Haven’t heard of The Park West Palm yet? That’s because the course isn’t even a year old yet. Here’s what you should know about it.
The ninth edition of The Match kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on TNT and MAX on Monday. Some of the biggest names in the professional game — Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang — face off in a 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 competition.
They’ll tee off under the lights at The Park West Palm. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, that’s because the course isn’t even a year old yet, still making a name for itself on the Florida golf scene. Here are six things to know about The Park before you watch the pros take on a special 12-hole routing.
Want to Play? It’s the Least Expensive Tee Time in The Match History
For out-of-staters, a round at The Park goes for $230 before adding a caddie or cart. For Florida residents, that cost drops to $180, and West Palm Beach residents get an even steeper discount.
It’s certainly not cheap. But against tee times at The Match’s famous Las Vegas venues, Shadow Creek ($1,250) and The Wynn ($600), The Park is the place to play if you’re looking to knock one of these made-for-TV spots off your list. All the other Match locations? They have been private courses.
The Park West Palm offers golf under the lights for just $30. The Lit 9 is a 9-hole par-3 course that’ll put your short-game ability to the test. The final hole is putter-only, and at 150 feet, it might be the longest putt you’ve ever tried. It leads right into their 9-hole putting course, a fun challenge flanked by plenty of food and drink options, with cup holders marking the teeing areas all over both courses.
The Park’s 9-hole short course (foreground) under the lights, with dusk falling on the full 18-hole course in the background.
No two greens are the same at this Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner design. With some of the firmest conditions you’ll find in Florida, these putting surfaces are as tough as they are creative.
Taking your approach shot to the wrong tier of the green will result in some nerve-wracking putts. A number of ridges on the greens funnel toward hole locations, but others will reject approach shots entirely. With a firm ground game at The Park, an up-close look at the pros imagining and executing their shots will be a fun watch.
This edition of The Match is making history for its first-ever mixed format. To further the intrigue, Rory, Max, Lexi, and Rose will all tee it up from the same spot on The Park’s par-3s. Watch closely for the narrow, multi-tiered green on the par-3 11th and the vast, deep bunker on the par-3 17th. Not only are these stunning holes visually, but they’ll likely make for some key moments in competition.
Playability at The Park is breaking the public golf mold in South Florida. You’ll find lots of sand, but no water hazards. Wide fairways and waste bunkers mean golfers without their A-game will almost always find their ball — welcome news for most of us. And while water views often make for the prettiest golf holes, you’ll find that The Park is still incredibly photogenic thanks to its purposeful elevation changes and Sandbelt-style look.
The last relic of the closed muni that was here before, you can find this bit of history between The Park’s 15th hole and I-95.
Poor course conditions and a decline in demand shuttered the city-owned West Palm Beach Golf Course in 2018. Five years and $55 million in fundraising later, The Park opened on the same site as that forgotten muni. Over 100 private donors, such as Tiger Woods and PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, who attended the course opening in April 2023, are hoping that their reinvestment in this community golf facility can serve as a model for others around the U.S.
Has it worked? Not even one year after its grand opening, The Park has a full tee sheet and is hosting a national TV event. Enough said.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How much does it cost to play at The Park West Palm?
For out-of-staters, the cost is $230 for a round before adding a caddie or cart. Florida residents receive a discounted rate of $180.
What is the Lit 9?
The Lit 9 is a 9-hole par-3 course at The Park West Palm. The final hole is putter-only and features a 150-foot putt.
Are the greens at The Park challenging?
Yes, the greens at The Park are known for being creative and tough. Approach shots to the wrong tier of the green can result in difficult putts.
Does The Park West Palm have water hazards?
No, The Park West Palm does not have water hazards. Instead, you’ll find lots of sand, wide fairways, and waste bunkers.
What makes The Park West Palm unique?
The Park West Palm offers golf under the lights, a 9-hole short course, and a 9-hole putting course. It has a Sandbelt-style look with purposeful elevation changes.
How did The Park West Palm come to be?
The Park West Palm opened after five years of fundraising following the closure of the city-owned West Palm Beach Golf Course. Private donors, including Tiger Woods and PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, reinvested in the community golf facility.
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