Shotgun Start to Golden Ocala Golf 

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club would not be the world-renowned community that it is today without a shotgun start to the New Year. For our members, this means new and improved events, further interaction with golf professionals and peers, championship-level skill building, and plenty of birdies, eagles and bogeys to go around. So, dig in and watch out for the fried eggs (golfer speak for the ball being partially buried in the sand)! Right now, Director of Golf, Ryan Gray, and his team are hard at work, fleshing out an agenda that not only lives up to the reputation that you have come to expect, but one that will keep resident athletes in much anticipation for the most innovative and exciting year of golf this side of Horse County. With that, here is a glimpse at the master plan!

 

Ladies, Get Your Game Face On!

The Golden Ocala golf team has big plans for female members this time around, starting with ‘Saturday Short Game Socials,’ otherwise known as Ladies Golf Clinics, with wine and music. Golfers on all levels will experience 45-minute classes, allowing them to better learn the beloved game before sampling mouthwatering bottles of wine straight from Golden Ocala’s elegant onsite restaurants. Sessions started last Saturday, but fear not, additional rounds are coming your way on February 17^th (Putt & Pour) and March 10^th (Troubles & Bubbles), both from 2 to 3 p.m.

Additional Ladies Golf Clinics are held every Wednesday, from 9 to 10 a.m. Ryan and his colleague, Thomas Moore, will help you improve all areas of your game. Each session is $25 per student, and only requires a one-time registration for every session.

 

We Did Not Forget You, Juniors

Golden Ocala would never forget the young golfers. That is why we developed Junior Golf Clinics. Every Saturday, from 3 to 4 p.m., Ryan and Thomas will help to improve the game for junior golfers, regardless of their skill level. Whether your children, ages five and up, want to learn how to swing for the first time, or desire to improve their skillset, Golden Ocala is here to help. The clinic is $15 per student.

 

Let’s Hear It For The Couples!

At Golden Ocala, Valentine’s Day does not come to an abrupt stop at 11:59 p.m. on February 14^th. To prove it, we have developed Couples Golf. All six events will be themed, competitive and, of course, exciting!

• February 18^th – Two-Person Scramble
• March 11^th – Modified Alternate Shot
• March 18^th – Four-Person Scramble
• March 24^th – Mixed Club Championship
• April 8^th – Team Stableford
• April 22^nd – Mixed Format (changes every six holes)

Every event is on a Sunday with a 1 p.m. shotgun. Registration is $20 per team, which goes toward prizes, and includes live music after each round on the veranda.

 

Last By Certainly Not Least, The Seniors

Golden Ocala golf would not be what it is without the real MVPs, the seniors. To celebrate them, staff members will conduct a Senior Club Championship on Saturday, February 24^th, Sunday, February 25^th, with tee times at 8 a.m.

For $100, including awards and lunch on both days, seniors 55 to 64 will be assigned to a white/green tee, while super seniors 65 and older will be assigned to a green tee. The format will be a 36-hole stroke play (100% handicap) with gross and net divisions. Gross and net champions will be awarded a trophy and golf shop credit, with that credit distributed to other to-be-determined locations.

To register for any aforementioned events, e-mail Ryan Gray at ryan.gray@goldenocala.com or simply contact the golf shop.

 

Do You Have What It Takes?

If you think you have what it takes to play with a professional golfer, sign up a foursome and add a Golden Ocala staffer, such as Thomas Moore or Bobby Ranken. The winter series (November – April) and summer series (May – October) will be scored based on the two best balls out of five, receiving one gross score and one net score, with 90% handicap off the most current revision.

Entry fees are $10 per member and go toward the end-of-the-season prize for the lowest scoring team at the completion of play.

To register, email Thomas at thomas.moore@goldenocala.com, Bobby at bobby.ranken@goldenocala.com or Ryan at ryan.gray@goldenocala.com.

 

Save The Date

Don’t forget to save the date for other upcoming golf events:

• Fierce Friday: February 23^rd
• Member Guest: April 12-14^th
• Ladies Golf Day: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

Golden Ocala has an incredible year in store for everyone, but remember, do not hesitate to offer your suggestions and feedback whenever possible. 2018 only comes once — celebrate it with us!