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Post Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021 |
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 BallenIsles Country Club Continues to expand and impress in South Florida
By Scott Kauffman
At a February ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus’s historic win at the 1971 PGA Championship on BallenIsles’ East Course, the community’s Chief Operating Officer Ryan Walls remarked, “We remember this important date in history, 50 years to the day that Mr. Nicklaus parred out on 18 to win the 1971 PGA Championship. We couldn’t be more proud to have him with us today. On behalf of the BallenIsles membership, we thank Jack and Barbara for being champions of our community.”
The event was emblematic of this iconic country club’s value proposition to members, residents, and guests: beloved history blended with contemporary lifestyle and state-of-the-art amenities. Indeed for a private community that now fearers more than 180,000-square-feet of newly improved lifestyle amenities plus three golf courses, 23 tennis and pickleball courts, sports complex, and more, BallenIsles stands out - even in the posh Palm Beaches of all places - as one of the more grand and distinctive cubs in America.
The Future is Now
BallenIsles has become the place to be in South Florida when looking for a high-quality, residential golf community to call home. A staple in Palm Beach Gardens for 50 years, BallenIsles is in the midst of a multi-year enhancement plan, driven largely by upgrades throughout the club with a specific focus on unmatched quality.
When BallenIsles unveiled its newly renovated and expanded clubhouse two years ago, this amenities-rich private club community raised the bar for everyone else. Hailed as a modern masterpiece of scale and style, the clubhouse of enlarged to 115,000 square feet during the $35 million renovation. From the spectacular grand lobby with vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows, the sweeping architectural changes maximize both indoor and outdoor use and views. Included are four distinctive dining venues, plus a sports car, golf shop, meeting space expansive card rooms, and so much more.
In a nod to the club’s historic and star-studded past, which featured the likes of Bing Crosby, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como, and other celebrities who visited on a regular basis, another notable clubhouse venue is Harry’s Lounge. Named after the club’s legendary former pro, Harry “The Top Banana” Pezzullo, the namesake lobby lounge features spacious soft seating and live music, conjuring memories of bygone days when the larger-than-life Pezzullo and his celebrity friends were the hit of the club.
Last year, the club completed a renovation of one of its three championship golf courses, the South Course, with famed architect Rees Jones. The South Course is one of the members’ favorites and the club’s storied golf history goes back to the days when it was the headquarters of the PGA of America and hosted the game’s greatest players and majors. This year the club announced a multi-year plan for Nicklaus Design to renovate the famed East Course where the Golden Bear won the 1971 PGA Championship. (See sidebar.)
A staple to the club’s active lifestyle mantra, amenities include 65,000-square-foot Sports Complex where heath and wellness receive the spotlight wth a full-service Cosmo & Company Salon & Spa, fitness center, Bistro 105 (a health-conscious dining venue) resort-style swimming pool, on-site physical therapy, and dedicated Pilates and spin rooms.
BallenIsles also boasts a world-class 23-court tennis complex, complete with an exhibition tennis court with statdium seating, where Venus and Serena Williams have trained for more than a decade. The club is also completing plans to enhance its pickle ball offering with the start of a dedicated pickle ball complex slated to open this fall.
Future plans also include a Sports Complex renovation and expansion, and phase three of the golf facility renovation, including the practice facilities and historic East Course. With its central location in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, BallenIsles Country Club allows for lovers of music, art, the outdoors, and life to take advantage of the vibrant activities and entertainment available. World-class dining, shopping, and culture are just minutes away along the PGA Boulevard corridor, and some of the best beaches in the country are just a few miles to the east.
The Essence of Club Life
When residents return home, they appreciate the private sanctuary of one of BallenIsles Country Clubb’s 33 neighborhoods. A wide variety of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums offer a range of choices and styles, many with golf and lake views. Several different memberships are available including Full Golf Membership, Sports Membership, and Tennis Membership.
The lifestyle available at BallenIsles has always been a top priority and the club has never faltered at ensuring excellence in all member experiences onsite. Today, during these unprecedented times, providing that experience in a safe and still enjoyable way is paramount. For this reason, the club has developed safety guidelines and protocols for all facilities and staff to follow to ensure than member experiences at BallenIsles continues to remain both safe and enjoyable while always following the CDC guidelines.
Members feel safe at home inside the gates and don’t have to leave the property to enjoy activities such as virtual wine tastings, multiple outdoor dining options, a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show, and the convenience of the BallenIsles Marketplace, which offers both curbside pickup and home delivery dining options.
As BallenIsles’ current board president Michael Muntner is fond of saying, “Think positive and test negative.”
Now in his 17th year of living at BallenIsles, Muntner, 81, and his wife of 56 years, Judie, are loving their home like never before.
“Everything’s just spectacular,” Muntner said. “The clubhouse is wonderful. You have this stunning view overlooking the East Course.”
All of the impressive amenities and facilities aside, what the Muntners value most about BallenIsles is something money can’t by: friendships and people.
“I tell you what,” said Muntner, a reread corporate and federal government executive form the Washington, D.C. metro area, “after you’re here for a while, this place almost becomes like family. It really is. It’s hard to explain. For somebody who doesn’t live in a residential club, it’s hard for the to understand and appreciate. These people become like cousins. You build an intimacy and friendship with many of them. It’s not like you’re up in the big city and you’re there by yourself. Here you live and you play with these people all the time. It’s wonderful.”
In many respects, it’s the very essence of a club. Or, in the case of BallenIsles, the quintessential club.
To view the original article click here
When The Bear Roared
BallenIsles Country Club Commemorates 1971 PGA Championship with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus
In February of this year, BallenIsles Country Club commemorated the 50th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus’ victory at the 1971 PGA Championship held at BallenIsles (then known as PGA National). Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were in attendance at the ceremony held near the 18th green of BallenIsles’ East Course (site of Nicklaus’ victory).
Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, spoke about the anniversary, while BallenIsles General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Walls and Club President Michael Muntner awarded Nicklaus with a commemorative plaque. In addition, the club presented Barbara with a cake for her birthday, kids form the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospital wished her a happy birthday via a pre-produced video, and members of The First Tee of the Palm Beaches sang to her (in-person) at the celebration.
“You come back and say, ‘Wow, I’ve had a lot of fond memories here,’” Nickalus said. “Thank you very, very much for honoring me. It’s always a pleasure to come back to a place that you’ve enjoyed and had success at. One of the most unique things that happened on February 28th, 1971, I called it a unique double,” added Nicklaus. “Not only did I win the major championship, but it was my wife’s birthday, just like today is.”
In 1971, in a rare departure from ts typical late-summer spot on golf’s major championship calendar, the PGA Championship was played in February. Jack Nicklaus was crowned the champion with a dominating wire-to-wire win. The victory was the ninth of his record 18 professional major championships and an important piece of history for the club and Palm Beach County. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus have called the Palm Beaches home for more tan 55 years.
During the ceremony, Walls and Nicklaus also announced a multi-year plan for Nicklaus Design to renovate BallenIsles Country Club’s practice facility and East Course. More information will be announced at a later date regarding the project.
In Addition to the commemorative ceremony and plaque presentation, a number of historical pieces were on display for attendees to see, including the PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy; the 53rd PGA Championship roster with started times; a 53rd PGA Championship program; a 53rd PGA Championship tournament ticket; a Jack Nicklaus Sports Illustrated cover and a 1971 Jim Beam decanter and rocks glasses.
To watch the 50th Anniversary Video go to: https://vimeo.com/516905372/af591643fa
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