At IGM, our goal is always to deliver top quality, award-worthy golf course maintenance for our clients, and it is always special to receive recognition for our work. We’re proud to have Sandridge Golf Club and Water Oak Golf Club named to the GolfPass list of Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Florida. “The fact that these rankings are based on customer reviews is especially satisfying,” said Steve Gano, Vice-President of Operations at IGM.
Water Oak Golf Club, near Leesburg, FL, ranked #25 on the list, has come a long way in two years. In 2022, course owner Sun Communities hired IGM to undertake a complete renovation of the long-neglected course, with architects John Sanford and David Ferris, and on-site leadership of Superintendent Gary Crowell. Crowell said the terrain of the course, and the strategic use of the topography, make the course truly special.
“It has different elevations and hills, so the terrain gives uphill and downhill shots. The surrounding oaks give it character.”
He added the course has nice water features and bunkers that are challenging but not punitive, as well as four sets of tees to challenge golfers of all levels. “We’re probably most proud of the greens. They’re smooth and some of the best putting spaces in the area.”
Director of Golf, Suzanne Bannan with property owner Sun Communities, concurs. “The ambiance of the rolling hills and magnificent oak trees make this a very enjoyable place to play and have an after-game beverage.”
Customers have commented, “I was very impressed by the course conditions and layout. It’s certainly a sight to behold. This is without a doubt the best bang for your buck course I’ve personally played in all my years of golf.” Another wrote, “Greens and fairways were in great shape. Staff is fantastic. A definite must play.”
Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, FL, came in at #10 in the rankings of public golf courses. It is owned and operated by Indian River County and features two 18-hole championship layouts designed by well-known course architect Ron Garl. IGM has maintained the golf course for more than 25 years.
Director of Golf for both Sandridge courses, Bela Nagy said, “A big part of the players’ satisfaction is the way the courses are maintained, as well as our staff and programming here. People feel like they’re playing at a country club.”
Ryan Duffell, Superintendent of The Dunes course, agreed, “Both courses are well laid-out and well-maintained. They have some slight hills and are not the easiest or the hardest to play.” He credited their success to great working relationships, weekly ride-throughs, and great communications between Nagy and the superintendents.
“This course is gorgeous. We had a fantastic time. You would never think this was a municipal course,” wrote one Google reviewer. Another comment said, “Beautiful course. Fairly open but still challenging. Greens were true with an above average speed. Can’t wait to play again. Both courses are in great shape.”
Gano added, “We’re proud of the work we do for multiple public courses in Florida and elsewhere. At IGM, we believe municipal courses deserve the same commitment we give to private courses.”
IGM is a leading contractor for comprehensive golf course maintenance and management, known for environmental stewardship and agronomic expertise. For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200. Additional information may be obtained by visiting IGM’s website at golfmaintenance.com.