Today's buyers expect to find a lifestyle at the community that is more diverse and well-rounded, with women in particular finally having their the tastes served and their preferences recognized. Media outlets geared toward the female side of the market—Golf for Women magazine, for example—make a point of evaluating golf resorts and golf communities in terms of how well they appeal to that audience.

Emphasis on Community
In addition, greater emphasis on "community" means providing programs and facilities that bring families together for quality time and "memory making." Learning about nature and the outdoors with a staff naturalist is a typical example of the organized togetherness now being promoted. That sort of opportunity can bridge multiple generations, inspiring a greater sense of community within one's own family. 

Women sizing up a golf community are also looking for programs their children can do on their own—swim lessons, kids clubs and camps—so that Mom can take time out for cooking class, computer club or a relaxing half-day at the spa.

Golf for Women
Of course, many women living in golf communities are golf nuts themselves, and expect the courses, clubhouses, locker rooms and lounges at top-tier golf communities to accommodate women as luxuriously and spaciously as they accommodate men. And increasingly, they do. Where do you find these communities? See below as the first installment in our new, multi-part series, "Women- and Family-Friendly Golf Communities," begins.

COLORADO: Vista Ridge, Erie
The accolades have been generous for this mountain community’s golf program. Designed with families in mind, Vista Ridge offers all the amenities of a five-star resort including spectacular mountain views and miles of parks and trails. Recently, the community was named the “Most Female Friendly” Golf Course in the annual readers-choice awards conducted by Colorado Avid Golfer magazine in recognition of such Vista Ridge features as year-round women’s clinics, a women’s golf league, Moms Play Free policy on Mother’s Day (the course is public) and a course design with six sets of tees and generous wide landing areas for drives and long approach shots. Click here for more information about Vista Ridge!

FLORIDA: Willoughby Golf Club
Given the wide array of special golf experiences that Willoughby offers its women members, the members at this Treasure Coast community must need their clubs regripped regularly. Events include a 60-member, 18-hole group and a 70-member nine-hole group with both holding weekly competitions. Ladies Day on Thursdays offers a wide variety of tournaments including Rally for the Cure, a Grandmothers Tournament, Guest Days and other team and individual events.

Willoughby also participates in a four-club Fun Interclub League, a four-club Competitive Interclub League and also sends teams to the 18-club Treasure Coast Challenge Cup. Club events include a Member-Member Tournament, Club Championship and Ladies Cup. Mixed events include a one-day mixed member guest days, Mars vs. Venus Tournament and a three-day mixed member guest weekend each spring. Click here for more information about Willoughby!