East at Country Club of Miami

The East Course at Country Club of Miami in Hialeah represents Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s approach to championship golf in South Florida's flat, subtropical terrain. Jones, who designed the course in the mid-20th century during his prolific period of creating demanding tournament-caliber layouts, worked with the region's characteristic landscape of water, native vegetation, and minimal elevation change. The course reflects his signature design principles: strategic bunkering, water hazards as central features, and greens that reward precision while penalizing wayward shots.

The routing makes extensive use of water, as is typical for courses built on reclaimed South Florida land. Lakes and canals come into play on numerous holes, requiring golfers to make calculated decisions about risk and reward. Jones positioned bunkers to define landing areas and guard greens, creating visual intimidation and strategic options from tee to green. The fairways move through stands of tropical vegetation including palms and native Florida flora, providing definition and framing.

Country Club of Miami has served as a private club in the greater Miami area for decades, offering its membership a traditional country club experience. The East Course, along with the club's other amenities, provides a retreat from the urban surroundings of Hialead and nearby Miami. The Jones design remains a test of shot-making and course management in conditions where wind, water, and the designer's strategic intent combine to challenge golfers of varying abilities.