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.
Palm Beach Gardens
Golf: Two 18-hole championship golf courses. Hosted a PGA Tour event, 2003-06. The Sunset Course, designed by Arthur Hills, offers multiple tee areas and plays from 5,168 to 7,192 yards. The Sunrise Course, designed by Tom Fazio, offers multiple tee areas and plays from 5,173 to 7,332 yards.
Amenities: Offered based on type of membership purchased when buying a home. The club offers golf, sports and social equity memberships.
Upcoming renovations: A golf course renovation plan was recently approved by club members. Construction is planned on both courses.
Weston Hills Country Club, Weston
Golf: Two 18-hole championship courses with layouts designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Amenities: Men’s and women’s locker rooms, tennis court, driving range, full-service pro shop.
Miami Beach
Golf: P.B. Dye nine-hole course.
Tennis: The club’s main attraction. Eighteen world-class tennis courts.
Amenities: Two deep-water marinas. Seven dining options. Full-service spa. Salon and fitness centers. Private day school (preschool through fifth grade). Observatory for stargazing. Aviary with dozens of exotic birds. Palm tree-lined private beach with sand imported from the Bahamas.
Golf: An 18-hole, par-72, Greg Norman-designed course. Also a “19th hole”—located partially over wetlands—called the “Shark Bite,” which is used to settle a match if tied on the 18th hole. There’s also a driving range.
Amenities: Sports club featuring a nearly 4,000-square-foot fitness center, with exercise equipment, aerobics and full-service spa. There’s also a kids activity center (all members get two hours a day, per child). Three swimming pools: family, adults and a children’s splash zone. Three dining facilities, and an expansive banquet hall. Ten Har-Tru (clay) tennis courts. Mandatory membership to the sports club; golf membership is an optional upgrade. No nonresident memberships.
Homes: Range from $995,000 to $1.4 million.
Palm Beach Gardens
Golf: Two 18-hole championship golf courses. Hosted a PGA Tour event, 2003-06. The Sunset Course, designed by Arthur Hills, offers multiple tee areas and plays from 5,168 to 7,192 yards. The Sunrise Course, designed by Tom Fazio, offers multiple tee areas and plays from 5,173 to 7,332 yards.
Amenities: Offered based on type of membership purchased when buying a home. The club offers golf, sports and social equity memberships.
Upcoming renovations: A golf course renovation plan was recently approved by club members. Construction is planned on both courses.
Golf: Host since 2009 to the U.S. Golf Association’s local U.S. Open qualifier. Offers 45 holes among four unique courses, designed by Robert von Hagge, that are maintained year-round.
Amenities: Seven onsite dining venues, including five-star cuisine and catering services. Wellness programs at Blue Water Spa, salon and fitness center with a personal training team. The East clubhouse offers pleasant views, a resort pool, a golf shop, large locker facilities and card rooms.
Homes: Nine hundred residences ranging from cottages to estate homes, ranging from $500,000 to $9 million.
