THE LUXURY LIST
Top US Private Golf Communities:
THE CONCESSION
THE BEAR'S CLUB
BIGHORN
THE CLIFFS
DESERT MOUNTAIN
CORDILLERA
KUKI'O
THE ESTANCIA CLUB
ISLEWORTH
KIAWAH ISLAND
MIRASOL
LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT
OLD GREENWOOD
OLD PALM GOLF CLUB
PROMONTORY-THE RANCH CLUB
THE SANTA LUCIA PRESERVE
SEA ISLAND
PRONGHORN
SEVEN CANYONS
SILVERLEAF
THE VINTAGE CLUB
THE CONCESSION
Dive or fish the reefs. Go sailing. Take a sunset stroll through Myakka State Park. And after a sublime sojourn, return to a spacious veranda and relax at the clubhouse, where pictures and memorabilia showcase the history of golf amid 236 homesites over 1,200 acres. Nicklaus Manor, a grouping of 33 homes, was built for a lifestyle on the soft, sultry Gulf Coast of Florida. And that means aged oaks, skyscraping pines and tranquil wetlands. One hour south of Tampa, this is a home where seaside pleasures are the course of every day. And at day's end, ask yourself if you would be gracious enough to concede a putt to a foe at the end of an epic battle, as Jack Nicklaus famously did in the 1969 Ryder Cup to Tony Jacklin, stunning the golf world with one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship in history, and inspiring a community known forever as The Concession.
The Concession, (866) 951-6484,
www.theconcession.com
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THE BEAR'S CLUB
Jack Nicklaus gave his Ohio motherland Muirfield Village in 1974, but he waited nearly three decades for a shrine in his adopted South Florida home-and what a shrine it is. Peacefully weaving throughout 401 acres of pristine land, The Bear's Club is designed in a stately, Tuscan architectural style, and features an 18-hole golf course designed by the man himself, which is environmentally sensitive and brings out the character of the land, a stunning, 35,000-square-foot clubhouse, 55 estate residences and 31 villas. His Florida legacy is firmly in place at this ultra-luxurious club Jack Nicklaus proudly calls home.
The Bear's Club, (561) 514-6948,
www.thebearsclub.com
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BIGHORN
Its two awe-inspiring courses have hosted the likes of The Skins Game, The Battle at Bighorn, and the LPGA's Samsung World Championship. Yes, the golf is great. But Bighorn is about a lot more. Nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains, this Palm Desert development also offers residents amenities such as catering services and a full-service hair and nail salon, set in a magnificent 13,000-square-foot complex. Bighorn even boasts an on-site doctor, the option for its members to arrange private-jet service, wireless access in the men's and ladies' locker rooms, and instruction from Peter Krause, the 2005 PGA Teacher of the Year. Homesites and custom homes begin at $2 million.
Bighorn, (888) 551-5577,
www.bighorngolf.com
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THE CLIFFS
Situated at the heart of the Carolina Preserve between Asheville, N.C., and Greenville, S.C., The Cliffs includes seven award-winning private master-planned communities ranked among the country's best. The properties collectively border 14 state parks, four national forests and over 26,000 acres of freshwater lakes. Called "the most impressive and comprehensive private club membership in the world" by Resort Living, belonging at The Cliffs includes access to more than $100 million in amenities, including seven championship golf courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Fazio; world-class wellness centers, marinas, an equestrian center, groomed trail systems and privileged access to The Cliffs' international properties. Homesites begin at $200,000; custom homes start from $300,000 and reach to $4 million.
The Cliffs, (866) 435-5123,
www.cliffscommunities.com
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DESERT MOUNTAIN
The quintessential expression of vision and chutzpah, Lyle Anderson's living, breathing (and ever-appreciating) golf real estate mecca stands as singularly unique among national communities-as do the saguaro-studded hillsides that coddle multimillion-dollar mansions in the spectacular Sonoran Desert outside Scottsdale. Six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, six world-class clubhouses and unlimited amenities-including multiple award-winning restaurants-combine to provide families a lifestyle unmatched anywhere in the world. With a grass tennis court touted as the "Wimbledon of the West," state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and easy access to all the major-league arts and activities of the Valley of the Sun, it's no wonder residents from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries have chosen Desert Mountain as their address for success.
Desert Mountain, (800) 322-0044,
www.desertmountain.com
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CORDILLERA
You'd better adjust to the higher altitude before you step on a course in this resort community, because once you do, the visual layout will literally take your breath away. Imagine a private mountain resort where Dave Pelz, Tom Fazio, Hale Irwin and Jack Nicklaus provide the golf game of your dreams-and skill level-amid thousands of quaking aspen and pine trees, rushing streams and snowcapped mountains. If you can't stay busy with activities here, it means your priorities probably need a good rearranging. The multitude of amenities beg year-round involvement: an indoor equestrian arena, miles of riding, hiking and Nordic ski trails, three tennis centers, five indoor and outdoor pools, four fitness facilities, a portal to a million acres of wilderness; and a summer camp and trailhead clubhouse for children. A showcase of the Vail Valley, Cordillera offers something sensational for everyone.
Cordillera, (970) 569-6480,
www.cordillera-vail.com
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KUKI'O
Maybe the smartest way to build an extraordinary golf community is to start by putting it in an unbelievable location where people dream of vacationing anyway. That works for Kuki'o, where the white sand beaches are private and the climate is as close to perfect as it gets. With a pair of 10- and 18-hole courses by Tom Fazio and a clubhouse with a beach bar, spa and fitness facilities, the views overlooking the Pacific from the west side of the Big Island will bury in your heart faster than you can learn to pronounce Uluweauweau, a scenic bay adjacent to Kuki'o. The striking contrasts of black lava against white sand bunkers and emerald grass abutting vast blue ocean create an unforgettable visual feast. Best viewed while hanging from a hammock strung between swaying palms after a morning round, of course.
Kuki'o, (808) 325-4040,
www.kukio.com
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THE ESTANCIA CLUB
Tom Fazio had seen his share of dirt before visiting the northern slope of Pinnacle Peak. But when the venerable golf course designer first saw the land on which he would build Estancia, he knew he'd found something special. "I was in shock," he told The Arizona Republic in 1996. "The natural terrain was so dramatic that I knew immediately I'd never been offered a greater place to design a golf course." Since then, a 640-acre community has taken shape around the area's crown jewel, and it is no less sparkling. Massive boulder outcroppings, statuesque saguaro cacti, and a European-style clubhouse as stunning as it is sizable (it measures an enormous 30,000 square feet) have helped make this one of the most sought-after addresses in the Southwest.
The Estancia Club, (480) 563-0543,
www.estancia.com
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ISLEWORTH
Covering about a half-century of golfing legends, Isleworth was designed by Arnold Palmer, who headed the investment group that originally dreamed up the world-class golfing community, and its most famous resident is Tiger Woods. Yet Woods, Mark O'Meara and Isleworth's other live-in stars only serve as witness to the exclusive haunt's top-shelf quality. In 2003, golf course architect Steve Smyers came in and toughened up Palmer's original design, but Isleworth is so much more than simply outstanding golf. Located just west of Orlando, the community is surrounded by a series of beautiful lakes, offering residents more than seven miles of shoreline and 10 miles of protected waterway, assuring that they are always surrounded by pristine beauty.
Isleworth, (407) 876-0111,
www.isleworth.com
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KIAWAH ISLAND
Better off golfing somewhere else if you aspire to playing like a pro at any of the five championship courses. Too many distractions. Especially during low tide, when the beach is so wide and smooth you can ride a bike on it and pelicans play over the Atlantic. Then again, there are just as many diversions away from the ocean, what with 31 miles of trails that meander through woods and marshes and fresh water lagoons. Enormous modern homes sit either along the marshy maze of the Kiawah River or on the bluffs overlooking 10 miles of oceanfront. The historic town of Charleston, yet another disarming distraction, is just 20 miles away.
Kiawah Island, (888) 559-9024,
www.kiawahisland.com
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MIRASOL
Enter the grand clubhouse and members immediately feel as if they've been transported back in time; the soaring 50,000-square-foot facility evokes 1920s Florida, right down to its men's and women's card rooms. Mirasol's two championship golf courses-the Sunset and Sunrise-come up aces, too, which is why the PGA Tour's Honda Classic continues to be held here. The Palm Beach community also offers something for everyone. It comprises 26 diverse villages, is set among natural preserves and exquisite lakes, and includes a sports and fitness center with 15 clay tennis courts. It even has a 15-acre public park with picnic pavilions and sand volleyball courts.
Mirasol, (800) 578-4544,
www.mirasolclub.com
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LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT
Just 17 miles from the Strip but seemingly peaceful worlds away, Lake Las Vegas Resort is the desert done right. Carved from the rugged country of southern Nevada, this resort is an upscale Vegas unto itself, with swank hotels, amenities galore, championship golf, spas to die for and spectacular residential community designs centered in part on a 320-acre private lake. Only thing missing is the throngs of tourists. Take in dinner at one of many elegant restaurants and then take a sunset cruise on the uncrowded lake. An unmatched oasis in the desert, Lake Las Vegas Resort is no mirage.
Lake Las Vegas Resort, (800) 564-1603,
www.lakelasvegas.com
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OLD GREENWOOD
Old Greenwood represents the full maturation of the potential of the Tahoe area, which is experiencing a renaissance thanks to breakthroughs allowing developers to successfully proceed in sync with stringent environmental standards that halted growth in this area for decades. Old Greenwood includes 99 homesites overlooking a Jack Nicklaus course, with luxury two- and three-bedroom villas and fractional homes. The Pavilion, Tahoe Mountain Resort's swim, tennis and spa facility, resides in Old Greenwood as well. Says spokeswoman Brenna O'Boyle: "It's gorgeous, just absolutely gorgeous, the beauty, the nature, getting away from the traffic of the bay area, and the access to all the sports. Sailing, skiing, boating, biking, Rollerblading ... I've been vacationing here for over 30 years, and finally moved here." Old Greenwood boasts many original luxury homes looking across the valleys and parcels on the golf courses, with many unique high-end amenities such as wine caves that make a custom home something special.
Old Greenwood, (800) 754-3070,
www.oldgreenwood.com
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OLD PALM GOLF CLUB
One of the country's most exclusive golf enclaves, with amenities to cry for. Located in the center of Palm Beach Gardens, Old Palm assures you that "every detail will be perfection." Before taking on the stimulating fairways lined with ribbons of oaks and pines, take a few swings at The Golf Studio, a 33-acre practice facility, and perfect your rhythm or lounge in the 43,000-square-foot clubhouse amid spa suites, whirlpools and steam rooms. Indoor and outdoor massage facilities beckon, as do richly appointed men's and women's locker rooms. A private wine room and an exhibition grill room enhance the ambiance.
Old Palm Golf Club, (800) 924-4005,
www.oldpalmgolfclub.com
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PROMONTORY-THE RANCH CLUB
From most tee boxes at Promontory's Pete Dye course, it's difficult to see the green. What's easy to notice is why folks are flocking to the community that surrounds Dye's gem. Located just a few minutes east of Park City, Utah, the town that hosts Sundance, Promontory is a star in its own right. In summer, members enjoy fly-fishing ponds, 50 miles of hiking trails, an equestrian center, and, coming soon, two more golf masterpieces-a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and a fun, par-60 layout by Forrest Richardson. In winter, when the powder calls from nearby Deer Valley, residents are treated to their own ski-in, ski-out slope-side lodge. There's even a kids-only clubhouse on property, which includes a cave and water slide.
Promontory, (888) 458-6600,
www.promontoryclub.com
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THE SANTA LUCIA PRESERVE
Twenty-thousand acres? In coastal California? You have to be kidding, right? Sure, this 31 square miles of land is probably worth more than, say, New England, but that's not the point. Nor that it's big enough to have its own diverse micro-climates. Intimacy, community, respect for open space and California's unique Spanish architectural style are on resplendent display at Santa Lucia. No crowding, guaranteed-The Santa Lucia Conservancy manages 18,000 acres here for recreation, conservation and wildlife habitat. The horse and riding lifestyle are a large emphasis; equestrian history dates to the 1700s. Tennis, lap pools, weight training, and of course Tom Fazio golf, fly-fishing and paddling will keep the heart strong. If not, over a hundred miles of trails for hiking, riding and cycling come as part of the good life.
The Santa Lucia Preserve, (831) 626-8200,
www.santaluciapreserve.com
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SEA ISLAND
Hard to beat 75 years of building a community with an unremitting appreciation for history and tradition, a principle that has made Georgia's Sea Island one of the world's finest and most treasured resorts and real estate developments anywhere. The Lodge at Sea Island is for guests who appreciate privacy and classic standards, including its trio of world-class golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Davis Love III. The Cloister hotel recently finished a $500 million restoration, including new guest rooms, a new beach club and a first-class 60,000-square-foot spa. Little wonder President George W. Bush gathered world leaders at Sea Island for the G8 Summit in 2004. He knew, as his parents did when they honeymooned at The Cloister many years before, that it's hard to beat the Sea Island lifestyle.
Sea Island, (888) SEA-ISLAND,
www.seaisland.com
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PRONGHORN
The inaugural design pairing of greats Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio required a site to match their imaginations and the development experience to balance the game of golf with the opportunity to create a unique resort community. Pronghorn succeeds on all fronts. East of the Cascade Mountains just outside Bend, Oregon, this community is nirvana for the senses. Federal land buffers Pronghorn with a permanent greenbelt; horizons in all four directions are framed with mountain ranges that invite hiking, climbing, biking, picnics, camping and daytrips (all arranged by your recreational concierge). The 55,000-square-foot, lodge-style clubhouse perfects the family-friendly lifestyle.
Pronghorn, (800) 541-9424,
www.pronghornclub.com
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SEVEN CANYONS
Two hours straight north of Phoenix, buyers at Seven Canyons are moving into an upscale community that engrosses 200 acres of land-rush-worthy terrain, getting their own luxury villas or homes while the getting's good. Nice places. Open spaces. Not outrageously huge by western standards. But it's much more like buying into 100,000 acres, because the development is completely surrounded by the vast Cococino National Forest and the Secret Mountain Wilderness. Meaning no urban sprawl, ever. Yet it's not in the middle of nowhere. Only a few miles away at the heart of it all is Sedona, a city renowned for beauty even before it was one. Native Americans called this spot the center of the universe because of its soul-lifting scenery. Buyers here will pay for the par-70 championship course by Tom Weiskopf, and the club village with full amenities. They'll pay for one of the 30 estate-sized homesites or a lavish villa. But the surrounding red rock tabletops, plateaus, vistas and legions of coyotes, eagles, mule deer and bighorn sheep are all complimentary, as are the hundreds of miles of horseback and hiking trails.
Seven Canyons, (866) 367-8844,
www.sevencanyons.com
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SILVERLEAF
This tradition-rich community tucked into the McDowell Mountains near Scottsdale is appealing to the home owner who values one of the most intangible luxuries that exists: open spaces. How else do you explain homesites as big as 35 acres? Silverleaf's greatness is further accented by its architecture, a unique expression of classic Tuscan, Ranch, Hacienda and Spanish themes. The mountainous topography of the region enabled Tom Weiskopf to create a golf course that exposes something new each time out. "Many surprises and nuances will reveal themselves only after multiple rounds of play," he promises.
Silverleaf, (480) 502-6902,
www.silverleaf.com
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THE VINTAGE CLUB
To get a feel for the level of grandeur on display at The Vintage Club, start with the 85,000-square-foot clubhouse inspired by ancient pyramids. A stellar wine cellar lies inside, and desert, mountains, lakes and fairways are constantly visible due to unrelenting use of glass in the architectural design. Located about 15 miles southeast of Palm Springs, The Vintage Club is 712 acres rife with lakes and waterfalls amid giant Saguaro cactus, date palms and bougainvillea. A popular Kids Kamp is among numerous amenities designed to give parents a break, and a chance to exploit any of 10 clay tennis courts surrounding the pro shop. A combination of contemporary and classic architecture ranging from Mediterranean to Desert reveals itself in cottages as well as large estates.
The Vintage Club, (800) 637-5885,
www.vintageclubsales.com
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