Life on the links

The Governors Club offers amenities like golf, swimming, tennis and more

Golf communities cater to active family lifestyles
By AMY STUMPFL
Brentwood Home Page
There was a time when the idea of country club living conjured up images of stuffy old men and formal dress codes. But these days, golf communities are stepping up their efforts to attract younger families with a healthy mix of amenities and kid-friendly activities.

And while golf remains a key draw, communities such as The Governor’s Club and Brentwood Country Club have much more to offer in terms of recreation. Indeed, with state-of-the-art fitness centers, tennis and swimming, most residents feel as if they are living in an upscale resort.

“The Governor’s Club is more than just real estate – it’s a lifestyle,” says Christina Cunningham, residential sales executive for The Governor’s Club. “We have a very diverse mix of residents, representing all age groups. The golf course is gorgeous, but we also have swimming, tennis, fishing, a fantastic fitness facility, and a whole range of dining options.”

Along with top flight amenities, Cunningham points to security as a major benefit.

Historic Midway now serves as Brentwood Country Club's clubhouse. “The location is perfect. We can ride our bikes to Starbucks, we can run the six-mile loop around Brentwood. And yet, we have everything we need right here in the neighborhood." -- Carla Moynihan Brentwood Country Club resident

“We’re a 24-hour guard gated community, which adds to the sense of privacy and security. And when you look at everything you’re getting, it’s surprisingly affordable. You can build an amazing 7,300-square-foot home for under $1 million. It really feels like a resort community, and I think residents appreciate all the social events and activities.”

That’s certainly the case for the Post family, who relocated to the area from Seattle about six years ago.

“There’s an Easter egg hunt, a Memorial Day cookout – all kind of activities,” says Nancy Post. “I love the fact that everything is so convenient. When we’re at the pool, I don’t have to haul the kids home for lunch – they can order right here. The clubhouse even offers childcare on Friday and Saturday nights, so you drop off the kids, and go enjoy dinner with friends.”

Post also has helped establish a ladies’ social club for those interested in pursuing other activities.

“I’m not much of a golfer, but I wanted a way to meet other ladies and make new friends,” she says. “We have a great time with everything from bunco to a book club. It’s definitely not just about the golf.”

Dottie Pope agrees, calling the Governor’s Club “a fun community for active young families.”

“My husband is a big golfer and we knew that we eventually wanted to retire to a golf community,” says Pope, who also has lived in the neighborhood for about six years. “But when we had the opportunity to build here, we had to take advantage. It was a little sooner than we had planned – after all, we still had three young kids – but we love it here. The amenities are wonderful, and we’ve made a lot of great friends.”

Brentwood Country Club also offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities, including everything from junior golf programs and a competitive swim team to summer carnivals and breakfast with Santa.

“We really pride ourselves on creating a family atmosphere that offers something for everyone,” says Courtney Cooper, membership director Brentwood Country Club. “We have a lot of young families, so we definitely cater to their needs.”

Of course, BCC also offers all the luxury amenities that residents have come to expect – from the championship golf course and junior Olympic swimming pool to first class dining and fitness facilities.

Dave and Christie Hurlock built their home in Brentwood Country Club soon after they married in 1991 and never looked back.

“It’s just a great neighborhood, right in the heart of Brentwood,” Christie Hurlock says. “The amenities are beautiful, we are right around the corner from everything, and the swim team has been great for our daughter, who is now a freshman at Brentwood High. My husband and I enjoy playing in couples’ twilight events, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet friends.”

For Chris and Carla Moynihan, life at Brentwood Country Club is even sweeter the second time around. The family first moved to the neighborhood in 1996, but decided that golf-course living might not be a good fit for small children. After three years, they relocated to another subdivision in Brentwood, although they kept their golf membership. Then, six years ago, they made the decision to move back – landing just across the street from their original home.

“I think we always knew we would be back,” Carla Moynihan says with a laugh. “There weren’t as many young families here when we first moved in, but that’s really changed. There are so many wonderful activities and events – they really go above and beyond to get people involved.

“And the location is perfect,” she adds. “We can ride our bikes to Starbucks, we can run the six-mile loop around Brentwood. And yet, we have everything we need right here in the neighborhood. We can hop on the golf cart and go to dinner; there’s a workout facility, swimming – you name it. It’s more than just golf – it’s a real family community.”

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