It’s no secret that Florida is consistently one of the fastest-growing states in the country. With sunny skies and sun-drenched beaches, there is a lot to do, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.
For golfers, it is Eden, with golf courses at every turn. And, if you need a place to live, you can have the best of both worlds: a home on the golf course. Imagine slipping out the front door in the morning, hopping in your private golf cart, and driving minutes to the golf course, all ready to go!
The east coast of Florida has a myriad of golf communities; some require mandatory membership in the club, some don’t, and others may require an initiation fee to join.
Fountains Country Club is a private country club community that was established in 1972. The community includes 1,767 homes that span 965 acres in the middle of Palm Beach County, of which the country club itself occupies 412 acres. At one time, there were three championship golf courses designed by renowned golf architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin., however, only two are currently used.
Like most golf communities in the area, The Fountains thrived with a robust membership. In 2007, The Fountains took out a $15 million loan to renovate the main clubhouse and the fitness complex. The timing was unfortunate as the recession hit the following year. The club’s membership declined and other members and sub-HOA’s protested the recent mandatory membership requirements and did not pay their dues. Over the next few years, the club’s cash flow suffered. At one point a golf course management company was hired, but conditions suffered due to cost-cutting and the club’s cash flow issues remained.
In 2018, Concert Golf Partners was able to purchase the Fountains Country Club and announced several improvements that would be made to the property including a full golf course renovation, a new resort-style pool, new bocce courts, fitness equipment, and tennis court lightning. Several clubhouse renovations were included as well.
Concert Golf Partners have stayed true to their word and these upgrades have come to fruition. The Club is debt-free with no mandatory membership requirement, and property values are still increasing.
The West Course was the final course to be built in the community and is widely considered the favorite; as such, it receives most of the play. From the back tees, this par 71 layout plays 6,793 yards, but with four sets of tees, it can be played as short as 5,294 yards.
As you make your way around the layout, you’ll find undulating fairways that lead to elevated Bermuda greens. Water comes into play on 16 holes and if you can play the entire round with the same ball, you’ve probably played fairly well.
There are several memorable holes on the West Course. The 10th and 11th holes can wreak havoc on a good outward side. Number 10 is a par 4 that plays 353 yards from the Blue Tees. It’s a dogleg right with a large bunker in the landing area on the right side and water straight ahead if you catch a good drive. Success off the tee will leave a short iron or pitch shot over water into a long, narrow green flanked by bunkers.
Number 11 is a straight-away par 5 with trouble everywhere. There’s water down the right side of the landing area; anything right of the water is in someone’s backyard. The layup shot can be tricky with water and sand on the left side and trees on the right side in the landing area. From there, you’ll have less than 100 yards into the long, rectangular green with bunkers on either side and a nasty pot bunker in front.
Number 18 is a hole that will test your golf mettle. It’s a 419-yard, par 4, dogleg right with water crossing the fairway just past the turn. Playing your tee shot down the left side may leave a little longer approach shot, but it will take the trees on the right out of play. Regardless, a good drive will still leave a long approach shot over water into another long, narrow green with water to the right and six bunkers surrounding it. Par is a great score here.
At 6,783 yards from the back tees, it is the shortest among the 3 courses and the five sets of tees let every golfer find a suitable distance regardless of skill level. The South Course has hosted several PGA Qualifiers over the years such as the Allianz Championship and the Honda Classic. Many PGA TOUR professionals who have played the course consider the first four holes Tour Worthy!
As you make your way around the layout, you’ll encounter multiple lakes that are scattered throughout. Water comes into play on at least 16 holes; only #16 and 17 are aqua-free! For the most part, the fairways are wide-open and inviting. This is Florida, so most of the layout is flat with subtle mounding and bunker strategically located in the fairways and around the TifEagle greens.
The Fountains has some good practice facilities including a driving range, a short game area with pitching and chipping areas, practice bunkers, and practice putting greens.
At the Fountains’ Sports Complex, you’ll find a fitness center with massage rooms and a sauna. Water fitness classes are available at the resort-style pool and the Aqua Bar & Grill serves lunch six days a week with Happy Hour every Tuesday and Thursday. And let’s not forget the Club’s large tennis complex which its 12 clay courts pickleball courts, and a pro shop.
The Fountains has a robust social calendar with both casual and formal social activities to suit everyone. Members can enjoy lunches and dinners in either the elegant Main Dining Room or casual pub. Their Sunday Brunch has a buffet fit for royalty. The Pub offers casual dining, with a huge, well-stocked bar overlooking the golf course. The Men’s and Women’s Card Rooms are always active, with couples card events each week.
What once was a 55-plus community that required country club membership, The Fountains is now open to all age groups and membership is no longer a necessity. Residences sell anywhere from the 140s for a one-bedroom condo to single-family homes in the 500s.
As a Concert Golf Partners club member, your benefits reach far past your home club. You’ll have “Home away from home” access to their entire portfolio and the amenities at each club. If you’d like to arrange a visit to see everything The Fountains offers, you can visit them online at www.fountainscc.com.