The Sunshine State may be regarded universally as a premier golf destination, but with over a thousand Floridian courses it is little surprise that there are several treasures which are yet to be truly discovered. Bent Pine Golf Club is one such course.
Conceived in 1975 and named after the distinctive tree on the eighteenth fairway, Bent Pine Golf Club was opened for play in 1979. Bent Pine was the first golf facility to be carved out of the sand ridge in once rural Vero Beach. It was a risky and courageous decision by the founding fathers to venture from the barrier island to this totally undeveloped area where few people lived.
Host to six U. S. Open qualifiers, Bent Pine Golf Club provides a formidable challenge to even the lowest handicappers, while giving all levels of golfer a fair test from all tees. Well-bunkered “Tif-Eagle” greens are characteristic of the course. Lakes, trees and the occasional challenging wind add the final touches to this treasure.
A masterpiece designed by Joe Lee, the course is located on 220 acres of prime hammock land, surrounded by Florida pines, citrus groves and ranch land. Accentuated by eight scenic lakes and pristine, manicured fairways that run in every direction, the course features open spaces and a variety of wildlife. The goose-necked par 5, 14th hole, is one of Joe Lee’s favorite designed par 5’s and the signature hole of the course. Beginning from an elevated tee, the player must navigate two separate lakes with their opening and approach shots. Long hitters can endeavour to make the green in two, although only two perfect shots will reach the green.
The eighteenth is another amazing hole. A par-5 which carves its way through the pines, players must contend with a rare double dogleg. The famous signature Bent Pine (who gave the club’s name) finds many tee shots that wander left, while the lake which runs along the right-side of the green is ready to capture the ball of anyone who fails to commit to their final approach shot.
Note that Bent Pine Golf Club is a private club reserved to members and there guest. And Bent Pine Golf Club has been described by the Links Magazine as one of “Golf’s best kept secrets!”