Black Diamond developer Stan Olsen was drawn to the then relatively unknown region of Citrus County by its expansive sand hills, unspoiled Gulf coastline, big oak trees, spring fed rivers and, of course, the sunny year round climate. For Mr. Olsen, all those factors screamed “golf community” because he built one of the most impressive and popular golf developments in the South. Golfers who pride themselves on knowing about most of the best golf courses in America are well aware of Black Diamond Ranch, even if they have never played there. Since the golf community debuted its 45 holes of Tom Fazio golf, retirees and vacation home owners alike who take their golf seriously have taken themselves and their families to Black Diamond. Located in Lecanto, and within a few minutes of all manner of shopping and other key services, the community itself is a nature preserve which features an abundance of wildlife roaming the rolling hills in and around Black Diamond. Looking more like Texas hill country than the common notion of Florida, homeowners fortunate enough to purchase a lot or home on one of the community’s higher points have unimpeded views for miles around. All the golf is excellent at Black Diamond, but after opening in 1987, its Quarry Course was immediately recognized as one of the most dramatic layouts of the modern era, and it cemented Fazio’s growing reputation as a designer of note.
