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History of Sandhill Crane Golf Club
The Sandhill Crane Golf Club is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is renowned as one of the premier golf courses in the Southeast United States. The course was designed by renowned golf course architects Raymond and Kermit Zarahn and opened for play in 1989.
The Zarahn brothers were meticulous in their design, carefully sculpting the layout to maximize playability while working within the natural contours and features of the land. They left much of the native foliage intact, creating a beautiful and challenging round amidst Florida's natural wetlands.
The course is built on a 142-acre property that was once a pine and palmetto tree nursery. The terrain provided the perfect canvas for the Zarahns to create a masterpiece routing over gently rolling hills and around picturesque lakes. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand accuracy off the tee.
The unique topography of the land produces a diverse variety of holes and shots. Dogleg lefts, dogleg rights, uphill, and downhill holes test every aspect of a golfer's game. Risk and reward opportunities on short par 4's and drivable par 5's make Sandhill Crane an exciting and suspenseful round.
The Course Layout and Design
Sandhill Crane is a par 72 course playing at 7,122 yards from the back tees. It features TifEagle Bermuda grass greens and tees, with Celebration Bermuda grass adorning the fairways. The course has retained much of its original design over the years.
The Zarahn's were meticulous in their strategy, striving to offer multiple options and angles of attack or safety on each hole. Sandhill Crane is routed in a figure eight pattern, with two returning nines providing excellent variety.
The front nine has more open feel, with holes framed by stands of slash pines, natural sand waste areas, and water hazards coming into play on 5 holes. The par 5's on the front measure 549 and 600 yards, demanding accurate tee shots to set up potential go-for-it second shots.
The back nine features more undulation and elevation change. Holes wrap around lakes and traverse over hills, creating an inland links feel. The par 4 10th doglegs dramatically right over a lake, while the downhill par 3 15th plays directly towards water. The closing holes present a strong finish, with the 200-yard par 3 17th and the classic risk-reward par 5 18th.
Signature Holes
The par 4 6th hole showcases the strategic design present throughout Sandhill Crane's routing. From the back tee, the hole measures a robust 479 yards. A pond runs the entire length of the hole down the right side, while a stand of trees stands on the left. The ideal tee shot hugs the left treeline. This opens up the optimal angle into the green, which is also guarded by a left bunker.
The par 5 14th hole epitomizes the risk-reward nature of Sandhill Crane's design. Measuring 535 yards, it tempts the long hitter to have a go at reaching the green in two. But the large lake which bisects the fairway beginning at 275 yards demands precision on the second shot. Laying up still leaves a challenging third over water to an elevated green protected by deep bunkers.
The scenic par 3 17th hole is one of the most picturesque holes on the course. It measures 200 yards from the tips to a peninsula green surrounded by water on three sides. The only bailout is a small chipping area short and left of the putting surface. Hitting this green in regulation provides one of the most satisfying moments at Sandhill Crane.
Practice Facilities
Sandhill Crane Golf Club features excellent amenities and practice facilities to prepare golfers for their round. The driving range has multiple tiers and target greens to dial in every club in the bag. There is also a large short game area to sharpen your chipping, pitching, bunker play and putting.
The putting and chipping areas allow you to simulate an array of shots and improve your touch around the greens. Spending time at the practice facilities before your round is highly recommended to acquaint yourself with the speed and subtleties of the greens.
Awards and Accolades
Since opening for play in 1989, Sandhill Crane has earned its place among the elite Florida golf courses. It ranks perennially as one of the top 100 modern courses built after 1960 by Golfweek Magazine.
Golf Digest bestowed Sandhill Crane with their prestigious "Best Places to Play" award. The course has also been awarded a coveted 4 stars from Golf Digest on multiple occasions.
Most recently, Sandhill Crane was recognized as one of the top 5 courses in Florida by the Conde Nast Traveler's magazine reader's choice poll.
This esteemed course receives rave reviews from locals and traveling golfers alike. The classic design by the Zarahn brothers stands the test of time, providing enjoyment and challenge to all who take on this Palm Beach gem.
The Nest at Sandhill Crane
Adjacent to the prestigious course lies one of the premier dining and entertainment venues in the Palm Beaches - The Nest at Sandhill Crane. The chic sports bar and lounge provides a perfect 19th hole location to unwind after a round.
The Nest boasts delicious food and drink menus, 30+ HDTVs, and covered patio seating overlooking the picturesque 18th hole. It's the ideal spot to recount the day's memorable shots and settle wagers among friends.
With vibrant nightlife, live music on weekends, and happy hour specials, The Nest is a prime gathering place for locals, visiting golfers, or anyone looking for a fun night out in Palm Beach Gardens. Special ladies' nights, trivia and karaoke make The Nest a seven-days-a-week hotspot.
The next time you're looking for superb golf, outstanding dining, and lively entertainment, head to Sandhill Crane Golf Club and The Nest. It's the epitome of the classic Florida golf lifestyle and the place to be in Palm Beach!
Membership Opportunities
Sandhill Crane Golf Club offers a variety of annual membership opportunities. Membership provides golfing privileges and access to the club's renowned amenities and service.
Full Golf Membership includes unlimited greens fees, full use of the driving range and practice facilities, locker room privileges, preferred tee times, and reduced cart fees. Social and dining memberships are also available for those looking to be part of the Sandhill lifestyle.
Sandhill Crane also offers Corporate Memberships that allow businesses to entertain clients or reward employees and partners. Companies can host golf outings, business meetings, team building events, banquets, and more at one of South Florida's finest facilities.
Membership at Sandhill Crane provides more than just access to golf. The club's Calendar of Events overflows with parties, activities, and special events for members and their families. Sandhill Crane truly cultivates a sense of community.
Learn more about joining Sandhill Crane Golf Club by contacting their Membership Director. Become part of a club with rich heritage, a welcoming atmosphere, and access to one of Florida's most revered golf courses.
Tee Times and Golf Outings
Daily fee play is welcomed at Sandhill Crane Golf Club year-round. Golfers can experience the same pristine conditions that have made this a staple of Florida golf for over 30 years.
The professional staff provides expert assistance to arrange tee times, lessons, club rentals, and more. Book online for the widest selection of available times. Rates vary seasonally - contact the pro shop for current pricing.
Sandhill Crane is also a premier destination for golf groups and outings. The experienced staff assist with planning and coordination for groups ranging from 16 to over 200 players. A variety of catering and dining options are available post-round.
Outing amenities include discounted group rates, starting service from the 1st and 10th tees, contest management, hole-in-one insurance, scoring, and more. Sandhill Crane has hosted events like the Honda Classic Pro-Am, charity tournaments, corporate days, and top amateur championships.
Whether visiting for some casual golf with friends or organizing a premium corporate day, Sandhill Crane offers the ideal layout and atmosphere. Contact the Director of Golf for more information on planning your next memorable golf outing.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
The Sandhill Crane Golf Academy provides instruction programs to improve every aspect of your game. Director of Instruction Brady Triggs and his experienced staff conduct lessons, clinics, and club fittings to benefit golfers of all skill levels.
Private lessons allow dedicated one-on-one assessment of your swing to build a personalized improvement plan. Group clinics attract players looking to fix common faults and sharpen skills in areas like driving, iron play, chipping and putting.
Junior golf development programs help foster the next generation of great players through camps, clinics and special instruction. Sandhill also utilizes state-of-the-art swing analysis tools like TrackMan and video to precisely identify areas needing improvement.
Investing time in professional instruction at Sandhill Crane Golf Academy will uncover weaknesses in your technique and equip you with the proper tools to shoot lower scores and maximize your performance on the course.
An Unmatched Golf Experience in the Palm Beaches
Sandhill Crane Golf Club boasts a tradition of excellence spanning over 30 years. It's prestige and acclaim as one of Florida's finest tests of golf is well deserved. The Zarahn's crafted a captivating layout that engages golfers while showcasing the raw beauty of the landscape.
Strategic bunkering, scenic water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes produce a diverse sequence of memorable holes. Facilities like the driving range and practice areas prepare you to take on the nuanced course design.
The club promotes camaraderie through top-notch member events and welcoming service. Golfers return year after year to experience Sandhill's inimitable blend of tranquility, charm, and challenge. There is simply no better place to soak in Florida's golf lifestyle than Sandhill Crane.
Whether aiming to refine your skills through instruction, organize an event, or simply play outstanding golf, Sandhill Crane Golf Club is a must on any Palm Beach golf itinerary. Let the pristine conditions and captivating beauty transport you on golf getaway unlike any other.
FAQs
What are the yardages at Sandhill Crane Golf Club?
Sandhill Crane plays as a par 72 course at up to 7,122 yards from the back tees. Yardages from other tee boxes are: Blue - 6,718 yards, White - 6,034 yards, Gold - 5,341 yards.
What types of membership are available?
Membership options include: Full Golf, Weekday Golf, Social Dining, Corporate, and Junior Executive. Sandhill Crane offers flexible membership plans customized to fit your needs.
When was Sandhill Crane Golf Club built?
Sandhill Crane Golf Club opened for play in 1989. The course was designed by acclaimed architects Raymond and Kermit Zarahn.
What amenities are available at the club?
Amenities include a full-length driving range, short game practice area, putting green, locker rooms, dining at The Nest restaurant, and a fully-stocked golf shop.
Are golf lessons available?
Yes, the Sandhill Crane Golf Academy offers private, group, and junior golf lessons, clinics, schools, and professional club fitting services.