Most people think they know exclusive golf. They talk about Augusta National or Cypress Point like they’re the only games in town. But there is a place in North Palm Beach, Florida, that operates on a completely different frequency. It is called Lost Tree Club. Honestly, if you aren't looking for the entrance off Jack Nicklaus Drive, you’ll drive right past it. That’s by design.
This isn't just a place to swing a stick. It is a neighborhood. A gated enclave. A sanctuary for the kind of people who find "rich" a bit of an understatement.
Jack Nicklaus lives here. Has for decades. When the Greatest of All Time decides a specific patch of Florida sand and turf is where he wants to plant his flag, you should probably pay attention. The lost tree golf club isn't trying to be a public spectacle. It doesn't host the PGA Tour. It doesn't need the TV cameras. It just wants to be perfect for the people who actually live there.
The Jack Nicklaus Connection and Why It Matters
You can’t talk about this place without talking about Jack. He didn't just move here; he basically became the soul of the community. In 2002, he did a massive renovation of the course. He didn't do it for a paycheck—he did it because it was his backyard.
The course itself is a par-72. It plays a little over 7,000 yards from the tips. But yardage is a lie in Florida. At Lost Tree, the wind coming off the Atlantic Ocean is the real architect. One minute you’re hitting a smooth 8-iron; the next, you’re trying to punch a 5-iron under a gust that feels like a physical wall. It’s tricky. It’s tight.
The greens are often described as some of the purest in the state. We’re talking about TifEagle Bermuda grass that runs so fast you’ll swear the ball is being pulled by a magnet. If you’re above the hole here, just pray. Seriously.
Nicklaus focused on making the course playable for the members while keeping enough "teeth" to challenge himself. There’s a specific kind of nuance in the bunkering. It’s not just about the sand; it’s about the angles. You have to think three shots ahead. Most amateur golfers don't think three seconds ahead. That’s why the lost tree golf club eats people alive if they show up with an ego.
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Living Inside the Gates: It’s Not Just Golf
The real estate is, frankly, bananas. We are talking about oceanfront estates and "cottages" that cost more than most small-town ZIP codes. But the vibe? It’s strangely low-key.
You’ll see guys in faded polos and old hats. It’s a "quiet wealth" vibe. No loud logos. No screaming for attention. The clubhouse is the hub of it all. It’s grand, sure, but it feels like a massive living room. The service isn't just professional; it’s personal. The staff knows your name, your kid’s name, and exactly how you like your drink.
- The Beach Club is a whole separate animal.
- It sits right on the Atlantic.
- Lunch there is the ultimate power move, but nobody acts like it.
The community was founded back in the late 1950s by E. Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. He had this vision of a private paradise. He bought a bunch of land that most people thought was just scrub and sand. He was right; they were wrong. Today, it’s one of the most coveted addresses in the world.
What No One Tells You About the Membership
Getting in? Good luck.
This isn't a "pay your initiation fee and you’re in" kind of situation. It is a residential club. Usually, you have to own property within the gates to even be considered. And even then, you need to be vetted. They aren't looking for your net worth as much as they are looking for your character. They want "good fits."
There are about 450-500 members. That’s it. For a golf course of this caliber, that is an incredibly small number. It means you can almost always get a tee time. You don't have five-hour rounds. You don't have groups of eight screaming on the 10th tee. It’s peaceful.
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Wait. "Peaceful" is the wrong word. It’s disciplined.
The culture at lost tree golf club is rooted in the traditions of the game. Respect for the course. Fast play. Proper attire. If you’re the type who likes to play music from a Bluetooth speaker and wear a hoodie, you’re going to have a bad time. And honestly? That’s okay. There are plenty of other places for that. Lost Tree is a time capsule of what golf used to be, filtered through a modern, high-end lens.
The Design Philosophy: Survival of the Smartest
When Nicklaus returned to tweak the course again in more recent years, he focused on the "strategy of choice."
He hates forced carries for the sake of being mean. Instead, he gives you a wide way and a narrow way. The narrow way gives you a better look at the green. The wide way is safer but makes your next shot ten times harder. It’s a psychological game.
The 18th hole is a masterpiece of stress. It’s a long par-4 that usually plays right into the wind. Water is lurking. The bunkers are perfectly placed to catch a "safe" layup. Finishing with a par here feels like winning a trophy. Most people finish with a 6 and a bruised soul.
- Little known fact: The club has a massive charitable arm.
- The Lost Tree Charitable Foundation has put tens of millions into the local Palm Beach community.
- They focus on health and social services.
It’s easy to look at a place like this and see a "golden ghetto." But the reality is more complex. The members are deeply invested in the surrounding area. They aren't just hiding; they’re participating.
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Practical Steps for the Curious
If you are actually serious about experiencing the lost tree golf club, you have to understand the hurdles. This isn't a tourist destination. It is a private home.
- Find a Member: This is the only way in. Most people who play here are guests of residents. If you don't know someone, start networking in the North Palm Beach business or charity circles.
- Real Estate Research: If you’re looking to move, be prepared for the price tag. Properties can range from a few million for a smaller unit to $30M+ for an oceanfront spot. Check local listings specifically for the "Lost Tree Village" area.
- Respect the Etiquette: If you do get an invite, dress like you’re meeting the President. Tucked-in shirts, belts, no cargo shorts. Turn your phone off. Seriously.
- Study the Wind: If you’re lucky enough to play, don't worry about your handicap. Focus on ball flight. In South Florida, the player who can keep the ball low wins every single time.
The myth of the lost tree golf club exists because the people inside don't feel the need to correct it. They know what they have. It’s a blend of Jack Nicklaus’s competitive spirit and the quiet elegance of old-school Florida. It’s not about being the most famous club in the world. It’s about being the best club for the people who call it home.
If you ever get the chance to drive through those gates, take a breath. Look at the banyan trees. Watch the way the light hits the MacGregor-inspired bunkers. You’re seeing a version of the American Dream that is becoming increasingly rare: a place that values privacy over publicity.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts
If you want to dive deeper into the architectural style of this area, look up the work of E. Llwyd Ecclestone. His fingerprints are all over North Palm Beach. You should also study the "Golden Bear" design evolution. Comparing the original 1960s layout of Lost Tree to the 2002 Nicklaus redesign is a masterclass in how golf course theory has changed over fifty years.
Finally, keep an eye on the Lost Tree Charitable Foundation’s annual reports. It’s the best way to see the actual impact the club has on Florida, beyond just the manicured fairways and the sound of a well-struck 3-wood.