The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Escalante Golf Acquires Black Diamond Ranch

(LECANTO, FL) -- Escalante Golf - owner and operator of luxury golf properties - has acquired the stock and assets of Black Diamond Properties, Inc.  Black Diamond Properties operates Black Diamond Ranch  and last year began the search for a new investor.

Black Diamond Ranch was the vision of Stan Olsen, who founded the Citrus County-based golf club community in 1987. Olsen embarked on creating one of the premier golf pantheons of the world, hiring Tom Fazio to pull off one of the greatest golf design feats in history - forging the Quarry Course through the steep cliffs and lakes of two retired limestone quarries.

The course has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses" for 20 consecutive years. Following Mr. Olsen's decision in 2010 to retire, he sought new investors who would share his vision for the community and had the capacity to implement a successful long-term strategy for Black Diamond Ranch.

"I am excited that we were able to find Escalante Golf, who has a great appreciation for what makes Black Diamond Ranch unique, and the energy and vitality to bring it to the next level," says Olsen. "It was of utmost importance to me and my family that Black Diamond Ranch continues to flourish in the spirit in which it was founded."

"We will operate Black Diamond Ranch with a deep understanding of its history and principles to ensure that current and future members enjoy elite service, pristine course conditions and strong esprit de corps," says David McDonald, President of Escalante Golf.  "This is an incredibly special club and we intend to introduce new programs that will enhance the condition of the entire community. Most of all, our goal is to enhance the quality of life for members and residents."

Featuring holes Nos. 13 through 17, which famed golf writer Dan Jenkins called "the five best consecutive holes in the world," the Quarry Course was a game-changer roughly 25 years ago and remains one of Fazio's seminal works.

The acquisition of Black Diamond Ranch strengthens Escalante's portfolio, which has grown from four properties to 11 the past three years. The company currently has some of the most prestigious clubs in their respected markets including Country Club of the North in Beavercreek, Ohio; The Raven at Three Peaks in Silverthorne, Colorado; and The Crosby National in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Dennis Reed of the Plasencia Group, Inc. represented the Olsen family and Steve Ekovich, Director of the National Golf & Resort Group of Marcus and Millichap, represented Escalante Golf, Inc.

Featuring three Tom Fazio-designed courses - The Quarry, The Ranch and The Highlands - Black Diamond Ranch has established itself as Florida's No. 1 residential golf community since 1987.  The Quarry Course, set amongst limestone cliffs, live oak trees, dogwoods, myrtles and magnolias, has ranked one of "America's 100 Greatest Courses" for 20 consecutive years by Golf Digest and among the "Top 100 Courses in the U.S." by GOLF Magazine.  Black Diamond Ranch has earned a place on Links Magazine's list of "America's 100 Premier Properties," and is perennially "Top 10" on Golfweek's "Best U.S. Residential Golf Courses" list.

Completed in 1997, the Ranch Course was carefully crafted to gently blend into its natural surroundings. Reminiscent of Pine Valley, the Ranch Course sports rolling fairways and dramatic elevation changes of over 100 feet. With stunning hilltop views of up to 25 miles, the nine-hole Highlands Course (also completed in 1997), is a magnificent mix of lush, rippling fairways, stands of oak and pine, pristine water features and mesmerizing natural beauty.

Established in 1991, Escalante Golf is a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties nationwide, including California, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Indiana. Operating partners David McDonald, Elcio Silva, Robert Silva and David Matheson direct the Escalante team with offices in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Escalante Golf acquires Spanish Wells Country Club

(BONITA SPRINGS, FL) -- Escalante Golf, an emerging owner/operator of high-end golf clubs, announced Thursday it acquired another Florida club this week. Their newest acquisition, Spanish Wells Country Club here in Southwest Florida, features 27 holes of championship golf, a new 32,000-square-foot clubhouse with several fine and casual dining venues, bocce courts, tennis program and a free-standing fitness facility. Members of Spanish Wells will have full membership privileges at nearby Tarpon Cove Yacht and Racquet Club, another Escalante-owned club.

"We are excited to expand our footprint in Florida with the acquisition of Spanish Wells Country Club," says David McDonald, president of Escalante Golf, Inc. "It is an incredible facility with an active member base. We were drawn to Spanish Wells by its location and the ability to offer members access to Tarpon Cove Yacht and Racquet Club. Our goal is to operate the club with the highest standards of customer service and provide pristine playing conditions for members."

The acquisition of Spanish Wells Country Club strengthens Escalante Golf's portfolio, which has grown from four properties to 11 the past three years with assets in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado and California.

Spanish Wells expands the firm's Florida foothold, which now includes legendary Black Diamond Ranch (Lecanto), Kings Gate Golf Club (Port Charlotte), Tarpon Cove Yacht and Racquet Club (Naples) and Waterlefe Golf Club (Bradenton).

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