Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club
8300 NW 31st Lane Rd
Ocala, FL 34482 USA
(352) 629-6229
Geographic Coordinates: 29.218898, -82.256378
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 45.0°C (14°F to 113°F)
Climate: Varies.
Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, Located in the picturesque city of Ocala, Florida, Is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a world-class experience. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of Central Florida’s horse country, This exclusive club offers an unrivaled combination of championship golf and equestrian activities. The centerpiece of Golden Ocala is its magnificent 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ron Garl. This meticulously crafted course showcases the natural beauty of the surroundings while presenting a challenging yet enjoyable layout for players of all skill levels.
With meticulously manicured fairways, Undulating greens, Strategically placed bunkers, And sparkling water features that come into play on several holes, Every round at Golden Ocala promises to be an unforgettable adventure. In addition to its exceptional golfing facilities, Golden Ocala boasts state-of-the-art practice areas including a driving range with target greens and multiple putting greens to help players refine their skills. The club also offers private lessons from experienced PGA professionals who can provide personalized instruction tailored to individual needs. Beyond its world-class golf amenities, Golden Ocala sets itself apart with its unique equestrian offerings.
The club features a stunning 20-stall barn equipped with modern amenities where members can board their horses in style. A full-service riding arena allows riders to train and compete at their best while enjoying the breathtaking views surrounding them. For those looking for an immersive equestrian experience without owning a horse themselves, Golden Ocala offers guided trail rides through scenic trails winding through beautiful pastures and oak-lined paths. Riders can explore the serene countryside on horseback while experiencing firsthand why this region is known as The Horse Capital of the World.
To complement these exceptional sporting facilities, Golden Ocala also provides luxurious amenities such as fine dining options showcasing gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The elegant clubhouse serves as a social hub where members can relax, Connect with fellow enthusiasts, And enjoy post-round refreshments while relishing the stunning views of the golf course. Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club is a golfer’s paradise nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s horse country.
With its meticulously designed championship golf course, World-class practice facilities, Luxurious equestrian amenities, And exquisite dining options, This exclusive club offers an unparalleled experience for those passionate about both golf and equestrian pursuits. Whether you seek to improve your swing on a top-tier course or explore scenic trails on horseback, Golden Ocala provides an unforgettable blend of sporting excellence and natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression.
Fun Facts and Other Tidbits
- History: The Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club was established in 1986 by prominent businessman Judd Stiles. It was designed as an exclusive private club offering world-class amenities.
- Golf Courses: The club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ron Garl. It has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in Florida.
- Prestigious Tournaments: Golden Ocala has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments over the years, including the LPGA Tour’s Coates Golf Championship from 2015 to 2017. Many renowned professional golfers have competed on its course.
- Equine Facilities: In addition to golf, Golden Ocala is known for its state-of-the-art equestrian facilities. It offers riding lessons, boarding services, training programs, and hosts various equestrian events throughout the year.
- Yearly Events: The club organizes several annual events for its members and guests. These include charity galas, holiday celebrations, themed parties, member-guest tournaments, and more.
- Real Estate Development: Golden Ocala also offers luxury real estate options within its gated community surrounding the golf course and equestrian center.
- Recreational Amenities: Apart from golfing and equestrian activities, the club offers a wide range of recreational amenities such as tennis courts with professional instruction available; a fitness center; spa services; swimming pools; fine dining options; social clubs; and more.
- Membership: Membership at Golden Ocala is exclusive but diverse with various membership levels catering to different interests like full-time residents or seasonal visitors who enjoy both golfing and equestrian pursuits.
Overall, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is known for its prestigious golf course, top-notch equestrian facilities, and a wide range of amenities that cater to the upscale lifestyle of its members.
Important Landmarks
- Ocala City Hall – Located in downtown Ocala, this historic building serves as the administrative headquarters for the city.
- Marion County Courthouse – Another iconic building in downtown Ocala, this courthouse is known for its neoclassical architecture.
- Silver Springs State Park – This natural landmark features crystal-clear springs and is a popular tourist attraction known for its glass-bottom boat tours.
- The Horse Capital of the World – Ocala is renowned for its equestrian culture and horse farms, making it a significant landmark in the horse racing and breeding industry.
- Brick City Center for the Arts – This art center showcases local artists’ works and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
- Tuscawilla Park Historic District – A picturesque park with beautiful oak trees, walking paths, and historical structures such as Fort King Water Tower.
- The Appleton Museum of Art – Located on the College of Central Florida campus in Ocala, this museum houses an extensive collection of European paintings as well as African and Asian art.
- Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing – A must-visit attraction for motorsports enthusiasts showcasing drag racing history with an impressive collection of vehicles and memorabilia.
- Veterans Memorial Park – A tribute to veterans located near downtown Ocala featuring memorials honoring those who have served in various branches of military service.
- The Coca-Cola Building Mural – One notable mural painted on a building wall depicts a vintage Coca-Cola advertisement that has become an iconic sight within downtown Ocala.
Sports Teams
- Ocala Thoroughbreds – The Ocala Thoroughbreds is a semi-professional basketball team based in Ocala, Florida. They were established in 2019 and compete in the American Basketball Association (ABA). The team aims to promote basketball talent and provide entertainment for sports fans in Ocala.
- Forest High School Wildcats – Forest High School has a rich history of successful sports teams, particularly in football and basketball. The Wildcats have won multiple district championships and have produced talented athletes who went on to play at the collegiate level.
- Vanguard High School Knights – Vanguard High School also boasts a strong athletic program, with successful teams across various sports including football, basketball, baseball, and track & field. The Knights have won several state championships over the years.
- College of Central Florida Patriots – The College of Central Florida (CF) fields multiple sports teams representing the college at the NJCAA Division I level. Their athletics program includes baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, cross country/track & field.
- Kingdom of the Sun Basketball Tournament – Although not a specific team per se, this tournament held annually at Vanguard High School attracts some of the top high school basketball programs from around the country since its inception in 1973.
- Ocala Stampede FC – Founded in 2010 as an expansion franchise for United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL), which later became USL League Two. The team enjoyed success during their tenure before suspending operations after the 2017 season due to financial constraints.
These are just a few examples of sports teams with notable histories in Ocala, FL USA; there are likely many more local youth leagues and recreational teams that contribute to Ocala’s vibrant sports scene as well.
Museums and Things To See
- Appleton Museum of Art: This museum showcases a diverse collection of European, American, African, and contemporary art. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions and educational programs.
- Ocala Civic Theatre: Known for its high-quality productions, this community theater offers a wide range of plays and musicals throughout the year. It also provides acting classes for all ages.
- Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) Gallery: This gallery features local artists’ works in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. It regularly hosts exhibitions and supports local artists through grants and scholarships.
- Brick City Center for the Arts: Located in downtown Ocala, this vibrant arts center exhibits works by regional artists in its gallery space. It also organizes art workshops, lectures, and cultural events.
- Reilly Arts Center: A premier performing arts venue in Ocala that hosts concerts by renowned musicians from various genres including classical music, jazz, rock bands, and more.
- Silver Springs State Park: While not specifically an art or cultural center itself, Silver Springs State Park offers unique opportunities to experience Florida’s natural beauty while enjoying live music performances at their outdoor amphitheater during special events.
- The Orange Blossom Opry: Situated just outside Ocala in Weirsdale is a popular country music venue featuring live performances by local musicians as well as renowned national acts.
- The Insomniac Theater Company: A small theater group that produces intimate stage productions ranging from classic plays to contemporary dramas at different venues around town.
These are just a few examples of the many cultural attractions available in Ocala where visitors can appreciate art exhibits or enjoy live performances across different genres.