International Links / Melreese Country Club

The International Links, formerly known as Melreese Country Club, occupies a flat, urban site in Miami near the airport and adjacent to the city's municipal golf course. Dick Wilson designed the original layout with Charles Mahannah in the late 1950s, during Wilson's prolific period of Florida course construction. The property sits on reclaimed land typical of South Florida's coastal plain, where elevation changes are minimal and water management becomes a central design consideration. Wilson's routing incorporates numerous water hazards and bunkers to create strategic interest on terrain that offers little natural movement. The course reflects the architect's characteristic style from this era: bold bunkering, greens with subtle but meaningful contours, and holes that reward precise shotmaking over raw distance. Palm trees and tropical vegetation frame many holes, giving the layout a distinctly South Florida character despite its proximity to urban development. The facility has served Miami's golfing community for decades as an accessible venue in a densely populated area. While not a tournament site of national prominence, the course represents an example of Wilson's ability to create playable, strategic golf on challenging sites. The property has faced various pressures common to urban courses—development interest, maintenance funding, and competition from newer facilities—but continues to operate as a public-access layout. Its location makes it a convenient option for Miami residents and visitors seeking a round without leaving the metropolitan area.