“S ome want to be on the fairway with their morning coffee and watch the golf carts go by,” says Jason Becker, chief executive of Golf Life Navigators, a site matching people with golf memberships and homes. Others crave a garage with room for a golf cart “to take the grandkids to the pool”.
Many also delight in the amenity-laden communal living and security country club enclaves provide. In Palm Springs, Scottsdale, Naples, Palm Beach and Hilton Head, most private clubs are gated and guarded.
“Golf is the common theme, but socialisation comes with the lifestyle”
Golf homes are also designed for entertaining. At Desert Mountain, a double-gated golf and active lifestyle community in Arizona, a newly remodelled house has a round Great Room with picture windows overlooking the 15th hole of the Geronimo, one of seven golf courses. “It’s a riff on contemporary Pueblo-style,” says Daniel Wolski of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. A roof deck with a fire pit is “set up for mountain and golf course views with sunsets and city lights on the wide horizon”.
In the backyard, there’s a putting green, saltwater pool and spa. The outdoor kitchen has a smoker and an Evo griddle for alfresco cooking — when there’s time to dine at home amid the whirl of communal activities.
“Golf is the common theme, but socialisation comes with the lifestyle,” Becker says. “You see your neighbours for dinner and play golf with them.” Desert Mountain has seven clubhouses, each with at least one restaurant. Activities include book, fishing and hunting clubs and ‘Yappy hour’ at the dog park. Twenty miles of private hiking trails are at Desert Mountain’s northern end.
Golf community developers worldwide incorporate family-focused amenities, Becker says. Golf homes in Jamaica enjoy lush greenery, beach clubs, and other top Caribbean resort amenities. In Chile, a private estate home has its own nine-hole course. A golf condominium includes an equestrian club. The all-inclusive Eagle Canyon Golf and Lifestyle Estate in Johannesburg has entry-level to multi-million dollar residences, 13 parks, fishing dams, a car wash and dry cleaning services.
Opening this year near Palm Beach, Panther National is upping the ante. Its custom homes include garages with a golf cart space, electric car chargers and private pools. Besides the golf course, a training facility features the latest ball-tracing technology, an indoor simulator and a putting room. A family wellness centre has a spa with rejuvenation and beauty services and a yoga studio.
After all, golf is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle.
Scottsdale, Arizona
A contemporary interpretation of Pueblo-style architecture, this home has been transformed to make the most of today’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The elevated location straddles a hill on the 15th hole of Geronimo, offering sunset views with mountain silhouettes in the backdrop. The home itself uses water, metal, glass, stone and wood to create an elegant, serene ambiance. The metal courtyard gates open to porcelain tiles, desert vegetation, a babbling brook feature and an outdoor fireplace. Step inside the massive circular Pueblo great room, with a linear fireplace and picture windows, and admire the views through the sliding glass doors.
$7,600,000
Property ID: 64WPL4
russlyon.com
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
Dan Wolski 480.266.7557
Wellington, Florida
Nestled on Blue Cypress Lane in the coveted subdivision of Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club, this four-bed, 4.5-bathroom property features some of the best lake and golf course views in the Polo Club. The residence sits a wedge shot away from the famous island-green par-three 11th hole on the Cypress Course. With high-end finishes including hardwood floors, enjoy the summer kitchen, spacious patio and sleek pool.
$4,699,999
Property ID: 8T3VK9
sothebysrealty.com
Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty
Adam Blauweiss 561.846.1935
Windrush Villa, Tryall Club, Hanover, Jamaica
Fall in love with Jamaica at Windrush Villa. Situated in the exclusive Tryall Club, the villa sits on the historic golf course, offering enthusiasts a chance to engage with the sport. Sitting across five acres, this stunning villa has six ocean-view bedrooms over three buildings. With a private wine cellar, 1,300 sq ft pool and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, enjoy lush landscapes and ethereal ocean views.
$3,500,000
Property ID: Y6DWXR
sothebysrealty.com.jm
Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty
Keody Thompson 876.417.9819
Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
This recently updated modern retreat is situated at the end of Tylers Creek Road just past the putting green. The private estate overlooks Farm Neck Golf Course, and the living room’s floor-to- ceiling windows give impressive views of Sengekontacket Pond. The first-floor primary bedroom leads seamlessly out to the hot tub and outdoor shower. Farm Neck Golf Course is known for its beauty, and has a reputation for being one of the premier golfing experiences in the Northeast.
$9,750,000
Property ID: JYPPX4
wallacemv.com
Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty
Thomas C. Wallace 508.627.2777
Hurricane, Utah
Located on the 11th hole of the Copper Rock Golf Course and set among the iconic sandstone desert landscape of Southern Utah, this new custom home features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and comes fully furnished. This community allows for nightly rentals, making this move-in ready property a perfect primary home or vacation rental. Copper Rock Golf Course is located in Southern Utah’s Hurricane Valley, and offers an adventurous 6,901-yard course.
$1,375,000
Property ID: NGTJ8X
summitsothebysrealty.com
Summit Sotheby’s International Realty
Jim Lyman 714.794.8311
Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Perched 100ft above sea level, this secluded ocean view residence and guest house are situated next to the Plantation Golf Course in the exclusive Kapalua Resort. An architectural stunning masterpiece designed to maximise Pacific Ocean views and Maui sunlight, the home incorporates a traditional floor plan with modern living influences. It includes an infinity-edge pool and champagne spa fronting a private panoramic ocean view. An avid golfer’s dream, the estate sits across the street from the first hole and includes a more than four- acre undeveloped lot paralleling the sea from the 12th fairway on Kapalua’s Plantation Golf Course.
$24,900,000
Property ID: 9R4FZY
islandsothebysrealty.com
Island Sotheby’s International Realty
Scott Carroll 808.495.6236
Naples, Florida
The open floor plan of this 6,000 sq ft masterpiece exudes Old Florida charm. Located along the widest canal in Aqualane Shores, the residence has hardwood floors and shiplap siding, and is enhanced by mesmerising water views. The main living areas include a two-storey great room, a gourmet kitchen with two islands, and a spacious family room, which opens to the covered, screened porch with outdoor kitchen, fireplace and pizza oven. The private master wing has separate dressing spaces, as well as a study that can serve as a guest suite. Outside, there is an infinity-edge pool and putting green, and a boat slip with 34,000lb lift, offering direct access to the canal. The 500+ bottle wine room, wet bar, safe room and 12-car garage make this truly a one-of-a-kind wonder.
$17,495,000
Property ID: 5JPHNJ
sothebysrealty.com
Premier Sotheby's International Realty
Bill Frantz +1 330.329.0077
Queensland, Australia
This golfer’s dream is located in one of the most desirable suburbs in the Sunshine coast, surrounded by a championship golf course and just minutes away from beaches and fine dining. There's even a putting and chipping green to hone in your skills before hitting the course. Positioned perfectly on the seventh fairway, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is great for entertaining, with plenty of space for wining and dining.
Price Upon Request
Property ID: PR5ZQW
sothebysrealty.com
Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty
Richard Bowen +61 401 734 586
Roodepoort, South Africa
With one of the best positions in Eagle Canyon, this property has sweeping views over the course. The impressive entrance has a koi pond, bridge and tropical gardens – adds an ethereal element. On the entrance level, the formal lounge and guest suite has its own cloakroom. The open-plan living area includes a delightful kitchen with breakfast bar. When you return from a day of golf, savour the wine cellar, games room, jacuzzi and bar, with doors that open to a spacious patio.
R11,700,000
sothebysrealty.co.za
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
Debby Woodward +2782 889 7903
Cape Town, South Africa
This peaceful sanctuary incorporates four en-suite bedrooms, a farmhouse kitchen and undercover patio. Nestled behind established trees for complete privacy, there are still glorious views across the fairway and access to the 18-hole course. The Steenberg Golf Estate is in the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley vineyards, and adjoins the Steenberg winery, hotel and spa. Owners receive an exclusive golf club membership.
$1,240,000
Property ID: CCCVK5
sothebysrealty.com
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty
Steve Thomas +2784 471-4722 /
Dave Burger +2783 458-3333
Golf Lomas, La Dehesa, Chile
Unique design and architecture are just two features of this house in the exclusive Club Lomas condominium in La Dehesa. Designed on three levels, the property’s entrance hall has large windows giving panoramic views of the golf courses and the Andes Mountains. With natural wooden floors and stone walls giving a special warmth to the interiors, the living and dining rooms connect to a large terrace, which functions as a second living area. The beautiful garden, pool and barbecue area add to the reasons this is a modern and welcoming place to live.
US$2,318,128
Property ID: WJFGWD
chilesir.com
Chile Sotheby’s International Realty
Alejandra Borrás +56 9 9251 3455
Cornelius, North Carolina
Nestled on the Peninsula Golf Course next to Lake Norman, this remarkable brick estate has a stately exterior with timeless details. The curved staircase sits in the two-storey foyer, which is open to the dining and living rooms to create comfortable luxury. The great room, with dual verandas, offers breathtaking views of the golf course for year-round enjoyment. Escape to the owners’ private wing on the main level, with an executive office, morning wet bar, opulent bedroom and bathroom and a sunroom with private deck and hot tub. The Peninsula Club and Yacht Club offer memberships creating resort-style living with plenty of amenities, including a golf course, club house, pool, fitness centre, playground and tennis court.
$3,650,000
Property ID: W2FCFC
sothebysrealty.com
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Ben Bowen +1 704.572.6070