The developer
Sherry Davidson is the vice president of Davidson Development, the company which developed the World Golf Village.
AS A DEVELOPER OF A GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY, WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE THERE?
“People like living in golf course communities because they feel their investment is safer. They also enjoy looking at the beautiful golf course even if they do not live directly on the course. The golf course is major green space that everyone can enjoy, even if it is from a mere aesthetic standpoint.”
WHY DEVELOP A GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY RATHER THAN A
NON-GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY?
“Even if individuals do not play golf, they’re proud to say that they live in a golf course community. There is a definite prestige factor involved. It doesn’t get much better than saying you live on the King and the Bear golf course.”
ARE GOLF COURSES THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE, WILL PEOPLE NOT BUY A HOME UNLESS THERE IS A GOLF COURSE?
“Buying a home is a very personal decision and individuals will always make the choice that is best for them. Golf course communities are generally more expensive than communities without a golf course, unless there are other substantial amenities that drive prices up. There will always be people that choose communities without a golf course for many reasons.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT DEVELOPING A GOLF
COURSE COMMUNITY?
“There is such an excitement in watching a golf course take shape. For example, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus visited the World Golf Village several times while developing plans for the King and Bear. It was amazing to watch them work together and to watch the course evolve.”
WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT DEVELOPING A GOLF
COURSE COMMUNITY?
“Nothing, I love it.”
HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR COMMUNITY TO THE PUBLIC?
“We market World Golf Village in the same manner that most communities do. However, we have the added bonus of having official Senior PGA Tour events here and international events at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Very few communities have Hall of Famers attend any sport at their community on a regular basis. It is an incredible marketing tool.”
WHEN PEOPLE DON’T BUY IN THE WORLD GOLF VILLAGE,
WHAT DO THEY GIVE AS A REASON?
“At first, people were afraid of moving to a new community. Our buyers now see the quality of our landscaping, our families having fun, our wonderful amenities and our oversized sidewalks which are perfect for jogging or family bike rides. The dream has become a reality, so buyers don’t have to wonder what will be built and how it will look. Buyers are amazed at the beauty and quality of our golf courses. The main reason we lose buyers is due to economics — they don’t value the quality of our homes and amenities and choose a different community because they get a lower price. With 85 homes under construction at the end of January, there isn’t the concern of being a new community anymore.”