Since its inaugural edition in 1983, the Skins Game has gone through a laundry list of tweaks. Different players. Different sponsors. Different broadcast networks. The venues have shifted, too. Born in Arizona before relocating to the California desert, the event, which was last held in 2008, has now moved again. For Friday morning’s competition (yes, Friday morning! 9 a.m. EST) involving Xander Schauffele, Tommy Fleetwood, Keegan Bradley and Shane Lowry, the backdrop will be Panther National, a fresh-faced club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Odds are you’re familiar with the players. Here’s what you need to know about the club.
It’s a newbie
A relatively new kid on the block, Panther National opened in 2023 as part of a larger residential development that’s still rolling out amenities. The club bills itself as the first golf development in Palm Beach County in nearly 20 years.
It’s a big-name collaboration
The course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design created in collaboration with two-time major champion Justin Thomas. Thomas’ favorite hole is the par-3 8th, which he likes for its compelling green complex.
It’s a flexible design
From bite-sized to beastly, the layout can accordion from 4,500 yards to 8,000 yards, with water in play on multiple holes and significantly more elevation change than what you’ll find on most South Florida courses.
It has tricked-out practice grounds
Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes you better. And there’s plenty of opportunity for it here. The club’s expansive setup includes short-game areas, a sprawling putting course, target greens set to average PGA Tour distances and a range with a 27-yard wide U.S. Open fairway running through it. There’s also practice tee reserved for Thomas when he’s around.
It will work your wedge game
Short courses are commonplace at top developments these days, and Panther National is no exception. To complement its championship course, the club has a par-3 layout, PANTHER9, which features an island green inspired by the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.
It’s got a hefty price tag and heavy-hitting members
The initiation fee is $500,000 for nonresidents and $400,000 for residents. Homes at the club have been listed from $3.5 million to $20 million. Members include a mix of pro athletes, with representation from teams like the Phillies, Jets and Avalanche — plus a couple of NHL Hall of Famers you might have heard of: Joe Sakic and Claude Lemieux. The club has also assembled a tour-heavy ambassador roster, highlighted by Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Viktor Hovland, Nick Dunlap, Sahith Theegala, Lexi Thompson, Camilo Villegas and Morgan Hoffmann.
