Martin Downs Golf Club

Crane Creek at Martin Downs Golf Club is a daily-fee facility in Palm City, Florida, designed by Charles Ankrom and opened in the late 1990s. The course serves the Treasure Coast region of southeastern Florida, situated inland from the Atlantic beaches in Martin County. Ankrom, a Florida-based architect, created a layout that works with the area's flat to gently rolling terrain and incorporates natural wetlands and preserve areas common to the region. The routing features water hazards on multiple holes, with lakes and marshes coming into play both strategically and visually throughout the round. Native vegetation and stands of mature trees frame many fairways, providing definition and requiring accuracy from the tee. The design includes a mix of risk-reward opportunities and straightforward holes, with bunkering that protects greens and penalizes wayward approaches. Greens vary in size and contour, demanding solid iron play and course management. Martin Downs Golf Club operates as an accessible public facility, drawing both local residents and visitors to the Palm City area. The course provides a straightforward test of golf suited to a range of skill levels, with multiple tee boxes allowing players to choose appropriate yardages. The setting reflects the natural character of Florida's coastal interior, with views across open water and preserved wetland habitats that support local wildlife.