By Carling Nolan

There are thousands of golf courses to play in Florida, from par 3s on the ocean to the most luxurious resorts you will ever see. With golf available 365 days per year, have you ever thought, "I should just move here”?

Then this article is for YOU!

I was fortunate this week to visit one of Florida's most exclusive clubs, Old Palm Golf Club.

If you're planning on joining a club, this is the place to play.

Old Palm is famous for members such as Lee Westwood, Louie Oosthuiszen, and Raymond Floyd. There's a reason why some of the best players on the PGA choose Old Palm, and you don't have to be there longer than 10 minutes to understand why.

The houses in this community range from $1 million to $15 million, with honorary members from across the globe. Don't think this means it's a stuffy country club; Old Palm doesn't even know the definition of snooty.

There is no dress code around the club, and you can see members relaxing while enjoying all kinds of activities. Some will be reading a book in the clubhouse, or working out in the world-class fitness studio, or enjoying lunch on the patio. Each person exchanges pleasantries with everyone who passes. With only 200 members, it's like a tightly knit family here.

The ladies locker room has nail and hair salons, massage rooms, and its own dining room. The Men's locker room has the same except they also have a friendly barber.

Most of the members have their own carts to drive around the property, and this comes in handy when you want to squeeze in nine holes in the afternoon. There are NO tee times, everyone can go as they please! But rarely do they hit the course without enjoying the practice facilities first.

This is where it really gets good.

Old Palm is equipped with a dual side driving range, so the pros can pick their practice wind for the day. There are air-conditioned, indoor hitting bays for those hot summer months. The bays have state-of-the art video equipment to analyze your swing. Lessons are available, so you can finally fix that slice you've had for the past 20 years, too. Are you in love yet?

There are practice putting and chipping greens available for any kind of chip you will see on the course. Finally, the area has three practice holes that are manicured just as tightly as the real course.

Now the part you have been waiting for... the course. After being set up with a cart and a forecaddy, I was ready to play. The course uses TifEagle grass that never goes dormant, so it's always greener than Green Acres.

Old Palm can stretch over 7,000 yards, or members can play as short as 5,400. It's forgiving off the tee, but within 100 yards is where the magic happens.

I found greens that were 50 yards deep with different tiers, and small greens that were difficult to stop. Although there are no forced carries, you have to maneuver around the water if you're looking to go for par 5’s in two.

Was it a dead tie by the end of 18 holes? Then head over to the island green 19th hole. This short par three will have anyone nervous over the ball, but gives the spectators in the clubhouse a sight to enjoy watching.

I have played hundreds of golf courses in my life, but none of them compares to the experience I had at Old Palm Golf Club.

Looking for a place to hang your hat and call home? I think you just found it.

If you go…

Old Palm Golf Club
11889 Old Palm Dr
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(888) 598-9865

Hit 'em straight!

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