CLIENT FEATURE
Black Diamond Ranch digs out its place as a top Florida golf community
When it comes to Florida golf communities, nothings sparkles more than a black diamond. Specifically: the Black Diamond Ranch golf community on the Citrus Coast.
It has been 20 years now, but as every year passes, more and more will come to appreciate what Stan Olsen and Tom Fazio have accomplished in Lecanto, Fla. The work of Olsen and Fazio has made Black Diamond Ranch a golf community that is ranked nationally for the quality of its 45 holes of golf, as well as its relaxed, soothing family atmosphere.
A luxurious golf community away from the often chaotic pace of today's world, Black Diamond Ranch is close enough to city life to keep residents in the loop and close to all the amenities of big cities, but secluded enough - and full enough of its own amenities - that residents will feel they are truly a world apart. Add to that the incredible golf created by Fazio, and it's easy to see why Black Diamond Ranch has been acknowledged by some of the nation's most prominent golf and real estate publications as one of the top golf communities on the planet.
Black Diamond Ranch golf
There are 45 holes of golf all told at Black Diamond Ranch, and the 18 that make up the Quarry Course are consistently ranked as some of the top in the entire nation. Ranked No. 24 out of the Top-100 golf courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest, the Quarry Course is truly a unique run that benefited from the foresight of Olsen and the brilliance of Fazio. Prior to the start of their epic journey, Olsen made it clear to Fazio what he wanted:
"You build the best golf course in the world, and I'll figure out where the homes will go," Olsen said.
Prior to building the Quarry Course, Olsen and Fazio were faced with two large limestone quarries that were eyesores, to say the least. When the design was finished, however, those limestone quarries had been majestically transformed into a five-hole stretch that both dazzles golfers, but defines both the course and the vision of Black Diamond Ranch. In the end, the two quarries were transformed into holes 13-17, five of the most scenic, most photographed and most challenging holes in all of Florida.
Overall, the Quarry Course is a testament to diversity and Fazio's imagination. Man-made lakes and bunkers add to the challenge of the Quarry Course, where dramatic elevation changes in elevation, open fairways, and the intense beauty of Florida's natural vegetation showcase a course that has thrilled golfers since its opening in 1987.
Adding to the Quarry Course's splendor is the Ranch Course. Starting as nine-hole course in 1993 before graduating to a full 18 holes in 1997, the Ranch Course at Black Diamond Ranch has a more rugged quality than the Quarry Course, as golfers will play through fairways framed by an abundance of oaks, tawny sand and native vegetation. For the Ranch Course, Fazio truly stayed true to the natural landscape, create a course that is at once forgiving, while providing low-handicappers a stern challenge at times.
No stranger to accolades itself, the Ranch Course has been named as the No. 9 course in Florida in Golfweek's list of "Best U.S. Residential Golf Courses." Other golf options at Black Diamond include the nine-hole Highlands Course and "Diamond Dunes," a four-hole, par-3 course.
Black Diamond Ranch amenities
|
More than 500 members have joined Black Diamond Ranch since opened its gates in December 1987. And while the homes are spectacular, Black Diamond was a true golf community from the start, as the focus was on world-class golfing options. Yet there is plenty more to appreciate when it comes to the community itself.
Black Diamond offers its members a plethora of other sporting and social activities, and the 28,000 square-foot Clubhouse offers a full schedule of events and activities and is a great place for both casual and fine dining experience. Other activities at the Club include theme dinners, dinner-dances, poolside cookouts, bridge, gin, yoga, aerobics, cooking classes, gardening, flower-arranging, reading, fishing, bible studies and community service projects.
As well as serving as the focal point for community activities, the clubhouse also has spacious locker rooms, a fitness center with a professional personal trainer as well as the golf shop. Outside, the Clubhouse includes a tennis facility replete with two Har-Tru courts and a spacious swimming pool where water-aerobics classes are regularly held.
Black Diamond Ranch real estate
Much like the golf that makes its home at Black Diamond, the homes of Black Diamond Ranch are equally inspiring. Only the top standards of building and craftsmanship are accepted at Black Diamond Village and Estate homes. For members, choice is key, as Black Diamond has a wide variety of homes and home sites that will fit any buyer's needs and wants. Village homes are built on home sites nearly one-third acre and with homes that range in size from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet.
The custom-built Estate homes take it a notch further with sites ranging from three-quarters of an acre to more than one-and-one-half acres and with a wide variety of custom homes.
For more information on Black Diamond Ranch see blackdiamondranch.com or call (800) 328-8099 or (352) 746-7400. For Black Diamond Ranch real estate information, call (352)746-7400.
June 9, 2008
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
