Featured Golf Course
In this section learn more about the history of the course and its hometown, see a selection of historic and current images of the course, learn about what the course is like today, and discover nearby historic sites.
Delray Beach Golf Club
History
The Delray Beach Golf Club is located in the City of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County. In 1923, the City purchased 150 acres of land for a municipal golf course and two years later legendary golf course architect Donald Ross designed an 18-hole golf course for the property.
The formal opening of the golf course took place on January 1, 1926, with nine holes open for play. The first golf tournament took place a month later. The second nine holes that were designed by Ross were never completed. The golf course was very popular and offered free lessons to junior golfers.
The course closed at the beginning of World War II and reopened in 1945. A few years later the City voted to add a second nine holes. R.S. “Dick” Wilson, who had previously been the manager at the course, laid out the new holes. Delray Beach local, Mike Blank, was in charge of the construction. The 6,587 yard, 18-hole golf course officially opened in February 1950 at a cost of $42,000. Local area golf professionals Tommy Armour (Boca Raton), Bobby Cruikshank (Gulfstream), Toney Penna, and Eddie Burke played in an exhibition match to celebrate the opening.
In 1958, the city sold the golf course, with a 20-year option to buy it back. The new owners named it the Delray Beach Golf & Country Club. During this time the owners added an additional nine holes, making it a 27-hole golf course. On Saturday February 10, 1962, the new 9 hole expansion, designed by Robert “Red” Lawrence officially opened.
In 1966, the golf course was the site of the Louise Suggs Delray Beach Invitational, an LPGA tournament. Marilyn Smith (one of the founders of the LPGA along with Suggs) won the event.
Years later, the club eventually closed the Lawrence nine holes, and the city of Delray Beach purchased the 18-hole golf course in 1978.
1925 Donald Ross Plans
Delray Beach Golf Course Officially Opened January 1, 1926
Delray Beach Golf Club First Clubhouse c1926
1929 Ad for Golf at Delray Beach
Lady Golfers at Delray Beach Golf Course c1930
Gene Sarazen at Delray Beach Golf Course
9th Green at Delray Beach Golf Club - c1930-1940s
1940 Aerial of the Delray Beach Golf Club
View of Delray Beach Golf Club in the 1940s
Exhibition Match for the Opening of the Additional Nine holes at Delray Beach Golf Club
1964 Aerial of Delray Beach Golf Club
Program Cover for the 1966 Louise Suggs-Delray Beach International LPGA Golf Tournament
1979 Ad for the City Owned Delray Beach Golf Club
Today
The Delray Beach Golf Club includes an 18-hole, par-72 golf course featuring five sets of tees playing from 4,300 to 6,900 yards. The course is open and well-bunkered with elevated greens. Seven holes from the original 1926 Donald Ross 9-hole layout are still in use and make up the current back nine.
Today the golf club thrives as an accessible public venue that will intrigue golfers of all skill levels. Delray Beach Golf Club invites you to come play and become part of its History.
Entrance Sign to Delray Beach Golf Club
18th Green at Delray Beach Golf Club
10th Tee at Delray Beach Golf Club
View of Delray Beach Golf Club
Delray Beach Golf Club Scorecard - Outside
Delray Beach Golf Club Scorecard - Inside
Local Knowledge
At one time, golf professionals Toney Penna and Tommy Armour lived across the intracoastal waterway from each other in Delray Beach. Both Penna and Armour had signature model golf clubs made by MacGregor golf company at the time. There are many stories of them hitting golf balls from their back yards across the canal to each other.
One story in particular, recounts that at a cookout at Penna’s house, group of professional and amateur golfers, who were playing in an event nearby, decided to see who could hit a golf ball across the canal to Armour’s house, using his back window as the target.
To make it harder they had to stand on one foot. After they marked the balls, they started sending them nearly 250 yards across the canal. Only one ball made it to Armour back yard and that was from Jimmy Demaret.
Toney Penna
Tommy Armour at Delray Beach Golf Club
MacGregor Golf Club Ad - Armour and Penna
Flight of Golf Shots from Penna's House to Armour's House
Inside the Leather
The Historic Colony Hotel & Cabana Club - The 1926 Hotel and Club calls to mind the romantic Flagler era of Florida Mediterranean architecture: three bright yellow stories topped by twin domed towers that echo the color of the historic building’s striped awnings. The Colony Porch Bar and retail store fronts are located on Atlantic Avenue. The 1926 manual elevator installed when the hotel first opened, the original iron chandeliers and candelabras, arched French doors, and wood-burning fireplaces still give life to the sky-lit lobby. Tall palms, exotic orchids and brightly cushioned original wicker furniture and the original telephone switchboard add to the Florida charm throughout. Visit Colony Hotel for more details.
The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. As a member, The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is one of more than 200 unique properties in the U.S. recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, unique architecture and ambiance.
Colony Hotel in 1926
Colony Hotel in 1935
Front of Colony Hotel in the Late 1930s
Vintage Image of the Colony Hotel Pool
Front of the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club
Colony Hotel & Cabana Club at Night
Visit - Contact
Delray Beach Golf Club
2200 Highland Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33445
2200 Highland Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33445
View the Website
Phone:
561.243.7380