Amenities Supersede Everything

Homes along golf courses continue to command a premium

This is the second installment of SFBW’s “Inside the Gates” series, a closer look at golf and country club living.

By Martin Lenkowsky

Provide them with great amenities and they will come—and keep coming, say those associated with country club living here in South Florida.

“When we greet a client, the first thing we do is show them the amenities,” says Allan Meyerson with Admirals Cove Realty in Jupiter. “Amenities supersede everything. People are looking for lifestyle.”

Although many clubs nationwide have reported a declining interest in golf as the traditional calling card for a country club, that trend isn’t happening as much locally.

Meyerson points to age and demographics as a possible contributing factor. “Younger people don’t have the time to spend four hours a day playing golf,” he says, adding that they get more into it as they grow older. “I can’t tell you how many people have never played golf, and then it becomes a passion.”

Because of a younger age group moving into country club/golf communities, many clubs have expanded their amenities to include a wide array of children’s and family-oriented activities.

And even if you don’t hit the links, living next to a golf course might be good for your health—financially. A recent Florida Atlantic University study showed homes built adjacent to golf courses continue to command higher prices from prospective buyers. The study—conducted by members of the university’s faculty—looked at more than 10,000 real estate transactions in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. The researchers concluded that having property adjacent to a golf course is worth between eight and 12 percent more than one that isn’t, on average.

With golf—and other amenities—playing a vital role in a country club’s desirability, SFBW sampled some South Florida clubs to see what amenities they offer current and potential members.