Pensacola

Pensacola Country Club is the oldest private club in Florida, however its golf course is very new. For all the history, little is known about the origins of its earliest course; although described as being in the style of Donald Ross, the club certainly does not claim it was actually designed by Ross (which is telling for a state chock full of faux-Rosses).

It is a moot point at any rate, as Hurricane Ivan struck the panhandle of Florida during 2004 and very nearly wiped the existing route off the map. Jerry Pate was called in following the storm and began anew, creating the current 18 over two years.

Many may complain about a par three serving as the final hole, but it’s tough to argue with Pate’s logic here. Although the clubhouse sits within a stone’s throw of Pensacola Bay, the club only has access to a small, perhaps 100-yard long stretch of coast. Pate created a tee box right beside the clubhouse, playing diagonally 160 yards from the back tees to a green that sits right on the seawall. It makes for a rather dramatic conclusion to the round and, we imagine, an enjoyable bit of entertainment for members on the back porch.