Recognized by Golfweek as one of the top residential courses in the country, Sailfish Point’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course boasts dramatic-jaw dropping views from every hole. The private Florida Club’s par-72 championship course stretches along the waterfront, with Bermuda grass fairways, high-flashed bunkers, and signature oceanside holes that create a memorable round for golfers of all skill levels. In 2021, the course underwent a comprehensive renovation that forever changed how it’s played. Let’s take a closer look.
The Jack Nicklaus Legacy
For the past four decades, Sailfish Point’s golf course has been exclusively designed and renovated by the acclaimed Nicklaus Design Team. First built in 1981, this was Nicklaus’ ninth Signature Course ever composed by the team. In 2007, the course underwent a renovation that involved recontouring the areas surrounding the greens and repaving the cart paths with aggregate cement. However, as Sailfish Point commemorated its 40th anniversary in the spring of 2021, the golf course experienced its most significant transformation to date. Spearheaded by the Nicklaus Design Team, this “reimagination” brought about substantial changes that enhanced playability and strategy. The course reopened to widespread acclaim in December 2021, presenting an eminently playable layout that caters to players of varying ages, abilities, and ambitions.
As Sailfish Point’s Director of Golf, Victor Tortorici agrees that the Nicklaus design is unlike any other. “Our operations and agronomy teams work hard to maintain this course to championship standards, and the Nicklaus team’s design has truly withstood the test of time,” shared Tortorici. “Every blade of grass was replaced during the $7 million renovation by Jack Nicklaus of his course that he debuted back when a gallon of gas cost less than a dollar.”
No Blade of Grass Was Left Unturned
The renovations to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course ensured both aesthetic appeal and enhanced playability for players of all skill levels. One significant change was the reduction of formal sand areas by 15%, while still preserving the distinct high-flashed bunkers that define the course’s character. To address windy conditions, advanced-tech bunker liners have been introduced to effectively stabilize the sand. Furthermore, the putting surfaces on multiple greens were expanded to their original dimensions, creating opportunities for a variety of new pin positions and increasing receptivity to well-struck approach shots. An upgraded irrigation system was also installed to nourish the new TifEagle Bermuda grass, renowned for its superior speed and consistency.
With a no-tee-time policy, Sailfish Point Member Michael Boyd cherishes the ease of getting his friends together for a round on the course. “My favorite hole the finishing hole, number 18,” shared Michael. “I had the opportunity to be involved in the implementation committee when we redid the course and we substantially changed 18 to elevate the fairway. Your approach shot into the green now has a spectacular view of the ocean. It’s still a challenging hole, and a lot can happen in a good or bad way.”
New Tees for All Skill Levels
Among the enhancements was the installation of new forward tees on all 18 holes, creating a 5,001-yard layout that optimizes playability for those with slower swing speeds. With these new tees, Members will have increased opportunities to reach the greens in regulation, leading to an improved pace of play and a heightened sense of enjoyment for all players. In total, the course now features five sets of tees, catering to a diverse range of players. At the other end, the back tees extend to an impressive 7,081 yards, ensuring that Sailfish Point can continue to host completive Member events and PGA sectional tournaments.
An Expanded Golf Practice Area
The expanded golf practice area established itself as one of the leading game improvement facilities in Southeast Florida. The range will feature new target greens that provide the look and feel of a Par 4, helping golfers visualize and refine their shorts. The practice putting green has been re-contoured and expanded from 6,500 to 10,000 square feet, providing ample space for players to hone their putting skills. The practice areas also now boast two driving areas on the north and south ends, all incorporating cutting-edge Trackman technology. This innovation provides valuable insights and data analysis that empower Members to optimize their gameplay.
Sailfish Point Member Donna Boyd is appreciative of how welcoming the course and practice areas are to players of all skill levels. “Every level of golf is accommodated and welcomed here,” shared Donna. “We have a lot of scrambles and events that just take the pressure off, so people have fun. Our golf pro is always reminding us ‘You’re doing this for fun. Don’t worry about it.’ It’s a fantastic way to meet people, and there’s no judgment.”
A Florida Club on the Leading Edge of Innovations
The renovations made to the Nicklaus Signature Golf Course are not the only changes coming to Sailfish Point. This 532-acre waterfront community is constantly renovating its innovative amenities to create an unmatched Member experience. As the center of activity, the Oceanfront Club includes dining venues, a pool, a spa, and seven HydroGrid tennis courts. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, the Club in a truly innovative fashion transformed one of its tennis courts to make room for four new pickleball courts. Sailfish Point’s Marina and Yacht Club is also in a league of its own. As one of the largest privately-owned marinas in Florida, it offers 84 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 125 feet in length with an additional 45 dry slips.
With a prime location at the southernmost tip of Hutchinson Island and a luxurious set of innovative amenities, life at this enviable beachfront property is irresistible. From spacious beachfront properties and oceanfront condos to link side villas and townhomes with private boat docks, the 520 distinctive homes offer an astounding array of living possibilities. Visit SailfishPoint.com to see our current property listings or call the realty office at 772-225-6200 to learn more.
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