By: Pedro Heizer
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Boca Raton is so well hidden that not many people know about it. But, to the privileged people who have had the pleasure of being in some way part of this amazing country club it truly is one of Boca’s greatest hidden paradises.
Stonebridge was originally part of a 400-acre farm that was, at one point, converted to a racetrack for horse boarding and training. Sometime prior to 1981, it was transformed into the Southern Manor Golf Course. The Stonebridge that we know of today, was actually formed in July of 1985 when a clubhouse and the first few model homes were built. But, unlike many current home developments where there is only one single builder, Stonebridge brought in many well-known custom builders who had already built homes in St. Andrews, Boca Grove, Woodfield and Bocaire, just to name but a few. This diversity resulted in a variety of custom designs, making Stonebridge a unique community in which virtually no homes are exactly alike.
Stonebridge has always had great facilities but in order to make them even better, in 2008, the club undertook a $11.6 million renovation that included a total overhaul and further expansion of the Clubhouse and Fitness Center. Stonebridge enhanced their fitness arena to a state-of-the-art facility in which you can find everything from treadmills, elliptical, bikes, weight training machines and so much more.
In the heart of the community, you can see the beautifully renovated Stonebridge clubhouse. This new 40,000 square-foot facility with its Lakeside lounge can seat up to 300 people in their formal dining area, and can be expanded to accommodate large events, as well. Diners and revelers enjoy a magnificent lake and golf course vista from huge picture windows throughout.
I must emphasize the beautiful golf course, which was designed by Karl Litten. Every home in Stonebridge has either a view of the magnificent golf course or a beautiful lake, many have both. The golf course was completed in time to host the 1986 LPGA Mazda Classic. Stonebridge hosted the LPGA tournament again in 1987. When Stonebridge undertook its $11.6 million renovation, it included $477,000 to renovate all of the golf course greens with mini-verde grass and to redesign most of the greenside bunkers.
The clubhouse hosts over-the-top formal galas, wedding and Bar and Bat Mitzvah receptions, Broadway performers, classical musicians, holiday celebrations and various lecture series, all designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of people of all ages.
Outside the Clubhouse, there is a beautiful pool area with a grill in which the chefs cook up some amazing snacks. It must be noted, throughout the entire clubhouse there is free Wi-Fi so you can access the Internet or work on projects in the comfort of being poolside! How amazing.
Members of the club enjoy dinner and dancing events which includes themed parties such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year celebrations. Specialty dinners are regularly on their calendar, with nights such as Greek Night, Stone-Crab Dinner and Spanish Night, and often feature live musical entertainment.
Also in the clubhouse, there are separate card rooms that provide ample space for members to enjoy card and board games, for which a host of complimentary snacks and drinks are offered, from tea and coffee to freshly baked cookies and fresh fruit.
The Stonebridge kitchen will always surpass your expectations, doesn’t matter if you are looking for a quick lunch, a multi-course lunch or a formal dinner. The Stonebridge kitchen staff will always have the best food for you and you can be sure you will finish your meal full. Their menus are simply ideas; ask them for something that is not on the menu, I dare you. Trust me, they will never say “no” to a member.
Whether you want a quick lunch or a multi-course, formal dinner, the Stonebridge kitchen will always exceed your expectations.
Stonebridge offers continental breakfast on weekends, hors d’oeuvres before dinner and at Thursday’s weekly Happy Hour, and coffee, tea, cookies, and candy throughout the day.
The Clubhouse is stocked with the finest liquors, bottled beers and world-class wines. You can choose from as many as 40 brands of vodka, a large selection of single malt scotches, and more than 100 varieties of wine. Want a particular brand to be stocked? Just ask your server.
The membership in Stonebridge Golf and Country Club is limited exclusively to the 398 residences within the community plus a maximum of 20 outside members. Stonebridge is a terrific country club in Boca Raton and I highly recommend checking them out online at http://www.stonebridgefl.com or giving them a call at (561) 488-0800 if you are interested in having an event or even becoming a member of this amazing country club.