Jenifer and Chip Skinner have been owners at Brays Island for the past 12 years. Coming from Jacksonville, there were a number of aspects that made Brays stand out to them while they actively searched for a second home. An active golf and hunting enthusiast, Chip was drawn to the accessibility of the amenities and numerous activities onsite, while Jenifer saw an opportunity to join a welcoming community and pick up some new hobbies. It was likely one of the easiest (and quickest) decisions they made.
A lifelong tennis player, Jenifer looked forward to getting out on the Har-Tru courts. However, it wasn’t long after being at Brays that she was invited by our director of golf, Mike Ingram, to join the annual 3-day golf school, which not only provided the opportunity to learn a new sport, but meet other owners at the same time. In no time, she was taking lessons every week with Mike at the practice facility, focusing on different aspects of the sport to round out her game.
At a course with no tee times, playing a round feels much more approachable for a beginner golfer. Playing at her own leisure, often times with camera in hand to capture the incredible wildlife that surrounds the Ron Garl-designed course, the easy introduction to the game grew her love of golf. Jenifer found herself comfortable on the course either by herself or with new friends and before she knew it, was joining tournaments that Brays organizes almost monthly.
A few short months later, Jenifer went from beginner golfer to winning team member of the annual Member-Guest Golf Tournament at Brays. Chip and Jenifer enjoy playing golf and meeting other couples through the game, and Jenifer has even joined a women’s golf team. Now spreading her love for the game, she’s a member of the Brays Island Golf Committee sharing her enthusiasm and encouraging new players.
While on the course, Jenifer loves to watch the natural wildlife scurry about the course, even catching a photo of a fox trying to steal her golf ball on the 12th hole. It’s often that you’ll find other owners with their fishing rod sitting next to their clubs in the golf cart so they don’t lose a minute of daylight. And most often, this lifelong tennis player finds herself reaching for her golf clubs over her racket.
The Skinners found their love for new sports and amplified their affinity for nature at Brays, offering a home base to gather their 12 grandchildren at their home each year. Limiting screen time and expanding outdoor activities, it’s been a place for their family to come together and experience the outdoors in a new way.