Panther National

Panther National is a Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas design that has an architecturally led approach to the overall project and development. At first blush, the golf course doesn't scream Jack Nicklaus and the on-site amenities and residences are as well thought out as the golf.

Dominik Senn, an investment, management and consultant in global sports, saw the need to fill a hole in the market for a modern lifestyle-driven golf community that fulfils the desire for luxury living.

Max Strang, a Florida-based architect, brings a collection of modern architecture to the entire estate. Environmental modernism is the term used to describe the designs. Whatever you wish to call it, tasteful elegance rather than gaudy opulence oozes from the designs. This may just be one of the best architecturally led projects in terms of building architecture just about anywhere, and certainly in the cookie-cutter neighbourhoods synonymous with Florida...

Panther9 and The Cub at Panther National

The site has a short course called Panther9 and a Putting Course called, The Cub. The Cub is inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course at St Andrews'. The short course, Panther9, has 7 of 9 holes over and around water. As you'd expect, there is homage paid to the island green on the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. The scorecard also encourages 'Fun Rules' - where the golfer with the honour can choose any tee they so desire.

The Big Cat at Panther National

The 18-hole Championship Golf Course is known as The Big Cat. The Big Cat is termed as a links-style... a red flag for most golf course architecture aficionados. But don't judge too quickly, the course doesn't feel as contrived as most that use that moniker.

Built by Tour Pros - for Tour Pros, your 18 handicappers will no doubt revel in the experience of it all but will probably struggle from three of the five tees. The tips measure 7864 yards. Move up and you only have to cover 7268 yards. Playing from the middle tees, the course still clocks in at 6710 yards. Most mortals will enjoy the 6212-yard Blue tees - whilst the tour pros will be 1652 yards further back! It's a 36 and 36, par 72 with four par 5's and four Par 3's. They reckon the course can play as a major tournament test for the tour pro and be presented as an enjoyable course for all members.

The routing isn't as genius as some elsewhere. The first 3 holes play around the 400-yard long Practice Area with the next 3 playing around them before returning to the clubhouse at the 6th green. The 7th to 9th allows a little three-hole loop that begins and returns to the clubhouse. The back nine begins from the clubhouse and returns on the 18th.

As you will have imagined, water will play a significant role here as it does almost everywhere in Florida. There is an island green on 5 and 15 with island tees on 6 and 16. Only four holes don't have some sort of water feature or forced carry - perfect for honing your skills as a tour player.

The Practice Facilities - A Tour Player's Dream

As you'd expect from two tour pros, the Practice Area and Performance Training Centre also sport a Short Game Practice Area. The target greens are seeded with trinity zoysia so you can see how your ball will react with the greens set at PGA Tour average approach distances to help them refine their game. The aerial, hit-by-numbers game is now leading design. As well, a 27-yard 'US Open' fairway runs through the range so tour pros can gain confidence threading the needle to the small ribbon of short grass so common week in, week out on tour.

You can expect to this become a haunt of tour pros with Justin Thomas being not only a course designed but also a partner. Morgan Hoffman, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Lexi Thompson, Camilo Villegas, Erik Van Rooyen, and Nick Dunlap are also named Ambassadors.