You're driving down Lyons Road in Boca Raton and you see it. That familiar green expanse. Honestly, Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club is one of those places that feels like a staple of the community, even if the landscape of South Florida golf is changing faster than a Tiger Woods stinger. It’s tucked away in that sweet spot where West Boca meets the edge of the Everglades, and if you've lived in Palm Beach County for more than a week, you've probably heard someone mention a wedding there or complained about the water hazards on the back nine.
It's a public course. That matters. In a town where private equity memberships can cost more than a mid-sized sedan, having a spot where you can just book a tee time online is huge. But there's a lot of noise out there about what the course is like these days, especially with the renovations and the shifting real estate around it.
People get it wrong. They think "Executive Course" means "Easy Course." Not really.
The Reality of the Devlin-von Hagge Design
Let’s talk about the bones of the place. The course was originally designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. These guys didn't exactly build "walk in the park" layouts. While Boca Dunes has transitioned over the years—specifically with the major 2017 renovation that tightened things up—it still retains that classic Florida challenge.
You're looking at a par-62 layout.
Some golfers scoff at anything under a par 72. That’s a mistake. At Boca Dunes, you're playing roughly 3,800 yards. It’s shorter, sure, but it’s dense. You aren't banging a driver on every hole. Instead, you're forced to actually think about your iron play. If your short game is trash, this course will expose you faster than a leaked memo.
The greens are TifEagle grass. When they are maintained well—which fluctuates depending on the season and the brutal Florida humidity—they roll true. But here’s the kicker: the hazards. There is water everywhere. It’s Florida. If you have a slice that tends to wander toward the mangroves, bring an extra sleeve of balls. Or two.
Why the "Executive" Tag is Misleading
Usually, when someone says "Executive Course," they mean a glorified pitch-and-putt. Boca Dunes isn't that. It’s a hybrid. You have eight par 4s. That means you still get to use the big sticks, but the par 3s are the real meat of the experience.
They vary wildly. Some are short chips; others require a long iron into a narrow window.
It’s actually a brilliant place for someone who wants to play a round in under three hours. In the heat of July, when the heat index is hitting 105 degrees, no one wants to be out there for five and a half hours behind a slow foursome of snowbirds. You get in, you get out, and you still feel like you played "real" golf.
👉 See also: Tom Brady Throwing Motion: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2017 Overhaul and the "New" Boca Dunes
Back in 2017, the club went through a massive transition. This wasn't just a cosmetic face-lift. It was a structural necessity. They reduced the footprint of the golf course to allow for residential development—which is the story of South Florida golf in a nutshell—but in doing so, they completely rebuilt the course.
The renovation was led by designer Kipp Schulties.
If you haven't played there since the mid-2000s, you wouldn't recognize the place. The drainage was the big win. Before the re-design, a heavy afternoon thunderstorm (which happens every day at 3:00 PM in Boca) would turn the fairways into a swamp. Now, it handles the water significantly better.
- New Tee Boxes: They added variety so seniors and long-hitters can both enjoy it.
- Renovated Bunkers: They use a better grade of sand that doesn't just turn into concrete after a rain.
- Landscaping: It feels more intentional now, less like a wild forest and more like a curated club.
Despite the shrinking acreage, the course feels more "professional" now than it did when it was a sprawling, unkempt 18-hole championship beast. It’s a bit of a paradox. Smaller, but better.
The Clubhouse and the Wedding Industry
Let’s be real: the golf pays the bills, but the events are the heart of the business.
Boca Dunes has carved out a massive niche in the "affordable luxury" wedding market. If you look at reviews for the venue, you’ll see a totally different crowd than the guys in the pro shop. It’s all about the floor-to-ceiling windows and the view of the greens.
The ballroom can hold around 200 people. It’s a classic Florida aesthetic. High ceilings, lots of light. For a long time, it was the go-to spot for high school proms in the area because it was "fancy" without being "country club snobby."
The food? It's surprisingly decent. We're talking classic banquet fare—Atlantic salmon, prime rib, the usual suspects. It’s not Michelin-star dining, but for a wedding at that price point in Boca Raton? You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
What Most People Get Wrong About Playing Here
The biggest misconception is that Boca Dunes is a "beginner only" course.
✨ Don't miss: The Philadelphia Phillies Boston Red Sox Rivalry: Why This Interleague Matchup Always Feels Personal
I’ve seen low-handicappers get absolutely humbled on the par 3s here. Because the greens are relatively small, your GIR (Greens in Regulation) percentage has to be elite to score well.
Another thing: the wind.
Being relatively close to the coast and surrounded by flat terrain, the wind whips across those fairways. A 150-yard shot can easily play like 170 or 130 depending on the gust. If you don't know how to flight your ball, the wind at Boca Dunes will eat you alive.
Then there’s the "public" aspect.
Some people expect the service level of Mar-a-Lago at a public course price point. Look, the staff is hardworking, but it’s a high-volume facility. On a busy Saturday morning, the starter is trying to manage a lot of moving parts. Be patient. Pack some sunscreen. Don't expect a caddie to be waiting with a chilled towel at every hole.
Practical Insights for Your Round
If you’re planning to head out there, here is the ground-level advice you actually need.
Timing is everything. If you want to beat the crowd, you need the "Dawn Patrol" slots. If you show up at 10:30 AM on a Tuesday in February, you are going to be surrounded by retirees who move with the speed of continental drift. It's just the reality of Florida golf.
The Range Situation. They have a practice facility, but it’s not a "stadium" range. It’s good for a warm-up, but if you’re looking to spend four hours grinding on your swing, there are better spots. Use it to find your tempo for the day, then get to the first tee.
Dress Code. It’s a country club, sort of. They expect collared shirts. Don’t show up in a tank top and gym shorts. You don't need to look like you're heading to the Masters, but a basic polo and tech shorts will keep you from getting the side-eye from the pro shop.
🔗 Read more: The Eagles and Chiefs Score That Changed Everything for Philadelphia and Kansas City
Watch the Birds. No, seriously. Because the course is nestled against natural areas, the wildlife is incredible. You'll see Great Blue Herons, iguanas the size of small dogs, and occasionally an alligator sunning itself near the water hazards. Keep your distance. Those iguanas might look cool, but they aren't pets.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Boca Dunes is one of the more affordable rounds in the area.
In a city where green fees can easily eclipse $150 during peak season, finding a round for under $60 or $70 (depending on the time of day and year) is a win. They often run specials on sites like GolfNow, but honestly, booking directly through their website is usually the way to go to avoid extra fees.
They also offer memberships. This is where it gets interesting for locals. If you play more than twice a week, the "Premier Member" or "Seasonal" options start to make a lot of sense mathematically. You get discounted rates, better booking windows, and some perks in the pro shop.
The Verdict on Boca Dunes
Is it the best golf course in Florida? No.
Is it the best value for a fast, challenging, and well-maintained round in Boca Raton? It’s definitely in the top three.
The move to an executive-style layout was a smart business play. It caters to the modern golfer who doesn't have six hours to kill. It caters to the older population who still wants to play but can't hike 7,200 yards. And it keeps the price point accessible for the average person.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Aerification Schedule: Before you book, call the pro shop. There is nothing worse than paying full price to putt on greens that look like a giant waffle iron. This usually happens in the late spring or summer.
- Download a Yardage App: Since it’s a shorter course with lots of hazards, knowing your exact distance to the water is more important than knowing the distance to the pin.
- Visit for Happy Hour: Even if you aren't golfing, the bar area is a solid spot to grab a drink. It’s low-key, the locals are friendly, and you get to watch people struggle on the 18th green while you sip a cold one.
- Practice Your Wedges: Before your tee time, spend 20 minutes on the chipping green. Most of your approach shots at Boca Dunes will be with a wedge in your hand. If you can’t get up-and-down, you won't break 70, even on a par 62.
If you're looking for a pretentious, ultra-exclusive vibe, look elsewhere. But if you want a solid round of golf on a historic piece of Florida land that has adapted to the modern era, Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club is exactly where you need to be. Just remember: stay away from the water on the left. Trust me.