You’ve likely driven past it on I-95 a thousand times without realizing what’s actually behind the gate. High Ridge Country Club Florida doesn't scream for your attention. It isn't the flashy, neon-sign type of private club you see popping up in the newer developments further west or north in Jupiter. Instead, it sits tucked away in Boynton Beach, acting as a sort of sanctuary for people who actually like to play golf. Like, really play.
While the rest of the world is busy arguing about LIV Golf or trying to get a tee time at a public muni that takes six hours to play, High Ridge has stayed remarkably consistent. It’s private. It’s quiet. And it’s arguably one of the best-maintained pieces of turf in the entire state of Florida. But here is the thing: if you're looking for a club with a massive water park, five different dining halls, and a constant rotation of black-tie galas, you’re going to be disappointed. That’s just not the vibe here.
The Joe Lee Legacy at High Ridge Country Club Florida
Most people who know golf course architecture have a soft spot for Joe Lee. He was the "Gentleman of Golf Design," and his fingerprints are all over the Sunshine State. At High Ridge Country Club Florida, Lee created something that feels organic. It doesn't feel like a bulldozer moved a million tons of dirt to create artificial "volcano" bunkers. It feels like the land was always meant to be a golf course.
The layout is classic. You’ve got wide-ish fairways that lulls you into a false sense of security before the greens absolutely wreck your scorecard. Kip Schulties did a major renovation back around 2010-2011, and he basically took Lee’s original skeleton and gave it some modern muscle. He enhanced the sightlines and updated the bunkering to handle the modern game—because let’s face it, people hit the ball way further now than they did when the club opened in the late 70s.
The dirt here is different too. Florida is mostly sand, which is great for drainage, but High Ridge has this lushness that feels almost North Carolinian at times. If you’ve played enough Florida golf, you know that "grainy" feel on the greens where the grass grows toward the setting sun and ruins your birdie putt. Here, the maintenance crew keeps things so tight and fast that the grain is less of a nightmare and more of a nuance.
Membership isn't just about a check
A lot of clubs in Palm Beach County are what we call "lifestyle clubs." You join because your wife wants the spa and you want the tax write-off. High Ridge is a "golf club." There is a distinction. When you walk into the locker room, the conversation is about the 14th hole or the wind coming off the Atlantic, not necessarily about hedge fund yields—though, to be fair, there is plenty of that too.
🔗 Read more: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
It’s a "non-equity" club, which is an important detail for anyone looking to join. In the world of Florida private clubs, you usually have equity (where you own a piece of the pie and get assessed when the roof leaks) or non-equity. High Ridge operates under a model that prioritizes the experience over the ownership stake. This keeps the membership relatively small. We're talking under 300 members usually. That is a tiny number for a 18-hole facility.
What does that mean for you? It means you don't need a tee time. You just show up. You want to go out as a single at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday? Go ahead. You won't find a line of carts waiting to tee off. That kind of freedom is becoming increasingly rare in South Florida as more people move down from New York and Connecticut, clogging up every available fairway.
Why the Location is Sneaky Good
Boynton Beach often gets overshadowed by Delray to the south and Palm Beach to the north. But High Ridge Country Club Florida sits in this perfect pocket. It’s right off the main arteries but feels miles away from the traffic on Congress Avenue.
The club is surrounded by the High Ridge Estates area, which is a collection of homes that aren't part of a cookie-cutter HOA. You see variety there. Custom builds. Real trees. It adds to the sense that the club is part of a community rather than a corporate development.
Honestly, the lack of a "resort" feel is the club's greatest strength. When you’re on the back nine, you aren't looking at towering hotel blocks or hearing the "beep-beep-beep" of a delivery truck. You’re hearing the wind in the pines and the occasional thwack of a Titleist. It’s meditative.
💡 You might also like: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
The Kip Schulties Factor
You can't talk about the current state of the course without mentioning Schulties. He is the go-to guy for Florida renovations right now, and for good reason. He understands that a course needs to be "playable" for the 15-handicapper but "punishing" for the scratch player.
At High Ridge, he used elevation changes in a way that is rare for this part of the state. Florida is flat as a pancake, usually. But through clever mounding and green site selection, Schulties created "movement." You’ll find yourself with a side-hill lie or an uphill approach shot that requires an extra club. It forces you to think. It’s a "second shot" golf course, meaning your drive gets you in play, but your iron play determines whether you’re making a par or a double.
The Clubhouse and Social Reality
Let’s be real: some clubhouses feel like a museum. You’re afraid to touch the furniture. High Ridge is elegant, sure, but it’s lived-in. It was recently updated to feel more contemporary—think clean lines, lots of natural light, and a bar area that actually makes you want to hang out after your round.
The food isn't just "club food." It’s actually good. You aren't just getting a soggy Caesar salad and a lukewarm burger. The culinary team does a rotation that keeps the regulars happy, which is a tough job when you have the same 250 people eating there every week. They have to keep it fresh.
- Practice Facilities: They are top-tier. A full range, short game area, and putting greens that actually match the speed of the course.
- The Staff: Many of the folks working there have been around for years. They know how you like your drink and they know your kids' names. That "Cheers" element is why people stay for decades.
- The Pace of Play: This is the big one. If a round takes longer than three and a half hours, something has gone terribly wrong.
Myths and Misconceptions
People think High Ridge is "stuffy." I get why. It’s private, it’s older, and it’s in a wealthy enclave. But "stuffy" usually implies a lack of fun. High Ridge is actually pretty laid back once you’re inside the gates. There’s a camaraderie there that’s born out of a shared obsession with the game.
📖 Related: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
Another misconception is that it’s impossible to get into. Look, it’s exclusive. You need sponsors. You need to be vetted. But they aren't looking for "old money" titles exclusively; they’re looking for "good people who play golf." If you’re a jerk, no amount of money is getting you in. If you’re a decent stick who respects the etiquette of the game, you have a much better shot.
How to Approach Joining or Visiting
Since this is a private, non-equity club, your path in is almost always through a current member. If you’re moving to the area and don't know anyone, start by looking at the local charitable golf tournaments. High Ridge occasionally hosts high-end events for local causes. It’s a great way to see the property without needing a membership card.
If you are serious about a membership, don't just look at the initiation fee. Ask about the "hidden" costs. Every club has them—service charges, locker fees, bag storage. At High Ridge, they are pretty transparent, but you should always do your due diligence.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Golfers
- Network within the Palm Beach Golf Scene: Attend events at the Honda Classic (or whatever it's called this year) and talk to local sticks. Everyone knows someone at High Ridge.
- Evaluate Your Priorities: If you need a gym, a pool, and tennis courts as your primary focus, check out the nearby "country club" style developments. If you want a pure golf experience, stay focused on High Ridge.
- Check the Reciprocal List: If you belong to another high-end club in the Northeast, check if they have a reciprocal agreement for the "off-season." While rare for clubs this private, some professional managers have informal "help a brother out" arrangements.
- Visit the High Ridge Estates: Drive through the neighborhood. See if you like the vibe of the area. The club is a reflection of its surroundings.
High Ridge Country Club Florida remains a bit of an enigma to the general public, and honestly, that’s exactly how the members like it. It’s a place where the turf is perfect, the beer is cold, and the 18th hole always seems to decide the match. In a world of over-hyped, over-branded "luxury experiences," there is something deeply refreshing about a place that just wants to be a really great golf club.
If you get the chance to play it, take it. Don't worry about your handicap—just enjoy the walk. And definitely don't miss the chance to grab a sandwich in the grill room afterward; it’s part of the ritual.
The reality of South Florida golf is changing. Land is disappearing. But places like High Ridge act as a bulkhead against the tide of over-development. It’s a piece of Florida history that’s still very much alive and kicking.