As The Ford Field & River Club reflects on 2024, we celebrate a milestone year defined by extraordinary growth, shared experiences and the camaraderie of our members. From welcoming new families to our Lowcountry community, to hosting unforgettable events and achieving national recognition, we are truly appreciative of all those who made this year such a special one.
Read on for our annual recap and the exciting developments ahead. For those who haven’t yet experienced The Ford, we invite you to make 2025 your year to discover why we’re recognized as the nation’s finest private coastal golf and sporting club community.
New Members and Real Estate Success
Rooted in Southern tradition and Lowcountry beauty, The Ford continues to thrive as a community built on the bonds of family, friends and neighbors. In 2024, we reached an impressive 30 real estate sales, welcoming new members who chose between thoughtfully designed new homes and timeless estate residences across five distinct enclaves. Among these sales, eight returning members chose to reinvest in The Ford, acquiring five architectural heritage homes and three expansive homesites.
Our architectural landscape continues to evolve, with eight completed projects, 17 new starts and 18 projects submitted for review in 2024, paving the way for an exciting 2025.
To view current homes and homesites for sale please click here.
Exclusive Members-Only Events
Throughout 2024, an array of memorable member-only events at The Ford brought our community together in memorable ways. A highlight of the year was our annual Homecoming Weekend, where members enjoyed everything from a friendly dog meet-up to a classic Oyster Roast and an unforgettable Great Gatsby gala at The Main House.
Our social calendar flourished with beloved gatherings including Cookies & Cocktails, Chef’s wine dinners, our infamous Wild Wild West Party and lively pool parties. Members explored our waterways during sunset kayaking tours and competed in spirited fishing tournaments. Pickleball and tennis enthusiasts, both newcomers and seasoned players, enjoyed friendly yet competitive tournaments. The year’s adventures extended beyond our grounds with international golf trips to Scotland and Ireland, creating lasting bonds between members as they experienced these legendary destinations together.
Recognition and Achievements
2024 brought notable recognition to The Ford. Our Pete Dye Golf Course ranked #62 in Golfweek‘s “Best 2024: Top 200 Residential Golf Courses in the U.S.”—our sixth consecutive year on this prestigious list. Executive Chef Luis Young earned a spot on Club + Resort Chef’s 40 Under 40 list, while The Ford achieved Top 100 Platinum Country Club status for 2025-26, marking our third consecutive 5-Star Platinum Club recognition. The Land Report showcased our community’s rich history and wildlife in “Lowcountry Living at The Ford.”
Leadership and Growth
We welcomed Jeff Dekruif as General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, bringing over two decades of club leadership experience. His unique combination of Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation and CFO credentials—held by only 22 professionals nationwide—adds exceptional value to our team.
Our $22.5 million Amenity Upgrade Initiative made headlines, which will further enhance The Ford’s already exceptional lifestyle, with work beginning in Q1 2025. Club + Resort Business called it “the most significant amenity transformation undertaken by any private community in the region.”
Coming In 2025
The year ahead promises exciting new additions to our Lowcountry haven. In early 2025, our comprehensive amenity upgrade initiative will break ground, ushering in significant enhancements across the community. This transformation will expand and elevate key amenities, including the Lake Dye Grill, Sports Barn, Clubhouse, and Golf Practice Facility.
In January, The Ford members will gain exclusive access to Club Bardo Savannah through a new reciprocal partnership, granting entry to one of the city’s most sought-after private social clubs. Located in the heart of Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park, Club Bardo resides within Hotel Bardo Savannah, a 2-acre urban resort celebrated as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler in 2024.
With Discovery Visits already booked for 2025, a plethora of community events, new homes under construction and many more updates for us to share soon, we know the best is yet to come here at The Ford.
Interested in experiencing the nation’s finest coastal golf and sporting club community first-hand? 2025 bookings are filling up quickly–plan your Discovery Visit today by choosing from a two-night, three-day Discovery Stay or an epic Discovery Day visit.
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