Florida, USA
Sandglass Golf Club stands as Tom Doak's most ambitious Florida project, transforming 380 acres of former agricultural land alongside the Okeechobee Waterway into an 18-hole private golf course that opened in 2024. The course represents Doak's interpretation of what the National Golf Links of America was to C.B. Macdonald, incorporating design elements from legendary holes at St. Andrews, Muirfield, North Berwick and Pine Valley. Located 10.5km (6.5 miles) west of Interstate 95 on SW Kanner Highway in Martin County, the course occupies a strategic position along the St. Lucie Canal waterway. The site began as a "clean slate" for golf, requiring significant earthmoving to create the undulating terrain that gives the course its "Rolling Sands" moniker.
Sandglass Golf Club stands as Tom Doak's most ambitious Florida project, transforming 380 acres of former agricultural land alongside the Okeechobee Waterway into an 18-hole private golf course that opened in 2024. The course represents Doak's interpretation of what the National Golf Links of America was to C.B. Macdonald, incorporating design elements from legendary holes at St. Andrews, Muirfield, North Berwick and Pine Valley. Located 10.5km (6.5 miles) west of Interstate 95 on SW Kanner Highway in Martin County, the course occupies a strategic position along the St. Lucie Canal waterway. The site began as a "clean slate" for golf, requiring significant earthmoving to create the undulating terrain that gives the course its "Rolling Sands" moniker.
Development began with golf course construction completed by the end of 2024, following approval of a Major Final Site Plan by Martin County for SS Ranch, LLC. The approved project includes a one-storey clubhouse, pro shop, maintenance building, two cottages, and a helicopter pad on the 240-acre property.
Doak recruited Brian Zager to lead the project, leveraging Zager's expertise from the Lido at Sand Valley, where he worked with Peter Flory to generate LIDAR data for automated design shaping. The Renaissance Golf Design team includes Brian Schneider, Eric Iverson, Brad Gehl, and Dylan Stevens. Kyle Harris, previously superintendent at Streamsong, serves as Director of Grounds.
Experience Tom Doak's most ambitious architectural experiment, where legendary holes from St. Andrews, Pine Valley, and Muirfield are reimagined on a dramatic waterway setting. This ultra-exclusive club offers the rare opportunity to play template versions of golf's greatest holes in a single round.
Rather than traditional returning nines, Sandglass features a routing designed to accommodate loops of fewer than 18 holes for time-pressed members. The design philosophy mirrors Macdonald's approach at NGLA, using favourite holes from Doak's global travels, with confirmed inspirations including the 11th at St. Andrews and the 13th at Pine Valley.
The flat agricultural site required extensive earthwork to create the rolling topography, with anticipation building for landscape features reminiscent of Simpson's Folly from the 9th hole at Muirfield. The course reflects Doak's naturalistic design philosophy while adapting classic architectural concepts to the Florida environment.
The project represents Doak's second Florida design following Streamsong Blue, applying lessons learned from that former phosphate mining site, characterised by rolling sand dunes and expansive vistas. The firm, bouncy playing conditions emphasise natural terrain features while maintaining the strategic green complexes that define Doak's work globally.
Within 17km (11 miles): Stuart's public and private facilities provide accessible options, with the drive to Stuart taking approximately 15 minutes from the course location. The Jupiter area, approximately 25km (15 miles) southeast, offers an exceptional concentration of championship venues, including The Bear's Club, Seminole Golf Club, and the newly developed clubs along the Hobe Sound corridor.
30-45km (19-28 miles): Palm Beach County's premium facilities, including Trump National and established Jupiter clubs, provide diverse playing opportunities for extended stays. The region's golf heritage centres on legendary venues that have hosted major championships and attracted touring professionals as residents.
45km+ (28+ miles): West Palm Beach area courses extend the regional golf experience, with accommodation bases providing access to Florida's most prestigious golf corridor. Multiple championship-standard layouts within an hour's drive create ideal conditions for golf-focused holidays.
Sandglass operates as an ultra-private club with limited membership and restricted access. The secretive nature of operations means advance coordination through appropriate channels is essential. The club maintains privacy through limited information disclosure, with Doak noting curiosity about public reaction once the course becomes more widely known.
The helicopter pad accommodates private aviation access, while the clubhouse and cottage accommodations support exclusive golf experiences. Members benefit from flexible routing options and no tee time requirements typical of ultra-private facilities.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): 61km (38 miles) from Martin County centre, approximately 45 minutes driving via Interstate 95 and Florida's Turnpike. Major car rental facilities are available with direct motorway access to the course location.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 132km (82 miles), approximately 90 minutes driving time. International gateway with extensive car rental options and established golf travel services.
Private Aviation: On-site helicopter pad provides direct access. Stuart Airport and other regional facilities accommodate private jets with ground transportation coordination available.
Spring (March-May): Optimal conditions with moderate temperatures and established turf growth following winter dormancy. Peak season pricing and availability restrictions apply during this premium period.
Summer (June-August): Year-round play possible with morning and evening sessions preferred. Afternoon weather patterns may affect scheduling, with covered areas and air-conditioned facilities providing comfort during peak heat.
Autumn (September-November): Shoulder season offers excellent playing conditions as temperatures moderate. Hurricane season considerations may affect travel planning, with course closure policies designed for safety.
Winter (December-February): Florida's golf season peak brings optimal weather for golf holidays. Advance booking essential during this premium period when northern golfers migrate south for winter play.
Sandglass represents a unique interpretation of classical golf architecture, with Doak promising an experience "different from what anybody else is trying to do down there". The combination of template hole inspirations, innovative routing, and waterway setting creates a distinctive addition to Florida's golf landscape.
The ultra-private nature and limited membership ensure exclusivity, while the Martin County location provides convenient access to Florida's premier golf region. For architectural enthusiasts and collectors of unique golf experiences, Sandglass offers the opportunity to experience Doak's contemporary interpretation of golf's greatest holes in an entirely new setting.
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