Provo Golf & Country Club Community
By Kathy Borsuk
Photos by Alan Wizemann, mediaWorks

Nowhere can you see a more accurate reflection of the growth of Providenciales than at one of its most prestigious landmarks, the Provo Golf and Country Club. Less than a dozen years ago, the 200 acre site was nicknamed “Alcatraz,” being little but a tract of coral rock. Today, it is considered the “greenest spot on Provo,” an oasis of tropical vegetation with palm-lined fairways, lush greens and 12 acres of sparkling inland lakes. The course itself has earned a sterling reputation–among the Caribbean’s top 10– and the stately clubhouse stands as an architectural masterpiece.

Buoyed by the golf club’s sustained growth and fresh off the success of their upscale condominium development, The Renaissance on Grace Bay, H.A.B. Group Limited (the country’s largest private landowners) feel the time is right to create a Caribbean golf club community. Development Officer Barrie Cooke explains the logic behind this decision, “Providenciales has reached the level of population and economic growth where it can sustain a first-class golf club community. The club itself is well-established and I think that both residents and vacationers are looking for a place that extends a sense of community and architectural consistency, with a premiere infrastructure and all the necessary amenities. That’s what we plan to provide.”

Joe Zahm, of Connolly Zahm Properties, serves as marketing manager and sales agent for the Provo Golf and Country Club Community. He, too, believes the market is ready for this unique product, “Prices on Grace Bay have reached levels such that a country club development within easy walking distance to Grace Bay Beach makes sense. The combination of location, space, security, landscaping and facilities will be hard to resist with a wonderful variety of condos, townhouses, villas and homes to choose from as the community reaches its potential.” In fact, the two groups of townhomes already built on club grounds were immediately popular with residents, investors and vacationers.

Esteemed local architect Simon Wood designed the community’s master plan to incorporate single family homes, townhouses, villas and condominium suites in carefully selected areas around the site. He says he is pleased by the fact that H.A.B. Group used foresight in developing a planned and cohesive environment for the large site.

The community’s low density ensures that a sense of peace and privacy will prevail. Completed infrastructure includes asphalt-surfaced roads, underground lines for water, electricity, telephone and cable television and a main sewage line. Buyers are serviced with water at a fixed price from nearby Provo Water Company. Besides the 18 hole championship golf course and existing tennis courts (club membership is an ancillary benefit for owners), driving range, clubhouse, pro shop and Fairways Bar & Grill, amenities will include a gated entrance, swimming pool and a fitness center.

Fairway Homes
These single-family luxury homes, discreetly situated right on the course, are attracting Provo’s emerging professional sector, as well as part time residents and select vacationers. There are six models to choose from (including a duplex design), ranging in size from 1,735 sq. ft., all with pool and landscaping. (Purchasers can also customize their home design if it complies with the Club’s design and building codes.)

To date, Ward Construction, among the island’s most established custom builders, have completed four Fairway Homes. A fully furnished model home serves as the on-site sales office.

Club Villas
Overlooking the 10th fairway and boasting expansive views of the golf course, the Club Villas are designed for residents and vacationers seeking an upscale living space within the Club community. With only 15, two bedroom villas among five buildings built around a central pool area, each is a corner unit with vaulted ceilings and large screened balconies. They range in size from 1,568 to 1,618 sq. ft. Construction is anticipated to start in late spring, 2002.

Fairway Townhomes
Now under construction are 18, two and three bedroom luxury townhomes, directly to the south of the existing units. They overlook the 18th fairway and are easily accessible from Grace Bay Road. Features include open living/dining areas, a luxurious master bedroom and guest bedroom, both with ensuite baths, and the choice of a third bedroom/bath on the main floor that can double as an office, lounge or playroom–ideal for growing families or those who don’t want to climb stairs. Buildings encircle a central pool and include screened terraces on the lower levels.

The Colony
Anchoring the Club community will be The Colony Condominiums, located directly at the gated entrance corner, with the beach access road just across the street. Each of 10, two story buildings will house four, one and two bedroom condominium suites, each a corner unit. The buildings will encircle an enchanting water wonderland of tropical islands and bridges, with pools winding throughout.

Designed to attract vacationers and investors looking for a modestly priced, short term rental retreat, the Colony will be supported by resort and property management services and will have a lobby/reception area, offices, boutique and full service bar.

Cooke and Zahm believe that a key attraction of the Provo Golf and Country Club Community will be the “neighborhood” atmosphere it will create, an experience lacking in much of Provo’s current residential development. With a strong local golf club membership and tennis federation, a number of sporting and social events are regularly held at the clubhouse. Zahm believes that this existing network, the Club Community’s combination of long-term residents and vacationers, and the amenities of “real roads,” common pool and proposed clubhouse fitness center, will instill a friendly sense of community among those “living on the greens.”