GOLF Magazine....

LIVING ON THE LINKS

FOUR PERFECT POSSIBILITIES

Quite simply, there's no better way to improve the quality of your life (and your golf game) than by living on the links. A luxurious lifestyle that includes an ideal residence, upscale community amenities, and great golf is perhaps the perfect way to live. The following four examples are perfect possibilities of that life.

For further information, just call the numbers or visit the websites listed. For even easier service and material from a variety of resources, just complete our handy Reader Service Page.

THE CLIFFS COMMUNITIES

The Cliffs Communities are truly the triple crown of golf course real estate in the Carolinas. Situated at the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains are three extraordinary communities, each uniquely different in setting and style for golf and living.

One is set on a 3,000-foot mountaintop, another is nestled in a valley, and one more lies along the shores of a pristine lake. Together, they are known as The Cliffs Communities, with a common thread of quality and unwavering respect for the land and the game of golf running through all three.

These perfect settings require the perfect location. Although private and secluded, the three communities are all less than 35 minutes from the major cities of Greenville, South Carolina and Hendersonville, North Carolina, as well as being less than two hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

Well-respected developer Jim Anthony began The Cliffs Communities with the 3,500-acre Cliffs at Glassy atop a 3,000-foot plateau overlooking downtown Greenville. The award-winning golf course was designed by Tom Jackson and includes dazzling mountain views on 15 of its 18 holes. The atmosphere is enhanced by a 22,000 square-foot clubhouse, which offers formal and casual dining, as well as cocktails by the hearth or overlooking the mountains. Like the homes throughout the Cliffs at Glassy, the clubhouse's architectural elements have been taken from nature to strike a perfect balance.

Anthony followed this successful development with Cliffs Valley in 1993. This 1,500-acre property offers a sanctuary nestled between the rising mountain ridges. Lush fairways on the British links-style course wind along the valley floor, while quarried stone bridges carry golfers over rushing streams. With a variety of lots averaging about an acre, golf, tennis, and swimming, Cliffs Valley offers an ideal lifestyle and mountain retreat just minutes from the city.

As the most recent of The Cliffs Communities, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, is the crowning glory of this triple crown of luxury living. With 15 miles of shoreline on a spectacular lake and a golf course by Tom Fazio, it's now even more difficult to choose which Cliffs option is best.

On the heels of the success of all three communities, Anthony is also active in furthering the growth of the area. This includes the 200-acre Christian Wilderness Camp, Pinnacle Point, and the upcoming 1,400-acre wellness lodge, The Retreat at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.

Though it's best to plan a personal visit, The Cliffs Communities can also be explores in the internet (www.cliffsgolf.com). For further information, complete the Reader Service Page or call (800) 884-2958.

FORD'S COLONY

Most real estate experts will tell you that the three most important things to consider are location, location, and location. Williamsburg's Ford's Colony would certainly please the experts (and many potential buyers).

Just outside Williamsburg proper, Ford's Colony is one of America's premier residential communities. Peaceful, quiet, and stunningly beautiful, Ford's Colony is a place where smart buyers finally enjoy the rewards of their success on and off the links.

More than half of Ford's Colony's 2,500 acres--breathtaking woodlands and wetlands filled with wildlife--have been permanently set aside, never to be developed. That's one reason Ford's Colony has received many awards for its conservation efforts, including the "Take Pride in America" award presented by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Ford's Colony was also voted the "Number One Master Plan in the U.S." by the American Resort Development Association and one of the "99 Best Private Communities in America" by John Wiley and Sons Publishing.

Of course, the world-renowned golf is the main attraction for many residents. Ford's Colony currently boats 36 holes of Dan Maples-designed golf, with another 18 being developed by the legendary architect. Lush fairways sweep through the Virginia countryside toward emerald greens, crowned by sand and embraced by water.

But the elegant links lifestyle doesn't stop on the 18th green. The Ford's Colony Country Club awaits. It is home to The Dining Room--renowned repeat winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond and DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) awards. Highlights include incredible creative cuisine and a wine cellar that boasts more than 900 labels and has received the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine.

The club, a home away from home for many residents, also offers its own Pro Shop, with men's and women's fashions, The Grille Room, a restaurant offering casual dining, and Harry's Tavern, which features dining for members only. Nearby, there are also tennis courts, a swimming pool, and jogging trails to top off Ford's Colony's superb recreational mix.

Beautiful homesites are nestled along the golf courses, nature preserves, and in the midst of the Old Dominion's rolling country side. The smartly planned neighborhoods feature homesites to suit all buyers, including meticulously maintained fairways, tranquil ponds, and private woodlands. Classically-inspired homes blend traditional and contemporary styling inspired by the architecture of nearby Colonial Williamsburg.

Individual homesites start at only $57,500, while affordable homes start at just $225,000. Luxury townhomes range from $185,000 and up. Many buyers find that they can purchase a home at Ford's Colony--along with all the wonderful amenities that come with it--for an amount equal to the selling price of their present home.

Naturally, many are also drawn to Ford's Colony because of its proximity to Colonial Williamsburg. After a morning of golf and lunch at the Country Club, residents can enjoy the architecture and spirit of our nation's past. In addition, you're only a short drive away from historic Jamestown, Yorktown, and the beautiful James River Plantations. Modern amenities and culture complete the mix.

It's easy to see why Ford's Colony is so successful, drawing a mix of retired residents and younger families to this unique lifestyle on (and off) the links. For further information, visit their website (www.fordscolony.com), complete the Reader Service Page, or call (800) 334-6033.

THE RESIDENCES AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE

If you want to live at golf's ultimate destination, World Golf Village--and what golfer wouldn't--then The Residences at World Golf Village await. Luxury golf course condominium living has arrived in Northeast Florida, providing for a quality maintenance-free lifestyle.

Ecoventure WGV, Ltd., an affiliate of EcoGroup, Inc. of Naples and Tampa, made its debut with The Residences at World Golf Village in mid-1998, coinciding with the opening of the one-of-a-kind golf complex. The condominium homes are currently available for sale and sales a far ahead of projections.

The Residences, the only gated community at the World Golf Village, offers condominium homes that are ideal for primary residential, second home, or corporate use. With prices in the $250,000 to $525,000 range, the development features spacious floor plans and luxury appointments, lush landscaping, and expansive views of the golf course, lakes, nature preserves, and the World Golf Village.

Many of the condominium homes front "The Slammer and The Squire," the first of three championship golf courses to be built at World Golf Village. The Residences in the only community at World Golf Village to offer golf course frontage.

Larger than the standard condominium home, The Residences features three and four bedrooms, with approximately 2,500 to 3,600 square feet per home, volume ceilings, bedroom suites with private baths, and oversized master bath areas with his and her vanities and walk-in closets.

Other indulgences include walk-in showers, luxury kitchen cabinetry with Corian countertops, G.E. Profile appliances, and crown molding in non-vaulted living rooms, dining rooms, and master suites. All top floor condominium homes feature vaulted ceilings and all ground floor homes offer nine-foot ceilings and private decks. All homes include large private screened lanais. Covered parking is standard for each condominium home and ample parking for guests is conveniently located throughout the community.

The community will include on-site amenities available only to homeowners. Recreational amenities available to residents include: tennis courts; heated pools, spa, and fitness center; concierge, business, and housekeeping services; a Community Conference Center and community room; memberships to The Lodge & Beach Club at Ponte Vedra Beach and three-year associate memberships to the renowned Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass; and residential memberships for priority access to all World Golf Village golf courses. Each condominium home purchaser will also receive passes to the annual World Golf Village Hall of Fame induction ceremony, badges to golf events and exhibits surrounding the ceremony, and discounts for VIP services established for the Hall of Fame and World Golf Village golf events.

With a grand opening last May, World Golf Village features the World Golf Hall of Fame, an IMAX Theater, the new headquarters for PGA Tour Productions, the 300-room World Golf Village Resort Hotel, the 80,000 square-foot Saint Johns County Convention Center, a Mayo Clinic family care facility breaking ground this year, one championship golf course and two more coming, The Shops at World Golf Village (including PGA TOUR SHOP), and much more. It will be a true golf mecca.

Those looking for a carefree luxury lifestyle on the links can find their new home without leaving their current one. With a few keystrokes, potential homebuyers can also find their new address at The Residences at Golf Village (www.wgvresidences.com). For further information, complete the Reader Service Page or call (904) 940-5500.

TIDEWATER GOLF CLUB & PLANTATION

Located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just 10 minutes north of Myrtle Beach and three miles from the ocean, Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation offers an extraordinary semi-private lifestyle within the excitement of South Carolina's famed Grand Strand. This 560-acre established residential community is located on a pristine forested peninsula that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and saltwater marshes.

The centerpiece of this highly successful development is Tidewater Golf Club, a championship 18-hole golf course recognized as one of America's finest layouts. In fact, a recent GOLF Magazine poll voted Tidewater the 8th favorite public access course in the nation, just after legendary options like Pebble Beach and Cypress Point.

The golf course community is also known for its unique natural surroundings and beautiful selection of homes and homesites. A distinctive selection of residential lifestyle choices are available and come together to create an active and thriving community. The community was designed for homeowners and golfers to live and play together in harmony with nature.

Each neighborhood within Tidewater features a unique architectural style and nature-inspired landscaping. Homes range from luxurious villas to spacious courtyard homes and custom-finished residences. All homesites at Tidewater have been carefully master-planned to protect Tidewater's dense maritime forest and to maximize views of picture perfect fairways, freshwater ponds, the Intracoastal Waterway, saltwater marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean. Great attention has been given to small details like rolled curb and gutters and streetlights.

Of course, Tidewater homeowners receive special golf privileges at Tidewater Golf Club. Built on a spectacular piece of property, Tidewater Golf Club follows the land's natural contours and features numerous elevation changes unique for South Carolina. The course's challenging layout meanders alongside the waterway and saltwater marshes, as well as through dense forest accented by scenic hills, valleys, streams, and lakes.

The architect, Ken Tomlinson, designed the course with five tee boxes and crafted multiple landing areas, which allow golfers of all levels to play the same clubs from tee to green. With its classic design and bent-grass greens, the course offers exhilarating rewards to players who take challenges, use strategic thinking, and welcome risk-taking.

Tidewater residents also enjoy access to Tidewater's private Swim & Racquet Club. The hub of community activity, the facility features a beautiful clubhouse, a junior Olympic-sized pool, Jacuzzi and kiddy pool, lighted professional Hydrocourt clay tennis courts, meeting facilities, a catering kitchen, and spacious patios.

Unveiled last March, Tidewater's 18,000-square-foot golf clubhouse is an upscale facility, with an attractive owner's parlor, a museum-like archaeological display in the main gallery, private lockers, and a spacious pro shop. The clubhouse also features a superb restaurant, The Clubhouse Grille, overlooking the 9th and 18th greens.

Many visitors are particularly interested in Tidewater's three most recent offerings. First, Phase II at The Bluffs has homesites overlooking salt marshes, pristine forest, the Atlantic Ocean, and the golf course. There is also a private amenities center, where The Bluffs' homeowners can swim, play bocci ball, and relax.

Next, South Island offers 31 single-family homesites between the Intracoastal Waterway and Tidewater's award-winning golf course. Accessible by bridge, the community offers dramatic views not seen anywhere else on the Grand Strand, as well as Charleston-style homes, private docks for waterfront homesites, a community dock, and an exclusive pool and cabana.

Finally, Clubhouse Villas, Tidewater's newest development, is situated along the 18th hole. These two and three-bedroom villas, situated especially close to the clubhouse, feature spectacular views of the golf course, saltwater marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway. There are also several completed communities within Tidewater that have been developed since its beginning in 1990. These include single-family homes and villas located on lakes, wooded lots, and the golf course.

New homesites at Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation range from around $60,000s to the $300,000s. New villas start from around $130,000, while new homes range begin at the $200,000s. For further information, visit their extensive website (www.tide-water.com), complete the Reader Service Page or call (800) 843-3234.