Ocean Ridge Golf Academy Reopens

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Ocean Ridge Plantation is proud to announce a new onsite golf academy. The Myrtle Beach newspaper recently wrote an article about our new academy in their ongoing “On Grand Strand Golf” segment. Here is an excerpt from The Sun News:

The golf school facilities at the four-course Ocean Ridge Plantation will no longer be vacant as Nick Bradley is opening the Nick Bradley Academy at Ocean Ridge Plantation on Wednesday.

Bradley, a Sunset Beach, N.C., resident who instructs a number of touring professionals, including the PGA Tour’s Kevin Chappell, has partnered with instructor Martin Sludds to open the new academy. Sludds will be the full-time instructor while Bradley splits time between the academy and instruction on the road.

“I’ll probably be doing the day-to-day stuff at the club, and Nick will be bringing in a lot of tour players and working with them, and I’ll be working in concert with him depending on what he’s doing,” Sludds said.

Ocean Ridge member clinics are set for 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday’s at Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, non-member clinics follow at 11:30 a.m. the same days, junior clinics are set for 3 p.m. Saturdays, women’s clinics are 10 a.m. Mondays, and senior men’s clinics are set for Lion’s Paw at 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Sludds said customized packages for individual golfers are planned, with V1 Golf Video analysis available.

“[Ocean Ridge] has a good base of people to go from,” Sludds said. “Initially we’re trying to deal with the people in the local and give them the pick of the cherry, then go outside after them.”

Sludds is a former European Tour player. He says he gave Bradley his first golf lesson when Bradley was 16, and Bradley later caddied for Sludds in several tour events. Bradley eventually worked at David Leadbetter academies in the U.S., Russia, France and Ireland, while Sludds spent 13 years as a club pro at Enniscorthy Golf Club in County Wexford, Ireland. He moved to the Strand last May with his wife and two teenage children. “I came over to see Nick in October 2008, saw the weather and area and wanted to move,” Sludds said.

For more information on the new Golf Academy, playing on the award-winning Big Cats golf courses, or buying property with sweeping golf views, email us at info@oceanridge.com or call 800.556.6570.

Visiting the Brunswick County Beaches? Here’s a Quick List of our Favorite Things to do.

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Our #1 vote goes to the BEACH

Brunswick County beaches encompass 45 miles of beautiful shoreline. The gentle surf is generally free from strong currents because they face south. You and your family can enjoy milder, warmer water temperatures and beach activities geared towards family fun.

#2 Playing Golf

The southeastern coast of North Carolina, particularly the South Brunswick Islands, offers 30+ of the best golf courses among the 100+ within a 45 minute drive. Avid golfers come from all over the country to play the area courses, many named among the best in the state by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Of course, our favorite courses are the Big Cats in Ocean Ridge Plantation…Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye, and Leopard’s Chase.

#3 Going Fishing

Local fishing charters are often as popular as playing a round or two. Several area guides offer one of a kind deep sea and backwater fishing trips, from the Gulf Stream to inland creeks where you can catch flounder, drum, trout, mackerel, spade fish, blue fish, lady fish, cobia, and tarpon. One of our favorite local guides can be found at www.CoolRunningsCharters.com

#3 Shopping

Quaint local shops offer brand names and fun weekend beach wear. A day trip into the walking town of Southport provides a scenic spot to take in the sights and sounds of the Cape Fear River and three area islands as well as many places for thoughtful souvenirs and personal accessories.

#4 Dining

Waterfront dining is as beautiful as it is relaxing. Several locally owned and operated restaurants feature not only a delicious menu but also spectacular views of boats entering and leaving the harbors. Choose your scene…oceanfront, riverfront, marina front, and more. Best dining experience- Sharky’s in Ocean Isle Beach.

Building a Coastal North Carolina Retirement or Vacation Home?

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Living along the coast is at the top of the list for many baby boomers and southeastern North Carolina is a location hard to resist with its rich coastal environment. The area simply inspires relaxation, and is a perfect place for the retirement or vacation home most dream of.

Many of the homes built in the coastal area of Brunswick County, North Carolina are reflective of the surrounding habitat and include historical elements of homes reminiscent of popular 19th century designs before the luxury of air conditioning and other modern amenities. Common architectural elements of these styles take into consideration the abundant southern sunlight, moderate temperatures, aged shade trees, and natural views. Not to mention the coastal breezes are a benefit of living near the Atlantic Ocean and many other bodies of water. Low-pitched or hipped rooflines, columns, and wide front porches offer shade and lend an inviting, comfortable appearance to entryways. Recessed covered and screened porches, and large transom windows and doors capture natural light and prevailing breezes on cool evenings. Elevated foundations with charming cupolas or multilevel porches take advantage of captivating views and offer functional ground floor areas.

Well known and respected, the building company, Mark Saunders Luxury Homes, has built over 700 of these admired homes in every size and style in Brunswick County. They are dedicated to preserving this precious coastal environment and building homes within it that are nestled into their surroundings appearing as if they’ve been there for a hundred years. It’s that responsible approach to home building and love for classic southern architecture that has earned the company top honors in the business including being recognized nationally as the builder of Coastal Living magazines’ Idea House and being awarded multiple blue ribbon diamond awards in the local Parade of Homes.

Arts and Crafts Show – Southport April 22nd & 23rd

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Just a short drive from Ocean Ridge, the historic waterfront town of  Southport, North Carolina is hosting its Spring Festival this weekend, April 22nd and 23rd in Franklin Square Park. Over 100 artists and crafters, mostly local, will showcase their coastal artwork from 10 am to 5 pm on  Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Great finds for your beach-themed cottage or special tokens from the coast can be found throughout the show. Sea life pottery, handmade jewelry, and coastal themed artwork  are just a few favorites. Also, be sure to get your ticket for the annual Robert Rourk Chili CookOff contest from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday…it is going to be a fun way to spend the day.

Spring has arrived at Ocean Ridge Plantation

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The sky is crystal clear, the sun is shining bright, days are longer, pelicans are flying, bulbs are sprouting, and our coats are in the closet. Spring has arrived in Southeastern North Carolina and at Ocean Ridge Plantation! It’s time to focus on our golf game, catching some fresh fish, boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, grilling out with neighbors, swimming in the ocean and plantation pool, or just sitting on the beach and enjoying the coastal Carolina lifestyle.  Many families from the northeast made the decision to escape the cold – leaving the snow and grey skies behind for an outdoor life at Ocean Ridge enjoying the green grass, warm sand, gentle waves, and uncomplicated lifestyle. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the area’s spring events, southern hospitality and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Beach, Golf, and New Homes are all waiting for you.

Azaleas Bloom in Ocean Ridge

Azaleas in the Ocean Ridge community

Big Cats Golf Courses Just Keep on Winning

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Ocean Ridge Plantation is pleased to announce that the legendary Big Cats golf courses continue to receive accolades for outstanding quality and overall golf experience.

Leopard's Chase Golf Club

The Par 4 18th Hole at Leopard's Chase Golf Club

In the April 2011 issue of NC Business Magazine, The NC Golf Panel has released their prestigious list of “Top 100 Courses in the State for 2011“.

Overall, Leopard’s Chase Golf Links was ranked 39th and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links 41st among all golf courses, public, private and resort.

In the list of Top Courses in the Coastal Region of NC, Leopard’s Chase was ranked 3rd and Tiger’s Eye 4th overall and 1st and 2nd respectively among all public courses!

In addition, The NC Golf Panel picked their “Dream 18“, made up of the top golf holes in the state.  Included in this fantasy layout was the stunning par 3 11th hole at Tiger’s Eye!

In the “Best Bang for the Buck” category, listing courses that offer the best value for the cost, Panther’s Run Golf Links was ranked number 3 among all Coastal Region courses.

In the category of “Best Shot Value“ with courses that place a premium on shot making ability, Tiger’s Eye was ranked 4th among all Coastal Region courses.

GolfWeek Magazine also recently released their 2011 list of the “Best Courses You Can Play“, ranking the top public courses in each state.  Leopard’s Chase Golf Links was ranked #6 in North Carolina and #2 among all “modern design” courses in the state.

The Big Cats courses are perennial favorites to win accolades and we’ve written about it here, AND here, on this blog before. You can still build your dream home with a breathtaking (and award winning) golf view at Ocean Ridge Plantation.  To learn more about the Big Cats courses or to ask about other awards Ocean Ridge has achieved call 800.556.6570 or email us at realestate@oceanridge.com and we’ll be happy to brag just a little bit.

Myrtle Beach tops best beach list second year running

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TripAdvisor®, one of the most popular travel planning websites, announced on April 5th, the winners of its 2011 Travelers’ Choice® Beaches awards.  Top beach spots were named in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Mexico, and Central and South America.

Award winners were determined based on the most highly rated beach destinations by travelers in TripAdvisor reviews. Unlike any other honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

For the second year in a row, reviewers on TripAdvisor chose Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as the top US beach destination.

Ocean Ridge Plantation and Sunset Beach are nestled in the coastal corridor outlined by historic Wilmington, North Carolina to the north and the award-winning Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to the south. If you would like to visit our beautiful area, just fill out a contact form here to begin planning your future on the Carolina Coast!

64th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival

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The 64th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival is this weekend, April 8-10, 2011 just a short drive north of Ocean Ridge Plantation in the Wilmington area. Since 1948, the the Azalea Festival has been southeastern North Carolina’s main event, celebrating the area’s culture, history, and beautiful landscape. An extended weekend attracts more than 300,000 visitors, who enjoy local artwork and crafts, community garden tours, a celebrity parade, family circus, southern concerts, and more.

A full calendar of events can be found by visiting www.ncazaleafestival.org.

Azalea Festival

Darius Rucker Concert

Darius Rucker Concert

Circus Elephants in the Parade

Circus Elephants in the Parade

Mark Saunders Homes Introduces Signature Series to Ocean Ridge Community

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Mark Saunders Luxury homes recently delivered several new homes as part of their new line, called the Signature Series. Homes designs were a result of numerous requests for more affordable construction options from Ocean Ridge homesite owners. “We are pleased to unveil the all new Signature Series Home Collection that is sure to meet today’s market needs.” said Burton Sydnor, General Manager of MSLH.  “With home prices starting at $309,400, this special collection is destined to strike a chord with buyers as we have combined the superior design and construction quality you demand with the most competitive pricing seen in our market”, he later added.

Ocean Ridge Willimarr

The Signature Series combines visually striking architecture, an impressive array of upscale amenities  and, best of all, an incredibly affordable value!

As one of the most highly regarded and award-winning builders in the area, Mark Saunders Luxury Homes is currently building eleven homes for families right here in Brunswick County. Having built over 750 of the finest coastal inspired homes over the past 26 years, there is no one more experienced to design and build in Ocean Ridge Plantation.

Signature Series home portfolios and home consultations are available upon request and by appointment at 800.556.6570.