FIRST TEE
Good Morning! Even when golf was a sport on fire more than 10 years ago, half of the people moving to a golf community did not play the game when they first arrived. However, many planned to take up the game once they had settled in. Today, even though fewer may be playing the game, many still arrive at the gates with the dream of learning still alive.
That dream can become reality as today’s new residents continue to have a golden opportunity to learn, or fine-tune their games, at the hands of top teaching staffs right at their own community courses. Who are they? Based on a close look at the GCH communities, they are nationally recognized professionals dedicated to their craft.
Meet some of the best in our list of the Top 10 Best Communities for Great Golf Instruction. Superb instruction, fine facilities and world-class layouts all contribute to the ideal place to learn the game. See the list below with a quick overview of their programs, plus today’s homes for sale in the mountains and on the water. —David Lott, Founder/Publisher
GCH Network Newsletter
Communities On the Water & the Golf Course
Vol. 16, No. 1,061 November 16, 2015 Circ. 15,000
Today’s Real Estate Deals & News
* Top 10 Best Communities for Great Golf Instruction
* South Carolina Homes for Sale
* North Carolina Homes for Sale
* Watch for the Retirement Planner – Friday, November 20th!
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Top 10 Best Communities For Great Golf Instruction
Golden Ocala, FL: Home to veteran pro John Elliot.
In this issue we focus on the expertise of this country’s top golf teachers who are part of the GolfCourseHome Network of communities. Naturally, these exemplary teachers, some of them best-in-the-nation and some best-in-state, are only comfortable with good infrastructure, as well. Which means the learning and practice centers at these GCH properties are also top-notch. See below for our ’10 Best Communities for Great Instruction’ organized by state and alphabetically.
FLORIDA
Golden Ocala, FL: John Elliott shoots instructional video.
> Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala FL is pleased to offer its golfing members the expert guidance of John Elliott, Jr., a 30-year PGA member and former PGA Challenge Cup Team member. Elliot has been a staff instructor with the Golf Digest Schools for more than 20 years. Send me more information about Golden Ocala!
Harbour Ridge, FL: ‘Best in State’ instructor Mike Malazia.
> Harbour Ridge Yacht & CC presented by HR Properties, Stuart FL leaves the swing-sharpening of its members and guests to Golf Digest Best in State instructor Mike Malizia. Mike competed on the PGA and Nationwide Tour from 1994-2005, played in the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and won the 2003 Jamaican Open.
Mike joined the Harbour Ridge Staff in 2006 and currently coaches 12 students on the PGA, Nationwide and LPGA Futures Tours. Send me more information about Harbour Ridge!
Ibis Golf & CC, FL: ‘Best Teacher’ Martin Hall.
> Ibis Golf & CC, West Palm Beach FL is the home of a highly familiar face in golf circles, that of Martin Hall, who ranks No. 5 in the nationwide Golf Digest list of 50 Best Teachers.
The British-born professional, host of Golf Channel’s “School of Golf,” may have the most extensive and valuable collection of training aids and props of any teaching pro in the world. Send me more about Ibis Golf & Country Club!
World Golf Village, FL: Best in FL teacher Anne Cain.
> World Golf Village, St. Augustine FL claims its own Golf Digest Best in Florida teaching professional, Anne Cain. Anne qualified for the 1989 U.S. Women’s Open as an amateur at age 21.
She played professionally from 1991 through 1996 and captured two professional titles before setting her sights on a teaching career. Send me more information about World Golf Village!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Colleton River Plantation, SC: Top teacher, fundraiser.
> Colleton River Plantation, Bluffton SC enjoys the expertise and leadership and highly respected David LaPour. Voted one of his state’s best instructors, LaPour not only runs the learning center at Colleton River, he also organized and oversaw a program to build funds for an ambitious expansion and renovation of the facility. Send me more information about Colleton River!
Daniel Island, SC: Ron Cerrudo, two-time PGA Tour winner.
> Daniel Island, Charleston SC is home to Ron Cerrudo, director of instruction at the Daniel Island Club and a Best in State honoree. A two-time winner on the PGA Tour, he arrived at Daniel Island in 2003.
Golfers can check out some of Ron’s tips and pointers on the community’s website, “My Island Town,” in a series called “The Practice Range.” Send me more information about Daniel Island!
Kiawah Island, SC: LPGA Master Pro Carol Preisinger.
> Kiawah Island, SC is where Carol Preisinger, director of instruction, creates an ideal learning environment for golfers bent on improvement. An LPGA Master Professional, Carol was the 1998 LPGA Teacher of the Year.
She has been recognized by GOLF Magazine as a Top 100 Teacher in America since 2005. Her other accolades include ranking No. 8 on the Golf Digest list of Top 50 Best Women Teachers in 2012. Send me more information about Kiawah Island!
GEORGIA
Reynolds Lake Oconee, GA: Charlie King, best in state.
> Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA is a golf and lake-living mecca in central Georgia, complete with its own TaylorMade Kingdom swing analysis and club fitting laboratory.
It’s all under the oversight of Charlie King, a best-in-state teacher on the Golf Digest list as well as a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher in the U.S. Send me more information about Reynolds Lake Oconee!
UTAH
Red Ledges, UT: Jon Paupore, Jim McClean Golf Schools
> Red Ledges, Heber City UT is a recent addition to the portfolio of Jim McLean Golf Schools, and it’s home base for on Jon Paupore, director of instruction. Jon is an expert on the Jim McLean teaching system and personal coach to former LPGA Tour Champion Kelli Kuehne.
He has previously worked with PGA Tour Veteran Briny Baird, as well as several other top professionals on the European Tour and Ladies European Tour. Send me more information about Red Ledges!
VIRGINIA
Kingsmill, VA: Award-winning instruction from Chris George.
> Kingsmill on the James, Williamsburg VA takes pride in its Golf Academy and in the achievements of Chris George, its longtime head of instruction.
A native of Richmond, Chris was voted the No. 1 instructor in Virginia in Golf Digest’s most recent rankings. He was also recognized by the PGA as the 2010 Middle Atlantic Section Teacher of the Year. Send me more information about Kingsmill!
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SOUTH CAROLINA HOMES
Asking Price: $859,000
Property Address: 4 Oyster Court, Callawassie Island, SC
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4.5
This exquisite John Tee Southern Living Design plan is a one-of-a-kind waterfront home on a high bluff overlooking the Colleton River. It’s on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of the River Club community docks.
KEY FEATURES
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NORTH CAROLINA HOMES
Asking Price: $595,000
Property Address: 20 Spring Ridge Lane, Hendersonville, NC
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
The long-distance views from this handsome, 2,419-sf home are considered the best in the entire neighborhood.
KEY FEATURES
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Coming to Golf Course Home Network
- Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic
- Silver Creek Plantation, NC
- Yacht & Country Club, FL
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