Pinehurst, N.C. touts itself because the “Residence of American Golf,’’ thanks partially to Donald Ross and his masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2. However earlier than there was Ross, there was Alexander Findlay.
A Scotsman like Ross, Findlay got here to the U.S. in 1887 — principally to be a cowhand on the Merichiston Ranch close to Fullerton, NE., a not-so uncommon occupation for younger British males of that period in search of higher lives outdoors of Victorian England.
However Findlay, a champion golfer, couldn’t get the sport out of his system. Thus, he’s credited with constructing the primary contiguous golf holes within the U.S. — now misplaced on the plains of Nebraska — someday between 1887 and 1889.
In 1896 — 4 years earlier than Ross moved from Massachusetts to the Sandhills — railroad tycoon Henry Flagler signed Findlay to design the Palm Seaside Golf Membership, adjoining to his Breakers resort. That course, which opened in 1897, now’s the Breakers Ocean Course. It’s usually thought of the oldest energetic course in Florida, though the Belleair Nation Membership is typically listed as a tie for opening that very same 12 months. The Breakers Palm Seaside continues to be thought of the standard-bearer for luxurious resorts in Palm Seaside and South Florida.
However let’s stick with golf. On Feb. 22, 1900, at Palm Seaside Golf Membership, Harry Vardon — then the world’s finest golfer — gained a 36-hole one-up in opposition to his previous buddy, Findlay. The Palm Seaside Tribune known as it the “best golf match ever performed at Palm Seaside.” Findlay and Vardon, who stayed on to win the 1900 U.S. Open on the Chicago Golf Membership, performed greater than 4,000 holes of exhibition golf over the following few years and laid the groundwork for golf in America.
The course is immaculately landscaped and affords nice views of The Breakers traditional lodge constructing with its Mediterranean-style structure. The Ocean Course performs solely 5,778 yards (par 70) from the ideas. However that’s sufficient for many resort company and members.
In late 2018, the course emerged from a full-scale renovation by famend golf course architect Rees Jones.
In the meantime, The Breakers Rees Jones Course in West Palm Seaside — a few 20-minute shuttle journey away from the resort — provides even low-handicap gamers all they will deal with. Jones in 2022 renovated the course (7,104 yards, par 72) by reconstructing a number of holes to permit for expanded shot alternatives and modified bunkers to enhance sightlines and playability.
Play on the programs is open to members and resort company.
