GOLDEN OCALA GOLF AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB
It’s been about ten days now since I have gotten home from my wonderful golf and equestrian vacation in Ocala. Therefore … I have been taking a little vacation from my vacation…but now I am back writing all about one of the highlights of the trip. Before leaving Southern Pines, I made a call to the real estate office of Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.
I knew I wanted to learn more about it and the 1,300 acres of countryside beauty in the heart of Florida’s horse country. Unquestionably, it is everything Courses And Horses is all about! They say “let your spirits soar within this secured retreat for it is here that you’ll give free rein to two of your most cherished passions, the multifaceted, paradoxical sport of golf and the inspirational pastime of equestrian”. Now we are talking! It is also the home to the new World Equestrian Center (which I will write about on Thursday). We were fortunate enough to get a tour of BOTH!
As we entered the gates of Golden Ocala
… we were of course greeted by a very friendly gate attendant. This exclusive community is home to championship golf and tennis, an equestrian center, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and a stately 77,000 square foot clubhouse which is gorgeous! The magic first began with the vision and desire of one remarkable family, the Roberts Family (we did get to meet Robbie Roberts!). The family wanted to create a wonderland for horse and golf lovers alike!!
Our day started off with a chance to play this amazing course! Rated in the top 50 courses in Florida by Golfweek Magazine, this unique course features eight pattern holes that have been selected from the best courses in Scotland and America. My favorite was the “Road Hole” from The Old Course at St. Andrews, which is the 13th hole at Golden Ocala. I even made par on this difficult hole!!!
The “Road Hole” at Golden Ocala
While this is a member’s only course, if you stay on property in one of the rentals (and there are many), you are able to use all of the facilities. Furthermore, they even have out of state membership options.
After golf
… we enjoyed walking around the 77,000 square foot clubhouse. The towering oaks that surround it make it very welcoming. It is dotted with classic artwork, cozy fireplaces and elegantly comfortable furnishings. A spacious veranda awaits those who enjoy having dinner or drinks overlooking the course.
The Clubhouse at Golden Ocala
When you are done playing golf, saddle up for a quiet ride beneath many of the trails that wind through the community. The stable facilities are spacious and they offer riding lessons for all ages so the entire family can enjoy horseback riding!
We also had the opportunity to see some of the housing options that Golden Ocala has to offer. Realtor Mike Mooney shared with us several of the condo’s that overlook the course and are very centrally located in the community. They are called Eagles Landing. They are turn-key Townhomes that would be perfect for someone coming down to Florida for the winter season. Check them out …
If you are looking for a place to vacation for a few months in the winter (I will DEFINITELY BE BACK) or to possibly move to and you love horses and golf…Golden Ocala should be at the top of your list!
