Golf Course Renovation

Golf course improvements will include restoring the Donald Ross (south) and Dick Wilson (north) 9s, new/improved practice facilities, new irrigation system, drainage system, removal of exotic vegetation, new cart paths, new cart crossing on the Ross (south) 9, new maintenance facility, and restroom/rain shelter upgrades. 

The Delray Beach Golf course is an important component of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and a valuable amenity to the community, providing programs for families, juniors and seasoned golfers for close to 100 years. From the very beginning of its nearly century old history, Delray Beach Golf Club gained distinction in many circles because of its original design by the legendary golf course architect, Donald Ross. The City purchased land for the course in 1923 and a nine‐hole course was officially opened in 1926. During the 1930’s the course was home to renowned golf course architect Dick Wilson, who served as the club pro and greenskeeper until it was forced to close during World War II. After reopening in 1945, City leaders voted to add a second nine holes (today’s front nine) and turned to another prominent architect, Dick Wilson, for that design. The second nine holes opened in 1950.  

In the 1950’s, touring professionals, such as Tommy Amour, and celebrities, such as Jackie Gleason would stop over in Delray to play the excellent Ross/Wilson‐designed layout. As Betty Jameson, LPGA Hall of Fame member and long‐time Delray resident, recalls, “It was accurate in measurement, had excellent fairways and exceptional drainage.” In fact, it was listed as one of the top ten courses in the country at the time! As word spread, more and more players and club professionals began “hanging” at Delray Beach Golf Course. 

The Delray Beach Golf Club was originally designed by two of the greatest golf course architects from two different eras. Donald Ross is arguably the most famous and prolific designer from the ‘Gilded Age’ era and Dick Wilson is considered one of the top golf course architects from the post WWII era. We are not aware any other 18‐hole golf course in the country that can boast of these two great architects having each designed nine holes. Michael Fay with the Donald Ross Society toured the course and agrees with our findings, there isn’t much of Ross’s work left. He also expressed an admiration for the work of Mr. Wilson and believes restoring the other nine in the Wilson character would be an advantageous approach. The City wishes to maintain the Donald Ross designation and utilize this unique design history to guide the restoration of the entire course in the style and character of the original architects.