Designed by Donald Ross and Dick Wilson and opened in 1926, the Delray Beach Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course and an expansive clubhouse. One of Florida's busiest municipal golf courses, Delray Beach hosts 60,000 rounds each year along with numerous weddings and special events. Opened in 1972, Lakeview Golf Club is a popular par-60 executive course that averages more than 50,000 rounds annually.

In January of this year, Delray Beach Golf Club's golf course began a $32 million renovation - led by renowned golf architect John Sanford - to restore and preserve the course in accordance with the vision of its original designers, Donald Ross and Dick Wilson, while modernizing it to current standards. With upgrades and enhancements to the clubhouse and a new maintenance facility, Delray Beach Golf Club will become one of the top municipal golf destinations in the U.S. when it reopens in late 2026 or early 2027.

"This is a truly special and personal project for me," said Whitney Crouse, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobby Jones Links. "I learned to play golf at Delray Beach Golf Club when visiting my grandparents as a kid. My first swings were on this historic municipal course. Now, to be part of the team overseeing its rebirth means even more to me."

Sanford stated the goal is to modernize the course, not only from an infrastructure standpoint but also in terms of design, extending the length to meet today's standards and properly positioning bunker locations. To that end, ample drainage will be added to the fairways, greens, and bunkers, along with the installation of an entirely new irrigation system. The greens will be built to USGA specifications with Tifeagle Bermuda grass to ensure superb putting surfaces for years to come.

He added that the work of both original architects on their respective designs will still be evident. "You see a distinct contrast in the bunkering style from the Ross nine to the Wilson nine," Sanford said. "Ross is known for flat bottoms, grass spaces, and simple sand lines. Wilson's bunkers flashed sand on the faces and had a lot of movement. The sand line is very irregular. So, completely different bunker styles from Ross to Wilson."

Plans call for the course to be a par 72 layout measuring 4,611 to 7,111 yards, although this could still be adjusted before it's finally finished. The Ross Nine is slated to be slightly longer than the Wilson Nine at 3,603 yards, versus 3,508 yards.

"This investment and project are an incredible opportunity for the community here. They've had this potential gem of a public golf course for many, many years with incredible history," Sanford said. "And it's not just the architectural history. Back in the day, Tour players like Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and other legendary players of the day all played and spent time here. Before the city bought it, it was a private club. This place has a lot of rich player history. For the city to step up and make this investment to not only restore the golf course, but also the maintenance facility, an all-new parking lot, improvements to the clubhouse and clubhouse perimeter with landscaping and art-scaping, it's an incredible investment in a valuable community asset."

Over the long term of the course's operation, BJL will implement its culture-based staff training and development through its Bobby Jones Leadership Center, AI-supported business practices and accounting, and a comprehensive range of programs for customers, beginners, and junior golfers to ensure maximum engagement.

For more information, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com.

Give our readers an overview of the golf resort. At Sandestin, we're lucky to offer something truly special-a golf resort that stretches from beach to bay across 2,400 acres on Florida's Emerald Coast. Championship courses, manicured fairways, and coastal breezes set the tone, while everything else you'd want for a perfect getaway is right here too: incredible dining, a full-service marina, spa, tennis and pickleball, and the energy of Baytowne Wharf.

It's the kind of place where you can tee off in the morning, spend the afternoon by the water, and end the day with sunset cocktails-whether you're here for a serious golf trip, a tournament, a corporate outing, or just a laid-back coastal escape.

Share with us your room accommodations configurations. What group sizes can accommodate? One of my favorite things about Sandestin is how flexible our accommodations are. We can host everything from a quick golf escape to a full-scale group trip.

We offer hotel rooms and suites, one- to three-bedroom condos for foursomes or families, and larger townhomes and vacation homes with four or more bedrooms-perfect for buddy trips, corporate outings, or multi-family stays.

That range allows us to comfortably accommodate couples, golf groups, parties of 8-20+, and even large tournaments or meetings using a mix of lodging styles across the resort. Whether you want everyone under one roof or clustered nearby, we can tailor the stay to fit your group.

What type of restaurants do you have on property and what type of dining experience can one expect? One of the things I'm most proud of at Sandestin is how diverse our dining scene is, we truly have something for every appetite and every moment of the day.

Across the resort, guests can expect everything from casual, waterfront hangouts to elevated, chef-driven experiences. We're home to refined fine dining like Ovide, laid-back bayfront favorites such as Marina Bar & Grill, and comforting, coastal classics at spots like Beach House, plus rooftop cocktails, lively village restaurants, and poolside bites throughout the property.

Beyond golf what are the top three amenities golfers and non-golfers can enjoy on property? At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, I always like to point out that the experience extends well beyond the golf courses. Guests consistently gravitate to three standout amenities: our sugar-white beaches and resort-style pools for easy coastal downtime, our full-service marina with fishing charters, sunset cruises, and access to the lively atmosphere at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and our wide range of dining and nightlife, from elevated, chef-driven restaurants to relaxed waterfront spots and rooftop cocktails. It creates a perfect rhythm to the day: golf in the morning, water time in the afternoon, and great food and drinks in the evening, without ever leaving the resort.

Please supply a sample itinerary for a long buddies weekend? A great guys' weekend here balances championship golf with beach time, good food, and just enough nightlife. This is how I'd plan a long Thursday-Sunday escape.

Day 1 - Arrival + Sunset Drinks Arrive in the afternoon, check into your condo or vacation home, and stock up for the weekend. Head to the range for a warm-up or a friendly putting contest, then make your way to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a walk along the marina and live music. Dinner at Marina Bar & Grill sets the tone with seafood, cold drinks, and sunset views, followed by a low-key nightcap back at the house or in the village.

Day 2 - Championship Golf + Rooftop Night Book an early tee time on one of our courses, then spend the afternoon unwinding at the beach, floating in a lagoon pool, or hopping on a sunset cruise from the marina. That evening, grab cocktails at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge for panoramic views, then sit down for a more elevated dinner at Ovide before strolling back through Baytowne Wharf.

Day 3 - Water Time + Casual Feast Start with a relaxed breakfast and another round on a different course-mixing it up keeps things competitive. In the afternoon, head out for a fishing charter or bay cruise, then keep dinner easy with a grill-out at your rental or a return visit to Marina Bar & Grill for round two. This is usually when scorecards come out and the next trip starts getting planned.

Day 4 - Final Round + Roll Out Sneak in one last sunrise tee time or beach walk, grab brunch in the village, then pack up, take a group photo on the sand, and head home.

It hits the sweet spot: multiple rounds of golf, plenty for non-golfers to enjoy, and a mix of casual waterfront meals with one or two standout nights-exactly how a Sandestin buddies weekend should feel.

Please supply a sample itinerary for a long couples weekend? A couples' getaway here is all about balance-great golf, spa time, waterfront dining, and slow moments by the water. This is how I'd plan a relaxed Thursday-Sunday escape.

Day 1 - Arrival + Sunset Strolls Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your room or condo, and head out for an easy walk around The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Grab a casual first-night dinner at Marina Bar & Grill-fresh seafood, bay views, and a front-row seat for sunset-then finish the evening with a cocktail along the marina or back on your balcony.

Day 2 - Morning Golf + Afternoon Spa + Rooftop Night Start the day with an early tee time for the golfer in the pair (or a scenic cart ride and coffee for the non-golfer). Late morning is perfect for beach chairs and umbrella service or lounging by the pool. In the afternoon, book massages or a couples treatment at Spa Lilliana to fully unwind. That night, head to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge for sunset cocktails, then enjoy an elevated dinner at Ovide-perfect for a date-night vibe.

Day 3 - Water Time + Easygoing Evening Sleep in, grab breakfast near the water, and spend the morning paddleboarding, booking a bay cruise, or stretching out on the sand. If you're feeling competitive, sneak in a second round of golf or a putting challenge together. The afternoon is ideal for pool hopping or shopping in the village. For dinner, keep things relaxed with another waterfront meal or a low-key grill-out at your rental, followed by live music in Baytowne Wharf.

Day 4 - Sunrise Walks + Brunch + Departure Take a quiet morning beach walk or enjoy coffee on the balcony before heading to brunch in the village. Squeeze in one last swim, snap a few photos by the marina, and head home feeling refreshed.

It's the perfect mix: a little golf, a lot of quality time, great food, spa moments, and coastal scenery-exactly the rhythm I love recommending for couples at Sandestin.

What area tourist attractions might you recommend while in the area? One of the things I always highlight about Sandestin is how much there is to do right here or just minutes away-no long drives required.

Within the resort, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a must. It's our entertainment hub, with waterfront dining, live music, seasonal festivals, shopping, and sunset views along the marina-perfect for an easy afternoon or evening out.

Just outside the gates, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is another favorite for guests. It offers upscale shopping, restaurants, a movie theater, and casual wine bars-great for a low-key night off property without straying far.

For nature lovers, I always suggest Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. With rare coastal dune lakes, quiet beaches, and scenic trails, it's ideal for hiking, biking, or a peaceful beach day.

And for shoppers in the group, Silver Sands Premium Outlets-located just down the road-is one of the largest designer outlet centers in the country, making it an easy stop between rounds of golf or beach time.

Altogether, these spots keep the experience very Sandestin-centric: vibrant village energy, great dining and shopping, outdoor beauty, and plenty to explore just beyond the resort gates-while still feeling completely connected to your stay.

Any recent or upcoming changes to the property/resort or golf course? We've also made some fun recent additions on the golf side that I'm really excited about. Players now have access to a new fleet of golf cars for use around the course, which makes getting to your ball and moving between holes more comfortable and convenient. Plus, we've partnered with Callaway Golf for club rentals, so if you don't want to travel with your set, you can grab a quality Callaway rental right at the course instead of hauling clubs with you - available at each of our four premium courses for a flat rental fee when you book your tee time. It's another way we try to make golf here as easy and elevated as possible for our guests.

How can golfers inquire about golf packages for your resort? Call one of our reservations specialists at (833) 946-3098 to reserve your Stay and Play package.

Courses at Resort Number of Course: 4 Number of Holes: 72

More Information Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West Miramar Beach, FL32550 850-267-8269

The County itself operates 6 golf courses at five properties. I recently had the opportunity to play what many consider the County's top two courses, Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne and Palmetto Golf Course.

Palmetto has been a Miami favorite since 1959. You'll find golfers of all levels and abilities enjoying the course and taking advantage of the player-friendly conditions. The fairways are lush and green, the sand traps are raked and well-manicured, and the greens are in tremendous shape and roll true!

There's a canal system that runs through the course, sometimes crossing the fairway, other times running alongside the tree-lined fairways, which only adds to the challenge. On several holes, the canal dictates what you can hit off the tee, often taking driver out of your hands in favor of a long iron or hybrid. You'll get a chance to meet the canal on your first tee shot. It's a medium-length par 5 with the canal about 250 from the (White) tees. It takes about 275 yards of carry to clear it, so everyone I know lays up. A good drive will leave a long shot to the green, so you may need to lay up again. Leaving yourself a short pitch shot into the green will leave a great chance for par or better. Sand guards the front-left and back-right. It's a fun starting hole.

That same canal is going to force a lot of players to lay up on the 3rd hole, too, a long 427-yard par 4 with the canal right in front of the green. It's a slight dogleg right, and a good drive will still leave a long hybrid or iron into the green, which is surrounded by four bunkers. If you choose to lay up before the canal, you'll leave yourself about a 75-yard chip shot.

Number 14 is a short 330-yard par 4 that will tempt longball hitters off the tee. Just beware of the canal. You may be best to play your tee shot about 200 yards and leave yourself a short chip shot into the green. Believe it or not, this hole yields more bogies than you think!

In addition to the golf course, there's a lighted driving range that is about to receive a major upgrade and become a Trackman Range. Patrons will be able to have in-depth practice sessions and gather important information on things like ball speed, clubhead speed, and launch angle, or play a round on one of the pre-programmed famous golf courses. On the weekends, the last few hitting stations on the range are dedicated to the little ones; you'll see kids as young as two learning to hit the little white ball. I saw several kids who looked to be about eight with beautiful golf swings. It's a great time for the entire family!

There's also a lighted putting green and a fully-stocked golf shop. Sports Grill, the clubhouse restaurant, serves some of the best wings I've ever had.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne is located inside Crandon Park, which was once part of the largest coconut plantation in the United States. It opened for play in 1972 and was designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge. Crandon Golf is the crème de la crème of the Miami-Dade County courses and is located just 10 minutes from downtown Miami.

The golf course is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult par-72 courses in the state and is the epitome of island golf. Water, mangroves, and lush, tropical foliage surround the entire course. Unlike many Florida golf courses, there are no alligators here, just saltwater crocodiles! Crandon is the only public golf course on Biscayne Bay and was designed by Dick Wilson.

The first thing I'll remember about the course is the par 5s, beginning with the first hole, a 472-yard (White Tees) dogleg left, with a drive over water and mangroves. A good drive short of the bunkers on the far side of the fairway may leave an opportunity to go for the green in two and a chance to start your round with a low score. The course ends with a straight 481-yarder that brings the water, mangroves, and numerous sand traps into play.

The 7th hole is a beautiful and challenging par 4 that has been hailed as "One of the Greatest Holes in Golf." From the back tees, it's a 445-yard par 4 dogleg right that requires a solid, accurate drive past the mangroves on the right, but short of the fairway bunkers on the left. From there, you'll be faced with an approach shot of about 150 yards over water and between the mangroves, onto a large green protected in front and back by large bunkers.

The second thing I'll remember is the families of raccoons that live in the woods near the 10th green and 11th tee box. Don't let their cuteness fool you. These masked little bandits roam the woods and can appear at a moment's notice; they will rob you blind and aren't afraid to invade your golf cart and take anything edible or shiny while you're away! There are several cell phones and tablets in the woods!

The County's other courses include The Country Club of Miami, Greynolds Golf Course, and Briar Bay Golf Course. The Country Club of Miami offers two 18-hole golf courses; many golfers will recognize it as the home of Jackie Gleason, who would often play with his celebrity buddies, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Robert Trent Jones designed both courses, Arnold Palmer served as the first club professional, and Jack Nicklaus played his first professional tournament at the club. The golf courses will be undergoing a major renovation later this year.

Greynolds and Briar Bay are both 9-hole layouts. Greynolds plays 3,080 yards with a par of 36 and was designed by Mark Mahannah. Two par 4s play over 400 yards, and there's a 521-yard par 5 that will challenge golfers at any level. It's one of the county's most popular nine-hole courses.

Briar Bay was also designed by Devlin and Von Hagge and is a par-31 executive course; it receives over 40,000 rounds of golf each year. None of the 5 par 3 holes play over 150 yards, so it allows you to work on your mid-iron approach shots. It has become a popular venue for top players and beginners alike; there's something for everyone.

Miami-Dade County is serious about golf and seeing that all patrons enjoy themselves. To learn more about a course or to book your next tee time at any of the six courses, visit their website, www.golfmiamidade.com.

There's plenty to do in the area, especially if you love the water. Pristine beaches, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all nearby, as is shopping. There are lighthouses, museums, and historical sites to visit. Unfortunately for golfers, there is only one course in the area.

While that may pose a problem for golfers who like to play a variety of courses, it's an "exclusive" for the St. James Bay Golf Resort and offers them a chance to show off. St. James Resort is a serene, peaceful resort where guests kick back, relax, and have a great time. And as a golfer, it doesn't hurt that one of the state's best-conditioned golf courses is right outside your door!

The resort is run by PGA industry veteran Bruce Grundlock, who has managed such prestigious properties as Black Diamond in Lecanto, FL, and Killearn Country Club in Tallahassee. Bruce is a hands-on guy; he could be doing anything from running the check-in counter in the pro shop to running carts to the barn. His goal is to make St. James Bay Golf Resort a place you'll remember as the best golf resort in Florida. If you need anything during your stay, say a particular vintage of wine or some new golf apparel brand, ask Bruce and he'll get it for you!

A golf course is only as good as the grass you play on, and St. James Bay Golf Resort has one of the best Agronomists in the business. Joe Hubbard has held the title of Head Golf Course Superintendent or Director of Agronomy for over 30 years at such notable properties as Broken Sound Club, The Country Club of Louisiana, and Boca Del Ray Golf and Country Club. He was also the National Director of Golf Course Operations for Toll Brothers, a new home builder known for constructing residential developments with lavish golf courses.

St. James Bay Resort is located off the beaten path in Carrabelle, Florida, a picturesque coastal community known for its sugar white sand beaches and prolific offshore fishing. It's different from other Florida golf resorts in that it's not near a major city - Tallahassee is an hour away - which helps to minimize distractions. That can be huge if you're a serious golfer or looking to escape suburbia. It's also the area's only Designated Audubon Signature Sanctuary Course.

Accommodations at the resort include 2 and 3-bedroom condos and Clubhouse Villas. The condos all have dens, dining areas, flat-screen TVs, washers and dryers, and fully equipped kitchens. Many have views overlooking the golf course. The Clubhouse Villas are as close as you can get to the pro shop without sleeping in an office. They're well-equipped studio units featuring a flat-screen TV, a bar area with a sink, a coffee maker, a washer/dryer combo, and large, comfortable beds. These units are adjacent to the clubhouse, driving range, and pro shop; you'll pass them on your way to the pool. And remember, if you need ANYTHING, ask Bruce!

The Crooked River Grill is located in the clubhouse, and while it may be best known by locals for a 2 oz. liquor pour, they serve some impressive dishes! Whether it's locally caught shrimp or one of their delicious steaks, you'll leave satisfied. You'll be treated to fantastic views of their Audubon Signature golf course while experiencing a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It's the go-to place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is open to the public.

If you're worried about keeping the kids busy, don't; there's plenty for them to do. There are two pools on the property; one located at the condos and one behind the clubhouse, and outdoor games like giant Jenga, cornhole, ping-pong, and a playground. They'll stay busy for hours!

Even though St. James Bay Resort boasts eight brand-new pickleball courts with a full-size viewing deck, the golf course is the main attraction. The course has received several accolades from Golf Advisor over the years, including being ranked as high as #2 on their list of Top Courses in Florida and #7 on Top 25 Courses for Pace of Play in the US.

This par-72, 6,600-yard public golf course is one of the best-conditioned golf courses in Florida and spans 90 acres of pristine Florida wetlands, replete with a diverse array of wildlife. The layout blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings with towering pines and strategically placed bunkers. Trees line many holes, and where there are no trees, there's usually sand or water! Water hazards and marsh wetlands come into play on every hole, creating a layout that requires shot making and distance control rather than a 'grip it and rip it' approach. The greens are well-undulated and roll true; some of the best greens I've seen all year! As you might expect on a course with this much water, there are several forced carries off the tee and onto the green.

There are a couple of holes I'll remember for a while. The 8th hole offers a great chance for a birdie or par, especially from the Blue Tees. At 462 yards, it's a short par 5, but it's going to take two well-struck and well-placed shots to make that happen. Trees line both sides of the fairway from tee to green, and two wetland areas need to be avoided. A 250 yard drive or better is still going to leave a fairway wood or hybrid into a small green surrounded by bunkers. Keep the ball in play, and you should end up with a low number.

Number 13 is a 394-yard dogleg right par 4 and is handicapped #1 on the golf course. Play your tee shot down the left side of the fairway, but beware of the wetlands that cross the fairway about 250 yards out. A good drive will leave a mid to short iron into the green. Your approach shot is going to be up a steep bank into a large, relatively flat green protected on the left by three bunkers and a deep-faced bunker front right.

Before your round, warm up on the resort's full-length driving range and chipping area. There's a practice putting green where you can warm up the flat stick, too!

For the most part, golfers at St. James Bay Golf Resort fall into two categories: Members and packagers. As a member, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the golf course and related amenities, as well as the pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, and invitations to exclusive members-only events. Great, affordable golf packages can be found on their website, www.stjamesbayresort.com

Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, a short distance from Jacksonville, the resort boasts the iconic Players Stadium golf course, over five hundred luxurious rooms and suites, a modern spa, eight dining places with diverse options, and many other amenities and experiences. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort minimizes its environmental footprint by sustainably managing the energy and water it uses, reducing its waste and carbon emissions, and increasing the use of renewable energy.

In 2022, the golf resort reduced its carbon intensity by 24.6% and increased water intensity by 4.7% compared to 2016. Furthermore, approximately 90% of brands implemented the residential bath amenity program, which replaces tiny, single-use toiletry bottles in guestroom showers with larger, pump-topped bottles. When fully implemented worldwide, this program is expected to prevent up to 500 million tiny, single-use toiletry bottles from ending up in landfills annually. Furthermore, using a cloud-based document management solution, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort prevented harvesting over 8,000 trees for paper production in 2022.

However, the pursuit of sustainability does not stop here for the resort, as its goals are to reduce water intensity by 15%, reduce carbon intensity by 30%, reduce waste to landfill by 45%, and reduce food waste by 50% by 2025. Moreover, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort aims to achieve a minimum of 30% renewable electricity use. The resort's focus on environmental responsibility is laudable and contributes to providing sustainable Florida golf vacation experiences.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort is far from being the only destination in the state that places great emphasis on sustainable practices, which alleviates the environmental impact of these businesses to a significant extent. As one of the most renowned destinations for Orlando golf, Reunion Resort features a unique combination of eco-friendly courses using reclaimed water. Their team has planted over 10,000 trees onsite to reduce their carbon footprint, and they have also implemented green practices across the property to minimize waste output.

Being conscious of how the practices they engage in affect the environment and striving to reduce the impact their actions have on the natural world is becoming more and more important for golf resorts in Florida and nationwide. This awareness may contribute to preserving the planet for future generations by mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing toxic exposure and pollution.

Schulties' renovation of the Victory Course included new tees, fairways, redesigned greens, new wood bulkhead retaining walls, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system. Gleneagles also did a couple of things to enhance the course's visual aesthetics. Several water features were updated and redesigned, and a few new lakes were added, which helped to minimize forced carries and improve the overall playability. New turf management practices were implemented, which also optimized playing conditions year-round.

The Club invested in the landscaping around and beyond the golf course, creating stunning views at every turn. Trees that had outgrown their usefulness over the past 20 years were relocated to areas around the property where they could flourish, including several native oaks, sabal palms, royal palms, and coconut trees. New concrete cart paths were also installed.

The Victory Course was everything I thought it would be. Although not as long as its sister course, The Legends, Victory makes you think your way around the golf course. With 6 sets of tees and a scorecard that gives five more hybrid yardages, there's a suitable distance for all levels and calibers of golfers. Two of the five par 3s are back to back at Numbers 2 and 3.

A couple of the par 5s are reachable, starting with the first hole, a 490-yard dogleg right par 5. There was no need to hit driver because if you hit it through the dogleg, you're in someone's backyard. If you can hit your tee shot over the bunker on the right at the dogleg, you'll have a great angle into the green. I didn't get on in two, but I hit my pitch shot close enough to make a birdie!

The big question golf courses and private clubs are trying to answer these days is "How do we get the millennial generation involved and grow the game?" Millennials don't want to invest the 4 or 5 hours necessary to play a round of golf (plus travel time). One answer is to create shorter courses that take significantly less time to play. With this philosophy in mind, Gleneagles has created a par 3 "overlay" on the Victory Course. It's an additional set of tees on each hole that play anywhere from 75 and 160 yards. This concept creates a separate golf course within the championship golf course and can usually be played in two hours or less. It's a great way to introduce new players to the game and for those who don't want to spend extended amounts of time in the sun.

In March 2025, Gleneagles earned two awards for its golf facilities: Club + Resort Business Model Clubs for the 2024 Victory course renovation, and Palm Beach Post Best Private Golf Course in Palm Beach County. The Best Private Golf Course award was presented by Miss Florida at a ceremony at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Having recently visited Gleneagles, played the golf courses, and sampled the cuisine, I can assure you these awards are well deserved. To see for yourself everything that Gleneagles Country Club has to offer, or to arrange a visit, call them at (561) 498-3606 or visit www.gleneagles.cc.

For golfers, it is Eden, with golf courses at every turn. And, if you need a place to live, you can have the best of both worlds: a home on the golf course. Imagine slipping out the front door in the morning, hopping in your private golf cart, and driving minutes to the golf course, all ready to go!

The east coast of Florida has a myriad of golf communities; some require mandatory membership in the club, some don't, and others may require an initiation fee to join.

Fountains Country Club is a private country club community that was established in 1972. The community includes 1,767 homes that span 965 acres in the middle of Palm Beach County, of which the country club itself occupies 412 acres. At one time, there were three championship golf courses designed by renowned golf architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin., however, only two are currently used.

Like most golf communities in the area, The Fountains thrived with a robust membership. In 2007, The Fountains took out a $15 million loan to renovate the main clubhouse and the fitness complex. The timing was unfortunate as the recession hit the following year. The club's membership declined and other members and sub-HOA's protested the recent mandatory membership requirements and did not pay their dues. Over the next few years, the club's cash flow suffered. At one point a golf course management company was hired, but conditions suffered due to cost-cutting and the club's cash flow issues remained.

In 2018, Concert Golf Partners was able to purchase the Fountains Country Club and announced several improvements that would be made to the property including a full golf course renovation, a new resort-style pool, new bocce courts, fitness equipment, and tennis court lightning. Several clubhouse renovations were included as well.

Concert Golf Partners have stayed true to their word and these upgrades have come to fruition. The Club is debt-free with no mandatory membership requirement, and property values are still increasing.

The West Course was the final course to be built in the community and is widely considered the favorite; as such, it receives most of the play. From the back tees, this par 71 layout plays 6,793 yards, but with four sets of tees, it can be played as short as 5,294 yards.

As you make your way around the layout, you'll find undulating fairways that lead to elevated Bermuda greens. Water comes into play on 16 holes and if you can play the entire round with the same ball, you've probably played fairly well.

There are several memorable holes on the West Course. The 10th and 11th holes can wreak havoc on a good outward side. Number 10 is a par 4 that plays 353 yards from the Blue Tees. It's a dogleg right with a large bunker in the landing area on the right side and water straight ahead if you catch a good drive. Success off the tee will leave a short iron or pitch shot over water into a long, narrow green flanked by bunkers.

Number 11 is a straight-away par 5 with trouble everywhere. There's water down the right side of the landing area; anything right of the water is in someone's backyard. The layup shot can be tricky with water and sand on the left side and trees on the right side in the landing area. From there, you'll have less than 100 yards into the long, rectangular green with bunkers on either side and a nasty pot bunker in front.

Number 18 is a hole that will test your golf mettle. It's a 419-yard, par 4, dogleg right with water crossing the fairway just past the turn. Playing your tee shot down the left side may leave a little longer approach shot, but it will take the trees on the right out of play. Regardless, a good drive will still leave a long approach shot over water into another long, narrow green with water to the right and six bunkers surrounding it. Par is a great score here.

At 6,783 yards from the back tees, it is the shortest among the 3 courses and the five sets of tees let every golfer find a suitable distance regardless of skill level. The South Course has hosted several PGA Qualifiers over the years such as the Allianz Championship and the Honda Classic. Many PGA TOUR professionals who have played the course consider the first four holes Tour Worthy!

As you make your way around the layout, you'll encounter multiple lakes that are scattered throughout. Water comes into play on at least 16 holes; only #16 and 17 are aqua-free! For the most part, the fairways are wide-open and inviting. This is Florida, so most of the layout is flat with subtle mounding and bunker strategically located in the fairways and around the TifEagle greens.

The Fountains has some good practice facilities including a driving range, a short game area with pitching and chipping areas, practice bunkers, and practice putting greens.

At the Fountains' Sports Complex, you'll find a fitness center with massage rooms and a sauna. Water fitness classes are available at the resort-style pool and the Aqua Bar & Grill serves lunch six days a week with Happy Hour every Tuesday and Thursday. And let's not forget the Club's large tennis complex which its 12 clay courts pickleball courts, and a pro shop.

The Fountains has a robust social calendar with both casual and formal social activities to suit everyone. Members can enjoy lunches and dinners in either the elegant Main Dining Room or casual pub. Their Sunday Brunch has a buffet fit for royalty. The Pub offers casual dining, with a huge, well-stocked bar overlooking the golf course. The Men's and Women's Card Rooms are always active, with couples card events each week.

What once was a 55-plus community that required country club membership, The Fountains is now open to all age groups and membership is no longer a necessity. Residences sell anywhere from the 140s for a one-bedroom condo to single-family homes in the 500s.

As a Concert Golf Partners club member, your benefits reach far past your home club. You'll have "Home away from home" access to their entire portfolio and the amenities at each club. If you'd like to arrange a visit to see everything The Fountains offers, you can visit them online at www.fountainscc.com.

The SkyCaddie PRO 5X uses multi-constellation navigation satellite systems to enhance accuracy and overall performance under tough conditions such as stormy weather or tree cover. An ultra-fast multi-core processor produces an exceptionally fast response time. Sky Caddie's TruePoint Precision Positioning Technology makes the Pro 5X the fastest and most powerful SkyCaddie ever. And you don't need a hardwire connection to a computer; its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to streamline updates and download courses on demand.

The graphics on the new PRO 5X are incredible and easy to maneuver on the 5.5", intuitive touch screen. Several automated features such as Auto-Course Selection, Auto-Hole Advance, and Auto-Zoom, make your round virtually "touch-free". When you combine the large HD display with the HD quality course graphics, you'll have the best view of the most reliable information in the game.

It comes preloaded with over 35,000 courses that have been ground-verified and error-corrected courses with no short-cuts taken. To garner this information, SkyCaddie walks each course and records thousands of points with sub-meter precision so you can be sure you're getting an accurate distance each time.

The setup is a piece of cake. Mine came fully charged and when I turned the unit on there were some handy tutorials that got me started. After locating the course, I was directed to a screen where I could set things like tees, flag positions, and more.

The Pro 5X is jam-packed with useful features., here are a few of my favorites.

Dynamic Rangevue is a feature that helps with club selection based on preset club yardages. Simply tell the 5X how far you hit each club, and it will help you make smart(er) decisions. As you play, you'll see your club range next to the RangeVue ring.

Another is Intellipath technology. Drag the cursor to your aiming point and yardage and Intellipath kicks in and shows you all the distances to all other relevant hazards in the vicinity.

Intelligreen Pro is a feature that allows you to see all of the major contours of the green from the fairway; since it doesn't factor in slope or gradient into the distance calculations in can be used in tournaments.

Dynamic HoleVue automatically re-orients the entire golf hole from your position to the green as you leave the tee box.

Not only does the Pro 5X give you a lot of information, but it can also record a lot of information too. The scoring software is very easy to use and can provide some insight into your game with its impressive stats feature. With its superior accuracy and reliability, the PRO 5X is the perfect companion for GameTraX 360, the next generation of in-game and performance tracking. And, with an extra-long battery life, you can go back and play another 9 or 18 - whatever your body can take!

The SkyCaddie Pro 5x comes with a 1-year prepaid Birdie membership and promotional packs. If you already own a SkyCaddie and are interested in upgrading to the Pro 5X visit the Trade-In page on their website.

All SkyCaddie products come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and free UPS ground shipping within the contiguous 48 states. The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is available at most large golf retailers; you can also visit them online at www.skycaddie.com.

Not to be left out, Callaway has introduced a new line that delivers a square face at impact and capitalizes on their top-selling putter heads. The Ai-One Square to Square series includes three new models - Jailbird, #7, and Doublewide - in three different styles - Standard, Cruiser, and Broomstick. All are packed with a ton of new technology, including Ai-One technology - contours on the aluminum backer of the insert that are co-molded to the White-Hot urethane striking surface, creating consistent ball speeds across the face.

The center shaft design makes them "stroke-balanced," and results in putters that rest with the toe up in a reverse torque position, opposite a traditional putter with toe hang. This promotes a square face throughout the entire stroke. The shaft has 3.3° of forward lean, which places the hands in a forward press position and eliminates the opening of the face that often happens when golfer forward press on their own. They are perfect for golfers who want to minimize the face rotation of their putter.

The stock shaft for the standard putter is Odyssey's Stroke Lab SL90, which allows 20-30 grams of counterbalance weight to be put under the handle. The grip has 3.3 degrees of forward shaft lean built into it, creating a forward press. The Standard model grip is oversized with a rounded shape that fits perfectly and helps calm the hands and wrists during the stroke. The Cruiser and Broomstick models have different grips.

The new Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter has a dark navy blue and white PVD finish, which you may think is just for aesthetics, but it reduces glare. The alternating navy blue and white stripes are what Odyssey refers to as the Versa alignment tool. It helps aim the entire clubface instead of just a few dots. By the way, there are three dots to aid in your aim as well.

Now that the face is square to the target at impact, the rest is up to you. Your new Ai-One Square 2 Square putter can't judge the speed or read the breaks, but it has delivered one less thing to worry about!

Lastly is the headcover; it's the coolest headcover I've ever seen without having to place a special order or pay extra. The embroidered Jailbird leaves its mark when it comes to headcovers, something I hope other companies will heed.

One of the first things you'll notice when you strike your first putt is that you don't notice it. The ball rolls off the face quietly, regardless of how long the putt is. That took some getting used to. What I found with this new putter was the remarkable consistency it produced, much of which is due to the Ai-One face. There's no comparison between this and a milled face putter in this respect.

Thanks to this new face technology, the toe-up balance, and the aerodynamic shape of the putter head, mishit putts may soon become a thing of the past. See for yourself; head over to your favorite golf store and give it a roll. For more information, visit the Callaway/Odyssey website at www.odyssey.callawaygolf.com.

For golfers, it is Eden, with golf courses at every turn. And, if you need a place to live, you can have the best of both worlds: a home on the golf course. Imagine slipping out the front door in the morning, hopping in your private golf cart, and driving minutes to the golf course, all ready to go!

The east coast of Florida has a myriad of golf communities; some require mandatory membership in the club, some don't, and others may require an initiation fee to join.

Fountains Country Club is a private country club community that was established in 1972. The community includes 1,767 homes that span 965 acres in the middle of Palm Beach County, of which the country club itself occupies 412 acres. At one time, there were three championship golf courses designed by renowned golf architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin., however, only two are currently used.

Like most golf communities in the area, The Fountains thrived with a robust membership. In 2007, The Fountains took out a $15 million loan to renovate the main clubhouse and the fitness complex. The timing was unfortunate as the recession hit the following year. The club's membership declined and other members and sub-HOA's protested the recent mandatory membership requirements and did not pay their dues. Over the next few years, the club's cash flow suffered. At one point a golf course management company was hired, but conditions suffered due to cost-cutting and the club's cash flow issues remained.

In 2018, Concert Golf Partners was able to purchase the Fountains Country Club and announced several improvements that would be made to the property including a full golf course renovation, a new resort-style pool, new bocce courts, fitness equipment, and tennis court lightning. Several clubhouse renovations were included as well.

Concert Golf Partners have stayed true to their word and these upgrades have come to fruition. The Club is debt-free with no mandatory membership requirement, and property values are still increasing.

The West Course was the final course to be built in the community and is widely considered the favorite; as such, it receives most of the play. From the back tees, this par 71 layout plays 6,793 yards, but with four sets of tees, it can be played as short as 5,294 yards.

As you make your way around the layout, you'll find undulating fairways that lead to elevated Bermuda greens. Water comes into play on 16 holes and if you can play the entire round with the same ball, you've probably played fairly well.

There are several memorable holes on the West Course. The 10th and 11th holes can wreak havoc on a good outward side. Number 10 is a par 4 that plays 353 yards from the Blue Tees. It's a dogleg right with a large bunker in the landing area on the right side and water straight ahead if you catch a good drive. Success off the tee will leave a short iron or pitch shot over water into a long, narrow green flanked by bunkers.

Number 11 is a straight-away par 5 with trouble everywhere. There's water down the right side of the landing area; anything right of the water is in someone's backyard. The layup shot can be tricky with water and sand on the left side and trees on the right side in the landing area. From there, you'll have less than 100 yards into the long, rectangular green with bunkers on either side and a nasty pot bunker in front.

Number 18 is a hole that will test your golf mettle. It's a 419-yard, par 4, dogleg right with water crossing the fairway just past the turn. Playing your tee shot down the left side may leave a little longer approach shot, but it will take the trees on the right out of play. Regardless, a good drive will still leave a long approach shot over water into another long, narrow green with water to the right and six bunkers surrounding it. Par is a great score here.

At 6,783 yards from the back tees, it is the shortest among the 3 courses and the five sets of tees let every golfer find a suitable distance regardless of skill level. The South Course has hosted several PGA Qualifiers over the years such as the Allianz Championship and the Honda Classic. Many PGA TOUR professionals who have played the course consider the first four holes Tour Worthy!

As you make your way around the layout, you'll encounter multiple lakes that are scattered throughout. Water comes into play on at least 16 holes; only #16 and 17 are aqua-free! For the most part, the fairways are wide-open and inviting. This is Florida, so most of the layout is flat with subtle mounding and bunker strategically located in the fairways and around the TifEagle greens.

The Fountains has some good practice facilities including a driving range, a short game area with pitching and chipping areas, practice bunkers, and practice putting greens.

At the Fountains' Sports Complex, you'll find a fitness center with massage rooms and a sauna. Water fitness classes are available at the resort-style pool and the Aqua Bar & Grill serves lunch six days a week with Happy Hour every Tuesday and Thursday. And let's not forget the Club's large tennis complex which its 12 clay courts pickleball courts, and a pro shop.

The Fountains has a robust social calendar with both casual and formal social activities to suit everyone. Members can enjoy lunches and dinners in either the elegant Main Dining Room or casual pub. Their Sunday Brunch has a buffet fit for royalty. The Pub offers casual dining, with a huge, well-stocked bar overlooking the golf course. The Men's and Women's Card Rooms are always active, with couples card events each week.

What once was a 55-plus community that required country club membership, The Fountains is now open to all age groups and membership is no longer a necessity. Residences sell anywhere from the 140s for a one-bedroom condo to single-family homes in the 500s.

As a Concert Golf Partners club member, your benefits reach far past your home club. You'll have "Home away from home" access to their entire portfolio and the amenities at each club. If you'd like to arrange a visit to see everything The Fountains offers, you can visit them online at www.fountainscc.com.