Wellington is famous for horses. Everyone knows that. If you spend five minutes in this town during the winter season, you’ll see more polo ponies and high-end stable gear than you ever thought existed. But tucked away from the neighing and the jumping is Wellington National Golf Club Wellington FL, a spot that honestly feels like the town’s best-kept secret for people who’d rather swing a club than ride a saddle. It’s not just a place to hit a ball.
Golf in Florida can be hit or miss. Sometimes you get these flat, boring courses that feel like they were stamped out of a cookie cutter.
This isn't that.
The history here is actually pretty interesting because the club didn't just appear out of thin air. It was formerly the Binks Forest Golf Club, a legendary layout designed by Johnny Miller back in the late 1980s. People used to rave about it. Then, it hit some rough patches, sat dormant for a while, and folks thought it was done for. But around 2016, new ownership stepped in, dumped a massive amount of money into a renovation, and rebranded it as Wellington National. They basically saved a masterpiece from being swallowed by the Florida brush.
What Makes the Course at Wellington National Golf Club Wellington FL Different?
Most Florida courses are "target golf." You hit to a spot, you pray you don't hit the water, and you move on. At Wellington National, Miller’s original DNA is still there, which means you have these massive, rolling fairways that feel way more like something you’d find in the Carolinas than in Palm Beach County.
The bunkers are everywhere. Big ones. Deep ones.
If your sand game is shaky, you’re going to have a long afternoon. Honestly, the layout is a bit of a beast if you play from the back tees, stretching out over 7,100 yards. But here’s the thing: it’s fair. You can see the trouble. There aren't many "gotcha" holes where a perfect shot disappears into a hidden pond.
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One of the standout features is the land itself. Usually, South Florida is as flat as a pancake. This property has actual elevation changes. Not mountains, obviously, but enough slope and contour to make you think about your club selection. The greens are TifEagle Bermuda, and they are fast. Like, "don't breathe on the ball" fast.
Beyond the Fairways: The Vibe is Kinda Different Here
You’ve probably been to those stuffy private clubs where everyone looks at you weird if your socks aren't the right height. Wellington National isn't like that. It’s private, yeah, but the vibe is way more "modern family" than "old money mansion."
The clubhouse is a massive 45,000-square-foot space that looks like it belongs in a high-end architectural magazine. It’s got that Napa Valley aesthetic—lots of stone, wood, and glass. It’s clean. It’s bright.
And the food? Usually, "golf course food" means a mediocre club sandwich. But the dining here, specifically at the National Tavern, is actually legit. They do this wood-fired pizza that locals talk about constantly. It’s become a hub for people who live in the area, even if they aren't obsessed with their handicap.
They also have a fitness center and a pool that feels more like a resort in Tulum than a golf club in central Palm Beach County. For families moving to Wellington for the equestrian life, this place serves as the "other" home base. While the kids are at the stables, the parents are usually here.
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Membership Realities and What You Should Know
Let’s be real: joining a club like this is a commitment.
Wellington National offers a few different tiers. You have your full golf memberships, which give you the whole run of the place. But they also have social and corporate options. If you’re just in town for the winter season—which is common for the "snowbird" equestrian crowd—they’ve historically offered seasonal memberships that make a lot more sense than a year-round buy-in.
Is it expensive?
Compared to a public muni? Yes.
Compared to some of the ultra-exclusive clubs in nearby Palm Beach or Jupiter where the initiation fees are the price of a small house? It’s actually pretty reasonable for the quality you get.
Why Equestrian Families Love It
There’s this weird synergy between the horse world and the golf world in Wellington. A lot of the top riders and owners use Wellington National as their escape. It’s located just a few minutes from the Wellington International showgrounds (formerly PBIEC). You can finish your amateur-owner jumper class in the morning and be on the first tee by 1:00 PM.
The club also hosts a lot of events related to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). It’s not uncommon to see some of the world’s top-ranked show jumpers grabbing a drink at the bar.
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Sustainability and Local Impact
People often worry about the environmental impact of golf courses in Florida, especially with water usage. Wellington National has made some strides here. During the 2016 overhaul, they modernized the irrigation systems to be way more efficient. They also kept a lot of the natural vegetation and massive oaks that Johnny Miller originally integrated into the design. It feels like a park.
It’s also a big deal for the local economy. Wellington is a town that breathes based on the "Season" (January through April). Having a year-round anchor like the golf club helps keep local staff employed and gives residents something to do when the horses leave for the summer.
Common Misconceptions About the Club
One thing people get wrong is thinking you have to be a scratch golfer to enjoy it.
Actually, the multiple tee boxes make it pretty playable for high handicappers. Just stay out of the waste bunkers. Seriously.
Another myth is that it’s a "boys club."
In reality, the ladies' golf program and the junior clinics are some of the most active parts of the community. They put a lot of emphasis on getting kids into the game, which is refreshing in an industry that can sometimes feel like it’s aging out.
Actionable Steps for Visiting or Joining
If you’re thinking about checking out Wellington National Golf Club Wellington FL, don’t just show up at the gate. It is a private facility, so you need a plan.
- Book a Tour: The membership directors are usually pretty chill about showing people around. Call ahead and ask for a walkthrough of the clubhouse and the fitness center.
- Check the Event Calendar: If you’re a local, keep an eye out for charity tournaments. Often, these are the only times non-members can play the course. It’s a great way to "test drive" the greens before dropping an initiation fee.
- Dining Access: Sometimes the tavern is open for specific community events or through guest passes. If you know a member, get them to take you for dinner first. The vibe at night is completely different than during the day.
- Compare Seasonal Rates: If you’re only in Florida for three months, ask specifically about the seasonal golf packages. They aren't always advertised front-and-center on the website, but they exist for the equestrian crowd.
- Check the Dress Code: It’s "relaxed luxury," but they still expect collared shirts and no denim on the course. Don’t be that person who gets turned away at the pro shop because you’re wearing cargo shorts.
The reality of Wellington National is that it successfully bridged the gap between a "forgotten" local course and a premier destination. It managed to keep the rugged, challenging design of Johnny Miller while adding the high-end amenities that people moving to South Florida expect today. Whether you’re there for the 18th hole or just a glass of wine by the pool, it’s a solid piece of the Wellington lifestyle that has nothing to do with horses.