The Lowcountry’s Finest Private Golf and Sporting Club

Platinum Clubs of America Nomination 2026-2027
The Ford

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The Ford is continuing its tradition of excellence in pursuit of the respected Platinum Clubs of America distinction. Preserving the historic significance of the property set within the enchanting beauty of the Lowcountry, The Ford blends the world class amenities of a private golf club and sporting community with the charming traditions and service synonymous with Southern hospitality.

Universal Recognition

  • Awarded Platinum Club 5 Star status four consecutive election cycles, beginning in 2019 – 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024, 2025-2026
  • The Ford’s Pete Dye-designed Golf Course is recognized in Golfweek’s “Best 2026: Top 200 Residential Golf Courses in the U.S.” The course has earned this distinction for seven consecutive years.
  • The Ford’s Golf Course is also named in GolfWeek’s 2026 Best In State ranking for Georgia.
  • Achieved certification as an Audubon International Sustainable Community and extended its six-year status as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.The Ford has served as the host course for the prestigious Ford Collegiate annual golf tournament since 2022, welcoming top talent from universities across the country.
  • The Main House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“From our very first introduction, we were captivated by the rich history preserved within the grounds and the breathtaking natural landscape along the Ogeechee River. The world-class amenities-from the future golf Clubhouse and equestrian facilities to the Main House and fitness offerings, all are exceptional, but what truly sets The Ford apart for us are the people. Every club member and every Ford team member we have had the pleasure of meeting has spoken of The Ford with genuine warmth, sharing personal testimonies of what this community means to them. It is clear that The Ford is not just a place to live, but a place to belong.” – Ford members and homeowners, Lisa and Tony C.

Excellence in Amenities and Facilities

The Ford’s world-class amenities and sporting facilities set itself apart from private residential clubs with one-of-a-kind offerings thoughtfully designed to embrace its Lowcountry setting while bringing members together and creating a home unlike any other.

The Main House

While there are whispers of history dating back to the 18th century dotted around the property, the most prominent gem of The Ford is the grand Main House that once served as Henry and Clara Ford’s winter home. The Greek Revival estate, completed in 1938 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been meticulously transformed to suit the modern needs of the members while maintaining its historic charm and prestige. The house now boasts five upper-level guest suites, an intimate wood-paneled library, a breakfast room, formal gathering space and an expansive dining room. The surrounding grounds feature a rose garden once tended to by Clara Ford, the stately Oak Allee lining a manicured greenspace, a reflecting pool overlooking the Ogeechee River, and a circular drive centered around a feature fountain.

Outside, find multiple gardens, including a rose garden once tended to by Clara Ford, century-old oaks, an expansive lawn, a riverfront pool and deck, and an ornate central fountain.

  • Pete Dye Championship Golf Course

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    Winding through 250 acres on property is the award-winning, 250-acre Pete Dye-designed golf course. Defined by its unique Parkland-style front nine and Links-style back nine, those who play at The Ford will find themselves teeing off surrounded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss, acres of lakes and views of the Ogeechee River. The course will undergo renovation of its short game course, tees, and fairways in 2026, elevating the playing conditions and providing new ways to compete on the course.

  • Deepwater Access Marina

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    The meandering Ogeechee River sets a stunning backdrop for much of The Ford, where members can dock yachts up to 40 feet at the 36-slip marina, and easily access the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway within 20 nautical miles. Ogeechee Outfitters offers opportunities to enjoy chartered trips on one of three Club-owned boats for in-shore or deep-sea fishing, wildlife-viewing adventures and leisure trips to one of the nearby beaches.

  • Equestrian Center

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    Members can explore the property by horseback with seven miles of trails located throughout the sprawling 1,800-acre property. The state-of-the-art, seven-acre Equestrian Center features a 22-stall barn, two air-conditioned tack rooms, a members’ lounge, 13 acres of grass paddock space and 1.5 acres of dry sand paddock, riding arenas, and turf jump field. The trained equestrian staff can lead all disciplines and styles of riding, and offer riding lessons, guided trail rides on club horses, pony rides for children, and host a variety of events at the stables throughout the year.

  • The Sports Barn & Lake Dye Pool

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    The newly renovated 8,000+-square-foot Sports Barn, executed in partnership with Advantage Sport & Fitness, has transformed options for members to stay active. The new space showcases an open free weight room and custom-designed machines, along with dedicated studios for spin classes, personal training, yoga and more. Outside amenities include three Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball and basketball courts. Overlooking Lake Dye, a new, zero-entry, heated and cooled swimming pool and hot tub invite gatherings and community activity from spring to fall.

  • The Oyster House

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    Created from a cabin originally built for one of Henry Ford’s many outdoor gatherings, the Oyster House offers unique experiences, from club-hosted Oyster Roasts set among the background of the marsh, to guided nature activities and educational programming for all ages. Ford-era artifacts, sustainably collected souvenirs from the property and nearby waterways are housed within the rustic walls, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the Club’s natural surroundings.

  • Sporting Clays and Shooting Club

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    Members have privileged access to the nearby 5,000-acre Dorchester Shooting Preserve, which offers sporting clays and upland wing shooting. Seasonal pheasant shoots, weekly clay outings, and marksmanship lessons are hosted on an ongoing basis.

  • Culinary Experiences

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    Dining at The Ford is thoughtfully curated to offer exceptional experiences for every occasion. Casual dining is available daily at Lake Dye Grill with a rotating seasonal menu, while refined dining is served in the historic Main House. Upon completion, the newly renovated Clubhouse will introduce grab-and-go offerings from the golfer's lounge, an elevated beverage program centered around a beautifully designed U-shaped bar, private dining spaces, and additional gathering venues. Throughout the year, members enjoy curated wine dinners, themed Sunday Suppers, elegant holiday dining experiences, and a calendar of distinctive culinary events.

  • The Spa

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    The Spa offers seven treatment rooms and personalized massages, body treatments, hydrotherapy, and customized facials, plus manicures, pedicures, and a full-service hair salon.

Caliber of Staff and Professional Service Levels

Welcoming traditions of Southern hospitality are embraced by members and staff alike at The Ford, where everyone is treated with the kindness of family. The dedicated staff curates a wealth of programs and events to encourage further connection with fellow members and their families, and every visitor to property – whether it’s a member, employee or guest - is inspired to be a conscientious steward of the land, fields, and river.

  • Ted Coleman, CCM

    Interim General Manager

    Recently promoted from the Food & Beverage team at The Ford, Ted is a high-energy, heart-led leader that promotes a culture of furthering education and career development. He is a Certified Club Manager (CCM) that drives the members’ experience to the highest level. Ted has 15+ years of experience managing exclusive clubs, most recently at Palmetto Bluff and Berkeley Hall. He is also a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master’s Sommeliers and earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of South Carolina. Ted is leading teams through the Amenity Upgrade Initiative (AUI) projects to include a new Clubhouse, fitness center, pool and golf practice facility.

  • Christy Thomas

    CFO

    Christy brings more than 30 years of experience in various senior financial roles and across multiple industries to The Ford. Her wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in finance, strategic planning, and leadership will be invaluable as we continue serving our members. Christy’s career has included senior financial leadership roles at Milo’s Tea Company, BLOX, North Highland Consulting, Equifax, Mohawk Industries, and The Home Depot. While holding financial positions, she has also led teams in Human Resources, IT, Facility and Fleet Management and was instrumental in implementing several mentoring programs. She began her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young in Atlanta. Christy holds an MBA/MTX from Georgia State University and is a licensed CPA.

  • Marianne Schofield, CMP

    Director of Membership Development

    A member of The Ford’s Leadership Team for more than 13 years, Marianne Schofield served as National President of the Professional Club Marketing Association (PCMA) from 2019–2020, providing leadership and strategic direction to membership professionals across the country. As Director of Membership Development, she leads The Ford’s membership team, overseeing initiatives to recruit, engage, and retain members while enhancing every stage of the member experience. Under her leadership, this exclusive luxury community has realized a net gain of more than 25 new members over the past two years, reflecting steady, sustainable growth and the continued strength of The Ford’s appeal. Through innovative programming, strategic communications, and relationship-focused engagement, she helps cultivate a vibrant and connected membership while strengthening the Club’s culture. With the completion of The Ford’s new clubhouse anticipated in early 2027, member interest and demand are expected to continue growing, positioning the Club for an exciting new chapter and continued success.

  • Danielle Hopper

    Director of Real Estate Sales & Marketing

    Danielle Hopper is the Onsite Director of Sales and Marketing at The The Ford and a Licensed Georgia Real Estate Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury real estate and private club communities, she specializes in luxury real estate, strategic marketing, and sales leadership. A two-time recipient of BoardRoom Magazine’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Membership Sales and Marketing, Danielle is recognized for delivering exceptional results through innovative marketing, strategic leadership, and an unmatched understanding of luxury real estate and private club communities. For Danielle, The Ford is more than a place to work, it’s a community she genuinely believes in. She has a deep appreciation for its rich history, breathtaking Lowcountry landscape, and the authentic connections that define life here. She is dedicated to sharing The Ford’s unique lifestyle and helping others experience what makes it such an extraordinary place to call home.

Engagement and Commitment of Membership

The Ford is entirely owned and governed by the community’s members, who continue to preserve and honor its rich history while creating extraordinary opportunities for members and their families to gather and connect.

The membership made a powerful statement of unity, commitment and stewardship, voting with 90% approval to fund a $24.5 million amenity upgrade initiative set to complete in early 2027. The initiative is the most significant amenity transformation undertaken by any private community in the region.

“Our members are the stewards of the community, and this financial commitment reflects their desire to remain the finest coastal sporting club in the country.” – John Johnstone, General Manager/COO

  • 9%

    Annual “Net Worth” Growth Rate, running well above Best-In-Class Clubs

  • $24.5M

    Amenity Upgrade Initiative Breaking Ground September 2024

  • 90%

    Member Approval Secured to Fund the Amenity Upgrade

Governance and Prudent Fiscal Management

Committed to rigorous adherence to following industry-best governance and financial management practices, all Board and Committee members are required to participate in mandatory, comprehensive orientations, which include a thorough understanding of the fact-based, private club business model. The Club embraces a philosophy of strategic stewardship, including maintaining an effective strategic plan and comprehensive long-range capital asset plan.

  • The Club maintains a fully funded capital reserve fund that covers 100% of the community’s asset base and ensures adequate funding is available for all future asset replacement expenditures.
  • The ultimate barometer of financial success is the Club’s balance sheet equity valuation, or “net worth,” which is growing over time at an average compounded annual growth rate of +9%.

Adapting to Changing Times

The Ford continually adapts and evolves based on the needs of its members and their families.

  • The transformative $24.5M amenity upgrade initiative will continue to enhance the already exceptional lifestyle offerings, expanding key amenities such as the Lake Dye Grill, Sports Barn, Clubhouse, and Golf Practice Facility.
  • The Ford partners with Kuo Diedrich Chi Architects (KDC), a full-service architectural firm that specializes in master planning and design for Platinum Clubs worldwide, and MacCurrach Golf Construction to re-envision The Ford’s world-class golf amenities and facilities. Additionally, Choate Construction has led the overall renovation and construction of the upgraded Sports Barn and pool, and will complete the Clubhouse upgrade in 2027.
  • The Ford proudly partners with esteemed builders HMAF LLC., Axon Homes, and Flannigan Homes leveraging their expertise to design and build homes that capture a one-of-a-kind expression of Southern style while catering to the needs of today’s homeowners at The Ford.

Overall Experience

For more than a century, families have sought a retreat along Georgia’s storied coast, with The Ford becoming the destination of choice for those seeking recreation, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature. Members enjoy a refreshing way of life, steeped in the beauty of the land and the history of its location.

Days are spent setting out from the Marina with fishing poles in tow, teeing off at their own pace on the golf course, saddling up at the Equestrian Center, or simply taking in the beauty of the Lowcountry from various spots around the property. The Ford membership remains true to its original mission to positively impact the lives of all who call the community home now and for generations to come, as the finest coastal sporting club in the nation.