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If there’s ever a golf course
that requires more brains than
brawn to play, it’s the Ocean
Course at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. As theirwebsite notes,
“the Ocean Course rewards
wit over power, challenging
its golfers to play the
ball especially low and
controlled.”
When you step foot on the
Ocean Course, it’s quite clear
that the superintendent is as
concerned about maximizing
the beauty of this par-70
layout as he is at maintaining
the quality of the golf course.
Playing at less than 6,200
yards from the back tees, it is
very appealing to the eye and
always in the best possible
condition.The fairways are very
well maintained, the rough
is playable, the bunkers are
raked, and the greens are fair,
but not too fast. With flowering
shrubs, bushes, and palm trees
lining the fairways, it’s one of
the most visually stimulating
golf courses in America and a
true delight to play. Six lakes
and 87 bunkers also add to the
visual appeal and add a degree
of difficulty.
The Ocean Course at the
Breakers is the oldest 18-
hole golf course in Florida.
Designed
by
Scotsman
Alexander Findlay, the course
opened for play in 1896 and
was the first course six-time
British Open Champion, Harry
Vardon played in the United
States. Vardon went on to win
the 1900 U.S. Open later that
year at the Chicago Golf Club.
In2000, BrianSilva redesigned
the course by blending the
course’s original unique
qualities with some modern
concepts. Findlay would be
proud of Silva’s efforts.
Many of the golf’s greatest
names have played the Ocean
Course at The Breakers. The
record on the original course
was set by Jack Nicklaus, who
shot a 59, back in the 1970s.
THE OCEAN COURSE:
FLORIDA’S OLDEST & MOST BEAUTIFUL
By
Mike May
NWO Golf Links