In Palm Beach’s Hobe Sound, Golf Drives Development

Hobe Sound, located just north of Jupiter—Palm Beach County’s renowned golf hub—has become a prime destination for developers aiming to create the latest wave of exclusive golf communities.

While the concept of golf-centered real estate is not new, these communities, when thoughtfully developed, often evolve into highly regarded luxury markets of their own.

Notable figures, such as billionaire Steve Ross, chairman of Related Ross, and Mike Meldman of Discovery Land Company—famed for the Yellowstone Club in Montana—are among the prominent developers investing in Hobe Sound.

Michael Jordan, long associated with Jupiter’s Bear’s Club, selected Hobe Sound for his own golf venture. Grove XXIII, named in honor of his iconic number 23 jersey, does not feature residential properties, but it has assembled an impressive list of high-profile members. According to a 2021 Golf Digest report, the club’s membership includes Mark Wahlberg, Bret Baier, Wayne Gretzky, and professional golfers Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Rory McIlroy. Real estate industry leaders such as Meldman and Cody Crowell of Frisbie Group are also among its members.

As a result, Hobe Sound is seeing hundreds of luxury homes in the pipeline, with thousands of acres poised to become pristine golf courses.

Florida has long been established as a premier destination for golf. According to the National Golf Foundation, the state boasts over 1,200 golf courses—more than any other in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many Americans to take up the sport and seek private club memberships. It also sparked a significant migration to South Florida, motivating developers to plan thousands of high-end single-family homes and condominiums.

Among the new projects is Centaur Holdings’ Panther National near Palm Beach Gardens, a development featuring 218 luxury homes and an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas. However, available land in Palm Beach County has become increasingly scarce and expensive.

Consequently, developers have set their sights farther north. Here is an overview of the golf developments now planned for Hobe Sound.

Apogee | 2103 Southwest Bridge Road | Developers: Related Ross, Michael Pascucci

Steve Ross has joined forces with Michael Pascucci—chairman of Duck Pond Associates and owner of Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton—to create Apogee. Once complete, this private club will feature three 18-hole golf courses. While homes will not be offered for sale, Apogee will include a residential component: 54 villas ranging from two to four bedrooms, available exclusively for use by club members.

This week, Ross announced that Apogee will participate in a South Florida air taxi network in partnership with Archer Aviation.

Atlantic Fields | 2645 Southeast Bridge Road | Developers: Discovery Land Company, Becker Holding Corporation

Atlantic Fields marks Discovery Land Company’s first development on Florida’s east coast, built in collaboration with the Becker brothers’ Becker Holding Corporation. Spanning 1,500 acres, the project will offer 317 single-family homes, an 18-hole golf course, equestrian facilities, a working farm, and a range of recreation and wellness amenities, according to project details.

The Ranch | 4505 Southwest Kanner Highway | Developer: Ken Bakst

Formerly known as Calusa Creek Ranch, this 3,900-acre property is being developed as The Ranch. Plans call for 175 single-family homes and two 18-hole golf courses, as noted on the project’s website. The development is led by Ken Bakst, who previously founded the Friar’s Club on Long Island.