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Post Date: Monday, February 21, 2022 |
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 Since its completion in 1964, the East Course at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens has attracted crowds from across the globe, hosting championship tournaments, world tours, and numerous golf classics. This world-renowned course has captured the spotlight yet again, with the announcement of a renovation to the East Course and practice facilities by the internationally acclaimed Nicklaus Design. With its headquarters nearby, Nicklaus Design will also lead the construction of a new state-of-the-art Learning Center. See how BallenIsles continues to enhance its storied past, while ensuring an exceptional future for its Members.
A Natural Golf Sanctuary
Winding through several wildlife habitat areas, the East Course is a natural sanctuary for waterfowl and countless exotic birds. The course’s original design was completed by two of the most highly acclaimed golf course architects of the era: Joe Lee and Dick Wilson. Over the years, it has been enhanced with innovative and state-of-the-art updates to ensure each course plays at a championship level from the back tees and as a very playable course from the more forward tees. A 2008 renovation project under the direction of Keith Foster and Kevin Hargrave planted thousands of new trees and plants, along with renovations of the greens and bunkers to meet USGA standards. This enhancement was also recognized as a finalist for “Renovation of the Year” award by Golf Inc. Magazine.
50 Years of Championship Golf
For the past 50 years, BallenIsles has hosted numerous celebrities, professional golfers, and worldwide golf events within their three championship golf courses. The East Course was the epicenter of golf activity in 1971, holding four major tournaments in one year- the PGA Seniors, PGA Championship, PGA Tour Qualifying School, and the World Cup. Hosting the 1971 PGA Championship was a major milestone for the club, marking the first time the state of Florida hosted a major. Jack Nicklaus was the winner of that 1971 tournament and recently joined BallenIsles at the club to memorialize the 50th anniversary of that victory. It was at this event where the Nicklaus Design team announced the renovation plan for the East Course and practice facilities, further cementing the Nicklaus name into the history of the Club.
BallenIsles General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Walls is looking forward to bringing the Nicklaus name to this storied course once again. “To bring in the Nicklaus team and ultimately tie that name to the course where Mr. Nicklaus had such success was important to us,” said Walls. “The link to our past tying smartly to the modern future is a key element to our strategic plan.”
The East Course’s Master Design Plan
Expected to begin in April 2022, the East Course renovations will include a complete re-grassing along with a modernization of the course’s design, bunkering, and green complexes. Renovation work will also add length and strategy to the course, improving playing options for members and tournament players alike. The practice facilities will also undergo a total re-imagination to incorporate modern-day practice areas and targets, enabling members to practice the wide variety of golf shots demanded on BallenIsles’ three courses. Short game practice areas, a pitch-and-putt course and a putting course will also be added. The design plan will also include a new 3,500 sq. ft. Learning Center with state-of-the-art technology to help players of every skill level perfect their swing.
Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design, anticipates a design that challenges avid golfers yet is still playable for newcomers. “To have an opportunity to be involved in such a well-respected golf club steeped in tradition in the Palm Beach market, where the namesake of our company has such great history, it is truly exciting and an honor,” said Stringer. “We not only want to truly enhance the golf course playing characteristics for the Club’s members to enjoy day to day, but to make sure the world’s top players would be challenged as Mr. Nicklaus was in his ’71 PGA victory. Our goal is to work in concert with the Club to ensure the end product is best-in-class and a reflection of the high standards established at BallenIsles.”
Constantly Elevating the Member Experience
The renovation of the East Course is just one example of how BallenIsles continues to elevate its member experience. The project follows the construction of a pickleball complex, and a 2020 redesign of the South Course by famed golf course architect Rees Jones. The 2018 Clubhouse renovation created a social hub for all BallenIsles has to offer, including 21 Har-Tru tennis courts, nine pickleball courts, and a state-of-the-art Sports Complex with a full-service spa, fitness center, and a resort-style swimming pool.
While the amenities at BallenIsles are truly endless, the biggest asset of BallenIsles Country Club is the residents who call this private community their home. 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 its beauty yourself, visit BallenIsles.org to schedule a tour or call us at 561-775-4763. Request a complimentary copy of our digital brochure today. |
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