For passionate golfers, there’s nothing better than getting out onto the course as much as you can. Over the past several decades, many developers have catered to the needs of affluent players and have built private communities where they can live minutes away from their very own course.
In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, we have our own fair share of gated golf communities where residents can play to their hearts’ content. But with so many of these neighborhoods around, it’s important to do your research to find the right place for you. Whether you’re looking to retire or searching for your ideal vacation home, here are 7 tips and secrets to help you choose the right golf community for you.
Additional Amenities
Although it’s nice to be part of your own private golf course, you may find yourself wanting a change of pace from time to time. This often overlooked aspect can be the determining factors when you’re looking to find the best fit for you and your family — especially if some of your family members don’t enjoy golfing! For this reason, it’s important to select a community that caters to the needs of all their residents with other easily accessible amenities, such as natural areas,, gardens, tennis and pickleball and more.
For example, here at Long Cove Club, we’re located right on the banks of our own deep water marina where our members can enjoy time on the water, either with their own boats or with our shared kayaks at no additional charge. Clubs that show innovation by providing other activities, ensure that the overall living experience is positive and appealing for all their members.
Understanding Fees
For many people who have already joined a gated golf club, they may have found themselves with more financial commitment than what they bargained for. Private communities understandably have membership fees, but may also have costs in other areas, such as food, guest fees, property taxes, and prices for other facilities on their grounds. Before joining, you should understand the financial commitment that you’ll undertake.
To make the decision process easier for you, check online and see if your desired club shows their fees upfront so you can plan out the areas that you’ll need to set money aside for. Also, it doesn’t hurt to hire an experienced broker who’s familiar with the surrounding area and can introduce you to the staff of the club you’re looking at. This way, you’ll gain a better understanding of the quality of living, financial commitments, and more so you can make an educated decision.
Atmosphere and Community
A gated golf community could offer the best course in the world, affordable pricing, and group activities, but if the atmosphere isn’t welcoming, is it really worth it? After all, if you’re going to commit to joining an exclusive neighborhood, you’ll want to look forward to spending your time there and not dread interacting with unwelcoming members. Before you commit to one place over another, scheduling a visit is a great way to gain a sense of the overall atmosphere. If you can easily picture yourself having a good time with the staff and other residents, then chances are it could be the right place for you.
Golf Course
Of course, one of the biggest determining factors for joining a private golf community is the actual course and experience itself. For avid players, the course shouldn’t be too easy or else it would lose its appeal rather quickly.
On the flip side, it shouldn’t be too challenging either or else it would be too frustrating to play when you’re simply looking to enjoy your down time. In order to find the right community for you, look for a golf course that accommodates your skill level and simultaneously provides a gorgeous backdrop that leaves a lasting impression on your mind.
Location
Despite what you might believe, golf-centered neighborhoods aren’t just for retirees alone. Here at Long Cove Club, many of our members still work locally or have purchased real estate as a second home and come and go as they please. For these individuals, location played a major role in their decision to join. The major airports around Hilton Head allow them to have quick and easy access to their property while the town’s local shopping centers, medical facilities, night life, and more are only minutes away. When looking to join your own private golf community, taking location into account allows you to make the right choice that suits your own lifestyle. In the end, you should enjoy where you live, so location will play a major role in your decision.
Safety and Privacy
If you’re going to purchase real estate in a golf-centered neighborhood, then you need to be aware of the privacy (or lack thereof) that comes with it. Living on a course may seem like a great idea, but if the homes are right along any of the 18 holes, would you be comfortable with daily players that are constantly within view of your residence?
For some people, the view is worth it. For others, it’s a big drawback and they’re more interested in locations that are on a water, marsh or wooded view lot. In any golf community, you should be able to have your choice, just be sure to think about it before a purchase.
The right neighborhood should be welcoming and you should enjoy the company of other members, but you should also be able to enjoy your own privacy as well. To help you make an informed decision, see if the area you’re considering lists their homes on their website to obtain a better idea of the privacy that comes with it.
How about safety? Ask around to see what the security is like. This is especially important if this is going to be a second home. Does the security team do special checks on homes that are vacant for an extended time? This could be important even if this is your primary home, but you tend to vacation for lots of weeks during the year. And again, scheduling a visit is a great way to “test drive” different clubs so you can talk to people and see firsthand what it’s all about.
Awards, Recognition, and Testimonials
Awards and recognition are another great way to see what gated golf communities have to offer so you can make an informed decision. If they’ve been awarded, it shows their areas of strength and how they continuously provide the best experience for their residents. Testimonials from key figures in the golfing community can give you a sneak peak of the golfing experience while testimonials from actual members can help you obtain a better idea of daily living.
It All Starts With Research
To sum everything up, choosing to purchase real estate in a private golf community is a serious undertaking so, ideally, you should be informed of all aspects before making your decision. With our guide, we hope to give you a strong starting point so you can make the right choice for you and your family.
If you’re around Hilton Head or looking for the best golf community in South Carolina, our proud staff at Long Cove Club is more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started today!