Here's more from Fazio:
Leave it to the Ritz for a classy groundbreaking
By Mark Cardon
Their first indication this was a special event in the middle of what was farm land was a portable latrine with an attendant.
That's what The Ritz-Carlton Members Club groundbreaking ceremony was all about on Wednesday morning. Every detail was more than you expected -- very special. A Ritz-Carlton bus to transport the dignitaries; a tasty mimosa to welcome you, imported coffee served in China cups and a gift upon departure.
Even renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio was impressed.
"Usually groundbreakings are very boring," he said. "But not this one. The Ritz has made sure of that. I am not used to drinking my coffee out of china and crystal."
Fazio flew in on his private plane from Jupiter for the event. Now that his six children are out of the house, Fazio and his wife split the year between their homes in Jupiter and North Carolina. He has designed many courses in Florida, including Black Diamond in Lecanto and Lake Nona in Orlando, where a number of PGA Tour stars call home. This is his second entry into the immediate area. He was the architect for Coral Creek in Placida.
The Ritz course is located in Manatee County off Lorraine Road, approximately 5 miles northeast from the I-75 University Park exit.
Also, the Ritz has the option to purchase land near the present site for an additional 18 holes. The Ritz-Carlton Members Club is expected to open in late 2005.
The Ritz recruited Fazio to design its course. There was no bidding involved. He did not have to compete against Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer for the contract.
Unaware of the other high-priced courses being built in the area, Fazio welcomes the competition. He believes his work will speak for itself.
The course is being built on 315 flat acres with little vegetation and little water. Fazio loves the challenge. The plans call for $1.2 million in new vegetation, which Fazio says is the largest sum ever spent on a Florida course. Man-made lakes will come into play on many of the holes, and some 60 bunkers will have impact on your final score.
Fazio said the landing areas off the tees will be substantial, and the greens will be average size, 6,500-7,000 square feet. Unlike Coral Creek, Fazio has more land to mold into a course that will be somewhat similar to courses he has designed in Sea Island, Ga., and Palm Springs, Calif.
"It will not be tight," said Fazio. "It will feel grand in scale. It will be be considered to be a big-scale wide golf course."
There will be six sets of tee boxes, ranging from 5,237 to 7,549 yards.
"Our goal is to create that want-to-come back feeling," Fazio continued. "When you can't wait to tee it up again and play it again."
Because of the many lakes, Fazio said the course will have a variety of short and long par 3's. The first par 3 is 190 yards from the back tees, but only 120 yards from the front. The 16th hole plays 235 yards from the back with water coming into play.
Number 9 is the hardest par 4 on the front. Fazio said it has elevation changes from the tee down to the fairway, which tilts right to left, running down to a 9-acre lake.
"It will be challenging and also quite attractive," he said, "because the views to the clubhouse will be stunning."
The par 5's will be reachable in two by the better players.
On Wednesday night, the Ritz hosted a membership party for 1,200 potential members. The membership is limited to 800 with initiation fees ranging from $75,000 to $125,000.
This is the third luxury course being built in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Founders Club has over half its holes completed, and The Concession begins construction Dec. 1. In addition, Lakewood Ranch Country Club has another nine holes planned and the potential for 18 more for a total of 54 holes.
Also, Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour is planning 18 more holes.
But while the trend seems to point toward high-end courses, many semi-private and inexpensive courses are being purchased and plowed under by developers for housing.