The Park West Palm

Alex Elias

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In 2018, the situation at West Palm Beach Golf Course, designed by architect Dick Wilson in 1947, was dire. Once a well-regarded municipal course with a rich history, it had fallen into a state of serious disrepair. Years of insufficient funding and neglect had taken their toll, leading to deteriorating conditions. Despite its superb property – later referred to as a “10” by Gil Hanse – the city could no longer sustain operations and was ultimately forced to close the course.

Shortly thereafter, several plans for different uses of the land were proposed before PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, Dirk Ziff, and Dan Stanton raised $56 million in individual donations to re-imagine the once-faded municipal course. The result was The Park – a complete transformation of the West Palm Beach Golf Course, redesigned by architect Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and co-founder Dirk Ziff. 

Fittingly named The Park, Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Ziff designed the course with an emphasis on “Open Golf” – “Where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances have equal opportunities to experience and enjoy the game.” 

“The Park challenges all skill-levels, without being overly difficult, striking the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment,” said Cody Sinkler, Director of Golf at The Park West Palm.

With no water hazards on the 190-acre property, Sinkler describes the course as a “one-ball golf course” – a setup that’s especially accommodating for high handicappers.

“The absence of water and surrounding houses removes much of the initial intimidation for less-experienced golfers,” said Sinkler.

While the lack of water hazards and housing along the fairways enhances the course’s playability, Hanse, Wagner, and Ziff’s strategic layout and design ensures it still demands thoughtful shot-making.

“While the course is welcoming to new golfers, The Park is still a Gil Hanse-design, featuring undulating greens, treacherous bunkering, and runoffs that present major challenges in the landing zones of skilled players, especially in our typical South Florida winds,” said Sinkler.

Several holes on the course stand out for their strategic complexity. Notably, the Par-3 11th, Par-5 15th, and Par-3 17th exemplify Hanse’s vision.

Although Hanse and Wagner largely diverged from their original vision of using the deep, sandy terrain to craft holes that would look and play like the Sand Belt courses of Melbourne, Australia, the Par-3 11th stands out as an example where they stayed true to that intent. Reminiscent of the famous Par-3 5th at Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West), the Par-3 11th plays down from the tee to a green nestled within a natural amphitheater. Adding to its character, the tri-tiered green — protected by eight bunkers — is set along a ridge, where intersecting shoulders serve as natural backstops.

“No. 11’s elevated tee shot gives a dramatic view of possibly the most unique and dynamic greens complex I’ve ever seen. It’s one of the best Par-3s I’ve ever played,” said Sinkler.

Courtesy of Knockdown Golf

Courtesy of Knockdown Golf

At just 494 yards, the uphill Par-5 15th features a wide fairway but a narrow green, measuring only 5,687 square feet. Set at a 30-degree angle, the green is partially obscured by a cross bunker 40 yards short, forcing players to choose between laying up for a blind wedge shot third or hitting a long iron to reach or approach the right side of the green, leaving a simple pitch into the length of the green.

​“Hole 15 is a short Par-5 on paper, but a birdie can be tough to come by if the uphill second shot isn’t executed properly. The undulations around the small green can challenge even the best short game,” said Sinkler.

Measuring 164-yards, the Par-3 17th requires a forced carry over a bunker almost 10 feet beneath the putting surface.

“It is one of the one of the most difficult and unique greenside bunkers in the country,” said Sinkler. ​

GOLF.com

As a complement to the 18-Hole Course, The Park features a Top Tracer Enabled Range, The Lit 9, the Putting Course, and The Path, “a community outreach program dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders in West Palm Beach.” 
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“My mantra has always been 'opportunity through access.' I worked at a public golf course in high school, where I gained free access to the sport, and it opened many doors in my life – a philosophy that has stayed with me ever since,” said Sinkler.

​“Leading the golf operation at The Park allows me to positively impact a community in need. Through our non-profit, The Path, we offer after school programs for youth at Title I schools, focusing on education, life skills, and mentorship. My work at The Park has given me a sense of purpose, allowing me to create opportunities not just for our employees, but also for the kids in The Path program and the broader community.”