From the blue Atlantic Ocean waters to the orange sunset hues that light up the county, Martin County enjoys life in full color. Yet residents agree the color that defines the county is green. Not only do 73 state parks create a beautiful natural landscape, but Martin County is also home to nearly 70 golf courses within a 20-mile radius. Recognized as a golfer’s paradise, avid golfers and novice players alike enjoy some of the nation’s best links, many designed by legends of the game. Here are just a few of the public and semi-private courses in Martin County and the surrounding areas that make visitors green with envy.
Public Golf Courses
For those visiting the area or who only play occasionally, Martin County is home to some of the most beautifully maintained yet challenging public golf courses. In Stuart, The Florida Club’s Dick Gray-designed championship course is renowned for its Old Florida-style beauty, featuring 6,905 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. Sailfish Sands’ Ron Garl-designed course in Stuart was recently renovated to include a reversible nine that is not only the first of its kind in South Florida but one of the few reversible courses in the nation. Bordered by the Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, The Champions Club at Summerfield is a scenic par-72, Tom Fazio-designed course with four sets of tees ranging from 4,977 to 6,890 yards. For those wishing to enjoy a mini staycation, the Marriott Hotel on Hutchinson Island is home to the Ocean Club Golf Course, a Charles Ankrom-designed course that offers three sets of tees that challenge new and veteran golfers alike.
Just a short drive to the north, the nearby town of Port St. Lucie is home to even more golfing destinations. PGA Golf Club was ranked among the 75 Best Golf Resorts by Golf Digest, with 54 holes of championship golf designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Port St. Lucie is also home for sporty fun for the whole family at PopStroke. Here, two Tiger Woods-designed courses have just reopened for play. Golf simulator bays, on-course service for refreshments and cocktails, and more provide an interactive and competitive atmosphere to enjoy.
Semi-Private Clubs Open for Daily Play
For those looking for a chance to get the best of both worlds, semi-private golf courses are open to the public, but also offer memberships for those who want to pay for priority tee times, reduced green fee rates, and other amenity perks. Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City is a daily fee golf club designed by the father-son team of Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II. The 18-hole course features five sets of tees for all skill levels and is home to the Don Law Golf Academy. Located within Eagle Marsh, Jensen Beach Golf Club was ranked by Golf Digest as the #1 New Course in America upon its opening. Designed by Tommy Fazio, the Club features a restaurant and bar, PGA professionals available for private or group lessons, a 300+ yard driving range, and a well-stocked pro shop. In Hobe Sound, Heritage Ridge Golf Club is a picturesque Tom Fazio-designed course with six sets of tees, a driving range, and a beautiful restaurant overlooking the finishing holes. FloridaGolfer.com provides a list of even more semi-private courses available throughout the county, and how to book online tee times for each.
Exceptional Private Golf Clubs
Martin County is also home to numerous high-end private clubs that offer non-resident memberships. Members at The Cape Club of Palm City have exclusive access to the 18-hole championship course, a comprehensive practice facility, and a newly renovated Clubhouse. In Stuart, member-owned golf and country club communities including Willoughby Golf Club and Mariner Sands provide exceptional amenities, lush tropical grounds, and friendly, welcoming members. Tesoro Club in Port St. Lucie has also just completed renovations on an 18-hole Palmer-designed course and offers both Social and Golf Memberships for non-residents. In Hobe Sound, plans have already been proposed by renowned developer Stephen Ross for Three Lakes, a new membership non-residential golf club with three championship courses.
Invitation-Only Courses
While Martin County is full of golf courses open to residents, the area is also renowned for private, invitation-only courses. In Hobe Sound, Jupiter Island Golf Club is a private club that has housed some of golf’s greatest players, including Justin Thomas, Rick Fowler, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. In 2019, Michael Jordan opened his own ultra-exclusive golf club, The Grove XXII, with a Bobby Weed-designed course, resort-style amenities, and the latest technology features.
New Sporting Additions Planned For Martin County’s Future
Martin County residents have placed a priority on finding more places to play, with open spaces that preserve the area’s future. In the heart of it all, Martin County’s newest community concept places a high priority on creating a vibrant village center, parks, educational opportunities, and plentiful outdoor activities for all Martin County residents to enjoy. Storie, FL is a vision that has yet to be unveiled, but clean water and open spaces are at the forefront of planning. To receive a copy of the Storie Time magazine with more details on the vision for this new community, or to be among the first to see the vision video upon its release, register your interest at StorieFL.com.
