A redesign of the golf course at Banyan Cay Resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, is now underway following a groundbreaking ceremony.

The project will be a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Nicklaus and his senior design associate Chris Cochran will lead the design. John Sanford of Sanford Golf Design, who grew up playing the course, will also be part of the project team. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2017. 

Formerly known as Presidents Country Club, the Banyan Cay club has been home to 36 holes of golf. However, one of the courses is being transformed into a residential development consisting of 100 single family homes, a boutique hotel with 150 rooms and spa, new clubhouse, villas, and a 20 story condo tower. 

The remaining course at Banyan Cay features around 25 feet of elevation change – more than many courses in the south Florida area. With five sets of tees, the course will range from 4,800 yards to 7,200 yards.

“I have known this site for many years, and now, to have the opportunity to help shape Banyan Cay’s future and hopefully the next generation of golf in Central Palm Beach County, is an honour,” said Jack Nicklaus. “I applaud the city for its ongoing efforts to revitalise West Palm Beach. It’s possible this could be the last significant golf development – one with resort access – to break ground in the West Palm Beach area. We are excited to officially get this project underway.”

John Sanford told GCA: “This is where I grew up and learned to play golf. My father was the Director of Golf , I worked and played there when I was 12 years old.”

The reworked is scheduled to reopen in November 2017.