North Palm Beach Country Club

Golden Bear Facts

“North Palm Beach Country Club was built in the late 1920s and was one of the last courses designed by Seth Raynor. It was done when it was sand-dunes property that extended into the Seminole area. Since that time, most, if not all, of Seth Raynor’s influence has disappeared, whether it was the affect of the years or the renovations that have taken place at different points and times. When I was asked to design a golf course, I was asked to do a course that would fit this piece of property. As for the property, it is located right on US Highway #1, and is situated in the center of North Palm Beach and in the center of a largely populated area. It is not a large piece of property, probably less than 125 acres in total. But, the property was pure sand, with different varieties of sand–white, gray and orange sand. The orange sand turned out to be some of the best bunker sand we have found in the state of Florida, from what we call a ‘fried egg standpoint.’ It’s very angular sand.

“As for the design itself, I felt the property deserved a strong golf course from the back tees, a very user-friendly and forgiving golf course from the member and senior tees, and an enjoyable golf experience for the women. That’s what I tried to do. We ended up with a par 71, playing just under 7,100 yards from the back tees. When we started, the course was a par 72 and 6,300 yards. For the first 180 to 200 yards off the member tees, it is very wide, so there is plenty of room off the tee, thus making it very user friendly for the seniors and members. The better golfer you are and the farther you hit the ball, the more you have to play golf. The greens have nice movement to them. There are several lakes on the golf course to add to the strategy and overall look. I think this golf course will be an interesting golf course from a visual standpoint and it will be a very photographed course. From the member and visiting golfer’s perspective, it should be a fun golf course to play. Overall, I think North Palm Beach Country Club will be a great addition and showcase course for the Palm Beaches…and, as a bonus, built under budget.

“I have lived in North Palm Beach for more than 35 years. I feel that it’s a good community, a community that has supported me and my family. This was my way to give a little something back to the community and the people who have given me so much. If I am able to do that with a very good, modestly priced golf course for the people of the Village, that brings a certain sense of satisfaction. This has been a fun project, and one of which I am very proud.” – Jack Nicklaus