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Post Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021 |
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 From holiday celebrations and live entertainment to exhibitions and tournaments, this South Florida Country Club is full of year-round experiences. While home to a redesigned state-of-the-art Grand Clubhouse, a 62,000 square foot Sports Complex, and six dining areas, BallenIsles Country Club is famous for its three championship golf courses. With over 60 years of excitement and new additions, BallenIsles has one storied past. Discover what makes this year so memorable for many residents and our local legend, Jack Nicklaus.
50 Years of Championship Golf
This year the Club is celebrating “1971 Year to Remember” to celebrate that 50 years ago it was the host site for renowned events, and did something that has never been repeated and likely never will again. In 1971 BallenIsles was named PGA National, and was home to the PGA of America. A hidden gem in Palm Beach Gardens, this Private Club Community brought in crowds from across the globe—making what appears to be a small beach town the golf capital of the world. The East Course was a well-regarded nationally recognized championship course, at the time ranked in the Top 100 in the country. Bob Denney, PGA Historian Emeritus, recalls 1971 as “the banner year for the PGA of the Americas as far as competitions are concerned” with BallenIsles in the center of it all.
Home to Golf Legends
With national recognition came hungry players and only one way to feed them. January 28th of 1971 marked the opening round of the 32nd PGA Seniors’ Championship, held on our East Golf Course-- including the likes of some of the greatest players of the time. This event was the major senior event of its day and has grown to become what we know today at the Senior PGA Championship.
That 71’ PGA Seniors’ Championship was contested January 28 – 31 and became the 7th playing of nine times BallenIsles Country Club hosted the event. Five of the nine years were won by Sam Snead, a favorite around the club and with our members. For that reason, his hat, along with one of Harry’s sweaters, is retired in BallenIsles’ Harry’s Lounge. Sam Snead held the championship title for years, but it was Julius Boros who came through as the victor in 1971, with scores of 73-69-71-72; his low total of 285 earned the first of his two wins in this prestigious event. Julius was an 18-time PGA tour winner including 3 major champions, his last being the 1968 PGA Championship.
The GOAT- Jack Nicklaus
Hosting the 1971 Championship spoke to both the PGA of Americas and BallenIsles growth, making The Year to Remember a time worth celebrating. February 28th marked 50 years to the day when Jack Nicklaus, the GOAT, closed up his wire-to-wire victory in the 1971 PGA Championship. He parred the 18th hole of the East Course, to wrap up a two-shot victory. We were honored to have Mr. Nicklaus at the Club to memorialize the 50-year anniversary of that victory and further cement his name in the history of our Club. In front of dozens of country club members and avid golf fans, Jack was honored for his victory at the very same 18 green where he won it. Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, spoke about the anniversary, as well as BallenIsles’ General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Walls, and Club President, Michael Muntner, awarded Nicklaus with a commemorative plaque.
On top of the beautiful ceremony and plaque presentation, numerous historical pieces were on display including the PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy; 53rd PGA Championship Roster with Starting Times; a 53rd PGA Championship Program and Tournament Ticket; a Jack Nicklaus Sports Illustrated Cover; and a 1971 Jim Beam Decanter & Rocks Glasses. In addressing club attendees, Mr. Nicklaus acknowledged that “one of the most unique things that happened on February 28th, 1971, I called it a unique double. Not only did I win the major championship, but it was my wife’s birthday, just like today is.” This which did not go uncelebrated at the event. Most notably, Walls and Nicklaus announced a multi-year plan for Nicklaus Design to renovate BallenIsles Country Club’s practice facilities and East Course—with more information to come.
Hosts of Some of The World’s Largest Events
Not only were our golf professionals breaking records, during the Year to Remember our Club hosted some of the World’s largest events. The year started with the PGA Seniors’, which led to hosting the 1971 PGA Championship in February, a golf major and first time the state of Florida hosted a major. From October 8 - 16 of that year BallenIsles played host, for the last time, to the PGA Tour Qualifying School. Led by Tom Watson, it’s no wonder it is still regarded as the greatest graduating class to come out of Q school to this day. The winner, Bob Zender, notes that “the results of what that [BallenIsles’] field did are unbelievable.” Finally, the Club hosted 46 nations at the 1971 World Cup November 11 - 14 and became the largest field to compete in a World Cup competition.
Without a doubt, each established event hosted speaks to the great club and caliber of BallenIsles’ facility. Amidst hosting 4 major golf events in one year, one may wonder when the members played but one thing is for sure, they always had front row seats to all the action. This year we will reminisce on those events by continuing our story, sharing memories, and displaying some of our best memorabilia with the community. We know great memories will be made along the way as we begin re-establishing the East Course in all its glory.
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.
When residents return home, they appreciate the private sanctuary of one of BallenIsles Country Club’s 33 neighborhoods. A wide variety of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums offer a range of choice and style, many with golf and lake views. Four different memberships, the Full Golf Membership, the Sports Membership, the Tennis Membership, and the Social and Fitness Membership, are available. For more information click here or contact Membership Manager, Pam Lawler at 561-775-4763 or [email protected] or download your complimentary brochure today.
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