Grand/Royal at Grand Palms Resort

Grand Palms Resort in Pembroke Pines features two eighteen-hole courses designed by Ward Northrup, a Florida-based architect known for his work on residential and resort layouts across the state. The Grand and Royal courses opened in the late 1980s as part of a larger residential golf community in the western suburbs of Fort Lauderdale. Northrup's design takes advantage of the flat South Florida terrain by incorporating water hazards, strategic bunkering, and mature tropical landscaping to define holes and create visual interest on what is naturally level ground.

The courses wind through a landscape typical of Broward County golf developments, with palm-lined fairways, interconnected lakes and canals that come into play on multiple holes, and occasional residential boundaries. Both the Grand and Royal nines share similar design characteristics—generous landing areas balanced by water carries and greenside hazards that reward accuracy on approach shots. The subtropical setting supports lush turf conditions year-round, and the courses remain walkable despite the water features that dominate the strategic character.

Grand Palms operates primarily as a semi-private facility, serving both resort guests and local members. The club offers typical South Florida amenities including a clubhouse with dining facilities and practice areas. The courses provide a straightforward test of golf suited to a range of skill levels, emphasizing course management around water rather than dramatic elevation or severe rough. The property reflects the era and style of Florida golf development that prioritized playability and residential integration over championship length or tournament pedigree.