Joe Lee
Joe Lee was one of golf's most celebrated architects of the 20th century. Over his 40-plus year career, Lee left a mark on some 200 golf courses. A direct descendant of Civil War general Robert E. and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Lee got his start in golf working for Dick Wilson.
As Wilson's career and life petered out due to alcoholism, Lee played a significant role in the design of several late Wilson courses, including LaCosta in Carlsbad, The Blue Monster at Doral, Cog Hill in the suburbs of Chicago, Warwick Hills in suburban Detroit and Orlando's Bay Hill. From Wilson's death in 1965 until his own, Lee would be responsible for more than 100 original courses throughout golf's great later 20th-century boom years. His work took him throughout the United States and even to the Caribbean, South America, and Portugal.
Lee was known for creating courses that appealed to the average golfer as well as players of championship caliber. “I start with the premise that courses should be enjoyable, not a chore,” Lee once said. When Jack Nicklaus decided to design courses, the first architect he consulted was Lee, who he claimed never built a bad golf course. After his death in 2002, the Joe Lee Scholarship Foundation was created to help college-bound children and employees working at courses he designed.
Website: https://www.golfcourseranking.com/architect-profile/list-of-courses-designed/joe-lee/73/
Golf Courses designed by Joe Lee
Abacoa Golf Club
Jupiter, FL, United States
Distance: 7200yd Par: 72
One of the finest public golf courses in South Florida, the Abacoa Golf Club's 18-hole layout was the last designed by renowned course architect Joe Lee before his death. In typical Joe Lee style, Abacoa's lakes and bunkers meet its sloping fairways with little obstruction, and scenic views abound, with all but four holes surrounded...
Atlantic National Golf Course
Lake Worth, FL, United States
Distance: 6,519yd Par: 71
The Atlantic National Golf Course was designed by Joe Lee known for his artistic 18-hole championship golf course at Lake Worth is no exception. Developed in 1988, with a unique layout and design, it received recognition from Golf Digest as “One of the top 50 public courses in Florida”. The par 71 Atlantic National Golf...
BallenIsles Country Club, North Course
Palm Beach Gardens, FL, United States
Distance: 6865yd Par: 72
BallenIsles Country Club, North Course featuring shimmering lakes, botanical gardens, and 36-holes of magnificent golf, the BellenIsles Country Club is one of the finest private golf facilities in Florida's Palm Beach Gardens. The Platinum Clubs of America has awarded BallenIsles its highest honor, a five-star rating for its extraordinary provenance and the community is richly deserving of its place...
BallenIsles Country Club, South Course
Palm Beach Gardens, FL, United States
Distance: 7006yd Par: 72
BallenIsles Country Club, South Course featuring shimmering lakes, botanical gardens, and 36-holes of magnificent golf, the BellenIsles Country Club is one of the finest private golf facilities in Florida's Palm Beach Gardens. The Platinum Clubs of America has awarded BallenIsles its highest honor, a five-star rating for its extraordinary provenance and the community is richly deserving of its place...
Banyan Golf Club
West Palm Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7107yd Par: 72
Banyan Golf Club is a private, member-owned club where membership is limited and by invitation only. Banyan features a majestic 18-hole golf course with serene natural beauty located in West Palm Beach, just minutes from Wellington, Florida. Members can play on a meticulously maintained championship golf course that is unencumbered by homes, hone their skills...
Bent Pine Golf Club
Vero Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7,006yd Par: 72
Named after the distinctive tree on the eighteenth fairway, Bent Pine Golf Club first opened for play in 1979. A small nucleus of golfers, mostly from John's Island Club, had the vision of an intimate private club that would be kept uncrowded enough to afford no structured tee times. The vision was of a championship...
Boca Greens Country Club
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 7014yd Par: 72
Situated amidst 175-acres of pristine land in Boca Raton, Florida, the Boca Greens Country Club's beautiful 18-hole championship golf course has been welcoming golfers of all levels of ability since opening as an exclusive private club in 2007. Now open for public tee times, everyone can challenge themselves with this pure Floridian golf design by world-renowned...
Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 6,700yd Par: 72
In October 2020, owners of the Boca Raton Resort and Club (now known as The Boca Raton), donated the Boca Country Club facility, along with an 18-hole golf course, tennis center, and other amenities, to the City of Boca Raton. For the past year, the club has continued under the management of the resort, but...
Boca Woods Country Club, Woods Course
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 6647yd Par: 72
Boca Woods Country Club is an established private country club located in Boca Raton, Florida. Membership at Boca Woods offers extraordinary value providing access to two championship golf courses along with all the amenities that one would expect from what is a true gem amongst private clubs. Boca Woods is a golfer's dream and features...
Bocaire Country Club, The Challenge Course
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 7041yd Par: 72
Set among the magnificent backdrop of South Florida's sunshine and blue skies, the private Bocaire Country Club offers a unique combination of a traditional club with an intimate neighborhood feel. Whether you're an avid golfer or a beginner, the layout, commonly known as The Challenge at Bocaire, is breathtaking with rolling hills, rock walls, and strategically placed water hazards...
Bonaventure Golf Club
Weston, FL, United States
Distance: 7,064yd Par: 72
Conveniently situated just 15-minutes west of Fort Lauderdale, the Bonaventure Golf Club is open to the public and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Joe Lee. Also called the Green Monster, Bonaventure is a past host to the prestigious Dixie Amateur Tournament where players including Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, and...
Broken Sound Club, New Course
Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, FL, United States
Distance: 7025yd Par: 72
Not far from Boca Raton, Broken Sound Club, New Course offers terrific views and 36-holes of excellent play for golfers of every skill level. The amenity-rich, private gated golf and country club community's two signature golf courses are both Audubon Sanctuary Certified and GEO Certified – the international mark of sustainability assurance from the Golf Environment Organization. The par 72 Broken Sound Club, New Course, previously known...
Broken Sound Club, Old Course
Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, FL, United States
Distance: 6906yd Par: 72
Not far from Boca Raton, Broken Sound Club offers terrific views and 36-holes of excellent play for golfers of every skill level. The amenity-rich, private gated golf and country club community's two signature golf courses are both Audubon Sanctuary Certified and GEO Certified – the international mark of sustainability assurance from the Golf Environment Organization. Home to the PGA Tour Champions Season Opener for thirteen...
Deer Island Country Club
Tavares, FL, United States
Distance: 6,885yd Par: 72
Situated on the secluded 400-acre Deer Island, amidst the Harris Chain of Lakes section of Oklawaha River Basin in Tavares, Florida, the Deer Island Country Club is home to Central Florida's only island golf course. The layout is a semi-private 18-hole routing that offers breathtaking views of Lake Dora and Lake Beauclaire. The par 72's...
Delaire Country Club
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 3,300yd Par: 72
Delaire Country Club is a boutique South Florida country club where luxury is combined with world-class resort-style amenities and access without tee times or court reservations. Delaire's 27-hole private golf course was masterfully designed by Joe Lee and features walk-on golf with no tee times alongside ample practice facilities. The course is one of golf...
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States
Distance: 6,745yd Par: 72
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour and USGA events. Certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary and rated an impressive 4 stars by Golf Digest, the 18-hole Lake Buena Vista course notably features elevated bunkered greens that put a premium on accurate approach shots. Designed...
Eaglewood Golf Course
Hobe Sound, FL, United States
Distance: 3,105yd Par: 57
Situated on South Florida's Treasure Coast in the quaint town of Hobe Sound, is Eaglewood's executive 18-hole golf course. This is a private golf course that is well maintained and always in top condition. It has a reputation for being one of the finest greens in the area. The links course was designed by golf architect Ward Northrup,...
Feather Sound Country Club
Clearwater, FL, United States
Distance: 6,856yd Par: 72
Feather Sound Country Club is positioned at the intersection of Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tampa. A collaboration among golf architects Joe Lee, Bob Cupp, and Kipp Schulties, Feather Sound is a private-equity, member-only club which, since its opening in 1974, has stood as the primary provider of first-class recreational amenities and facilities to members, their...
Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, Harbor Course
Vero Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 6,538yd Par: 72
Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club's two private 18-hole golf courses and ample practice facilities in Vero Beach, Florida, are a golfer's dream come true. Whether you are an amateur golfer or a seasoned golf veteran, the meticulously maintained fairways provide the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Designed by Pete Dye and built-in 1987,...
Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, River Course
Vero Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 6,792yd Par: 72
Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club's two private 18-hole golf courses and ample practice facilities in Vero Beach, Florida, are a golfer's dream come true. Whether you are an amateur golfer or a seasoned golf veteran, the meticulously maintained fairways provide the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Grand Harbor's par 72 Grand Harbor Golf...
Grande Pines Golf Club
Orlando, FL, United States
Distance: 7,012yd Par: 72
Grande Pines Golf Club is located on International Drive just north of Walt Disney World and sits on the former site of the International Club. Designed by Joe Lee in 1986 and thoroughly overhauled by Steve Smyers in 2004, the 18-hole course is now heavily shaped, full of large mounding, some water and severe bunkering....
Gulf Stream Golf Club
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 6578yd Par: 71
Gulf Stream Golf Club is a private invitation-only golf club established in 1924 by a group of Palm Beach residents, all of whom were close friends and dedicated to the game of golf and its traditions. Under the direction of this innovative group and with a zeal for the game of golf, Gulf Stream was...
Harbour Ridge Golf Club, Golden Marsh Course
Palm City, Saint Lucie County, FL, United States
Distance: 6636yd Par: 72
Harbour Ridge Golf Club, Golden Marsh Course nestled along the shoreline of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and just 40-minutes north of South Florida's Palm Beaches, lies a hidden jewel of the Treasure Coast - Harbour Ridge Golf Club. This private, waterfront golf community offers members 36-holes of excellent golf with a...
Hawks Landing Golf Course
Orlando, FL, United States
Distance: 6,255yd Par: 70
Widely acclaimed as one of the best resort golf courses in all of Florida, Hawks Landing Golf Course circuits around three sides of the Orlando World Center Marriot Resort. Situated in the heart of Orlando, Hawks Landing Golf Course is less than 30-minutes away from downtown Orlando and about 20-minutes away from Orlando International Airport....
High Ridge Country Club
Lantana, FL, United States
Distance: 6829yd Par: 72
Located just south of Palm Beach are High Ridge Country Club, an exclusive golf facility and one of South Florida's most luxurious golf clubs. The club's 18-hole championship golf course was originally designed by Joe Lee in 1979 and featured numerous bunkers and ponds. In 2001, Kipp Schulties redesigned much of the course but kept...
Hobe Sound Golf Club
Hobe Sound, FL, United States
Distance: 7150yd Par: 72
Hobe Sound Golf Club is a member-owned, private club in southern Martin County, on Florida's famed Treasure Coast, and features a magnificent 18-hole golf course. The club is just two miles from Hobe Sound Beach on lovely Jupiter Island and only minutes from desirable destinations such as Palm Beach and Stuart. The club's par 72...
Interlachen Country Club
Winter Park, FL, United States
Distance: 7,213yd Par: 73
A nature sanctuary within a city, the very private Interlachen Country Club – where membership is by invitation only – lies just 15-minutes away from downtown Winter Park, about 20-minutes away from downtown Orlando and about 30-minutes away from Orlando International Airport. The very first round of golf on the original 18-hole championship course, designed...
Little Club Golf Course
Tequesta, FL, United States
Distance: 2102yd Par: 54
Beside the Turtle Creek Club and the Riverbend Country Club is a lesser-known course that's almost hidden to the public, the Little Club. A 9-hole private equity course that's part of the Little Club, Tequesta development. Opened in 1974, this private golf course has only one tee (white) and has a length that measures 1,080 yards....
Oak Harbor Golf Course
Vero Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 1,775yd Par: 30
Oak Harbor Golf Course is a gated community on the Indian River, near Vero Beach's art and culture district. Residents and Oak Harbor Club members enjoy luscious green landscapes, a Joe Lee-designed 9-hole golf course, concierge services, and a host of social events. From far-reaching fairways to lush rolling hills, the par 30 executive course at...
Orange Tree Golf Club
Orlando, FL, United States
Distance: 7036yd Par: 72
Orange Tree Golf Club is a family-owned and operated private golf club in the heart of the Dr. Phillips area. Designed in 1972 by Joe Lee, Orange Tree Golf Club features 7036-yards of gorgeous fairways and greens; and with six sets of tees to choose from, Orange Tree Golf Club is the perfect 18-hole course...
Palm Aire Country Club of Sarasota, Lakes Course
Sarasota, FL, United States
Distance: 6,698yd Par: 72
The Palm Aire Country Club of Sarasota, Lakes Course is a shot-maker’s dream as it weaves through the natural and undisturbed wildlife habitat of Manatee County, Florida. This private 18-hole layout was added to the club in 1982, long after the first routing, the Champions Course, which opened in 1957. Measuring 6,698-yards from the longest tees, designer...
Palm Beach National Golf and Country Club
Lake Worth, FL, United States
Distance: 6,724yd Par: 72
A lot of Florida golf courses are big on style but short on substance. At Palm Beach National Golf and Country Club, you'll find a stunning 18-hole layout that's challenging and fun. Golf at Palm Beach National is the kind of golf that was played 40 years ago, with fairways that are generally wide and...
Pine Tree Golf Club
Boynton Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7308yd Par: 71
The Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, Florida, is an exclusive private club featuring a highly regarded 18-hole golf course, excellent golfing facilities, and first-class clubhouse amenities. Pine Tree is home to many well-known currents and former professional golfers who have been drawn by the club's Dick Wilson-designed layout, which has a reputation of...
Piper's Landing Yacht and Country Club
Palm City, FL, United States
Distance: 6922yd Par: 72
Piper's Landing Golf and Country Club in Palm City, Florida, is a private member's club that features an 18-hole championship golf course and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury country club. Golf, tennis, yachting, fitness, fine dining, and more are available, along with approximately 14-acres of native grass areas that create a...
Riomar Golf Course
Vero Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 4,500-6,000yd Par: 70
Riomar Country Club is home to Vero Beach's oldest private golf course and is reminiscent of the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda. Short in length by today's standards, but long on difficulty, seven of the front nine holes of the Riomar Golf Course are by the ocean giving it an amazing atmosphere. Established in 1919,...
River Hill Country Club
Valrico, FL, United States
Distance: 7,007yd Par: 72
Founded in 1989, the River Hills Country Club was designed by the renowned golf course architect Joe Lee. This 18-hole layout is conveniently located in the community with the same name adjacent to FishHawk, just 20 minutes from downtown Tampa. This par 72 layout features lush tropical beauty and the natural scenery of River Hills...
Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 7116yd Par: 72
Part of the Boca Raton landscape for over 50 years, Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club is an oasis in downtown Boca, nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway and Capone Island. With its 18-hole championship golf course, the club enjoys a rich heritage as one of South Florida's premier private clubs, offering its members an unusual...
St. Petersburg Country Club
Petersburg, FL, United States
Distance: 6,912yd Par: 72
Formerly known as Lakewood Country Club, the St. Petersburg Country Club in Pinellas County, Florida, is an 18-hole golf course that opened in 1924 and was originally designed by Herbert Strong with subsequent renovations by Joe Lee. The name was changed in May of 2000 to reflect the sense of “The Club” of St. Petersburg...
Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, Cypress Course
Kissimmee, FL, United States
Distance: 6,760yd Par: 72
Nestled amid 3,300-acres of pristine wetlands and woodlands, the 36-hole Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita is a stunning location for golfers and guests. The club property features 100-year old oak hammocks, a relative rarity in Florida. Then there's the Florida-famous lush greenery that offers year-round beauty throughout the grounds. Look closer, and golfers will find...
The Breakers Palm Beach, Rees Jones Course
Palm Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7,104yd Par: 72
Just 10-miles from The Breakers Palm Beach resort lies The Breakers Palm Beach Rees Jones Course, a striking 18-hole stretch of green dotted with blue ponds. It's a contemporary addition to the famous Ocean Course, sought by experienced players and beginners alike. Initially built in 1968, the course was reconstructed in 2004 as one of...
The Club at Quail Ridge, North Course
Boynton Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7003yd Par: 72
The Club at Quail Ridge is a gated community in the heart of Palm Beach County, Florida, offering 36-holes of championship golf only 30-minutes north of Fort Lauderdale. Atlantic beaches, marinas, and the Intracoastal Waterway are all nearby and with over 600-acres of lush and beautifully landscaped grounds, the club at Quail Ridge experience offers something for everyone. Built-in 1977...
The Club at Quail Ridge, South Course
Boynton Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 6715m Par: 72
The Club at Quail Ridge is a gated community in the heart of Palm Beach County, Florida, offering 36-holes of championship golf only 30-minutes north of Fort Lauderdale. Atlantic beaches, marinas, and the Intracoastal Waterway are all nearby and with over 600-acres of lush and beautifully landscaped grounds, the club at Quail Ridge experience offers something for everyone. Built-in 1977...
The Diplomat Golf and Tennis Club
Hallandale Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 6488yd Par: 72
The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa is currently closed for redevelopment by SLS Resorts and is due to open in 2022 with a Greg Norman 18 hole Championship Golf Course. The opening of the new Resort and Golf Course has been delayed through 2021 and, at the time of writing, details are relatively scarce. However,...
The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches
Lake Worth, FL, United States
Distance: 6,757yd Par: 72
The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches is one of the best ways to enjoy an active Palm Beach lifestyle. Renovated inside and out, fresh, fun, vibrant, and convenient, The Falls Club is nestled on 170-acres and just a convenient drive from anywhere in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches...
The Little Club
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 2102yd Par: 54
The Little Club is a par 3 golf course located in Gulf Stream, Florida, and nestles between the A1A and the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. The 18-hole layout features a Joe Lee design and provides golfers with unique challenges and gorgeous greens that run true to form. This stunning golf course is appealing to golfers of...
The Seagate Country Club
Delray Beach, FL, United States
Distance: 7103yd Par: 72
The Seagate Country Club is a world-class golf and country club featuring one of the finest championship golf courses in all of Palm Beach County. The club and its recently restored course are now open to members and hotel guests of The Seagate Hotel and Spa for the first time in 40 years. The 18-hole...
Turtle Creek Club
Tequesta, FL, United States
Distance: 7172yd Par: 72
Turtle Creek Club is a private golf club located in the Jupiter and Tequesta area offering a superior golf experience. Built in 1969 the club's 18-hole golf course was designed by well-respected golf architect ‘Gentleman' Joe Lee. Over the following 50 years, Turtle Creek Club has become known as one of the finest private golf...
Tuscawilla Country Club
Winter Springs, FL, United States
Distance: 6,851yd Par: 72
A complete golf course with all the amenities anyone could think of, the 18-hole private layout at Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs, Florida, features beautifully maintained greens and provides a sophisticated and memorable golf experience. More than just a golf course, Tuscawilla has six award-winning lighted Har-Tru clay tennis courts and an Aquatics Center...
Twin Rivers Golf Club
Oviedo, FL, United States
Distance: 6,600yd Par: 72
The championship layout at Twin Rivers Golf Club has been recognized as one of the best and most challenging golf courses of the Oviedo golf community and Central Florida. Recently acquired by the City of Oviedo, this 18-hole semi-private routing represents a not just a wonderful golfing opportunity for any age but also a unique wildlife experience...
Westgate River Ranch Resort Golf Course
River Ranch, FL, United States
Distance: 3,321yd Par: 36
The publicly accessible 9-hole Westgate River Ranch Resort Golf Course winds through a large and beautiful parcel of land. Joe Lee designed the executive-style layout which is a par 36 routing with its own unique set of challenges. The 3,321 yards of lush Bermuda grass fairways weave through mature oak trees and feature several strategically...
Winston Trails Golf Club
Lake Worth, FL, United States
Distance: 7084yd Par: 72
Winston Trails Golf Club in Lake Worth, Florida, features a beautiful, Joe Lee-designed, 18-hole championship golf course that provides one of the finest, upscale publicly accessible golf experiences in Palm Beach County. Playing to over 7,000-yards from the championship tees the par 72 Winston Trails layout provides lush, manicured fairways with generous landing areas and...
Woodfield Country Club
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Distance: 7115yd Par: 72
Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, is an exclusive private member-owned country club and at Woodfield, sports mean competitive league play and tournaments. It also means social play, clinics, and lessons for all ages and skill levels and so whether you are looking for a challenge or meeting up with friends for a casual...
