How to Try Some Private Golf Courses this Summer
Let's say you've recently moved to the area, and you've been thinking about joining a golf club. You've probably tried out all of the best public courses in Palm Beach County (and/or Martin County), and maybe you've played as a guest at a few private courses. Or, maybe you're already a member at a local club and just want to shake it up by playing some new tracks. Well, this off-season (May-October), everyone can play some great courses that are private during peak season. Here's how.
The South Florida PGA Golf Pass
For $60 (or $45 for Military, First Responder, Student, and Faculty Discount) the South Florida PGA Golf Pass gets you access to some otherwise private courses, as well as exclusive discounts at a bunch of public courses. If you want to know what each course is offering, you can find all participating locations here. But for the sake of this article, we're just looking at the Palm Beach and Martin County courses that aren't otherwise available to non-members.
Palm Beach County Private Courses Open to SFPGA GolfPass Holders
- PGA National – Palm Beach Gardens
- GolfPass members can play five of PGA National’s renowned courses:
- The Champion – Home to the Cognizant Classic and the infamous "Bear Trap".
- The Fazio – A modern redesign of the original Haig course, offering a classic layout with contemporary challenges.
- The Palmer – A forgiving course with wide fairways and risk-reward opportunities.
- The Match – Designed for match play, encouraging strategic and creative shot-making.
- The Estates – A serene setting with a traditional layout, perfect for all skill levels.
- GolfPass members can play five of PGA National’s renowned courses:
- Fountains Country Club / Indian Spring Country Club – Lake Worth / Boynton Beach
- These sister clubs offer a combined 72 holes of championship golf:
- Fountains Country Club – Features three meticulously maintained courses within a private gated community.
- Indian Spring Country Club – Boasts two championship courses and a range of amenities, including tennis courts and a modern clubhouse.
- Wellington National Golf Club – Wellington
- Designed by two-time major champion Johnny Miller, this 18-hole championship course spans over 7,000 yards. It offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels, set amidst the equestrian community of Wellington.
Martin County Private Courses Accessible with The SFPGA GolfPass
- Lost Lake Golf Club – Hobe Sound
- Hobe Sound is quickly becoming the next most popular golf town. Designed by Jim and Tom Fazio II, Lost Lake offers five sets of tees, catering to players of all abilities. The course is known for its picturesque preserves and wetlands, providing a serene golfing experience.
- The Ocean Club at Hutchinson Island – Stuart
- This 18-hole executive course, designed by Charles Ankrom, is part of the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort in Stuart. It offers a fun and fast-paced round, ideal for those looking to enjoy a game in under three hours.
More Courses
If you're really looking to take advantage of the GolfPass, then Lee County (Fort Myers area) and Collier County (Naples area) have the most by far. Since most golf communities in those areas are heavily seasonal (as opposed to the growing number of full-time residents in Palm Beach County), a lot of excellent private courses participate in the SFPGA GolfPass. Making a weekend (or longer) trip to try some of those courses is popular with Florida golfers.
The counties with the least number of courses on the GolfPass are actually Miami-Dade and Broward, with one and two, respectively.
Additionally (and unrelated to the GolfPass), some clubs/courses will have some sort of summer preview membership. In Palm Beach County, PGA National has one of the most popular ones since locals can get access to all six courses, plus all club amenities.
Want to Live the Ultimate Golf Lifestyle?
Take a look at our Golf Communities page if you're thinking you want to live close to the course.
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