LECANTO, Fla. -- Black Diamond Ranch, a highly acclaimed private golf community located in Lecanto, Fla., is pleased to announce it has been named one of the "50 Greatest Courses of the Last 50 Years" by Golf Magazine. The greatest courses list was published in the magazine's recent 50th Anniversary Issue, which featured a look back on the last half century of golf.

Located in a stunning natural setting highlighting the artistry of course designer Tom Fazio, the Quarry course at Black Diamond Ranch was ranked No. 38 on this prestigious list. Transformed from an old limestone quarry, the course has been consistently recognized as one of America's greatest since it opened in 1988. It was also recently ranked No. 6 in the country and No. 1 in Florida on Golfweek's "Best Residential Courses" list for 2009. The Quarry course features 80-foot cliffs, dramatic elevation changes, classic bunkering, and fairways framed with thousands of beautiful live oaks, dogwoods, myrtles, and magnolias.

"Accolades issued by Golf Magazine are among the most respected and sought after acknowledgements in all of golf," stated Michael Moore, general manager, Black Diamond Ranch. "We are proud to be included on such a prestigious list and are determined to continue our commitment of offering an unparalleled experience to our members and guests."

Additional accolades for Black Diamond Ranch in 2009 include its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is actively maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas specified by Audubon International.

The community of Black Diamond Ranch was originally developed with golf, rather than real estate, as the priority. This is evident in the way the home sites have been masterfully planned to blend into the landscape without interrupting the design of the golf course. Both the residential villages and the course layout take advantage of the areas expansive sand hills, large oak trees, tropical vegetation, and the temperate climate.

Black Diamond Ranch is managed by Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries. Additionally, 39 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Clubs at St. James Plantation, Southport, N.C.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; and The Grove, London, England.

Contact Information
Michael Moore
General Manager
Black Diamond Ranch
352-756-4000
mmoore@blackdiamondranch.com

Brett Brooks
Manager, Marketing Communications
Troon Golf
480.477.0480
bbrooks@troongolf.com