In 1984, demonstrating his enduring commitment to excellence, Stan Olsen selected Tom Fazio, the world’s pre-eminent golf course architect, to design and build two world-class, 18-hole courses that would complement and enhance the natural beauty of the Black Diamond Ranch’s landscape. In his soft-spoken, but resolute manner, Olsen’s charge to Fazio was to “Build the best golf courses in the world, and I’ll figure out where the homes will go.” And so, the development of Black Diamond began, and the community’s gates first opened in December 1987.

Set within a majestic Florida landscape the Black Diamond Ranch, which now boasts 49-holes of Tom Fazio designed golf, beckons with the quiet beauty of rolling sand hills, an abundance of oaks and a sunny temperate climate all nestled into Florida’s Nature Coast. Positioned as a world-class golf destination this serene landscape is only 85-miles from the activity and enjoyment of Tampa and Orlando and just 30-minutes from Ocala.

There has never been a better time to own a home in this prestigious community. Spanning 1200 lush acres, this backdrop provides the setting for 750 home sites that range from quarter-acre to more than one acre. The artistry and style of the community’s golf houses, and luxury golf estate homes blend with the surrounding terrain and offer unparalleled privacy between residents and their neighbors.

Black Diamond Ranch is simply breathtaking and presents a rare opportunity for its residents to live the life they have always imagined. An escape that is worlds apart from the urban jungles of America, but close enough to all the major attractions, entertainment, and niceties of city life - Black Diamond is the best of both worlds. Located in the rolling hills of Lecanto, Black Diamond is a sanctuary for those looking for a special community unlike anything else in Florida. The community itself is a nature preserve with an abundance of wildlife. Homes do not detract from the golf experience and the undulating terrain and towering pines provide the perfect backdrop for a morning round or an evening walk.

The stunning clubhouse is the ideal venue for a respite after a round of golf with friends or a special dinner with family. A favored spot to gather is the wrap-around porch which looks out over the first and ninth holes of the famed Quarry Course. Just inside is the main dining room, where chef and staff delight residents and club members with a world-class culinary experience delivered through attentive and personalized service in a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere. Only the freshest ingredients make the cut for the ever-changing menu that can be enjoyed in either a fine dining or casual setting.

There is no shortage of things to do at Black Diamond. In addition to a 24-hour fitness center, two HarTru clay tennis courts and junior-Olympic size pool make it easy to stay active. Inside the clubhouse, weekly crafting and cooking classes take place alongside regular card games and lively conversation. Further away from the clubhouse, members and residents enjoy running, walking, and biking through the community and can participate in member-organized clubs and committees – with interests ranging from hot rods to craft beer to photography, there's something for everyone at Black Diamond Ranch.

Full Golf Memberships at Black Diamond, as well as Young Executive Memberships available to those 45 years and under, gives access to all the club's social amenities, including the club restaurant pool, tennis courts, 24-hour fitness center, golf practice facilities, Diamond Dunes par 3 course, and unlimited golf on all three Tom Fazio designed courses. Sport Members at Black Diamond have access to the club social amenities, plus the pool and the fitness center, while a Black Diamond Social Membership includes access to the club restaurant.

Image(s) courtesy of: blackdiamondranch.com