Delray Beach Golf Club

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life in south Florida, there's a 'golfing green lung' which 'snow birds' from the North might label as 'paradise' and a Scotsman could call 'Brigadoon,' but for the late, great LPGA founding member Betty Jameson, it was her 'home away from home' -- the Delray Beach Golf Club (2200 Highland Avenue, Delray Beach, FL; 561-243-7380).

From the outset, the Delray Beach Golf Club has been a place where golfers can escape to find a sense of calm, peace and serenity. And, it remains that way for many people who live in the neighborhoods that surround this municipal golf course that has been a recreational outlet for thousands of golfers since 1926.

Designed by the legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, the Delray Beach Golf Club is one of the 51 golf courses that make up the Historic Florida Golf Trail. The par-72 layout has stood the test of time and remains as enjoyable to play now as it was back in the 1920s and 1930s. Ross truly was a visionary designer. His concept of building raised greens protected by sand bunkers was a great idea in the 1920s and remains relevant to this day. FYI: All but two of the greens on the course are guarded by at least two sand bunkers. And, having a breeze off the nearby Atlantic Ocean adds to the allure of this course.

The city of Delray Beach states that the course was founded in 1923 when it purchased the land for the course, but the course didn't officially open until 2:00 pm on January 1, 1926 (to be precise!). On that day, only nine holes had been built. Those nine holes, the course's current back nine, were used until the course was closed during World War II. After reopening for business in 1945, the decision was made by Delray Beach city leaders to build another nine holes. Golf course architect Dick Wilson, who also designed the West Palm Beach Golf Course, was hired to oversee the project. By 1950, the Delray Beach GC had 18 holes. And, it didn't take long for other golfers to discover this wonderful slice of recreational real estate. In the 1950s, golf journalists were so impressed by what they saw that they listed the Delray Beach Golf Club as one of the top ten courses in the U.S. In the 1960s, Red Lawrence and Robert Bruce Harris were hired to redesign, refine, and reconfigure parts of the course, where water now comes into play on seven holes. A third set of nine holes was actually opened for play in 1965, but it was closed in 1978.

Betty Jameson was always filled with pride and praise when she was asked about the appeal of the Delray Beach Golf Club.

"It was accurate in measurement, had excellent fairways and exceptional drainage," once remarked Jameson, who won the 1947 U.S. Women's Open.

Jameson is not the only star golfer hanging out at the Delray Beach GC in those early days, as Tommy Armour, the 'Silver Scot,' was the head pro at the course during the 1940s and 1950s.

"There are many reasons as to why people play at Delray Beach Golf Club. Being centrally located just a few minutes from I-95, the Delray Beach Golf Club offers something for everyone," notes Tommi Ylijoki, the current pro at the Delray Beach Golf Club. "We are an asset to the community with a full-service restaurant and offering five sets of tees, which allow all type of skill levels to enjoy the course. We have one of the most active men's and ladies golf associations, an expanding junior program, and our Friday night skins game is a long-standing tradition. Both our members and guests enjoy spending time at the club, whether playing golf or taking in the views from the restaurant overlooking the 18th green."

Because of the sandy loam soil that dominates the terrain at the Delray Beach GC, you get very little roll in the fairways, which increases the length of this course, which range from 5,189 yards (white tees) to 6,907 yards from the tips (gold tees). This course probably has as many palm trees on the course as any golf course in the Sunshine State. Not surprisingly, a palm tree appears in the club logo which you see on the scorecard and on the signage throughout the property. The significance of the palm trees stands out on the 18th hole. Surrounding the 18th green are six tall palm trees, one of which stands at 45 degrees, which was caused by the steady, prevailing breeze that flows through the property.

There are two pieces of 'signage' on the course which deserve a mention, which give the golf course a living, breathing heartbeat and a connection to the local community. On the 3rd tee, there's a bench with the following inscription: "In Memory of Stephen McFarling...'SLF'...A Friend to All....A Great Competitor....A True Champion......Holes in One #3 & #13....1941-2008." And, next to the 12th tee, there's another bench with the following message attached to it: John Mayo...1934-2014..."You Can Sit This Hole Out." Those messages help connect the Delray Beach Golf Club with its local patrons.

Another interesting aspect of the Delray Beach GC is the group of golfers named the "Inner Circle," which has been playing at the club since 1949, but the designation "Inner Circle" was not officially used until 1952.

"Although there was lively competition among the players, no handicaps or prizes were given out until 1957 when golf course architect Dick Wilson gave a dozen balls to the group and suggested they be given as prizes," adds Ylijoki. "Formal competitions did not begin until 1966, but nevertheless, it is generally accepted that this group was, in fact, the first 'senior's' group in Florida. And, not surprisingly, the "Circle" is still strong and walks nine holes on Mondays and Fridays."

The sense of elegance and class that emanates from the Delray Beach Golf Club is also present in the clubhouse that exudes the charm of the 1920s and '30s from the outside, while having all the modern-day amenities on the inside. There are four major rooms in the clubhouse, all of which are named after famous golfers who were frequent visitors to south Florida during their lifetimes: Louise Suggs Room -- great for small luncheons or card games; Donald Ross Room, ideal for weddings or speaking engagements; Tommy Armour Room, home of the bar and grill; and the Betty Jameson Room, the exquisitely designed dining room which can host cocktail parties, special dinners and wedding receptions. After playing golf, you must visit the clubhouse for a bite to eat, a drink, and/or a tour of the pro shop. Also, bring a change of clothes and have a shower in one of the locker rooms after your 18-hole experience.

The Delray Beach GC has a strong sense of community as the course is currently the home of many pro-am events each year, including the annual Betty Jameson Classic and the annual Beth Daniel Clinic, featuring the likes of Hall of Famer golfers Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon.

So, are you ready for your own escape to south Florida's 'golfing green lung?' Upon arrival, you will discover a sense of calm, peace, and serenity.