25 of the Best Golf Communities in the World
COVID, lockdown, social distancing, work from home, online learning…all terms and a reality we have had to live with that changed our world. Everyone is affected, no doubt. But more so those who live in an urban landscape. Golf Communities can bring some relief from this by providing an oasis for its residents. Here we bring you our thoughts on some of the best golf communities in the world.
Retirees used to be the main market for golf-driven real estate communities. But with cities becoming increasingly crowded and associated societal issues more obvious, an increasing number of younger buyers and young families have set their sights on buying a home in a Golf Community. The global pandemic has only added to this, giving rise to a new trend of buyers with different needs, activities and taste.
Based on an audit report, Sandra Ruttle, European Tour Destinations real estate consultant said: “It’s long been the case that non-golfers make up the majority of residents in golf communities, typically 66%. But new buyers are now realising that residential golf communities offer much more than golf…..In the case of European Tour Destinations, these are resorts with world-class amenities and services, communities with shops, restaurants and spa facilities. They are safe, secure, peaceful places to live – and they are proving highly attractive places to live and invest in.”
Golf-driven real estate communities started in the United States but are now gaining popularity worldwide. Because young couples, families, busy executives and of course retirees are finding these communities attractive many are considering a new home or even a second home. golfproperty.com brings you twenty-five of the best destinations in the World to inspire you, or perhaps help you narrow down your search. Some are well established while others are emerging. But all of the list can certainly be considered some of the best.
If there is a Golf Community that you believe belongs on this list, please email us the details to [email protected]
1. Abama (Tenerife, Canary Island)
A luxury golf resort community popular among Europeans because of the warm weather and magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers an 18-hole golf course designed by Dave Thomas, a tennis academy, spa, the 5-star Ritz-Carlton (Abama hotel), 10 restaurants two of which have the Michelin star rating and a beautiful beach. Within the resort are the Terrace apartments for residents with an exclusive Social Club. It offers a wide terrace with an ocean view, an outdoor pool and children’s pool, restaurant, playroom and relaxation area. Bellevue Villas or single-family golf homes situated alongside the fairways have a starting price of $1.77M. Terrace Apartments start at $374,500. Homesites are also available and start at $321,000.
Image courtesy of abamagolf.com
2. Addison Reserve Country Club (Florida, USA)
Addison Reserve Country Club, long regarded as one of the top private residential communities in the United States and around the world, is located in the Delray Beach/Boca Raton area of southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida. 717 single family golf residences and homes are nestled among Addison Reserve’s winding lakes and three championship golf courses.
Spanning across 653-acres of lush, tropical topography the spacious golf homes reflect Mizner’s signature Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial architecture and commonly feature circular driveways, arching entrances, barrel tile roofs, covered lanais, backyard swimming pools and upscale interior appointments. Each subdivision has its own unique character and feels providing homeowners with the variety they desire in sizes ranging from 2,500-square feet to just over 7,500-square feet. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
3. Boca West Country Club (Florida, USA)
Boca West is a member-owned community and often promoted as the nation’s no. 1 private residential club. It boasts of four acclaimed championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Jim Fazio. A staff of teaching professionals helps members fine-tune their game along with regular clinics. Other amenities include 30 Har-Tru tennis courts with a matching competitive tennis program and a sprawling aquatics center with cascading waterfalls and a children’s area. The award-winning community offers a resort-style ambiance. Golf property prices can range from a low of $50,000 to as high as $3.3M. View Community, Golf Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
4. Desert Mountain (Arizona, USA)
Desert Mountain, in Scottsdale, AZ., allows you to live a luxurious life in the desert. Play not one but six Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses and one par-54 championship course, one of only two such rated courses in the country – No. 7. Or try-out the club’s $1.6M Jim Flick Golf Performance Center and improve your game. For family activities, this desert haven has seven clubhouses, ten restaurants and grills, an award-winning Sonoran spa and fitness center, a tennis complex with nine hard, clay and grass surfaces, resort-style pools and award-winning private trails system where you can hike and bike. The community offers custom residences, elegant estates and courtyard homes tucked in secluded villages. Golf home listing from $1.3M to 16.5M. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
5. Diamante (Los Cabos, Mexico)
A luxurious private community nestled on a sprawling 1.5 miles of white sand beach and dunes. It offers two world-class golf courses, The Dunes designed by Davis Love III and El Cardonal designed by Tiger Woods. The Dunes was ranked #36 in the world by Golf Magazine in 2019. El Cardonal Course is Tiger’s first-ever golf course design. Other amenities include a TGR Design par-3 Oasis Short Course, 10-acre saltwater Crystal Lagoons, a spa, fitness and sports center, bars and restaurants and six miles of walking and hiking trails. Residents have a choice of choosing homes overlooking the course or ocean-front villas. Prices may range from $1M to $4M. There are also homesites available that are close to an acre in size. Price range from $275,000 to $3.95M.
Image courtesy of golfdiamante.com
6. Emirates Hills (Dubai, UAE)
The Beverly Hills of Dubai, this community is the most expensive property development in UAE. The gated community has beautifully designed villas built around two world-class golf clubs, the Montgomerie Golf Club and the Emirates Golf Club. The Montgomerie Golf Club offers a challenging links-land style course designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead. The Emirates Golf Club has three 18-hole courses. Their flagship course, The Majilis was designed by Karl Litten. The second championship course, The Faldo Course was designed by Nick Faldo. The third course, The Academy Course for beginners and experienced players. The residents of this exclusive community are mostly expatriates of Dubai. Its proximity to several international schools makes it attractive to families. Prices of homes overlooking the golf course sell for up to $52 Million.
Image courtesy of Worldwide Golf Magazine
7. Finca Cortesin, (Costa del Sol, Spain)
This exclusive community is set on the rolling hills of southern Spain overlooking the Mediterranean. The resort’s world-class championship course is rated among Spain’s best golf courses. It has hosted numerous high-profile events such as the Volvo World Match Play Championship. The 18-hole course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson. Complementing the golf course is a beach club and an award-winning hotel with a first-class spa, dining and sports facilities. These include four swimming pools, tennis and padel courts and a fitness center. This resort is sought after in Europe for its sunny year-round weather and its outstanding food, art and hospitality. Buyers mostly from Europe include royalty and celebrities making home prices high. A villa by the golf course starts at $4 Million.
Image courtesy of Fina Cortesin
8. Isleworth (Windemere, FL)
A top 100 Platinum Clubs of the World awardee, Isleworth is a prestigious golf community which continues to set excellence in standards among the clubs in Florida. The club offers an An Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course with beautiful estate homes nestled among oaks and cypress trees surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes. The lake spans seven miles of shoreline providing lakefront views and an endless source of recreational water activities. Other amenities offered in this private club are a fitness center, a spa, pool, tennis, racquet and year-round activities for youth and families. Golf properties range from $1.5M to $6.3M.
9. Johns Island Club (Vero Beach, FL)
A private, member-owned club that’s designed for all ages. The family-oriented community enjoys three 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio plus 17 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, six pickleball courts, squash courts, two croquet lawns, fitness and wellness center. It has endless water activities being located between three miles of sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. A wide selection of golf houses is available: single-family homes ($1.4M to $16M), oceanfront condos ($700,000 to $4M), golf cottages ($850,000 to $1.3M), north and south villages ($500,000 to $2.1M), tennis townhouse ($600,000 to $1.1M), Paget court ($1.75M to $2.8M), oceanside village ($1.7M to $3.5M), south beach villa ($1.7M to $3M), Gem Island (Starting at $5M) and island house ($175,000 to $450,000).
10. Jumeirah Golf Estates (Dubai, UAE)
A gated luxury golf community in the heart of New Dubai. Composed of 16 districts with 1,050 individually designed villas, townhouses, and apartments arranged around two popular championship golf courses called the Fire and Earth. These two 18-hole courses were designed by Australian golfer Greg Norman. The Earth Course is known for hosting the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. This is the season-ending tournament of the Race to Dubai and European Tour Season. Because of Dubai’s strategic location between Asia and Europe and centrally located in the Middle East, it has become a coveted spot for golf homes. The luxurious villas are selling for $4.2M to $11.9M and the townhouses range from $1.2M to $1.94M. Buyers are primarily from Europe and India with the majority being Dubai-based expatriates.
Image courtesy of Jumeirah Golf Estates
11. KN Golf Links (Cam Ranh, Vietnam)
A new golf community is rising in Vietnam. Nestled on the beautiful coastline of Long Beach in Cam Ranh, a 27-hole Greg Norman signature course is gaining attention. The Links, an 18-hole link-style course that winds through the sand dunes are becoming a favorite in Vietnam. The 9-hole Oasis is your typical garden course with water hazards and streams. The clubhouse offers a panoramic view of the whole resort. Amenities include locker rooms, sauna, Pro Shop and dining area. A hotel, residential and commercial developments such as a shopping promenade, a water park are also set to rise in this community in the near future.
Image courtesy of Golf Course Architecture
12. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
A family-oriented golf community that offers the highest quality of living in Central Florida. Located in a trio of waterways – Lake Nona, Buck Lake and Red Lake, where endless water activities including fishing and boating can be experienced. A Tom Fazio-designed championship course is the highlight of this private community. Other amenities offered include a spa and fitness center, tennis courts, pool and playground, dining and an active youth program. This attracts many young families and professionals to this community. Golf homes currently start at $950,000 to as high as $6M. Homesites are also available and paired with the community’s accredited custom builders.
13. Lustica Bay (Montenegro)
Montenegro, a country in the Balkans facing the Adriatic Sea just opened up Lustica Bay and joined the luxury residential development bandwagon. Plans include a marina hotel, boutique hotel, custom-designed golf villas, marina townhomes, a 176-slip marina and a Gary Player-designed golf course. To make it attractive for investors, the government is offering incentives such as duty-free on fuels for yachts, a cap on VAT at 7% on marine and tourist services, a new visa scheme allowing property investors to stay for up to a year. This move is making Montenegro an attractive go-to destination for those seeking an active lifestyle and those looking for a sound long-term investment. It has attracted buyers from all over Europe making it undeniably an international community. Apartments sell around $188,000 to $874,000 and Golf Houses/Villas around $3.28M.
Image courtesy of golf course architecture
14. Mayacama, (Santa Rosa, CA)
Mayacama in Santa Rosa, CA, is a fusion of wine and golf. The private residence club has a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course nestled at the heart of Sonoma wine country. The clubhouse offers a spa, excellent food and an extraordinary and immersive wine program. Why not? You have 35 renowned vintners who are fellow members. The club has developed 31 casitas and golf villas, which are sold in 1/10th fractional ownership share. This grants the member with 28 nights guaranteed stay, plus unlimited additional stays based on availability. Club membership cost $135,000 down from $250,000. Homesites are available starting at $1.2M.
15. Ocean Reef (Key Largo FL, USA)
Ocean Reef is a private community that offers a lot of amenities to its members. A perfect place for the whole family as well as those doing business. The club offers numerous amenities such as beautiful accommodations, meeting spaces, a private airport, two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Robert Van Hagge, a 175-slip marina offering deep sea fishing and charter services, the famous Buccaneer Island that offers unlimited recreational water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and eco-kayak tours, tennis and pickleball courts, a full-service salon and spa, fitness center, a wide selection of restaurants and retail shops and many more. A medical center is also found within the community. Golf homes are available within the community. Prices are: Golf Homes from $1.7M to $20M, condominiums from $637,000 to $5.14M and homesites from $575,000 to $5.14M.
Image courtesy of Miami Herald
16. PGA Catalunya Resort (Spain)
This luxurious golf community has been ranked No. 1 Golf Resort in Spain and No. 2 in Continental Europe by Golf World UK. It is also bidding to host the Ryder Cup Tournament in 2022. The resort is known for its two golf courses, the Stadium and the Tour. The Stadium has been consistently ranked among the best in Europe and has hosted the Spanish Open three times and numerous PGA European Tour events. In addition to golf, other amenities are also available such as a fitness and wellness center, tennis and paddle courts, football pitches, running and cycling tracks, swimming pools, fishing pier, a park, a vegetable garden and a vineyard and several restaurants. The residents are a mix of families with children of all ages to retired couples, with different nationalities. Golf home prices are in the range of $660,000 to $11.5M.
Image courtesy of Swing Feminin
17. Playa Grande Golf and Ocean Club (Dominican Republic)
An exclusive residential resort community set on a seven-mile stretch of the Atlantic coast. This new resort development will capitalize on an 18-hole championship golf course redesigned by Rees Jones. This popular course was originally designed by Rees’s father, Robert Trent Jones Sr. The resort will offer a wide range of dining options in different phases and locations – golf clubhouse, beach club, mountain club and comfort stations at the golf course. Other amenities include a spa and wellness center and extensive outdoor recreational activities – deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, kiteboarding, ATV, hiking, biking, horseback riding and many more. There will only be 350 residences and estate-sized custom homesites named oceanfront cliff estates, coastal and golf villas, beach cottages and mountain villas. Residences start at $2.5M while estate homesites range from $7M to $14M.
Image courtesy of Forbes
18. Quinto do Lago (Algarve, Portugal)
Situated in a protected wetland nature reserve of Ria Formosa, this high-end private community blends into the natural surroundings. No wonder this active community has gained numerous top awards and established itself as prominent golf, leisure and lifestyle resort in Europe. At the forefront of international golf, it offers three award-winning golf courses and world-class facilities, the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only TaylorMade Performance Center. It has a premier high-performance sports hub, The Campus. This offers learning, training and rehabilitation for athletes of all ages including international teams and professional athletes. Facilities include a stadium-quality pitch, high-performance gym, recovery pools, changing rooms, studios, bike shed, aquatic and tennis center.
Other amenities are the golden-sand beach and lake with unlimited water activities, a nature trail and a variety of restaurants. A homesite in this community starts at $2.35M, apartments at $470,000 and golf villas around $12M.
Image courtesy of My Guide Algarve.
19. Terre Blanche (France)
A prestigious golf resort community in Tourrettes, located near the French Riviera and voted as the 2018 Best Golf Resort in Continental Europe by Golf World UK Magazine. It features two championship courses designed by Dave Thomas — Le Chateau and Le Riou. Complemented by a Golf Performance Center that has a driving range, a golf academy, a Biomecaswing Centre, the only one of its kind in Europe and a TaylorMade Performance Center. The resort has a five-star hotel, a 1-Michelin starred restaurant, an award-winning spa and fitness center, tennis facilities and a helipad. Homeownership automatically bestows membership to the golf club. Homesite prices during the launch were priced at $749,000 and villas around $1.284M. The current custom villa available in the market is selling for $14.5M.
Image courtesy of Trip Advisor
20. The Bear's Club (Jupiter, FL)
The Bear’s Club is a private club conceived by Jack Nicklaus for people who only want golf and pure club experience. Jack designed the 18-hole championship course through a natural setting of Cypress, Pine and Oak trees. The course has hundreds of bunkers making it challenging and entailing precision. Complementing the course is the Jack Nicklaus Performance Solutions academy and a 3-par course. The opportunity to own a golf house at The Bear’s Club in which the golf course adds to the seminal golf experience, is highly sought which limits the available homes to a select few, oftentimes none. Currently, available golf estate homes are in the range of $3.8M to $19M. View Community, Courses plus Golf Homes for Sale and Rent
21. The Madison Club (La Quinta, CA)
An exclusive residential community that evokes a modern interpretation of California’s classic old-line country clubs. Now managed by Discovery Land Company known for its first-class services and exceptional recreational activities. It offers an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship course complemented by a Discovery Performance Center, a personalized instruction combined with state-of-the-art technology and a physical wellness program. Other amenities include a members-only clubhouse, a spa and a fitness facility with a lifestyle wellness team offering personal training, medical support, nutritional guidance and life coaching. Outdoor activities are also available like hiking, jeep tours, ATV tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis and pickleball. Residential options include custom golf homes with a price range of $10M to $14M and homesites from $3M to $10M. Clubhouse suites and golf villas have been sold out.
Image courtesy of The Madison Club
22. The Vintage Club (Indian Wells, CA)
Nestled on a natural cove at the base of Eisenhower Mountain is the # 1 club in California and 3rd most prestigious private club in the US. Member of the Platinum Clubs of America, this exclusive and luxurious golf community has been setting the standards among its peers. PGA pros and US presidents have been observed enjoying the two Tom Fazio signature championship courses the club offers. Members also get to enjoy a Spa and Wellness Center and a world-class Tennis Center with 11 tennis courts, personalized training, a 1,000-seat sunken tournament stadium and a Pro Shop. A wide selection of golf homes are available. These are: cottages ($750,000 to $ 1.6M), terraces ($700,000 to $2.4M), patio homes ($1.5M to $4M), desert homes ($4M to $6M), custom homes ($2.7M to $18M) and homesites (starts at $2.7M).
Image courtesy of Palm Springs Life
23. Tuckers Point, Bermuda
An exclusive luxurious community that sits on the longest private pink-sand beach of the island. Its location is also on the fashionable part of town known as the Beverly Hills of Bermuda. The main attraction of this community is the 18-hole championship course designed by Charles Banks. Other features are the five-star Rosewood Bermuda Hotel with its fitness center, pools and spa, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, the Beach Club, Dive and Water Sports Center, various cuisine outlets and an explorers club for children. Residents may purchase a homesite and build their own custom golf house at a price of $800,000 to $3M. Another option is purchasing fractional ownership at the Harbour Court residence for $200,000 with a guaranteed five annual weeks stay at the waterfront home plus an unlimited number of additional flex weeks and exchange privileges in partner resorts.
Image courtesy of tuckerspoint.com
24. Yellowstone (Big Sky, MT)
Of all the real golf communities worldwide, this is the only members-only private community that caters to both ski and golf. Members are treated to world-class premium ski-slopes that cover 2,900 acres of powdery snow and an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf signature course overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Its complemented by a wellness center that offers a spa, a heated pool and a fitness program that covers cardio, swimming, tennis, basketball, yoga or personal training sessions. Or you can try their outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and other water sports. In winter you can ski, snowboard, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing or have fun playing snow with the kids. Several options are available to own a property in this exclusive community. Homesites are no longer available but a ranch is at $18M, custom residences range from $15.95M to $25.95M and condominiums go for $9.25M to $26.5M.
25. Val de Vie Estates (Pearl Valley, Cape Winelands, South Africa)
Ranked #1 for Top Residential Estate in South Africa for 5 consecutive years and Rank #2 Golf Course in South Africa for 2021, this prestigious high-end luxury Cape Winelands golf estate is also the leader in wellness estates. Overlooking the mountains of Drakenstein and Simonsberg, the community is supplied with ample natural water supply and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Called Val de Vie or “Valley of Life” this community is the most secure in the region and affords an authentic country living experience. It lies in close proximity to top schools, an international airport and well-known tourist attractions. This makes Val de Vie popular with families and retirees looking for a new home. The golf community offers the award-winning Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus signature course, an equestrian center with a polo field, tennis courts, cricket nets, soccer fields, play parks, 42 km of hiking and biking trail along the vineyards, a lifestyle center, the L’Huguenot wine cellar, a coffee roastery, three farm-to-table restaurants and a picnic area next to the Berg River with fantastic panoramic views. The luxury estate offers several development options for would-be residents. From an apartment to a single-family home to an estate with spacious land to keep horses, cultivate vineyards or grow orchards and vegetable gardens and a view of the mountains. Development prices start at around $245,000 to several million. Resale homes are also available from $131,000 to $1.55M.
Image courtesy of Val de Vie
