Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course: The Most Beautiful Short Course in America
Palm Beach Par 3 sits on a narrow strip of land on the eastern side of Palm Beach Island, between the Intracoastal Waterway on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, it opened in 1961 and has operated continuously since as one of the most scenically spectacular short courses in the United States.
The course has had several brushes with closure over the decades — the waterfront land it occupies is among the most valuable real estate in the country, and development pressure has been a constant presence. It remains open primarily because of Palm Beach's historic preservation efforts and the genuine affection the local community has for the course.
The Course
Palm Beach Par 3 plays to 18 holes of par 3, ranging from approximately 60 to 180 yards. The total yardage is around 2,000 yards — a round takes about 90 minutes for most players. The Atlantic Ocean is visible from virtually every hole, and several holes play directly along the oceanfront, with the ocean serving as both the view and the hazard for errant shots.
The course is genuine — not a tourist attraction with golf as a pretext, but an actual golf experience that demands real shot-making. The oceanfront holes play into the prevailing Atlantic wind, which can make the difference between a 7-iron and a 5-iron on a 120-yard hole. The greens are well-maintained and contoured appropriately for the course's reputation.
The Social Scene
Palm Beach Par 3 has been a gathering point for Palm Beach society since the 1960s. The course was historically popular with the island's winter residents — the celebrities, industrialists, and political figures who wintered on Palm Beach — and maintained a social reputation that extended beyond its size and format.
Tiger Woods famously played the course with his father Earl throughout his childhood, practicing on Palm Beach Par 3's oceanfront holes. The course has photographs of his visits on display and maintains a connection to his history in Palm Beach County.
The Clubhouse and Restaurant
The Palm Beach Par 3 clubhouse includes the Ironwood restaurant, which operates with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and is open to the public. The combination of golf and a meal on the waterfront makes it a standard itinerary item for visitors to Palm Beach Island regardless of their primary interest in golf.
Getting There
Palm Beach Par 3 is located on South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, accessible via the Royal Park or Southern bridges from West Palm Beach. Palm Beach International Airport is approximately 5 miles west of the island and has direct service from most major US hub cities. The course is easily reached within 15 minutes of most Palm Beach and West Palm Beach accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Beach Par 3 public?
Yes. Palm Beach Par 3 is a public golf course open to everyone. No membership is required and tee times can be booked online or by phone.
How long does a round at Palm Beach Par 3 take?
A round at Palm Beach Par 3 typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours for most players. The 18-hole par-3 format moves considerably faster than a regulation course.
Did Tiger Woods play Palm Beach Par 3?
Yes. Tiger Woods played Palm Beach Par 3 with his father Earl during his childhood, and the course has memorabilia related to his visits. The Woods family were Palm Beach County residents during his junior golf years.