PALM BEACH, FL – Emerging from a full-scale renovation by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, the historic championship Ocean Course has officially reopened at The Breakers Palm Beach.
Honoring its heritage and coastal location, the Ocean Course is recognized as Florida’s oldest golf course, inheriting its original layout from Alexander H. Findlay in 1897. Inspired by The Breakers’ philosophy of balancing preservation and modernization, Jones’ remodel brings this early vintage-era course to an exciting and challenging new level. His redesign showcases all new salt-tolerant grass for tees, fairways and roughs; green complexes with expanded undulations; fairway contours; contemporary wooden bulkheads; enhanced native landscaping; an upgraded water-conserving, reverse-osmosis irrigation system; and the renovation and expansion of the John Webster Golf Academy. By restoring a more classic layout and emphasizing the nuanced character of each hole, the Ocean Course will reward finesse more than power with a layout that exhibits varying degrees of risk, and one that is playable to all.
In 2006, Jones also redesigned the resort’s sister championship course, The Breakers Rees Jones® Course, which is located 10 miles from the hotel, set inside Breakers West Country Club - an immaculately landscaped residential community within a 670-acre nature preserve. Contemporary in style, this course works in harmony with the natural terrain, offering flexible play with generous landing areas from all tees, gentle contouring and elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers and manicured fairways.
“With two distinctive high-quality settings, The Breakers captures the interest of all skill-levels, appealing to PGA professionals, avid golfers and those guests who simply enjoy the game of golf,” said Tricia Taylor, Senior Vice President & General Manager of The Breakers. “The partnership between The Breakers and Rees Jones signifies a dedication to continuous improvement while honoring the timeless tradition of world-class standards.” Both courses are available exclusively to hotel guests and club members.
In addition, The Breakers is also home to the John Webster Golf Academy, which provides year-round, player-centered golf instruction; state-of-the-art learning centers; personalized fitness evaluations; custom club fittings; and The Breakers Ocean Clubhouse. Reminiscent of a grand Floridian estate, this 32,000-square-foot golf and tennis clubhouse features The Sports Pro Shop, luxurious locker rooms and Flagler Steakhouse – a fresh take on the classic American chophouse with a fully climate-controlled terrace that offers spectacular views of the fairways and calm ocean breezes.
On par with the golf facilities and adjacent to the clubhouse are 10 beautifully groomed and lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. Professional instruction is available along with clinics and private court time.