Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2013 - (Page 76)

TO A T EE From top: Hole 5, where a shot that clears the water can take you to the green; the course’s clubhouse; the writer and her husband, Sean. Not a single house or commercial development is in sight, which means not a single buzz of a lawn mower or playful scream of a pool party. 76 w w w. r i t z c a r lt o n . c o m swing thoughts and my hands into a death grip around my poor driver. But as I line up to the ball, something feels different. Something even sounds different. I come out of my setup and take in the hole again. I see the same par 5 ahead but, this time, I look beyond the fairway — past the cart path, past the manicured grass, past the extensive landscaping. And I see nothing but nature. Tall, lush trees surround us in every direction. Not a single house or commercial development is in sight, which means not a single buzz of a lawn mower or playful scream of a pool party. Absolute silence. I set up to the ball again, enjoy the tranquility and let it ride. The Members Club is pin-quiet for a reason. Previously a tomato field, the 315-acre course is surrounded by the Braden River and large groves of mature oak trees. It is home to 125 types of landscaping and is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. It is no surprise that deer, wild boar, bobcats and alligators seek refuge there — along with the local “Pink Panther,” U.S. Women’s Open champion Paula Creamer, who counts herself among the club’s loyal Members. Though the surroundings help make The Members Club a truly unique play experience, this is no links-style course. When Fazio designed it, he was given the largest budget he’d ever worked with in the state of Florida. He moved nearly 2 million cubic yards of dirt, creating 12 lakes and a dramatic 55-foot elevation change that is the highest in the county. With six tee boxes, the course can challenge even the best golfers but is sufficiently forgiving for beginners. Our back nine with Glen is the first time I have been out on a course with a pro. Glen proves to be a terrific coach. On the 12th hole, I stub my second shot. It’s that stubbed fairway shot that usually sends me into a spiral, my club chopping repeatedly at the ball, my score rising faster than the express elevator at the Empire State Building. But Glen points out that, despite the flub, I can still make it to the green. “Just focus,” he says. This is the same guy who told himself he’d finish the New York City Marathon in under four hours and crossed the finish line at 3:59:56. His determination is infectious. The mental boost works. The ball lands on the green. I miss the putt but finish with a tap-in bogey. By the 14th hole, the second shot comes easily, and I dunk the birdie putt. I don’t chip once in nine holes. That night, we enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the Club Level lounge before heading out to Longboat Key for dinner at the renowned Euphemia Haye. In the morning, we wake prepared for the full-course experience. The extensive practice area features a long driving range, practice greens and From top: Chip henderson; matt mCCourtney; alaFair Burke SportS http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2013

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2013
Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With … New Orleans
Design
Technology
On the Boulevards
Shopping
Jewelry
Watches
Family
Local Knowledge
Sports
Cancun
Doha
Fashion
Culinary
Let Us Stay with You
Heritage

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2013