31 TEE BOX Mirasol begins new round of changes to Sunset course The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has initiated another round of renovation work, led by Drew Rogers’ JDR Golf Design, on its Sunset course. “Just as previous efforts in 2015, 2018 and 2023 helped the club to evolve and improve, the current endeavour aims to do the same,” said Joel Hornickel, design associate at JDR Golf Design. The latest work began in June 2026 and concluded in early September, and included changes to the eighteenth, the practice green and short-game area, all a knock-on effect of the club’s investment in a new 41,000-squarefoot indoor facility. The practice putting green ended up being shifted approximately 35 yards closer to the starting holes on both the Sunset and Sunrise courses. Likewise, the short-game area was relocated, which gave JDR Golf Design the opportunity to expand the single green and chipping areas. “The most significant change to the eighteenth hole involved moving the green complex approximately 20 yards left of its former position to increase its separation from the adjacent practice range, while also improving its visibility from the new multi-purpose golf building,” said Hornickel. “The green was enlarged to provide more pinnable areas as well as more variety between them. The remainder of the hole received minor expansions of the teeing areas, rebuilt bunkers, new irrigation and new Bimini bermuda turf. Landscaping areas, which help to frame the hole, have also been expanded and refined. While the enhancements may seem minimal on paper, the visual improvements are significant as a result of the enhanced bunker styling – a departure from the flat floor and grass-faced character to a more elaborate, sand-flashed presentation, built with Better Billy Bunker liner.” The renovated hole and practice areas are expected to reopen in November 2026, with efforts set to restart in March 2027. Next year’s work will cover the remaining holes, and Hornickel says the focus will continue to be on “enhancing the bunker styling and rebuilding the green complexes to further increase their interest and memorability”. Photo: JDR Golf Design
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