 850.231.7681