Let’s talk golf. This is not a “where you should join list.” For the most part, these places have increased their initiation fees by at least double since the pandemic and now have waiting lists that last years. If you can join one of these places- all the power to you! However, this is a good list to reference. These 5 golf courses are in the category of: If you get an invite to play these courses as a guest, you pretty much say yes and rearrange your schedule later. These are the best of the best in South Palm Beach County and if you are a golfer, it should be your goal to experience them all.
5. St. Andrews (Palmer Course)
A lot of the Boca residential club courses feel the same, but not this one. This Palmer design on Bermuda grass stretches through 70 acres of some of the nicest real estate in the country. This course is worth playing just to see some of the houses on the course.
Mark’s rating (out of 10): 8.1
4. Broken Sound (Old Course)
Removed from the actual community of Broken Sound, this course doesn’t feel like typical Florida. It is probably the only residential club that you will not see any homes on the course. The course is currently going through a Rees Jones renovation so it should be even more spectacular once completed in 2023.
Mark’s rating (out of 10): 8.3
3. Boca Rio
With only 150 members, the course gets minimal play and is kept in amazing shape. Situated on 200 acres of what seems like wilderness, you forget you are in Boca while out there. The course has previously hosted the Gainbridge LPGA event. The tin cups make a rewarding noise while sinking your birdie putts!
Mark’s Rating: 8.4
2. High Ridge
The top 2 courses on this list are truly in a league of their own. High Ridge is in Lantana which is closer to West Palm. High Ridge is groomed as nicely as any club I have ever seen in Florida. Golfweek USA recently named High Ridge as one of the 10 best private golf courses in Florida. It is easily one of the prettiest courses in Florida. I can’t even imagine what their landscaping bill is.
Mark’s Rating: 8.8
1. Pine Tree
My personal favorite in the area. I give the slight edge to Pine Tree simply for that fact that I don’t think I would ever get bored of the golf course. If you want to woo someone with a one time experience of beauty than High Ridge is probably the pick. But if you want a golf course you can play over and over and never get bored of, than this is it. The claim to fame is that Ben Hogan called it the greatest flat course in America and he’s likely not wrong. Also note- there are 130 bunkers on the course, so hope your sand game is solid.
Mark’s Rating: 8.9