Since 1969, Jack Nicklaus and his team at Nicklaus Design have been continuing to expand their golf course portfolio – resulting in more than 400 golf courses in 41 countries and 39 states to date. Clearly one of the greats in the world of golf as a player and ambassador, and now as designer, Jack Nicklaus has been personally involved with the design process of almost 300 of these courses. Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Design have also proved to elevate and enhance these golf communities by providing the highest real estate value, the highest average home price and the greatest velocity of home and lot sales, according to independent research since 1990. Though numerous golf courses “bear” his name, there are three Jack Nicklaus courses in Florida that are true superstars in the world of Florida golf.
The Champion at PGA National | Palm Beach Gardens
This is a unique opportunity, as Tom and George Fazio originally designed the course; but then it was completely redesigned and renovated by Jack Nicklaus and his team in 2014. They held nothing back when designing this course, and it now hosts the Honda Classic each spring on the PGA TOUR, and is recognized as one of the toughest courses on the Tour. As a guest at the PGA National Resort & Spa, you can make a tee time to challenge The Champion yourself, while also having access to the Resort’s four additional golf courses, tennis center, spa, restaurants, pool and more. The Champion is also home to “The Bear Trap,” which is infamous for being three of the most difficult holes in golf. This intimidating trifecta of holes (numbers 15, 16 and 17) is the most demanding three-hole stretch on the PGA TOUR. Fortunately with this new design, the course has become more playable by the fairways and greens now accepting player’s shots, verses repelling them as it did before. Memberships at PGA National are available to fit your lifestyle, and allow members to take advantage of the many amenities and activities at the Resort.
Sailfish Point Golf Club | Hutchinson Island
The private Golf Club is just a portion of what makes this community so attractive to the many residents who have chosen to call Sailfish Point home. The perks of membership include first-class service by a dedicated team of professionals; along with direct access to world-class facilities – golf, tennis, fitness, beach club and even the private marina and yacht club. The Sailfish Point Golf Club’s “signature” course is at the southern tip of Hutchinson Island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River and St. Lucie Inlet; and it offers members and their guests the highest level of service and Club amenities. This is truly a special place – the golf course meanders beautifully through the stunning homes, and provides golfers of all levels a very playable golf course that still manages to include a few challenges along the way. Coming up the eighteenth fairway, the spectacular “window on the sea” never gets old as it affords golfers a view out to the ocean that is unforgettable. It is no surprise that residents here describe their 532-acre private community as unpretentious, comfortable and truly authentic – making this Jack Nicklaus masterpiece right at home at Sailfish Point.
The Bear’s Club | Jupiter
A tee time at this exclusive Club is one of the hottest tee times in Florida, if you can get it, that is. Unlike many courses by Nicklaus Design, The Bear’s Club was not designed to host large-scale tournaments, but instead to provide members and their guests with a premier private club experience. Established in his own backyard, Jack Nicklaus made the entire process a very personal endeavor with the intention of sharing his passion for the game with those fortunate enough to tee it up at The Bear’s Club. Mature pines and local palmetto trees cover the course, along with a signature 12-foot-high sand ridge that runs across the entire site, which all combine to create a gently rolling 7,164-yard layout that is extraordinary. Working together with his wife, Barbara Nicklaus, the Mediterranean styled Clubhouse fits seamlessly into the residential community – providing more than 60,000 square feet of luxury to members and guests. Amenities include a dining room; grill and lounge; meeting room, locker rooms; and four 1-bedroom guest suites. Even when he is traveling the world, you can always “feel” Jack here at The Bear’s Club.
