Candler Hills Golf Club Membership

Corporate Membership

Fixed Memberships

A corporate membership for four (4) named individuals to play golf for one year. Special prices on merchandise and complimentary range balls included in this membership.

Annual Membership

Golf Only                                                   $8,000 +tax

Golf and cart lease                                    $14,000 +tax

Flex Memberships

A corporate membership which allows your company one starting time per day for one year. A great opportunity to extend a “thank you” to your clients, guests or employees. Includes golf only; cart rental payable on a daily basis. Special prices on merchandise and complimentary range balls included in this membership.

Annual Membership

Golf Only                                                  $11,000 +tax

Non-resident Golf Membership

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide golf club members and guests with an enjoyable golf experience by providing the utmost in customer service; a professional staff skilled in merchandising, teaching and club fitting; and a tournament schedule that affords competition to golfers of all ability levels.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the golf facilities at On Top of the World Communities. The golf staff at Candler Hills Golf Club looks forward to serving you. The purpose of this information is to acquaint you with the many programs, events, rules and benefits available. As policies and procedures change, and as events are added to our monthly calendar, you will be informed via this web site. Our goal is to extend the service that one would expect to enjoy and experience at a top 100 golf facility. It is our desire to enable our membership to be very proud of their golf course and the activities that are offered at Candler Hills Golf Club.

GOLF COMMITTEE DESCRIPTION

The General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional and the Head Golf Course Superintendent will form the committee to review, update and amend the rules governing the operation of the Candler Hills Golf Club and its facilities.

The Advisory Board is made up of Candler Hills Golf Club members and employees. The Board consists of the presidents of the Men’s Golf Association, the Ladies 18 Hole Golf Association, and the Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association and a member at large who is a fully paid golfing member, in good standing, at the club. The company is represented by the Director of Golf, Head Golf Course Superintendent, Head Golf Professional, Assistant Golf Professional and a Food and Beverage representative. The minutes are posted at the club for the membership to read. The Board meeting is held once a month on the first Wednesday in the Candler Community Center at 2:00 P.M.

GOLF MEMBERSHIP

The Annual Golf Membership at Candler Hills Golf Club is valid January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year. Membership will be pro-rated only for new members or prior members who have not held membership within the last three (3) years. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. A Single Golf Membership is defined as one adult; a Couple Golf Membership is defined as two adults sharing the same address and residing in the same household. Dependent children whose parents have purchased an Annual Couple Membership, meet the age restriction of the rules of the Association, have not reached the age of 24, and are full time students will qualify to be included in their parents’ membership as a golf member.

In order to receive “resident” golf privileges and rates, one must be personally identified as an On Top of the World Communities resident or tenant resident by a current resident identification card.

In the event of a member’s violation of the golf course rules, regulations and procedures outlined in the member handbook, the following course of action will occur:

• First violation: Letter of reprimand
• Second violation: One month membership suspension
• Third violation: Termination of membership privileges

In the event of a membership suspension or termination, there will be no refund of unused membership, trail or food and beverage fees.

CONDUCT AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Appropriate social behavior and respectful treatment of others is expected of all staff, golf members, residents and guests while using any of the golf facilities.

In the event of violations of the golf rules, as outlined in the member handbook, or inappropriate social behavior by any person using the golf facilities, revocation of golf privileges may occur.

Violations of inappropriate social behavior and disrespect of others include but are not limited to the following:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language; club throwing; disrespect to staff, volunteers, members, residents or their guests; or abuse of golf course property.
• Physical abuse or threat of physical abuse or verbal abuse towards staff, volunteers, members,residents or their guests.
• Entering onto private property or being disrespectful to property owners.

Should such behavior occur, the following action will occur:

• First violation: Letter of reprimand
• Second violation: One month membership suspension
• Third violation: Termination of membership privileges

In the event of a membership suspension or termination, there will be no refund of unused membership, green fees, trail fees, or food and beverage fees.

GOLF CART PROGRAM

Cart Rental:

A daily cart rental fee is charged to a non-member golfer or a golf member who does not own a private cart nor chooses the annual Cart Lease Program. This fee applies if they are riding in a private cart or company cart.

Cart Lease:

An annual Cart Lease Program is available at Candler Hills Golf Club. Annual fees are a yearly contract and are not refundable or transferable.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If two players with special needs are in the same foursome, both players will ride in the same cart. Ask for a flag that will be placed on your cart for that round of golf. These flags are to be returned to the Golf Shop after play.

Handicap Flag Rules and Regulations

• Golfer may drive no closer than 10 yards from the green. Golfer must not drive between a bunker and the putting surface at any time.
• Golfer may park on the side of an elevated tee box. Carts must be kept 10 yards from tee boxes. (Please do not drive on the surface of any tee boxes.)
• Golfer may cross the fairways on the par 3’s.
• When the “Carts on Cart Path Only” rule is in effect for the entire golf course due to extreme weather conditions, no golfer will be permitted to drive on or across fairways.
• Golfer may not take a cart into a bunker or waste area.
• Golfer is requested to stay on cart paths whenever possible.

MEMBERSHIP MEDICAL SUSPENSION REQUEST

Should a current annual golf member become incapacitated during the year, there are several conditions that must be met before receiving consideration to obtain credit for this time period towards the following year’s membership fees:

• Within two (2) weeks of sustaining an accident or a medical condition, the member must submit paperwork describing the condition which prohibits golf activity to the Director of Golf.
• The severity of the accident or medical condition must prohibit play for a minimum period of ninety (90) days.
• A physician’s statement must be submitted stating the nature of the accident or medical condition including when the treatment began and when the patient was released.
• The Director of Golf will notify the member if the condition warrants a credit of membership fees towards next year’s membership dues.
• No golf or driving range use may be played during the time of membership suspension.
• The Golf Membership Director must be notified before the member returns to any golf participation.

All requests for credit will be reviewed by the golf department and must be approved by this department before any credit for the following year will be issued.

No refunds will be issued for a membership suspension, except in the event of death for a current golf member. If there is a Couple Membership, the remaining member will receive a credit towards their following year’s membership fees.

Elite and Preferred Food & Beverage Members

Annual Fees will not be suspended for medical reasons. All food and beverage dollars will expire December 31st of the membership year. Any unused balance may not be redeemed for cash, gift certificates or cash cards. 

COURSE CLOSURES & ACTS OF GOD

In the event of course closures from ACTS OF GOD and normal course maintenance, there will be no reimbursement or pro-rations of memberships.

GOLF COURSE CART USE POLICY

• Golf carts must remain on the paths on all par 3’s.
• The 90 degree rule applies to all par 4’s and par 5’s. (The 90 degree rule is a method that will minimize the amount of time the golf cart will be driven on the turf. Only when the player is directly across from their ball will they leave the cart path and proceed to their ball. After the shot is taken the player will return directly to the cart path. If it is not practical to do this in order to get to your partners ball then proceed to his/her ball directly.)
• ONE CART FOR A SINGLE OR TWOSOME, AND TWO CARTS FOR A THREESOME OR A FOURSOME WILL BE PERMITTED. A maximum of two bags and two riders are allowed per golf cart, regardless of the number of seats available. Any play outside of this would be at the discretion of the golf professional. To operate a golf cart on any of the three courses, the driver must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
• Golf rental carts are not allowed in the parking lot of Candler Hills Golf Club.

GOLF SHOP HOURS OF OPERATION

Regular Hours:

Year Round: Open 7:00 A.M. on weekdays and 6:30 A.M. on weekends. 

November 1 – April 30: Close weekdays and weekends at 5:00 P.M.

May 1 - October 31: Close weekdays and weekends at 6:00 P.M.

Special Holiday Hours:

New Year’s Eve – 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

New Year’s Day – 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Thanksgiving Day – 7:00 A.M. to Noon (Club owned carts to be returned by 2:00 P.M.)

Christmas Eve – 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Christmas Day – Closed all day

DINING FACILITIES & CATERING

Candler Hills Restaurant:

Candler Hills Restaurant is located adjacent to the Candler Hills Golf Shop. For hours of operation and menu, call 352-861-9720.

Friendship Catering:

Friendship Catering is available to cater food and beverage needs of larger golf groups. Contact the Hospitality Department at 352-861-9130 to arrange a professionally catered food and beverage event.

PRACTICE FACILITIES & RANGE PROGRAM

Tokens can be purchased individually in both golf shops.

A Single or Couple Annual Program is available. Memberships will be pro-rated only for new members or prior members who have not held a golf range member within the last three (3) years. Any range member requesting a medical suspension for range privileges will follow the same procedure as the golf membership suspension process. 

The range may close early on certain days in order to have the range picked clean. The Golf Shop will have the scheduled times posted. This is necessary to accommodate mowing of the range the following morning.

Please leave all baskets and range balls that are not hit on the range. The baskets, balls and tokens are not to leave the Practice Facility and travel home with you. Thank you for your cooperation.

GIFT CERTIFICATES & SHOP CREDIT

Gift Certificates and Cash Cards:

Gift certificates/cash cards are available to all who wish to purchase them in the Golf Shop. Gift certificates have no expiration date. The Golf Shop staff is ready to assist any member that might need personal attention for special orders.

Golf Shop Credit:

Golf Shop credit is awarded to sporting event winners. This credit is derived from the entry fee. The shop credit expires on the last day of February of each year.

Shop credit may only be used for merchandise. It is not valid for Greens Fees, Cart Fees, Membership Fees, Range Balls, Golf Lessons or Food and Beverage.

Shop credit will be issued in the form of chits for all amateurs playing in the weekly sporting events of the MGA League, the LGA Leagues, as well as special sporting events. The chits will be distributed the day of the sporting event. Chits may be combined with husband wife accounts. Chits may not be re-assigned to other individuals.

DRESS CODE POLICY

The dress code policy for Candler Hills Golf Club includes the golf course, the short game practice facility, the putting greens and the driving ranges. This dress code is for golfers and spectators at either facility.

Men:

Shirts with sleeves and collars.

Slacks, or mid-length shorts (not more than 3” above the knee).

Ladies:

Blouses with a collar (not required to have sleeves).

Blouses without a collar must have sleeves. 

Mid length shorts may not be more than 3” above the knee.

Prohibited Attire:

Denim of any kind, sweat pants, jams, swim suits, cut offs, flip flops, soccer or football shoes, and boots.

STARTING TIME POLICY

All members and their guests are welcome!

Tee times begin at 7:32 A.M. Monday through Friday and at 7:00 A.M. on Saturday and Sunday. Scheduled tournaments or leagues may alter starting time availability.

The Golf Shop staff will accept starting time reservations beginning at 7:20 A.M. weekday mornings and 6:50 A.M. on weekend mornings. Each person may enter time requests for one (1) foursome online, 7½ days in advance, starting at 9:00 P.M.

Daily fee nine hole rates are offered at Candler Hills Golf Club after 2:00 PM. The nine hole rate may be offered at an earlier time to golfers participating in a recognized golf league – Men’s Golf Association, Ladies 18 hole Golf Association or Ladies 9 hole Golf Association.

Candler Hills Golf Club members may reserve tee times with a seven (7) day advance. 

All other golfers may book four (4) days in advance.

Every person requesting a starting time must provide all players’ names in order to reserve the starting time.

Day Requested

Members

Outside Play

Monday         Monday        Thursday

Tuesday        Tuesday        Friday

Wednesday   Wednesday   Saturday

Thursday       Thursday      Sunday

Friday           Friday         Monday

Saturday       Saturday      Tuesday

Sunday          Sunday        Wednesday

PACE OF PLAY

Pace of play at Candler Hills Golf Course is expected to be four (4) hours and twelve (12) minutes. All golfers are expected to keep up with the group ahead.

GHIN HANDICAPS

All golfers who play in any golf event must have a verifiable handicap. All golfers who play in a Club event must join the GHIN Handicap System and pay applicable fees.

The GHIN Membership term runs January 1 through December 31. Joining the GHIN Handicap System allows the golfer to post scores at Candler Hills Golf Club.

Only an 18 hole handicap is available for the men. A 9 hole or 18 hole handicap is available to the ladies. Please indicate whether you want a 9 or 18 hole handicap when you register.

HANDICAP COMMITTEE

The Handicap Committee of Candler Hills Golf Club ensures compliance with the USGA Handicap System. Members of all men’s and ladies’ golf associations as well as members at large make up this committee.

The Handicap Committee will handle any disciplinary matters concerning golfers score posting and handicap issues.

RAIN CHECK POLICY

• If a golfer plays less than 4 golf holes he/she will receive an 18 hole rain check.
• If a golfer plays 4 to 13 golf holes he/she will receive a 9 hole rain check.
• If a golfer plays more than 14 golf holes he/she will receive no rain check.
• Should a golfer need a rain check, it will be issued at the respective golf shop.

CANDLER HILLS MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION

The Candler Hills Men’s Golf Association (CHMGA) is a non-profit corporation existing under the laws of the State of Florida. Its objective is to conduct golfing events and tournaments for the league members in an environment that promotes good fellowship, sportsmanship and a deeper appreciation for the game itself.

The CHMGA is your opportunity to meet other members in a spirit of friendly competition and to support development and growth of the club. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. 

As a way to give back to the community, the CHMGA annually awards a scholarship to a deserving Westport High School senior scholar/athlete.

All CHMGA members will pay the annual GHIN fees through the Golf Shop. The weekly tournaments are held every Tuesday. Play will be a shotgun start at 8:30 A.M.; however, there may be variation by season and commitments by the golf course. All players should be at the Golf Shop by 7:30 A.M. Players who have an established GHIN handicap and are paid members of the CHMGA are eligible to play. Members must sign up in the Golf Shop by 12:00 P.M. on Monday to be eligible for Tuesday play. If a member signs up and decides not to play, he must call the Golf Shop no later than 7:15 A.M. on Tuesday morning. If a player does not call in and cancel, they will be ineligible for the next two weekly events. 

CANDLER HILLS LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATIONS

18 Hole Ladies Golf Association:

The Candler Hills 18 Hole Ladies Golf Association (LGA) provides an opportunity for women to play 18 holes of friendly, competitive golf while enjoying the friendship of other lady golfers.

Various tournament formats are played every Thursday morning. Some of the events are individual and some are team. Winter tee times start at 9:00 A.M. and summer tee times are at 8:00 A.M. Players must sign up at the Candler Hills Golf Shop by the Tuesday prior to each Thursday game. Each player must have an established handicap and GHIN number.

There is an annual membership fee for a full year and also a membership fee for our resident snow birds. For more information please contact the membership chairperson.

9 Hole Ladies Golf Association:

The Candler Hills 9 Hole Ladies Golf Association (LGA) was formed because of the many women who want to play golf. This league began November 1, 2008 and had 44 paid members. 

The ladies play on Thursdays, with tee times starting at 1:00 P.M. Any member wishing to play must sign up in the Golf Shop by 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday in order to play on Thursday. Each player must have a handicap and a GHIN number.

ELITE AND PREFERRED MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

The Elite and Preferred Membership Programs are social programs which may be combined with golf whereby members receive 5% discount on all food and beverage items and 10% on additional sides, desserts and appetizers purchased at Candler Hills Restaurant. Members also receive VIP reservations for restaurant seating and admission to special member-only events. ‘Preferred’ membership is for restaurant participation only. ‘Elite’ membership is for golf and restaurant participation combined. To participate in these member programs, an annual membership fee and agreement signed by the member(s) are required. Note: The Pub Restaurant is private and for residents who are Gateway of Service pass holders.

LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP CARD

Should the membership card for Golf, Elite or Preferred members be lost or misplaced, the golf department must be notified immediately. After notification, the member card will be deactivated until either the card is found or a replacement card is issued, in which case any unused balance for the dining program will be transferred to the new member card. Candler Hills Golf Club is not responsible for any member dollars that were spent after the card(s) was lost or misplaced. 

The membership card must be replaced for an Elite or Preferred member in order for the member to spend the remaining member dollars on the account and receive the VIP discount on food and beverage purchases. A Golf member will need to replace the card for golf privilege identification. The cost for either card replacement is $20.

Welcome to Candler Hills Golf Club 

From the Head Golf Professional…

The golf course staffs would like to welcome you to Candler Hills Golf Club. The goal of the golf operations team is to create an enjoyable golf atmosphere for you.

From the Golf Course Superintendent…

On behalf of the golf course maintenance team, I want to thank you for joining us at Candler Hills Golf Club. We are very proud of our facilities and strive to keep the courses in the best condition possible.

It is very important that we enlist the membership to help us keep the courses in top shape. The proper and timely repair of ball marks on the greens is vital in keeping putting surfaces smooth and healthy. Filling divots on tees and fairways will speed recovery and provide a smooth surface. Obeying all cart rules by following directional signs and maintaining all four wheels on the cart path around tees and greens will limit the amount of wear and tear to our rough and surrounding areas.

In addition, throughout the year we will perform some necessary maintenance practices that will aid in the long term conditioning of the golf course. Beginning in May and throughout the summer months, the golf course will be aerified several times. Aerification reduces compaction from foot and cart traffic, removes thatch and organic matter and allows for water, air and nutrients to penetrate into the root zone. During this process all tees and fairways will be verticut to remove thatch and stimulate new leaf tissue and growth. In order to perform these practices safely and quickly, the golf course will be closed during these processes.

History

Before the population boom of the early 20th century, Florida was comprised of pastures, forests, farmland and lakes. By 1844, settlers started moving into the newly established area called Marion County. The railroad followed settlers to Central Florida and spurred on the timber, mining and cattle industries. At the end of the 19th century, cattle and horse ranching had become a large-scale industry in Florida. The rich grazing pastures and rolling hills of Marion County were extremely desirable. One of the grandest ranches to put down roots in this splendid area was Circle Square Ranch, established in the early 1940s by James Norris, a former grain operator and steamship line owner. The city that would build itself up around this ranch was Ocala, one of the fastest growing cities in one of the fastest growing states. The green pastures of the area became a showplace for visitors, and breeders came from all over the world to buy the ranch’s prize cattle stock. Circle Square Ranch continued under Norris’ operation until December 1975, when Sidney Colen, one of Florida’s premier developers, purchased the 12,900-acre property.

Since that time, the Colen family’s vision has been to develop this land in a way that combines innovative, superior lifestyle and environmental stewardship with small-town charm. The three eighteen hole golf courses at On Top of the World Communities provide the cornerstone of the extensive recreational opportunities available. Labor Day, September, 1982, witnessed the opening of The Links golf course, later followed by the Tortoise & The Hare golf course. Candler Hills Golf Club, a Gordon Lewis design, opened January 21, 2005. The name “Candler” is derived from the area’s sandy soil known as “candler sand.” The antique water pump on the twelfth hole of Candler Hills Golf Club is reminiscent of Circle Square Ranch’s by-gone cattle driving days.

Great care has been taken to protect the heritage and environmental integrity of this property for the benefit of all who will partake of its pleasures now and in the years to come.