When Jack Nicklaus was around 26 years old, the young Golden Bear began an apprenticeship of sorts with golf course architect Pete Dye. Truth be told, more people had heard of Nicklaus – already a winner of six Major championships – than of Dye, who was just beginning his career with the design of The Golf Club in New Albany, Ohio, near Columbus.
Dye – 14 years Nicklaus’ senior – asked his fellow Ohioan if he would like to advise on The Golf Club’s design. Nicklaus agreed. Dye asked again in 1967 for Nicklaus’ input in creating Harbour Town Golf Links for developer Charles Fraser on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Thus, Harbour Town, it can be argued, launched the legendary course design careers of Dye and Nicklaus. Each would go on to build some of golf’s more famous courses. Nicklaus also would go on to become the greatest golfer in history.
Fast forward more than 50 years. Nicklaus has essentially retired from golf, but his legacy as a course architect continues to grow. All told, Nicklaus has designed more than 400 courses around the world, the latest being the private Panther National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL., As he sat near a practice green not far from Panther National’s emerald rolling fairways, Nicklaus reflected on his early days learning under Dye and today of his own mentorship of 30-year-old PGA Tour icon Justin Thomas. The two-time Major winner is co-designer on the Panther National project in the far reaches of Palm Beach County.
“It is a little like I was when I started,’’ said Nicklaus, who will be 84 years old in January. “He doesn’t know anything, but he knows what a golf course should look like. He doesn’t know what to do, so he asked a lot of questions.
“I was like that with Pete at Harbour Town. I just sort of went along and asked questions.’’
The result is undoubtedly one of the top new courses in the country, showcasing elevation changes unexpected in South Florida, as well as a nine-hole, par-three short course complete with an island green that replicates the famed 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.
“There were no (environmental restrictions, so we could basically do what wanted,” Nicklaus said. “My phrase is, ‘Gee, that was a great golf course. What time can I play tomorrow?’ I think you’ll get that here.”
Will Nicklaus and Thomas team again?
“JT was terrific,’’ Nicklaus said. “I loved having him with me. I’d love to work with him again. But let him play golf right now. Let him go win more championships.’’
The Golden Bear, as always, speaks from experience.
A Month After Opening
One month separated from its grand opening that featured co-designers Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas, Panther National Golf Club, not surprisingly, continues to draw rave reviews from members and guests. Located on what is touted as the last piece of developable land in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Panther National, is a private golf club and residences set amidst 2,400 acres of nature preserve in central Palm Beach County,.
Developed by former Swiss former alpine ski racer Dominik Senn, Panther National is expected to top out at 275 members.
Panther National, the first new private golf club to open in Palm Beach County, FL., in two decades, features steep elevation changes and dramatic characteristics unlike any other course in the state. From its seven sets of tee boxes, the course stretches from nearly 8,000 yards long down to 4,492 yards (par 72).
The course – in western Palm Beach Gardens – accompanies Panther National’s Signature Estate Homes and Custom Estate Homesites, delivering an elite, best-in-class experience to members and residents.
When complete, Panther National, in addition to the golf course (and its nine-hole par-3 course) will feature Signature Estate homes custom home sights, a lifestyle club and spa, pools and cabanas, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pickleball, more than 10 miles of nature trails and Michelin-inspired dining options.
Panther National currently has approximately 100 members of varying skill levels, which Director of Golf Operations Tom Dyer is the best of all worlds.
“It’s a very playable course,’’ Dyer said. “If somebody wants to go all the way back, that’s fine. When the professionals come out and play some of the par fours, they see what a beast the course can be. But when our members play from those tees, they say it’s fun because there is a lot of room to spray one off the tee and hunt it down. They also can play the ball on the ground, too. They don’t have to force it in the air all the time.’
From a member satisfaction standpoint, Dyer said, “our members really are enjoying the opportunity to play the course. Even when they don’t play their best, they’re dying to get back out there because they want to try it again.’’