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Post Date: Monday, June 26, 2023 |
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 BallenIsles' Director of Golf, Jeff Fitzherbert, is a dedicated professional who has spent nearly three decades refining the golf experience in the private club industry. Starting as an Assistant Golf Professional and eventually ascending to the prestigious position of Director of Golf at BallenIsles, Fitzherbert has witnessed firsthand the evolution of BallenIsles courses, propelled by technological advancements and the ever-growing enthusiasm for golf. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to innovation, Fitzherbert has been instrumental in introducing cutting-edge golf offerings that set BallenIsles Country Club apart.
Located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, BallenIsles Country Club is renowned for its three championship golf courses, meticulously designed by highly acclaimed architects. BallenIsles has become a destination of choice for golf enthusiasts worldwide. For over 50 years, these regulation par-72 courses have set the stage for unforgettable moments on and off the greens. The club's rich history includes hosting prestigious tournaments, and the courses have undergone updates in recent years from top designers. At BallenIsles Country Club, a blend of excellence and innovation awaits golfers seeking a truly exceptional sporting haven.
Join us as we delve into Fitzherbert’s insightful perspective and explore the latest innovations and renovations that have taken BallenIsles to new heights.
How have the recent updates to the East Course and its practice facilities enhanced the overall golf Member experience at BallenIsles Country Club?
“The East Course has created a lot of excitement in our community. The golf course design is very strategic, and its greens have a lot of character. The course has a great mix of holes, allowing each player to use every club in the bag. Members comment that the course is very fun to play, and participation in the short and long-game areas has grown tremendously since the practice ground renovations. On any given day, you will see Members working on shots around the five different green complexes. The 25,000-square-foot putting course has been a huge enhancement to the overall golf experience and has an 18 set up each day for Members to enjoy. The long game area has nine different targets to hit and each bay has a GPS system for exact yardage to each target. The enhancements provide a true championship course that is fun to play and practice areas where Members can spend all day working on their game.
What opportunities are available within the newly opened BallenIsles Practice Grounds? How has this facility embraced advancements in golf technology?
“Our Members have enjoyed the BallenIsles Practice Grounds immensely. They have access to a Callaway Fitting Studio, equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment to perform the most professional fit. The studio is the first of its kind in the U.S. and we are very proud to offer this to our Members. There are a total of four bays, two enclosed and two covered bays; Members can use them to work on their swing when lessons aren’t taking place. The two inside studio bays are fully equipped with TrackMan radars and a three-camera system as well as a golf simulator with a drop-down screen. The covered bays each have a TrackMan unit. Members are enjoying the convenience of having club repair, demo rooms, and the ability to take data-driven lessons with TrackMan video all under one roof.”
As Director of Golf, what is your vision for the future of golf at BallenIsles?
“My goal is to be forward-thinking to meet the demands of an ever-evolving Membership that has a great mix of tenured Members as well as younger Members. Knowing that younger Members play and practice at all times during the day, it is paramount that we have events and programs that have more fun and lasting entertainment to meet their needs. Practice sessions have been on the rise and the younger Members love working on their games. So, we have continued to incorporate things like putting tournaments, events using our Toptracer App, and short course events.”
Are there any upcoming projects or events you can share that will further elevate the Member experience?
“We see the fitness component coming more into play now that we have the BallenIsles Practice Grounds. We also plan to incorporate more instructors to meet the growing demand for the game. This upcoming season, we will be incorporating more fun events like putting and Par 3 tournaments. We have Toptracer on our South Course practice tees and I see more events using their software, such as long drive and closest to the pin. We have also installed one simulator in one of our studio bays where Members can use the space to play against each other or work on their games in an enclosed area.”
What would you say distinguishes BallenIsles’ golf program from other country clubs in the area?
“The size and scope of our club set us apart from most, but I believe the true differentiator is the number of quality events we produce. Now with the BallenIsles and East Course Practice Grounds, our Members have the best golf amenities in the area. One other thing that separates us from other country clubs is that we have three amazing golf courses that all have a different design and feel-no two holes look alike in our entire property!”
BallenIsles Continuously Evolves the Member Experience
The renovation to the East Course and its practice facilities are just one example of how BallenIsles continues to provide a superior Member experience. Along with its storied golf courses and award-winning culinary program, this amenities-rich Club is home to a Sports Complex with a full-service spa, fitness center, and resort-style swimming pool. BallenIsles also boasts a USTA-awarded top tennis program supported by its world-class 30-court racquet complex with 21 tennis courts, including an exhibition stadium court, and nine pickleball courts.
Made up of nearly 1,600 residences, 33 intimate neighborhoods are each characterized by their own unique identity of golf villas, luxury condominiums, elegant estate homes, and more. Members also have access to a vibrant range of activities, entertainment, world-class dining, and shopping just minutes away along PGA Boulevard. Additionally, residents are only a short 10-minute drive to the beach and a 15-minute drive to Palm Beach International Airport.
For more information on this private gated community or to experience the social lifestyle yourself, visit BallenIsles.org to schedule a tour, or call our office at 561-622-0220. Request a complimentary copy of our digital brochure today. |
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