Author: Rachel Gray

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (November 11, 2024) – Heritage Golf Group, a leading owner and operator of
private country clubs and high-end daily-fee courses, proudly announces the completion of Phase
1 renovations at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, acquired in March 2024. In less than
eight months, the club is set to unveil two fully renovated golf courses, including the addition of
its newest private course, The Legacy, which will open for Member play on November 16, along
with major updates to the club’s racquet sport and wellness amenities.

Phase 1 renovations focused on two of the four private golf courses at LWRG&CC: Cypress
Links and The Legacy courses. These courses have been enhanced with celebration
bermudagrass fairways, newly constructed tifeagle greens, refurbished cart paths, and renovated
bunkers for improved playability and aesthetics. The Legacy course now features multiple new
sets of tees, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

The Legacy Golf Course, an Arnold Palmer signature course known for its distinct design and
challenging play, was previously a daily-fee course adjacent to the club. Heritage Golf Group
made the strategic decision to merge The Legacy into Lakewood Ranch as its fourth private
course. With renovations now complete, the course has been restored to its original glory,
showcasing pristine conditions, paying homage to Palmer’s vision. Cypress Links, also designed
by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2001, has similarly undergone significant improvements.

Two of the club’s three practice facilities have also undergone major renovations, featuring
upgraded amenities, new premier practice balls, laser tee boxes, and new target greens to elevate
the Member practice experience.

Luke Beardmore, Heritage Golf Group’s Senior Vice President of Agronomy, spearheaded the
course renovations. “We are thrilled with the transformations at Cypress Links and The Legacy.
Both courses, each unique in design, now feature upgraded irrigation systems, enhanced
playability, and improved aesthetics. We’re very excited to open them back up to the Lakewood
Ranch Golf & Country Club membership,” he stated.

Heritage Golf Group begun renovations within a week of acquisition, meeting an ambitious Fall
2024 opening despite challenges posed by three named weather events. With the opening of
Cypress and The Legacy, Lakewood Ranch G&CC is now the only club in the Sarasota area
offering Members access to four private golf courses. The addition of The Legacy as the club’s
fourth private golf course has allowed Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club to accommodate
new golf members from a previously existing waitlist. The club is currently accepting
memberships in all categories.

“We’re thrilled to mark a new era at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club with the opening of
all four golf courses.” Says Jim Oliver, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Golf Group “This
milestone reflects our dedication to enhancing the experience for our Members and guests, and
we’re eager to bring even more planned improvements to life in the future.”

Beyond the golf courses, Phase 1 improvements include enhancements to the club’s racquet
sports and wellness amenities. The future addition of three new tennis courts brings the total to
23, while new LED lighting upgrades and court resurfacing improve playability and drainage.

The 24-hour fitness center will also be equipped with new cardio and strength machines, along
with additional group fitness equipment.

Plans are already underway for Phase 2 renovations, which include a multi-million dollar
transformation of The Legacy Clubhouse. Once completed, this will become the club’s third fullservice
clubhouse, featuring a member restaurant, patio, pro shop, and more. Renovations will
continue into 2025 and 2026 with scheduled upgrades to the remaining two golf courses, Royal
Lakes, and King’s Dunes, each receiving full renovations on a rotating basis.

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About Heritage Golf Group

Since purchasing Heritage Golf Group in January 2020, the current ownership and leadership
team has grown the company to include 37 clubs across the US. With its home office in northern
Virginia, just outside Washington DC, Heritage clubs are located in Alabama, Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina,
Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The company continues to grow by acquiring a mix of
private country clubs in residential communities, member-owned clubs with growth potential
seeking strategic alternatives, and premium daily-fee and resort golf properties in major resort
destinations and metropolitan markets. Guided by the principle of evolving the golf experience to
the highest level, each individual club’s amenities and operational systems are tailored to
augment its unique assets. For more information, please visit www.heritagegolfgroup.com.

Media Contacts:

Mary Moore, Heritage Golf Group
Phone: 703-570-4955
mmoore@heritagegolfgroup.com

Caroline Burroughs, Heritage Golf Group
Phone: 703-909-4317
cburroughs@heritagegolfgroup.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (October 13, 2024) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) announces the immediate launch of Hurricane Relief Community Match Campaign.

Our vision as the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is to use the power of giving to serve our community. Founded in 2000, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our communities by responding to the needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Over the past 20+ years, we have given more than $1.53 million to 140 deserving nonprofits. Let’s Open the Door for this special opportunity.

In difficult times such as these, we want to be the philanthropic pillar of Lakewood Ranch. We are here to help deserving nonprofits seeking grants to help our residents and community who have suffered damage and loss, to build back. Our board of directors has authorized $50,000 to be placed in a special Hurricane Relief Fund. We are asking our community to help match this amount. Every penny donated to this fund will be given in grants.

Donors may simply go to our website www.LWRCF.org, click on the “donate” button and complete the form. We hope every resident and business in our community will step up and help us, help others.

Nonprofit organizations who meet the 501 C (3) requirements and are based in Lakewood Ranch may apply. Please contact www.LWRCF.org or call 941.208.6799 to receive a specific application for this grant opportunity.

Let’s Open the Door…and our hearts and help our Lakewood Ranch nonprofits to help others.

    For more information, visit www.LWRCF.org, or contact info@LWRCF.org,  or call 941.208.6799.

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to enhancing the quality of life in and near the Lakewood Ranch, Florida community by responding to needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Since its founding in 2000, the fund has granted over $1.5 million to more than 140 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents. Let us “Open the Door.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         For more information please contact:

Oct. 15, 2024                                                                                         Lisa M. Barnott, 941.757.1542

                                                                                                lisa.barnott@lakewoodranch.com

Lakewood Ranch Unites for Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, we are grateful to report that Lakewood Ranch’s business and town centers have resumed normal operations, providing services and support to our community.

While our area was fortunate to avoid the worst of the storm, our thoughts are with those on the barrier islands, coastal regions, and major flood zones who were severely impacted. In response, Lakewood Ranch is hosting and supporting several relief efforts to assist our neighbors in need. These events will offer much-needed community connection, an opportunity to relax, enjoy great food, and make a positive impact together.

A food and supply drive for hurricane victims will be held in conjunction with Ranch Nite Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. The donation event will be hosted in partnership with Meals on Wheels Plus/The Food Bank of Manatee County. Needed items include:

• Non-perishable unused, unopened food items
• Bottled water
• Shop vacs
• Push brooms
• Squeegees
• Bleach
• Mold remover
• Shovels
• Wheelbarrows
• Trash bags
• Plastic storage bins
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Towels
• Gloves
• Fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Other cleaning supplies

For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/ranch-nite-wednesdays/?caldate=2024-10-16&calstart=6:00%20pm&calend=9:00%20pm.

There will also be free meals from any of the food trucks for all first responders or linemen with a valid work ID or work badge at Ranch Nites on Oct. 16. For more information and other discounts, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/thank-you-first-responders-events/?caldate=&calstart=6:00PM&calend=2:00PM.

The relief efforts will continue with a food and supply drive at the weekly Farmers’ Market at Waterside Place, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/the-market-5.

There will be a number of blood drives held around Lakewood Ranch at various locations; to register visit lakewoodranch.com/event/suncoast-blood-centers-blood-drives.   

Shop to Support Market Night will be held from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. This is a special event to give those who have lost their storefronts – permanently or temporarily – an opportunity to sell salvaged and incoming inventory. The vendor line-up will feature stores from Siesta Key, St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and more. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/76325-2.

The Lakewood Ranch Information Center, 8131 Lakewood Main Street, is also collecting food items for Meals on Wheels PLUS/The Foodbank of Manatee County through the end of November. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com/event/food-bank-drive/?caldate=2024-11-01&calstart=10:00 am&calend=5:30 pm.

For additional storm resources and volunteer opportunities, visit www.lakewoodranch.com/hurricane-information.

Heritage Golf Group Acquires Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club in Sarasota, Florida

Expanding portfolio now includes eight golf course properties in Florida

Lakewood Ranch, FL – March 11, 2024 – Heritage Golf Group, the fastest-growing owner and operator of golf and country clubs in the US, has acquired Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR). Terms are not disclosed.

The award-winning club is set in the center of Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s fastest selling residential community, located in the Sarasota area. The 33,000+-acre master-planned community developed by SMR, is just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural attractions in Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 66,000 residents and plans for expanded residential development are underway. The community features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, and a 75-acre Premier Sports Campus.

The club features three championship golf courses, two designed by renowned Hall of Fame golfer, Arnold Palmer – Cypress Links and King’s Dunes. The third championship course, Royal Lakes, is the newest course designed by Rick Robbins. The club offers several outstanding practice facilities, including a Members Golf Academy. The club boasts two uniquely different clubhouses. Members also enjoy an 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art, 24-hour athletic facility and aquatics center with two heated pools, as well as 20 pickleball courts and a tennis complex with 20 Har-Tru courts and a stadium court.

“Our selection of Heritage Golf Group was the result of meticulous consideration, focusing on their extensive experience and dedication to our standards. Their respect for our community and the club’s identity, culture, and traditions, along with a strong emphasis on staff retention and operational efficiencies, positions them as the ideal partner. Heritage’s proven track record in owning private country clubs within residential communities across the US played a pivotal role in our selection,” said Rex Jensen, SMR CEO.

“Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is the crown jewel of the Lakewood Ranch community, and we are proud to become its new steward. We are honored that SMR selected Heritage Golf Group to continue building on its noteworthy tradition and impeccable nationwide reputation as the premier country club and lifestyle community. The continued growth of our network of clubs will only further enhance the member and guest experience as well as offer additional career growth for our employees,” said Mark Burnett, Heritage Golf Group CEO.

The Heritage team, with extensive proficiency in golf club operations, continues to elevate the member experience through transforming and improving amenities, operations, and programming at recently acquired clubs. The transaction was successfully brokered by Leisure Investment Properties Group and Steven Ekovich represented the seller and buyer in the transaction.  

About Heritage Golf Group

Since purchasing Heritage Golf Group in January 2020, the current ownership and leadership team has grown the company to include 37 clubs across the US. With its home office in northern Virginia, just outside Washington DC, Heritage clubs are located in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The company continues to grow by acquiring a mix of private country clubs in residential communities, member-owned clubs with growth potential seeking strategic alternatives, and premium daily-fee and resort golf properties in major resort destinations and metropolitan markets. Guided by the principle of evolving the golf experience to the highest level, each individual club’s amenities and operational systems are tailored to augment its unique assets. For more information, please visit www.heritagegolfgroup.com.

# # #

Media Contact: Mary Moore, Heritage Golf Group

Phone: 703-570-4955

mmoore@heritagegolfgroup.com

Maureen Richardson, River Communications

Phone: 914-686-5599

mrichardson@riverinc.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (May 16, 2023) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund (LWRCF) is pleased to announce the launch of its Builders Give Back program, through which builders make a $100 donation per closing to the LWRCF in the name of the new homeowner. The builders currently participating are Anchor Builders, AR Homes, Homes By Towne, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Pulte Homes, and Stock Luxury Homes. The program is further supported by Lakewood Ranch Communities, which will donate a matching $100 per closing to the LWRCF.

The new program benefits the LWRCF by both developing engagement with homeowners in their community and introducing them to local philanthropy, which in turn will help create support for the LWRCF into the future.

“This program allows new residents to experience the welcoming and giving culture of Lakewood Ranch right when they move in,” said Adrienne Bookhamer, executive director of the LWRCF. “Our builders understand that the lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch is unique, and they are supporting that by participating in Builders Give Back. There is no better way to thank new residents than by contributing to the community and helping the LWRCF make an impact here.”

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund has a “live here, give here” approach, Bookhamer explained. “We are supporting local life-changing nonprofit organizations and causes embedded in the area. This program brings new residents into the fold when they move in and provides them with an opportunity to give back themselves. By engaging our new residents early, we are hoping for more involvement from the community to make an even bigger impact locally.”

The mission of the LWRCF, which is financed fully by residents and businesses, is to support the nonprofits that are doing impactful work in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas in Manatee and Sarasota counties. As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, the needs of the community – including human services, education, animal services, and arts and culture – will also grow.

Bookhamer added, “During COVID, we gave out more than $75,000 in grants to help nonprofits that were directly impacted by the pandemic, and after Hurricane Ian, we partnered with Lakewood Ranch Communities and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and raised $10,000 to grant to nonprofits affected by the hurricane.”

For more information, visit lwrfund.org or call (941) 208-6799.

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to enhancing the quality of life in and near the Lakewood Ranch, Florida community by promoting philanthropy, responding to community needs, and granting funds. Since its founding in 2000, the fund has granted over $1.5 million to more than 100 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents.