The editors of Golf Inc. magazine announced that Linville Ridge Country Club, in Linville, North Carolina, has been selected as the winner in the $1.6 Million-$4 Million project category of the 2009 Golf Inc. “Renovation of the Year Competition”.
This year’s entries for Renovation of the Year were exceptional,” said Katina Cavagnaro, publisher of Golf, Inc. “We are honored to highlight these outstanding renovation projects from some of the world’s most distinguished operators and notable courses.”
All winners and finalists will be recognized in the summer issue of Golf Inc. magazine. Judges for the competition were John Harbottle of John Harbottle Design, Jeff Brauer of GolfScapes and Doc Belitz of OB Sports.
This winning entry began 25 years ago when Raymond Lutgert and son, Scott, brought in an engineering firm from Augusta, Georgia to determine how a golf course could be constructed on the mountain. They looked on top of the mountain and then at some lower, flatter terrain along the northern end of the property and after careful examination and consideration, the decision was made to build the course on the Blue Ridge Mountaintop because of the incredible views. However, a few years ago, as the club approached its milestone anniversary, Scott Lutgert began to reassess the course’s conditions.
“We have a lot of pride in our course, and we want to remain one of the premier courses in North Carolina,” said Scott. “I really liked the Olde Farm Golf Club near Bristol, VA; which Bobby Weed designed, so I had him examine our course,” said Scott Lutgert, referring to the layout that Golf Digest ranked as the best new private course in America in 2000.
Weed’s opinion of the course was mixed. “The decision and investment to build the course right on the mountaintop was inspired, but the details of the layout were showing their age.”
In particular, Weed felt the bunkering could be much improved. Most of Linville Ridge’s holes had bunkers guarding the front of the greens. Weed opened up the front of the greens to create an option for shots to reach them by air as well as by ground. Many of the bunkers had evolved into ovals of similar size and shape. Weed established more broken lines in keeping with the rugged mountain terrain and revised their positioning to reflect the modern game.
“When the course was built,” Weed continued, “people used persimmon drivers and balata balls. Our objective was to improve the playability and interest of each golf hole to reflect the technology today. We wanted to provide a fun and interesting experience for all golfers by giving them strategic choices. We altered the placing of bunkers, varied their size, shape, depth and location. Some tees were shifted for better angles. We created more options for all calibers of players, thus making for a more fun and interesting round.”
Linville Ridge holds the distinction as the highest course east of the Mississippi. “What makes this place so special from the other area courses is that you are looking down on everything,” said Weed. “You are on top of the world and the course tumbles around the ridges. We simply added character to freshen it up.”
Linville Ridge’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve Sheets, oversaw the renovation, which was completed in spring 2009. Concludes Sheets, “When I look down at the dramatic bunkering around number thirteen green, it looks like we have a brand new golf course again, and I cannot help but smile.”
About Linville Ridge
Construction began in 1980 by developer Raymond Lutgert and his son Scott, Linville Ridge is a luxury mountain golf course retreat located in the western North Carolina Mountains near Blowing Rock, Boone and Asheville. Linville Ridge offers exclusive North Carolina real estate with spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain, the Mile-high swinging bridge and 50 miles of mountain vistas. The course has been recognized as one of the Top 25 courses in North Carolina. Golf Reporter named it one of North Carolina’s favorite courses and Golfweek reported it as one of the Top 50 courses in the Southeastern United States.
About Bobby Weed Golf Design
Bobby Weed began his architect career working under the tutelage of Pete Dye and later as the Chief Designer for the PGA TOUR. Weed worked on a number of TPC courses, including TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship, before establishing his own firm in 1995. Today, Bobby Weed Golf Design is an internationally recognized leader in the development of golf courses and golf course communities. Based in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Bobby Weed Golf Design offers their clients a refreshing and contrasting style that represents the difference in successful golf development today.
About George Cobb
George Cobb, who had designed several mountain courses in the past, was recommended as the best person to design the course for the Linville Ridge project. High country golfers are quite familiar with Cobb’s work of over 75 golf courses. Local favorites include Hound Ears, Mountain Glen and High Meadows. The most notable course in Cobb’s portfolio is the par-three course at Augusta National. Assisted by Bobby Jones, Cobb made several significant design changes at Augusta National’s famed Masters Course. Linville Ridge would be Cobb’s last course.
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville Ridge, created by The Lutgert Companies, is a spectacular mountaintop golf community. The private country club retreat features an outstanding collection of residences, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, a European-style spa, a fitness center, hiking trails, an international croquet court, golf and tennis pro shops, a heated swimming pool, a variety of culinary options and a 30,000 square-foot Clubhouse. For more information, call (800) 898-5150 or online at www.Linvilleridge.com.
If you ever wanted to see a Dolphin up close, stop by Mercato on Saturday, June 26 for a special evening with the Miami Dolphins! Join the party as 96k-rock kicks off the evening activities at 6pm. The fun continues until 8pm as Miami Dolphins alumni players, cheerleaders, mascot, staff and pre-scout team touchdown across from AZN. Get autographs, have your picture taken, sign up for giveaways, and enjoy live entertainment and much more.
Mercato invites you to shop, dine and discover. Fronting U.S. 41, north of Vanderbilt Beach Road in North Naples, Mercato is the premier lifestyle community.
Anchoring one end of Mercato is Whole Foods Market, the world’s largest natural and organic grocer. Merchants include Books-A-Million, Coldwater Creek, Bobby Chan, Byte Shop/Style, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, Pandora, Signatures, Simply Natural, Spectacles, Sportalm, Sur La Table, Swim ‘n Sport, and Z Gallerie.
To satisfy your appetite, eating establishments include AZN, Bravo! Italiana Cucina, Capital Grille, McCormick and Schmick’s, Piola, PURE Urban Oasis, Stage 62 Deli, The Pub and Yogurbella.
Silverspot Cinema is an 11-screen high-end theatre with the latest movie releases and is complete with reserved seating, and beverages and gourmet food service from the interior restaurant. Blue Martini is a premier martini lounge with live entertainment and 40 select martinis.
Professional office tenants include Merrill Lynch with financial and investment advisory services; and local law firms: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Salvatori Wood Buckel & Weidenmiller, and Wicker Smith O’Hara McCoy & Ford.
The Strada at Mercato, created by The Lutgert Companies, is a residential community comprising 92 luxury condominium residences in two distinct buildings overlooking Strada Place. For more information:http://www.mercatoshops.com/.
Over the past 15 months, the Premier Properties on-site Estuary sales team has been involved in 23 of the last 24 transactions in Estuary and has closed nearly $50 million dollars in sales. During that period, nine villas, three furnished estate model homes, and nine estate homesites sold. Currently, nine new homes are under construction including five custom estate homes.
Why has Estuary at Grey Oaks had such a successful season? Estuary is the place for those with discriminating taste who want to live the Naples’ lifestyle to the fullest. Its natural beauty; amenities; prime in-town location, with close proximity to downtown and beaches; championship golf course; enviable size homesites; and luxury estate homes, built by some of Southwest Florida’s finest custom homebuilders, make Estuary a clear standout and the choice for those who seek only the best in luxury living.
Further energizing Estuary’s success is the professional, on-site sales agents at Estuary’s newly renovated Sales Center. Exclusively represented by Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.®, REALTORS®, the sales team has extensive knowledge of the homes and homesites within Estuary, and in Grey Oaks.
Visitors to the newly redesigned Sales Center will discover wall displays of models, a site plan, and background on the developer. From the convenience of the private conference room, visitors can browse Grey Oaks MLS listings on the new flat panel TV before touring.
Estuary preferred builders BCB Homes, Borelli Construction, Covelli Development Group, Gulfshore Homes, Harwick Homes, and London Bay Homes are the leading custom homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the high-quality custom homes that shape one of Naples’ prime communities.
Borelli Construction has broken ground on their latest model within the Estuary at Grey Oaks. The ‘Cambridge’ model will feature 7,404 square-feet of living space, six bedrooms including a separate two-story apartment with full kitchen and laundry, an expansive outdoor living area with double-sided fireplace, office, china and wine rooms and a considerable master suite complete with separate sitting room and generous his-and-her master bathrooms and closets. The ‘Cambridge’ is anticipated for completion in summer of 2011.
The ‘Mariana’ by Covelli Development Group is Estuary’s first ‘green certified’ new model. Panoramic views of lake, fairway and fifth hole are enjoyed from the six-bedroom home boasting 6,910 square-feet of indoor living space. The home also features a theatre room, cherry library, wine cellar and an exceptional outdoor living with pool, spa, and loggia with summer kitchen.
Harwick Homes professionally decorated and furnished, four-bedroom ‘Calascio’ has 4,946 square-feet of living area. A very spacious kitchen and adjoining family room open to an expansive outdoor living space with summer kitchen, fireplace and pool overlooking lake and fairway.
In the Mirada neighborhood, London Bay Homes presents the four-bedroom ‘Granada VI’ with 6,154 square-feet of living area. Experience the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle as rooms open to an incredible pool area. The ‘Bacara V’ offers 4,998 square-feet under air, three bedrooms, a second story game room and a three-car garage. The refined ‘Chianti III’ presents 5,905 square-feet of indoor living area, three bedrooms, elevator, study, game room, courtyard pool area, three-car garage and 32-foot viewing tower.
Developed by The Lutgert Companies, the distinctive villas of Noble Heron and Marsh Wren are meticulously prepared to provide every desirable comfort in a luxurious, carefree ambiance. A two-story model, the ‘Tallowwood II’ has 4,808 square-feet of living area, four bedrooms, study, secluded grotto and decorative water feature.
Pre-construction opportunities include BCB Homes award-winning ‘Montelena’ model and the magnificent ‘Alamanda’ villa with over 4,000 square-feet under air.
Models are open daily. Visit the Estuary at Grey Oaks on-site Sales Center located off Golden Gate Parkway just west of Airport-Pulling Road or call 239-261-3148. www.estuaryatgreyoaks.com. Over the past 15 months, the Premier Properties on-site Estuary sales team has been involved in 23 of the last 24 transactions in Estuary and has closed nearly $50 million dollars in sales. During that period, nine villas, three furnished estate model homes, and nine estate homesites sold. Currently, nine new homes are under construction including five custom estate homes.
Why has Estuary at Grey Oaks had such a successful season? Estuary is the place for those with discriminating taste who want to live the Naples’ lifestyle to the fullest. Its natural beauty; amenities; prime in-town location, with close proximity to downtown and beaches; championship golf course; enviable size homesites; and luxury estate homes, built by some of Southwest Florida’s finest custom homebuilders, make Estuary a clear standout and the choice for those who seek only the best in luxury living.
Further energizing Estuary’s success is the professional, on-site sales agents at Estuary’s newly renovated Sales Center. Exclusively represented by Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.®, REALTORS®, the sales team has extensive knowledge of the homes and homesites within Estuary, and in Grey Oaks.
Visitors to the newly redesigned Sales Center will discover wall displays of models, a site plan, and background on the developer. From the convenience of the private conference room, visitors can browse Grey Oaks MLS listings on the new flat panel TV before touring.
Estuary preferred builders BCB Homes, Borelli Construction, Covelli Development Group, Gulfshore Homes, Harwick Homes, and London Bay Homes are the leading custom homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the high-quality custom homes that shape one of Naples’ prime communities.
Borelli Construction has broken ground on their latest model within the Estuary at Grey Oaks. The ‘Cambridge’ model will feature 7,404 square-feet of living space, six bedrooms including a separate two-story apartment with full kitchen and laundry, an expansive outdoor living area with double-sided fireplace, office, china and wine rooms and a considerable master suite complete with separate sitting room and generous his-and-her master bathrooms and closets. The ‘Cambridge’ is anticipated for completion in summer of 2011.
The ‘Mariana’ by Covelli Development Group is Estuary’s first ‘green certified’ new model. Panoramic views of lake, fairway and fifth hole are enjoyed from the six-bedroom home boasting 6,910 square-feet of indoor living space. The home also features a theatre room, cherry library, wine cellar and an exceptional outdoor living with pool, spa, and loggia with summer kitchen.
Harwick Homes professionally decorated and furnished, four-bedroom ‘Calascio’ has 4,946 square-feet of living area. A very spacious kitchen and adjoining family room open to an expansive outdoor living space with summer kitchen, fireplace and pool overlooking lake and fairway.
In the Mirada neighborhood, London Bay Homes presents the four-bedroom ‘Granada VI’ with 6,154 square-feet of living area. Experience the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle as rooms open to an incredible pool area. The ‘Bacara V’ offers 4,998 square-feet under air, three bedrooms, a second story game room and a three-car garage. The refined ‘Chianti III’ presents 5,905 square-feet of indoor living area, three bedrooms, elevator, study, game room, courtyard pool area, three-car garage and 32-foot viewing tower.
Developed by The Lutgert Companies, the distinctive villas of Noble Heron and Marsh Wren are meticulously prepared to provide every desirable comfort in a luxurious, carefree ambiance. A two-story model, the ‘Tallowwood II’ has 4,808 square-feet of living area, four bedrooms, study, secluded grotto and decorative water feature.
Pre-construction opportunities include BCB Homes award-winning ‘Montelena’ model and the magnificent ‘Alamanda’ villa with over 4,000 square-feet under air.
Models are open daily. Visit the Estuary at Grey Oaks on-site Sales Center located off Golden Gate Parkway just west of Airport-Pulling Road or call 239-261-3148. www.estuaryatgreyoaks.com. Over the past 15 months, the Premier Properties on-site Estuary sales team has been involved in 23 of the last 24 transactions in Estuary and has closed nearly $50 million dollars in sales. During that period, nine villas, three furnished estate model homes, and nine estate homesites sold. Currently, nine new homes are under construction including five custom estate homes.
Why has Estuary at Grey Oaks had such a successful season? Estuary is the place for those with discriminating taste who want to live the Naples’ lifestyle to the fullest. Its natural beauty; amenities; prime in-town location, with close proximity to downtown and beaches; championship golf course; enviable size homesites; and luxury estate homes, built by some of Southwest Florida’s finest custom homebuilders, make Estuary a clear standout and the choice for those who seek only the best in luxury living.
Further energizing Estuary’s success is the professional, on-site sales agents at Estuary’s newly renovated Sales Center. Exclusively represented by Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.®, REALTORS®, the sales team has extensive knowledge of the homes and homesites within Estuary, and in Grey Oaks.
Visitors to the newly redesigned Sales Center will discover wall displays of models, a site plan, and background on the developer. From the convenience of the private conference room, visitors can browse Grey Oaks MLS listings on the new flat panel TV before touring.
Estuary preferred builders BCB Homes, Borelli Construction, Covelli Development Group, Gulfshore Homes, Harwick Homes, and London Bay Homes are the leading custom homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the high-quality custom homes that shape one of Naples’ prime communities.
Borelli Construction has broken ground on their latest model within the Estuary at Grey Oaks. The ‘Cambridge’ model will feature 7,404 square-feet of living space, six bedrooms including a separate two-story apartment with full kitchen and laundry, an expansive outdoor living area with double-sided fireplace, office, china and wine rooms and a considerable master suite complete with separate sitting room and generous his-and-her master bathrooms and closets. The ‘Cambridge’ is anticipated for completion in summer of 2011.
The ‘Mariana’ by Covelli Development Group is Estuary’s first ‘green certified’ new model. Panoramic views of lake, fairway and fifth hole are enjoyed from the six-bedroom home boasting 6,910 square-feet of indoor living space. The home also features a theatre room, cherry library, wine cellar and an exceptional outdoor living with pool, spa, and loggia with summer kitchen.
Harwick Homes professionally decorated and furnished, four-bedroom ‘Calascio’ has 4,946 square-feet of living area. A very spacious kitchen and adjoining family room open to an expansive outdoor living space with summer kitchen, fireplace and pool overlooking lake and fairway.
In the Mirada neighborhood, London Bay Homes presents the four-bedroom ‘Granada VI’ with 6,154 square-feet of living area. Experience the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle as rooms open to an incredible pool area. The ‘Bacara V’ offers 4,998 square-feet under air, three bedrooms, a second story game room and a three-car garage. The refined ‘Chianti III’ presents 5,905 square-feet of indoor living area, three bedrooms, elevator, study, game room, courtyard pool area, three-car garage and 32-foot viewing tower.
Developed by The Lutgert Companies, the distinctive villas of Noble Heron and Marsh Wren are meticulously prepared to provide every desirable comfort in a luxurious, carefree ambiance. A two-story model, the ‘Tallowwood II’ has 4,808 square-feet of living area, four bedrooms, study, secluded grotto and decorative water feature.
Pre-construction opportunities include BCB Homes award-winning ‘Montelena’ model and the magnificent ‘Alamanda’ villa with over 4,000 square-feet under air.
Models are open daily. Visit the Estuary at Grey Oaks on-site Sales Center located off Golden Gate Parkway just west of Airport-Pulling Road or call 239-261-3148. www.estuaryatgreyoaks.com. Over the past 15 months, the Premier Properties on-site Estuary sales team has been involved in 23 of the last 24 transactions in Estuary and has closed nearly $50 million dollars in sales. During that period, nine villas, three furnished estate model homes, and nine estate homesites sold. Currently, nine new homes are under construction including five custom estate homes.
Why has Estuary at Grey Oaks had such a successful season? Estuary is the place for those with discriminating taste who want to live the Naples’ lifestyle to the fullest. Its natural beauty; amenities; prime in-town location, with close proximity to downtown and beaches; championship golf course; enviable size homesites; and luxury estate homes, built by some of Southwest Florida’s finest custom homebuilders, make Estuary a clear standout and the choice for those who seek only the best in luxury living.
Further energizing Estuary’s success is the professional, on-site sales agents at Estuary’s newly renovated Sales Center. Exclusively represented by Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, Inc.®, REALTORS®, the sales team has extensive knowledge of the homes and homesites within Estuary, and in Grey Oaks.
Visitors to the newly redesigned Sales Center will discover wall displays of models, a site plan, and background on the developer. From the convenience of the private conference room, visitors can browse Grey Oaks MLS listings on the new flat panel TV before touring.
Estuary preferred builders BCB Homes, Borelli Construction, Covelli Development Group, Gulfshore Homes, Harwick Homes, and London Bay Homes are the leading custom homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Their dedication to excellence is evident in the high-quality custom homes that shape one of Naples’ prime communities.
Borelli Construction has broken ground on their latest model within the Estuary at Grey Oaks. The ‘Cambridge’ model will feature 7,404 square-feet of living space, six bedrooms including a separate two-story apartment with full kitchen and laundry, an expansive outdoor living area with double-sided fireplace, office, china and wine rooms and a considerable master suite complete with separate sitting room and generous his-and-her master bathrooms and closets. The ‘Cambridge’ is anticipated for completion in summer of 2011.
The ‘Mariana’ by Covelli Development Group is Estuary’s first ‘green certified’ new model. Panoramic views of lake, fairway and fifth hole are enjoyed from the six-bedroom home boasting 6,910 square-feet of indoor living space. The home also features a theatre room, cherry library, wine cellar and an exceptional outdoor living with pool, spa, and loggia with summer kitchen.
Harwick Homes professionally decorated and furnished, four-bedroom ‘Calascio’ has 4,946 square-feet of living area. A very spacious kitchen and adjoining family room open to an expansive outdoor living space with summer kitchen, fireplace and pool overlooking lake and fairway.
In the Mirada neighborhood, London Bay Homes presents the four-bedroom ‘Granada VI’ with 6,154 square-feet of living area. Experience the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle as rooms open to an incredible pool area. The ‘Bacara V’ offers 4,998 square-feet under air, three bedrooms, a second story game room and a three-car garage. The refined ‘Chianti III’ presents 5,905 square-feet of indoor living area, three bedrooms, elevator, study, game room, courtyard pool area, three-car garage and 32-foot viewing tower.
Developed by The Lutgert Companies, the distinctive villas of Noble Heron and Marsh Wren are meticulously prepared to provide every desirable comfort in a luxurious, carefree ambiance. A two-story model, the ‘Tallowwood II’ has 4,808 square-feet of living area, four bedrooms, study, secluded grotto and decorative water feature.
Pre-construction opportunities include BCB Homes award-winning ‘Montelena’ model and the magnificent ‘Alamanda’ villa with over 4,000 square-feet under air.
Models are open daily. Visit the Estuary at Grey Oaks on-site Sales Center located off Golden Gate Parkway just west of Airport-Pulling Road or call 239-261-3148. www.estuaryatgreyoaks.com.
It is all about Dad! Make it a Father’s Day weekend, and start the celebration at Mercato on Saturday, June 19 from 5-8pm. Enjoy live entertainment, luxury cars and boats on display and fantastic specials by Mercato merchants as we pay tribute to the special men who act as father figures in our lives.
Across from The Pub, Naples own “Tiki Motel” performs an energetic mix of Jazz standards. The group is comprised of previous and current students from Barron Collier High School Jazz Band. Recently formed, the group got together to rehearse by the Tiki Motel, the inspiration for the ensemble’s name. On harmonica, is Zach Lombardo; Morgan Block on trumpet; Alex Hayes on trombone; Christian Ostolaza on drums; Jim Carroll on guitar; Aaron Port on bass and Phil Brindise on trumpet. Working from the Real Book of Jazz, the group takes recognizable Jazz tunes such as Satin Doll and In The Mood, then rearranges and translates from big band sounds to accommodate the smaller band.
Adjacent to Swim ‘n Sport is the acoustic sound of Brandon Anthony duo playing covers of artists including Dave Mathews Band and The Beatles.
Stop by Silverspot Cinema with dad to enjoy an advance high definition screening of the Bruce Springsteen benefit concert London Calling – Live in Hyde Park. Silverspot is contributing 50% of each ticket sold to The Danny Fund/Melanoma Research Alliance http://www.dannyfund.org/, a charity supported by Springsteen. This exclusive preview is at Mercato’s Silverspot on Saturday, June 19th and on June 20th. Please visit www.silverspotcinema.com for additional details.
Naples Devoe Cadillac will have on display an Infiniti 2011 M37, Infiniti 2010 G37 Convertible, and Volvo 2011 C70 Convertible. In addition, luxury boats will be on exhibit courtesy of Marine Max.
An array of merchant specials are found throughout Mercato including an outdoor beer and BBQ tent at AZN. Dine in or out and Dad gets a free dessert with any meal. Pure Urban Oasis is offering a Father’s Day special of an 8-ounce beef filet, two jumbo shrimp potatoes and vegetable for $38. McCormick and Schmick’s chefs will pair up with Sur La Table for some delicious grilled food. Give the chef your feedback after sampling complimentary tasting bites! Piola is giving Dad 50% off dinner and The Pub has a selection of brews to sample.
Cheer with beer, brats, live music and more at Whole Foods Market from 11am-5pm. The first 50 Dads will receive a free goodie bag. In addition, Whole Foods, Whole Body department will have samples of Dad’s favorite products for some great gift ideas.
Discover savings of 30% for Dad at Bobby Chan and Spectacles commemorates Dad with a 15% savings off purchase.
Children are invited to shop with their Dads at Gigi’s Children’s Boutique and receive a discount of 10%.
Located on 52-acres at the intersection of U.S. 41 North and Vanderbilt Beach Road, Mercato is a premier lifestyle community offering the finest in condominium living at The Strada at Mercato together with the best in shopping, dining and entertainment, all in one location. Free covered parking. 239.403.2204 for more information www.mercatonaples.com.
Lutgert commercial developments include The Mercato, the Village on Venetian Bay, and The Promenade at Bonita Bay. In addition, the company’s signature commercial developments include grocery-anchored centers Neapolitan Way and Crossroads Market, and Class A office buildings, Northern Trust and Quarles and Brady.
The Lutgert Companies is a group of affiliated private companies involved in residential and commercial real estate development, residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, developer consultation, sales and marketing services, personal and commercial insurance services, and residential title services.
