The City of Delray Beach is moving forward with a comprehensive renovation of the Delray Beach Golf Club, a treasured municipal course that has served the community for nearly 100 years. The City has commissioned Sanford Ferris Golf Design, supported by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., to provide consulting services for the renovation of the City’s 18-hole municipal golf course located west of I-95 and south of Atlantic Boulevard along Highland Avenue.

Operated as part of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Delray Beach Golf Club has been a valued community amenity for more than nine decades, offering golf programs for families, juniors, and experienced golfers alike. The renovation aims to restore and preserve the course in alignment with the original vision of its renowned architects, Donald Ross and Dick Wilson, while modernizing the facility to meet current standards of play, sustainability, and operations.

Project Schedule

• Golf Course Closure: November 3, 2025

• Anticipated Reopening: November 2026

• Driving Range: Will remain open on a limited basis until mid-November 2025; new practice facilities are expected to reopen in November 2026

• Clubhouse: Will remain open through December 2025; renovations will occur during course construction with reopening anticipated in November 2026

A Legacy Worth Preserving

The Delray Beach Golf Club traces its roots to land purchased by the City in 1923, with the original nine-hole course opening in 1926 under the design of legendary architect Donald Ross. In the post-World War II era, the City expanded the course by adding a second nine holes designed by Dick Wilson, one of the most influential golf course architects of his time. The full 18-hole course opened in 1950.

Throughout the 1950s, the Ross/Wilson-designed course attracted touring professionals and celebrities, earning national recognition and a reputation for exceptional playability, drainage, and design. Golf Hall of Famer and longtime Delray Beach resident Betty Jameson once described the course as “accurate in measurement, with excellent fairways and exceptional drainage,” noting that it was ranked among the top ten courses in the country during its peak.

Scope of Improvements

The renovation project will focus on honoring the course’s historic design while addressing modern needs. Planned improvements include:

• New and enhanced practice facilities

• A new irrigation system

• Drainage system improvements

• Removal of exotic vegetation

• New cart paths and a new cart crossing on the Ross (south) nine

• Construction of a new maintenance facility

• Upgrades to restrooms and rain shelters

Following an evaluation by Michael Fay of the Donald Ross Society, the City will restore the course in a style and character consistent with the work of both Ross and Wilson, preserving its unique architectural heritage while ensuring its longevity for future generations.

Additional project information and updates are available at www.dbgolfrenovation.com

About the City of Delray Beach

The City of Delray Beach is a vibrant, coastal community located in Palm Beach County, Florida, known for its award-winning downtown, strong neighborhoods, and exceptional quality of life. Often recognized for its unique blend of small-town charm and urban energy, Delray Beach offers a dynamic mix of arts, culture, recreation, and natural beauty.

Home to approximately 68,000 residents, Delray Beach is committed to providing high-quality municipal services while fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive community engagement. The City operates a wide range of amenities, including parks, beaches, cultural facilities, and recreational programs that enhance livability for residents and visitors alike.

Delray Beach has earned national and regional recognition for excellence in urban planning, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and community-driven initiatives. Guided by a vision of building a resilient, connected, and welcoming city, Delray Beach continues to invest in infrastructure, public spaces, and programs that honor its history while preparing for the future.