Business Briefs

+ Ritz-Carlton secures big golf event
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Golf Club, in East County, is one of 11 sites nationwide — and the only site in Florida — chosen to host sectional qualifying for the U.S. Open.

The qualifying round, conducted over 36 holes, will be held June 3, according to a statement from the hotel. This is the first time the hotel’s course will host a sectional qualifying round, although it previously held two U.S. Open local qualifiers.

The hotel’s golf course, ranked in several publications as a top course in Florida and the country, is a private club in Lakewood Ranch. Guests at the hotel, 15 miles away in downtown Sarasota, can play at the course, as can members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club.

The course will be open to spectators on the day of the sectional qualifying. Plus, the Golf Channel will be on the course that day, according to the hotel, doing live filming of “Golf’s Longest Day,” a show about all the sectional qualifying sites. The U.S. Open will be held June 10 to June 16, at the Merion Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia.
— Mark Gordon

+ John Neal Homes brings biggest model to Ranch
John Neal Homes unveiled its newest — and biggest — model in the Highfield section of The Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club April 11.

At just under 5,000 square feet, The Barbados II model is the largest new home model in Lakewood Ranch, a John Neal Homes’ release states. 

The Barbados II model is 4,968 square feet and will feature four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, plus a den, clubroom and bonus room.

“The strongest focal points of this model are the great room, the master bathroom and the outdoor living spaces,” said Michael Rego, John Neal Homes’ vice president of building. “Since we are seeing more of a progression in the market toward oversized kitchens and gathering areas, we highlighted this with the Barbados II.”

Pricing in Highfield starts in the $900,000s.

+ Medallion Home hits record first quarter
To start 2013, Medallion Home has sold the most homes and made the most money for a quarter in company history.

In the first quarter of 2013, the company sold 85 homes, totaling more than $27.2 million.

“Foot traffic has been really strong so far this year, which is typically a precursor to sales,” said Gregg Glasser, Medallion Home director of sales and marketing. “Our clients are taking advantage of historically low interest rates, which is a real benefit to them as costs across the board continue to increase. We’re hopeful this year’s long winter up North will help maintain the momentum that’s been built up.” 

 Medallion Home currently operates models in Riva Trace, Country Meadows, Harbour Walk, The Reserve and Bella Sole, among other communities.