High Grove

High Grove emerges as Central Florida's most anticipated golf development, with two courses by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner on a spectacular 1,200-acre site among Valencia orange groves. Construction began in December 2024 for the 150-member private club in Venus, Florida, the vision of co-founders Ryan Hanks, Colin Sheehan and Bert Guy.

Why Experience High Grove When It Opens?

Experience golf among citrus groves on the Lake Wales Ridge with 30- to 50-foot elevation changes unique to Florida. This destination represents the first Florida course designed to play entirely among working orange groves.

History of High Grove Development

The project originated from Colin Sheehan's fascination with the Lake Wales Ridge following his visit to Mountain Lake, the 1916 Seth Raynor course, approximately 15 years ago. In 2021, Sheehan began scouting potential properties and discovered the current 1,211-acre Valencia orange grove site, which rises from 105 to 175 feet above sea level with a 40-foot ridge along the eastern boundary.

The development team includes Colin Sheehan and Bert Guy, who have previously been involved with Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia, Tree Farm in South Carolina, Fall Line in Georgia and Childress Hall in Texas. Heritage Links Golf Construction partnered with Hanse Golf Design's Caveman Construction team for the build, with course superintendent Russ Myers overseeing grow-in operations.

Planned Course Layout & Design Philosophy

The main 18-hole course will measure 7,100 yards, with the second course stretching 6,500 yards. Jim Wagner of Hanse Golf Design notes that "the property is one of the most unique we have seen in Florida" due to both dramatic elevation changes and the light-to-moderate sandy 'chop' throughout the terrain.

The routing takes advantage of the ridge system, with the par-four fourth riding along the ridge and the fifth, a drop shot par-three, playing off it. The par-five sixth climbs back up to a green defended by expansive bunkering. The design maintains working citrus groves within out-of-play areas and along the property perimeter.

The development also includes an 11-hole par-three course on the northwest portion of the property, with holes ranging from 102 to 188 yards. Wagner explains that "the short course will have multiple routings for daily variety."

Notable Planned Features

High Grove will operate as a walking-only facility with no paved cart paths and no artificial ponds. Both courses will be walking only, with a caddie program available, in keeping with the heart of links golf. The sand-based soil will enable firm playing conditions characteristic of Hanse and Wagner's finest designs.

The front nine focuses on "anticipation and surprise," with the anticipation of playing through citrus and the surprise of 30- to 50-foot elevation changes that separate High Grove from typical Florida golf experiences. Holes 10-16 wind through orange groves, ridgelines and valleys.

Planned Facilities & Accommodation

The destination club will feature 54 guest rooms in rustic-style accommodations, allowing most members and guests to stay for one or two nights. The modern clubhouse will complement the understated luxury experience planned for the facility. The project includes an 18-hole course, a par-three layout, practice facility, clubhouse and cabins on the 1,200-acre site.

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Within 60km (37 miles):

• Streamsong Resort (approximately 45 minutes): Features three world-renowned courses by Coore/Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Hanse/Wagner
• Lake Wales area courses (30 minutes): Including the historic 1916 Seth Raynor-designed Mountain Lake

60-90km (37-56 miles):

• Additional Central Florida championship courses within 1-2 hours driving

Venus provides an excellent base for exploring Central Florida's emerging golf corridor, with High Grove positioned to anchor this rapidly developing region.

Practical Planning

High Grove will operate as a 150-member private club with guest access through member referrals. Advance booking will be essential upon opening, particularly during Florida's peak golf season from November through April.

Transport Information ✈️

Tampa International Airport: 149km (93 miles), approximately 2 hours driving via major motorways. Comprehensive car rental facilities with direct access to central Florida.

Orlando International Airport: 152km (95 miles), approximately 2.5 hours driving for international connections.

Sebring Regional Airport: Closest facility for private aviation, approximately 30 minutes from Venus.

Ground Transport: Primary access via US-27 through central Florida citrus country, with the final approach through working orange groves.

Seasonal Timing

Autumn-Winter (November-March): Prime season offering optimal playing conditions with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

Spring (April-May): Excellent shoulder season with warming weather and citrus grove scenery at its most vibrant.

Summer (June-September): Hot, humid conditions typical of central Florida, though the elevation changes and grove setting may provide some relief.

High Grove: The Anticipated Experience

High Grove promises to redefine Florida golf through its unique combination of significant elevation change and integration with working citrus groves.

The property has been compared to exceptional sites like Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and Streamsong, with potential to rival the best natural golf properties in Florida.

When operational, this destination will offer an unprecedented Florida golf experience set among the sand dunes and Valencia oranges of the Lake Wales Ridge.