On our recent Florida escape, I dropped Justin off for a couple of hours of seaside bliss at the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course while I ran off for a lunch date with a friend. What started as a simple plan to squeeze in some golf turned into one of the most memorable stops of our trip—and not just because of the stunning ocean views.
The drive alone sets the scene for a distinctly Palm Beach experience. Located on the incredibly exclusive South Ocean Boulevard, you pass mega-mansions, manicured palms, and—yes—the heavily secured gates of Mar-a-Lago. The presence of the complex was hard to ignore, with the noticeable security detail adding a layer of intensity to the otherwise breezy atmosphere. But just down the street, we pulled up to the Palm Beach Par 3: a public golf course sitting on what must be some of the most expensive municipal land in the world. It’s a beautifully ironic and accessible slice of true oceanfront luxury.
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A Course With Serious Pedigree
Curious about how a public course ended up in such prime real estate, I dug into the backstory and discovered this wasn’t just any executive course—it has serious pedigree. The original design was laid out in 1961 by legendary golf course architect Dick Wilson and his apprentice Joe Lee. The real story, though, is that the Town of Palm Beach purchased the private course in 1973, keeping this strip of paradise open to the public. It was then completely renovated in 2009 by World Golf Hall of Fame champion Raymond Floyd, who offered to redesign the course gratis because he loved the property so much.
The effort paid off. The Palm Beach Par 3 has been touted twice by Golf Digest as “The Best Par 3 in the U.S.” and was even ranked No. 1 by Golf Magazine—beating out the famed short course at Augusta National. That’s a serious claim, and standing there with the Atlantic breeze hitting my face, I could easily see why it earns such elite status.
Location, Location, Location
What makes this course so remarkable is its location. It’s built on a narrow, 39-acre barrier island, sandwiched between the brilliant blue Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (which locals sometimes call the Lake Worth Lagoon). Every one of the 18 holes is a Par 3, meaning the challenge isn’t distance, but precision. The holes range from a short 81 yards to a challenging 211 yards, but the true defense is the ever-present ocean breeze and the water hazards that loom on almost every shot.
Justin confirmed that the stretch on the back nine, where the holes literally hug the beach—especially the 13th, 14th, and 18th—is stunning. The course uses a salt-tolerant Paspalum turf, a clever detail that ensures the greens can withstand the constant salt spray and look immaculate year-round. It’s clear the town treats this course like the treasure it is.
A True Test of Precision
While the stunning ocean views might suggest a leisurely round, Justin confirmed that the Palm Beach Par 3 is a true test of accuracy where every hole demands precision. The course’s difficulty comes not from its length, but from a strategic design that forces golfers to use every club in the bag and keep their focus sharp, especially when the wind is blowing off the Atlantic.
The challenges are numerous and deliberate. Water and sand feature prominently—the course has two inland lakes and is surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean, with strategically placed water hazards and numerous sand bunkers demanding accurate tee shots to avoid penalty strokes. The greens are often well-contoured with multiple plateaus, ridges, and significant slopes, meaning that even a successful shot onto the green can result in a challenging putt.
The varying lengths keep players honest. Short 81-yard approaches require just a wedge, while long 211-yard holes demand a well-struck long iron or wood, requiring golfers to demonstrate a versatile short game. Unusual for a Florida course, several holes—particularly the 12th and 17th—play uphill towards the dunes, requiring an extra club and adding an unexpected elevation challenge. Holes like the 6th have narrow fairways with hazards or trees lining the sides, placing a premium on straight shots.
Justin noted two particular challenges: the course is fairly narrow, so balls can easily stray off path, and it can get quite windy near the water, adding another layer of difficulty to club selection and shot execution.
Immaculate Conditions and Quick Play
In addition to its stunning setting and challenging design, the course offers two key positives for players. First, the immaculate conditions—that salt-tolerant Paspalum turf ensures the greens and fairways are maintained in superb shape year-round. Second, the exceptional pace of play. Finishing 18 holes in just over two hours is a testament to the efficient design and management, ensuring golfers can get a high-quality round in without dedicating an entire day.
The history is just as fun as the views. Did you know that in 1962, the great Sam Snead played and won an LPGA event here? More recently, the course has hosted private celebrity rounds with the likes of Tom Brady and Rory McIlroy, proving that even the pros appreciate a fast, challenging round on a picturesque course.
Justin’s Round
We had planned a four-hour window—45 minutes for arrival and warm-up before his tee time, then the round itself. No sooner had I driven off for my lunch and caught up with my friend than two hours flew by and Justin texted that he was almost done. By the time I returned to pick him up, he’d already been finished for 15 minutes. He completed his entire 18-hole round in just 2 hours and 12 minutes! That’s the beauty of a Par 3 course: a world-class experience that fits neatly into a busy day.
Justin was paired up with a mother and daughter visiting from Boston, who were clearly thrilled to escape the New England cold for three days of Florida sunshine and ocean golf. Justin, always the conversationalist, enjoyed the easy camaraderie of their group. He mentioned that this course is one of the most beautiful he’s ever played, with those oceanfront holes on the back nine being particularly memorable.
The Verdict
The day was long between the drive and our separate activities, but we were very happy we made time in our trip for it. The Palm Beach Par 3 is an experience that’s both high-quality and memorable. It’s a championship-caliber course you don’t need a club membership for, offering stunning views and a challenging round in less time than it takes to get stuck in traffic. If you’re ever in the Palm Beach area and like to golf, give it a try!
We capped off the day by stopping at Civil Society Brewing Company to swap stories about our respective adventures—the perfect ending to a perfect Florida afternoon.