West Palm Golf Park Community Meeting Held To Update Community On Proposal

From City of West Palm Beach:

February 22, 2021

A Community Meeting to discuss the proposed West Palm Golf Park was hosted by Commissioner Christina Lambert on February 17, 2021 at the South Florida Science Center. Commissioner Lambert and Mayor James delivered remarks of welcome. The guest speaker was Seth Waugh, the CEO of PGA of America.

Mr. Waugh spoke about a proposal to redevelop the former West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, just south of Forest Hill Boulevard. The vision is being undertaken with philanthropic contributions. The West Palm Golf Community Trust was established as a non-profit organization to raise the funding to build the course. The committee leading the Trust is made up of local business, community and golf leaders.

The proposal includes development of:

• The finest totally inclusive, public access, community-minded golf facility in the country, with a major focus on junior golfers, with world-class coaching and golf experiences at affordable prices.
• A new Gil Hanse designed, 18-hole course with tees ranging from 4,700 yards to over 7,200 yards, par 71.
• Gil Hanse designed 9-hole short course similar to his acclaimed “Cradle” course at Pinehurst, with holes ranging from 60 to 110 yards.
• Full short game area and two putting greens, one being a putting course for use by the broader community.
• 380-yard two-sided practice range
• World-class club and putter fitting
• World-class instruction for beginners to elite golfers
• Modest, but highly functional, clubhouse and facilities

The current plan calls for the golf course and building construction to begin in the Summer of 2021, with opening day expected in late 2022.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Commissioner Lambert for hosting the very informative community meeting and to PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh for presenting and advancing this proposal,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “Working with the West Palm Golf Community Trust presents the city with a unique opportunity,” added Mayor James. “The potential of the proposed West Palm Golf Park for our neighborhoods, our residents, and our golfing community is tremendous.”

“I am very confident that we now have a clear path forward,” said Commissioner Christina Lambert. “Our goal is to deliver a first-class golf course for the community that also serves as an economic driver—one that provides entertainment and energizes local businesses. Thank you to the diligence of the residents, the staff at the City, the Mayor and PGA of America.”

“This is an incredible opportunity to positively impact our community,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America and West Palm Golf Community Trust Committee Member. “This project is about more than just golf. It’s about improving lives. From the younger generations to local seniors and Veterans, we aim to not only impact but truly change lives for West Palm Beach residents of all ages and variety.”

Should the proposal advance, the city and West Palm Golf Community Trust could enter into a 50-year lease with an option to renew for an additional 20 years.

If you missed the meeting, click here to watch a recording of the meeting!

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.