Finding a place to play in Palm Beach County usually involves a lot of gate codes, high greens fees, and a certain level of pretension. It's just the nature of South Florida golf. But then there’s Lone Pines Golf Course FL, a spot in Riviera Beach that honestly feels like a different world compared to the manicured, ultra-exclusive clubs just a few miles down the road.
It isn't fancy. Let's get that out of the way immediately.
If you’re looking for a clubhouse with a mahogany bar and a locker room attendant who knows your name, you are in the wrong place. But if you want a quick, affordable round on a course that doesn't take itself too seriously, Lone Pines is basically a local treasure. It's an executive-style course, which means it is shorter than your standard par-72. This makes it perfect for people who don't have five hours to kill or for those of us who just want to work on our short game without losing a dozen balls in massive lakes.
What Actually Happens at Lone Pines Golf Course FL?
Most people stumble upon Lone Pines when they realize every other tee time in West Palm is booked solid or costs more than a week's worth of groceries. Located on West Blue Heron Boulevard, it’s tucked away in a spot you might drive past a hundred times without noticing.
The layout is a par-62.
You’ve got a mix of par 3s and par 4s. No par 5s. This is the big differentiator. You won't be whipping out the driver on every single hole, and honestly, that’s a good thing for your handicap. The course is designed for efficiency. It’s owned and operated by the City of Riviera Beach, which explains the municipal vibe. You’ll see everything here: retirees who have played the same loop for thirty years, beginners hacking away in sneakers, and serious sticks trying to dial in their wedges.
The greens are usually in decent shape, though they aren't the lightning-fast surfaces you'd find at PGA National. They are manageable. They are fair. Sometimes the rough gets a little hairy, and the bunkers might be a bit packed down, but it’s golf in its most honest form. It’s about the swing, the sun, and the walk.
Why the "Executive" Tag Matters
Some golfers snub their noses at executive courses. They think if it isn't 7,000 yards, it isn't "real" golf. That’s a mistake.
At Lone Pines Golf Course FL, the shorter holes force a different kind of precision. You have to be accurate with your irons. Since you aren't constantly worried about a 250-yard carry over water, you can actually focus on the fundamentals of your approach shots. It’s a confidence builder.
Plus, the pace of play is a dream. You can usually zip through eighteen holes in about three hours. In the world of South Florida golf, where a weekend round at a public course can sometimes drag into the six-hour mark, that is a massive selling point. You get in, you play, and you still have your whole afternoon left.
The Reality of the Conditions
Look, we have to be real about the maintenance.
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Municipal courses like Lone Pines operate on tight budgets. Depending on the time of year and the recent rainfall in Riviera Beach, the fairways might have some brown patches. It happens. During the peak winter season, the turf holds up pretty well because the humidity drops. In the summer? It gets "shaggy."
But there’s a charm to it.
The staff is generally laid back. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in a polo and shorts and not feel like you’re being judged by the fashion police. It is inclusive in a way that many Florida courses simply aren't.
Pricing and Accessibility
This is where Lone Pines wins.
While the surrounding courses are jacking up prices during "snowbird season," Lone Pines keeps things relatively grounded. It is one of the most affordable ways to play golf in Palm Beach County. Period.
- Walking is encouraged.
- The cart fees won't break the bank.
- The pro shop is small but has the essentials.
You aren't paying for a "brand." You're paying for a tee time. For locals living in Riviera Beach or West Palm, it’s the go-to for a Tuesday morning or a quick nine after work. It serves the community, and that’s a role that is increasingly rare in an area being taken over by luxury developments.
Navigating the Course Layout
The course isn't just a flat piece of land. There are enough trees—yes, including the namesake pines—to make you think twice about your line.
One thing you’ll notice at Lone Pines Golf Course FL is that the par 4s are "gettable." If you have a decent drive, you’re looking at a short chip for your second shot. This makes it an incredible place for kids or teenagers to learn the game. They aren't getting beat up by impossible distances. They can actually see a path to a birdie, which is how you get someone hooked on the sport for life.
The par 3s vary in length. Some are short flick-of-the-wrist shots, while others require a solid mid-iron. The wind coming off the Atlantic (which is only a few miles away) can definitely play a factor. It can turn a simple 140-yard shot into a club-and-a-half difference in a heartbeat.
Dealing With the Florida Heat
If you’re playing here between June and September, you better bring water.
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There isn't a beverage cart roaming around every five minutes like at the high-end resorts. You have to be self-sufficient. The sun in Riviera Beach is unforgiving, and while there is some shade from the trees, the humidity will sap your energy.
Pro tip: Play as early as possible. Not just for the temperature, but because the Florida afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork.
The Social Side of Lone Pines
Golf is supposed to be social.
At Lone Pines, the atmosphere in the parking lot and around the first tee is friendly. You’ll hear people chatting about their rounds, complaining about their putts, and generally just enjoying the day. It lacks the stuffiness that ruins the game for a lot of people.
It’s common to see "regulars." These are the folks who know every break on every green. If you get paired with one, listen to them. They know that the fourth green breaks toward the canal even when it looks flat. They know which side of the fairway on hole seven gives you the best angle. That local knowledge is part of the fun of playing a municipal track.
Common Misconceptions
People hear "Riviera Beach" and "municipal course" and they sometimes assume the worst.
They think it’s going to be a goat track. It’s not.
Is it a Five-Star resort? No. But it is a functional, well-laid-out golf course that provides a legitimate challenge. The greens are consistent enough that you can actually make putts. The layout is interesting enough that you won't get bored.
Another misconception is that it’s only for "bad" golfers. I’ve seen guys with single-digit handicaps out there working on their game. Why? Because you can hit 18 greens in regulation and still have to work for your par if you end up on the wrong side of the hole. It’s a great place to practice your "scoring" clubs.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Round
If you’re planning to visit Lone Pines Golf Course FL, don't just show up and expect a tour-level experience. Go there with the right mindset.
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- Check the weather. If it rained cats and dogs the night before, it’s going to be wet. The drainage on older muni courses isn't always top-tier.
- Bring your own gear. The rental clubs are fine for a casual round, but if you care about your score, have your own sticks.
- Walk if you can. It’s a great walk. The course is flat, the distances between holes are short, and you’ll feel much more connected to the game.
- Practice your chipping. This is a short-game course. You will live and die by your wedges here.
The location is also a huge plus if you’re a tourist. You’re close to the Port of Palm Beach and the beach itself. You can play a round in the morning and be sitting at a beach bar by 1:00 PM. That’s the Florida dream, isn't it?
The Future of Lone Pines
There is always talk about redevelopment in South Florida. Land is valuable.
However, Lone Pines remains a staple for the Riviera Beach community. It provides green space in a landscape that is rapidly being covered in concrete. It’s a place for the public to enjoy the outdoors without a $200 price tag. Supporting courses like this is how we keep the game of golf alive for everyone, not just the wealthy.
The city has made efforts to keep it running and keep it accessible. While it might not get the headlines of the new "pop-up" luxury courses or the renovated private clubs, it serves a much more important purpose. It’s a neighborhood course.
Making the Call
Should you play Lone Pines Golf Course FL?
If you are a golf snob who needs a caddie and a chilled towel at the turn, then honestly, stay away. You’ll just spend the whole time complaining that the tee markers are faded.
But if you love golf? If you love the feeling of a well-struck 7-iron? If you want to play a round with your friends where you can actually talk and laugh without a ranger breathing down your neck?
Then yeah, go play Lone Pines.
It’s authentic. It’s raw. It’s Florida golf without the filter. You might find that you enjoy your three hours here more than a five-hour slog at a "prestige" course where you’re just another number on the tee sheet.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
To ensure you have the best experience at Lone Pines, follow these specific steps:
- Book via Phone: While some third-party sites list times, calling the pro shop directly is often the best way to get an accurate read on the day's pace of play and any maintenance issues (like recently aerated greens).
- Target Mid-Week: If you want the course to yourself, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are typically the quietest windows.
- Focus on the "Scoring Zone": Use this round specifically to practice shots from 100 yards and in. Since the par 4s are short, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work on your wedge proximity.
- Pack Sun Protection: The course has open stretches with little canopy cover. A wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable for the Riviera Beach sun.
- Visit Nearby Local Eats: After your round, skip the "clubhouse" food and head toward the water in Riviera Beach or nearby Singer Island for authentic local seafood—it completes the "local" experience.
By approaching Lone Pines as a practice and rhythm-building facility rather than a championship test, you'll find it to be one of the most relaxing and rewarding golf experiences in the Palm Beaches.