Medalist Golf Club
Designed by Pete Dye and Greg Norman in 1995, Medalist features low-profile greens, windswept shaping and strategic shot demands. It’s famously home to several PGA TOUR pros—including Tiger Woods—who practice here regularly. When the breeze kicks up in Hobe Sound, brace yourself. 9908 SE Cottage Lane, Hobe Sound
Panther National
Panther National brings a fresh, modern energy to South Florida golf—a sleek, next-generation course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas, where rare elevation changes, sweeping vistas and a championship layout stretching from 4,500 to 8,000 yards deliver both beauty and bite. Each summer, the course undergoes a “perfecting” process—refined bunkers, expanded greens, upgraded drainage and enhanced landscaping—so it returns each season in peak form. Beyond the main course, Panther National has become a quiet hub for PGA stars, thanks to its world-class practice ecosystem, from Panther9’s short-course challenges to The Cub’s 30,000-square-foot putting playground. 10991 Panther Nat’l Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens
The Champion Course at PGA National
Photo courtesy of PGA National Resort
Apogee Club
One of Florida’s most ambitious new developments, Apogee’s West Course debuted in late 2023, designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. With 54 holes ultimately planned across three architect teams, it blends broad fairways, expressive greens and rare elevation changes for the region. 2103 SW Bridge Rd., Hobe Sound
Seminole Golf Club
Seminole sits on a stunning stretch of Juno Beach and is widely considered Donald Ross’s Florida masterpiece. Its fast, contoured greens, strategic bunkering and ever-shifting coastal winds make it both beautiful and demanding. With a membership as private as its fairways, Seminole remains a benchmark for classic American golf design. 901 Seminole Blvd., Juno Beach
Courses That Are Easier to Access
Exceptional golf for those without a membership—just a little planning (or a hotel booking) required. PGA National Resort It’s the most complete golf destination in the area, anchored by the famed Champion Course—host to the 1983 Ryder Cup and long-running site of the Honda (now Cognizant) Classic. Non-members can play by staying at the resort or booking a stay-and-play package.
Photo courtesy of PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
Originally designed by George and Tom Fazio and later refi ned by Jack Nicklaus, it’s home to the legendary Bear Trap—three holes that can humble even the most confident golfer. 400 Ave of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens
The Park
Opened in 2023, The Park is a Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner redesign of West Palm Beach’s former municipal course. Fully open to the public— no memberships or resort stays needed—it features an 18-hole championship layout, a lit nine-hole short course and expansive practice grounds. Architectural pedigree meets everyday accessibility, and it has already become one of the most exciting places to play in Palm Beach. 7301 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course
This seaside showstopper was redesigned by Ray Floyd, with sweeping ocean and Intracoastal views on nearly every hole. Open to all players, it’s the perfect mix of scenic and strategic. A round here feels like a mini vacation—and the clubhouse restaurant is a sport unto itself. 2345 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach
North Palm Beach Country Club
This is one of the only public Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses in the country. Recently renovated, it offers broad fairways, contoured greens and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Anyone can book a tee time, making it an unmatched blend of world-class design and everyday access. 951 U.S. Rte. 1, North Palm Beach
Abacoa Golf Club
This is a true public-access course with a loyal local following. Generous fairways, fast greens and water features make for an enjoyable, well-paced round. It’s approachable, consistent and especially lovely at twilight. 105 Barbados Drive, Jupiter
The Breakers Ocean Course
This is Florida’s oldest 18-hole golf course, originally built in 1896 and beautifully modernized by Rees Jones. Though not public, you can play by staying at The Breakers or as the guest of a member. It’s history, glamour and ocean breezes wrapped into one very elegant round. One S. County Road, Palm Beach
Tips from the top with Tony Chateauvert
Photo by Carrie Bradburn/Capehart Photography
Tony Chateauvert, a member of the PGA of America, has devoted his career to elevating the game of golf. He began as a young caddie at New York’s Quaker Ridge Golf Club before serving 18 years as Head Golf Professional at Bedford Golf & Tennis Club, where he built a reputation for excellence. Since moving to Palm Beach, he has transformed the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course from a struggling municipal facility into a thriving, first-class destination. His dedication to service, player development and community engagement continues to enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike.
Golf etiquette is a defining part of the sport. What are some things you should not do?
Carry your bag into the golf shop
Fail to take your hat off inside
Show up too early or too late for a tee time
Ignore the dress code—tuck your shirt in
Play slowly—pick up when you should.
Ignore the cell phone rules
Take selfies anywhere
Be rude to the staff
What are some of your favorite courses to play—both public and private—and what makes each one special? South Florida is the epicenter of golf in America during the winter. Palm Beach County has some of the very best— almost too many to mention—but I’ll give my top 3-4. On the public side, there is, of course, the Park—the old West Palm Beach Country Club, now transformed by a wealthy group of donors into a world-class golf course, practice range, dining and headquarters to the South Florida PGA. Then there is Abacoa in Jupiter, a terrific public golf course. North Palm Beach CC is also excellent. Then, of course, there is the Palm Beach Par 3—golf on the ocean!
On the elite private club list, you have the iconic Seminole, one of the best in the world, Emerald Dunes is spectacular, APOGEE is the new world-class golf mecca in Hobe Sound, and if you are in that area, Grove XXIII, Michael Jordan’s club, is a unique and exciting experience not to miss.
In your opinion, what’s one thing every golfer, whether beginner or seasoned, should always keep in their golf bag? Golf balls!
From a pro’s perspective, what’s the ideal tee time? Do you prefer an early-morning round, a late-afternoon game or even twilight golf—and why? Interesting question, but it depends. My memories as a junior were incredible, carrying my own clubs at 6PM with not a soul on the course except for me with the sun going down. As an adult, that time is now reserved for cocktails, so a 9AM time works best.
For readers looking to improve, what’s one small adjustment—mindset, grip, routine or otherwise—that makes a big difference in a golfer’s game? Stop watching YouTube videos! Learn to swing the club freely, fast and fluidly!
Is there a piece of advice you wish more golfers understood about pace of play, course respect, or interacting with other players? Love and respect for the outdoors, being aware of your pace of play and of the group behind you and leaving the course better than how you found it. You can tell a lot about a person by how they rake a bunker!
Top 5 Golf Course Style Picks
Luca Faloni Linen Baseball cap in Sand
“Beautifully made, effortlessly chic and perfect for sun-soaked rounds.” lucafaloni.com
Malbon Fairway Baldwin polo in Forest
“The cool new brand brings humour, colour and fresh energy to the fairway.” malbon.com
RLX Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Performance sweater
“Because who can resist a miniature polo teddy carrying a golf set?” ralphlauren.com
Beyond Yoga Men’s Active vest
“Soft, sleek and the ideal layer—so even if your swing’s off, your style isn’t.” beyondyoga.com
Tory Burch Plaid Drop-Waist Pleated Golf dress
“A retro, Slim Aarons-inspired moment that brings polish to every putt.” toryburch.com
