By Mike May
“The Breakers is the envy of the golf world.”
Opened in 1897, the Ocean Course is the oldest golf course in Florida, but that statement is still true today.
Thanks to the efforts of golf course architect Rees Jones, the Ocean Course has been remodeled and is now in tip-top shape. Jones’ mission was to balance preservation, while incorporating modernization and that was accomplished. According to Jones, “every hole has a different little twist and different set of details.”
One of Jones’ goals was to remove much of the foliage that surrounded the course which was obstructing sightlines of other parts of the course. It has made a positive difference in how the course looks and plays. The homes and surrounding Palm Beach buildings can now be viewed from the course. Points of interest include, the Royal Poinciana Chapel, behind the 6th green, and the historic Flagler Museum near the 4th green.
Jones’ renovation also showcases all new salt-tolerant grass for the tees, fairways and roughs. The green complexes feature expanded undulations, while the putting surfaces are pure, pristine and quick. The fairways have been contoured, the wooden bulkheads have a contemporary look, the native landscaping has been enhanced and a reverse-osmosis irrigation system was upgraded. Jones added a ‘dogear’ to each green, that provides a backstop to help golfers leave their approach shots a slightly closer to the flagstick.
With the many flowering shrubs, bushes, and palm trees on the course, it’s one of the most visually appealing in the country and a true delight to play. There are also six lakes and nearly 60 sand- and grass-faced bunkers that add to the course’s degree of difficulty.
Aesthetically, the Ocean Course really has 18 signature holes. Each could be a portrait on a postcard. The entire 18 holes have character, charm, and backbone, especially the par-four 6th hole. A lake must be negotiated on the approach shot. Plus, the last three holes, the long, par-three 16th; dogleg, par-five 17th; and medium-length, par-four 18th, are three of the best finishing holes in south Florida. Concluding your round at the Ocean Course with three pars is impressive.
The Breakers spares no expense in keeping this course in terrific shape, 365 days a year. A local rule helps with beautification: giving golfers free relief from all flowered areas, as well as tropical plantings. At the Ocean Course, please don’t try to save par from the impatients, or the petunias!
Whenever you play the Ocean Course, you will always benefit from its location which provides a steady and refreshing breeze off the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
After your round at the Ocean Course, slip across the street to the historic Breakers Hotel. With ten dining options from which to choose, bask in the beauty of this national treasure and enjoy a delicious meal and libation.
