NWO Golf Links January 2016

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By Mike May
has
experienced a true transformation, including a
facelift and name change, since it opened in
the mid-1920s. Golfers today are reaping the
benefits of the change to one of the 51 courses
on the Florida Historic Golf Trail.
Funded by developers, Paris Singer and Harry
Kelsey, it was designed by Seth Raynor and
opened for play in 1926. Originally called the
Palm BeachWinter Club, it is located not far from
theAtlantic Ocean and alongside the LakeWorth
Lagoon. Local newspaper articles at the time
reported that the club was accessible by either an
automobile or a fast motor boat, directly from the
Everglades Club, its ‘sister’ club in Palm Beach.
Back then, the green fees were quite affordable
at, $2.50. Oh, how times have changed!
In 1962, the club and golf course were
purchased by the Village of North Palm Beach.
A new clubhouse was built and opened
in 1963, but the original 1926 clubhouse
remained until 1980.
On May 3, 2006, local resident and golf legend
Jack Nicklaus entered the picture and oversaw
major renovations on the course. During the
renovation process, the Golden Bear took an
active role in the
course redesign and
the course re-opened
for play in November.
With his creativity,
Nicklaus maintained the integrity of the original
design, while sharpening its appearance. And,
in some cases, the Golden Bear added a ‘roar’
to the course, especially to the 10th, 11th, and
18th holes which have heavily, but not unfairly,
bunkered fairways.
As you play the 5th and 6th holes, you get a
great view of the Lake Worth Lagoon and its
upscale boat traffic. The waterway flanks both
fairways, but doesn’t impact play. Many of
the greens have enhanced undulations, which
makes putting an experience at times.
North Palm Beach became only the second
public municipal golf course in the U.S., at that
time, to bear the prestigious moniker of a Jack
Nicklaus “Signature”Golf Course.Nicklaus stated,
“The North Palm Beach Country Club is a great
showcase for Palm Beach County.”
He was right and golfers, who have played the
course, agree.
The North Palm Beach Country
Club is a great showcase for
Palm Beach County.
NORTH PALM BEACH Country Club
A TROPICAL DELIGHT
NWO Golf Links