The Wanderers Club brings together golf, tennis, and polo in a family-friendly atmosphere and offers a winter haven for equestrians, golfers, and sport enthusiasts alike, only minutes away from the aforementioned polo grounds. It’s a golfer’s hallowed ground smack dab in the middle of horse country. But the horses aren’t as far away as you think. In designing the 18-hole course, architects Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy incorporated a world-class polo field into the driving range. During the season, it’s not unusual to see golfers looking over at an ongoing polo match on the driving range to the right while playing the first hole.
The golf course at The Wanderers Club is always in spectacular condition; immaculate fairways, well-manicured bunkers, water hazards and undulating brush-cut greens await you as you play your way around the layout. This Jacobson Hardy masterpiece stretches to 7,052 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 74.4 and a slope of 135 to a par of 72. In all, there are 6 sets of tee markers, however with the combo tees on the scorecard, there are 8 playable yardages. Regardless of the tees you choose to play from, the natural beauty of the Florida landscape is yours to behold on every hole.
A few holes stand out in my mind. Number 8 is a short par 4 – 294 yards from the Green tees – that offers big hitters the opportunity to go for the green. For the rest of us, there’s a trio of bunkers in the landing area so you’ll need to decide to carry them off the tee or layup. It’s about 180 yards to carry the bunker on the left side, so choose your club accordingly. From there, you’ll need to be precise with your approach shot to this elevated and angled green that slopes back to front and is very well protected. Par is actually a respectable score on this hole.
Number 15 is a long par 3; 192 yards from the Blue tees with sand everywhere. It plays uphill and slightly longer than the stated yardage and there is some bailout area to the left. Just don’t go too far left or you’ll find the waste bunker.
Number 18 is a strong finishing hole; a 364-yard, par 4 around a lake. Sand bunkers dot the landing area on both sides. Navigate around them off the tee and you’ll have a mid to short iron into an angled green that is well protected by sand and water left. The more you approach the green from the right side, the more you take the water and bunkers out of play.
The professional golf staff at The Wanderers Club are dedicated to helping members get the most enjoyment out of their golf game. Whether you’re a scratch handicapper or a beginner, they will work with you to take your game to the next level. And, they have the perfect venue to do it. They have a large, full-length driving range stocked with Titleist practice balls where you can hit every club in your bag. There are also two short game practice areas to help perfect your prowess around the green and a practice putting green as well as a state-of-the-art, indoor/outdoor golf studio complete with video swing analysis and club fitting equipment. At the Wanderers Club, players can walk with a caddie or ride a cart.
If golf is the highlight of The Wanderers Club, tennis comes in a close second. On the tennis side, you’ll find six lighted Har-Tru tennis courts three of which are lighted and available for night play. Each court has shade shelters, comfortable seating and chilled water to keep you hydrated, with professional instruction available to all members. The club also organizes tennis events, clinics, and games throughout the week. The tennis courts are located steps away from the Clubhouse, pool, and driving range.
Health and fitness are a big part of any country club these days and The Wanderers Club is no exception. Their state-of-the-art fitness center overlooks the Junior Olympic-size swimming pool. The fitness center features a complete selection of cardio and strength training equipment including Peloton machines and free weights. Certified, experienced and highly qualified personal trainers offer carefully selected exercise classes, including Pilates and Yoga or they can help you design your own, personalized exercise program. After your workout, the massage and sauna rooms are available to club members to unwind and relax.
The Junior Olympic-size swimming pool at The Wanderers Club is a great place to unwind and relax, all while soaking up the Florida sunshine. As an added bonus, the Club’s grill room has a full kitchen and offers service to members at the pool as well as tennis players or golfers looking to take a break at the turn. The new Children’s Playroom has a heated wading pool and adult attendants are on hand for parents who want to dine, play golf or tennis, or relax by the pool.
Within the clubhouse, you’ll also find a card room where you can hang out with the guys and catch a game, an air conditioned grill room and a classic family game room including table tennis, a pool table, air hockey, Hoop Fever, Skee Ball, Chexx Hockey, foosball, pinball and a Multi-cade Video Game console featuring all of the classic video arcade games. There’s also a 15-seat movie theater.
When it comes to dining, The Wanderers Club offers a couple of options. Duke’s Restaurant is a casual bar and restaurant which is ideal for a casual dinner and drinks or cocktail reception. Duke’s is located on the second floor of the clubhouse and overlooks tropical landscaping with sprawling golf course views. If you’d prefer to be outside and enjoy the weather, Duke’s Veranda is the perfect venue for club members who want to entertain or enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the club’s scenery.
Stables Restaurant is the club’s formal dining room and is rife with character: exposed brick, wrought iron chandeliers, and beautiful wine displays. If you’re looking for a more elegant dining experience or an intimate gathering, this is your place. Choose indoor seating or dine outside under the covered terrace with fabulous views of the pool and golf course. The menu is both diverse and delicious and the wine list extensive.
As far as locations go, it doesn’t get any better than this! The Wanderers Club is located minutes away from downtown Palm Beach, where you’ll find exclusive boutiques, world-renowned restaurants, and spectacular beaches. The Palm Beach International Airport makes for a short commute for visitors and guests to South Florida’s equestrian community.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to host an intimate dinner for you and a few friends or host a celebration of epic proportions, the culinary staff at The Wanderers Club can help make your dreams come true. They create events that make memories that you will cherish forever and exceed your expectations. Their executive chef’s culinary selections are the highlight of every event their attention to detail is second to none.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of The Wanderers Club, they offer two types of memberships for individuals and families: golf and social. With a Golf Membership, you’ll receive complimentary greens fees and a preferred rate for your guests, complimentary range balls, a locker and club storage and golf handicap tracking. Tee times are not required at The Wanderers Club, just show up and play! You’ll also receive complimentary court fees at the tennis center and access to the fitness center, pools and children’s room, both restaurants, all social events and involvement in club-sponsored events. The Social Membership includes everything but the golf side.
As a member of The Wanderers Club, you’ll have access to one of the most intriguing precision sports at the world-renowned Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. On Thursday nights, Gladiator Polo brings action-packed excitement to the Equestrian Village, home of AGDF, highlighting the best of arena polo and providing spectators with an entertaining evening. The “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle is one of the most compelling and graceful equestrian events for members to enjoy. There are many more events to take in during the season.
For more information on becoming a new member of The Wanderers Club, give them a call at (561) 795-3501 or visit them online: www.wc.coth.com.