Emerald Dunes at Emerald Dunes Golf Club

Emerald Dunes, a testament to the modern era of golf course design, sprawls across the landscape of West Palm Beach. Tom Fazio, the architect, crafted a course in the late 80s that bucks the trend of Florida's traditionally flat topography. Instead, it’s a bold statement in elevation changes with rolling fairways that demand a strategic, rather than purely ballistic, approach.

The course plays as long and open but, notably, favors the assertive player, and those comfortable shaping shots in both directions. The wind, a constant companion in this part of Florida, adds another layer of complexity and, often, humility to the round. Emerald Dunes, while not a regular fixture on the professional tour circuit, remains a stern test that has been a staple for amateur qualifiers and high level play.

Emerald Dunes has established itself as a club of choice among business leaders, and local celebrities. The membership tends to maintain a certain decorum, but also knows how to enjoy the social side of the game. Afterwards, in the grill room, you’ll often hear tales of daring escapes and near misses as the membership relives the triumphs (and disasters) of the day on the challenging links.