Longtime reader Elliot deBear contributes occasional reviews and photos. During a recent trip to the Palm Beach area, he tested out a totally renovated par 3 course. Elliot's review, for which we thank him, follows.
by Elliot deBear
I don’t often take time to play executive courses, but the Par 3 course on South Ocean Blvd., located between the Atlantic Ocean and Intra-coastal Waterway, is worth a mention. The course was originally a Dick Wilson design built almost 50 years ago. The course was closed last year, totally ripped up and redesigned by Raymond Floyd for a November 2009 opening. When I say “ripped up,” I’m talking about redesigned holes, expanded length, new fairways and greens, expanded ponds, added traps, new waste bunkers as well as new trees and fescue plantings.
Floyd did a remarkable job here. This 2,572 yard beauty is so much fun to play, with insane winds coming off the Intra-coastal on the front nine and the Atlantic Ocean on the back that you will want to try your hand a few times. The wind makes it a different experience each time as it is always changing in direction and velocity.
The picturesque back nine features a number of holes framed around a large pond and against the Atlantic. It requires some thought on club selections given the winds and pin locations. Holes range in length from 81 to 211 yards. Overall, there are eight holes over 140 yards long, not bad for an executive track. There is also a small practice green and full driving range on the premise.
If you have 2 1/2 hours to kill in the Palm Beach area and want to have some real short game fun, The Town of Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course is definitely a winner.
Editor’s Note: The Palm Beach Par 3 is located on South Ocean Blvd. in Palm Beach, FL. 18-hole rates during peak season (now) range from $28 to $45. Rates are lower for guests of some local hotels. Web site: http://golfontheocean.com
Palm Beach is not your ordinary par 3 course, with testing water holes and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Photos courtesy of Elliot deBear.