WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – In a bold move that is reminiscent of the “Golden Age” of golf course creation from the early 20th century, where new courses were crafted by the likes of Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, A.W. Tillinghast, Charles Blair MacDonald, and Seth Raynor, Bear Lakes Country Club is taking a page from the “American Links” style of golf course design to reimagine its Links course.
The club has been engaged over the last nine months in planning for the renovation of the Links golf course. Now, in partnership with Love Golf Design (LGD), Bear Lakes Country Club will draw upon the inspiration of some of the country’s top classic designs to create a course unique to South Florida.
The LGD Team is led by Davis Love III, a 21-time PGA TOUR winner, 1997 PGA Champion, Ryder Cup Captain, Presidents Cup Captain, and World Golf Hall of Fame member. Lead Architect, Scot Sherman, has designed several high-profile projects including renovations at Pine Tree and renovation work on the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. The LGD portfolio of projects includes renovation assignments at Sea Pines Resort, Sea Island Plantation Course, and Diamante Dunes.
“My brother Mark, our lead architect Scot Sherman, and I are thrilled to be working with the team at Bear Lakes. As our first course in Southeast Florida, we are excited to begin work at a club with such rich history and know that reimagining the Links Course will be a unique and exciting project,” said PGA TOUR champion Davis Love III. “The natural potential of Bear Lakes makes it easy to draw on our experience and knowledge of the American Links style. With our renovation, we plan to give Bear Lakes a course that is visually appealing, fun to play for members and guests, and one of the most highly regarded in the region.”
Davis, Mark, Scot and their team are also currently engaged in master planning at Hazeltine National in preparation for the 2029 Ryder Cup as well as serving as consulting architect at TPC Sawgrass. In addition, their collection of work includes numerous original designs.
“By moving this project forward, we are not just enhancing our golfing experience; we are announcing to the international golf community that Bear Lakes will be a premier destination for golf in Florida. When Love Golf Design is finished with their work, Bear Lakes will have two distinguished courses crafted by two well respected golf brands synonymous with the rich tradition of the sport we revere and love to play.” noted Charlie Zacharias, President of the Board of Governors at Bear Lakes Country Club. “We will receive a course that will be both striking to look at, interesting to play, and yet a departure from the traditional parkland style of our Jack Nicklaus designed signature Lakes course. The result is also intended to be a course that is more efficient to maintain.”
The scope of work will include rerouting of some holes to improve balance and changing the playing strategy in certain stretches, plus building all new greens, bunkers, tees, rough, as well as a complete replacement of the irrigation system.
“Spending time on the site with Davis and the LGD Team has been incredible. They honed in on the natural contours that exist on our property. Coupled with their vision and skills, they are going to build a legendary test of golf like no other in our geographic region,” says Chris Hull, COO & General Manager of Bear Lakes.
Following a recent member vote to approve the scope of the project, LGD will now dive into the detailed design phase, collaborating with site planners, irrigation experts, and other professionals to bring this vision to life. Construction and completion of the project are planned for 2026.
“This project is a crucial step in addressing the Club assets that require our attention and resources. Being home to two memorable, well designed, and expertly maintained courses along with our new state-of-the-art golf practice facility and recently renovated clubhouse will separate Bear Lakes from other clubs in our market,” concluded Mr. Zacharias.
About Bear Lakes Country Club:
Bear Lakes Country Club, located in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, offers a highly sought-after private luxury lifestyle in a convenient location. Just minutes from I-95, Palm Beach International Airport, downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Singer Island, and Jupiter, you’ll find a welcoming environment that blends sports, family, and community. Established in 1984, Bear Lakes proudly honors its history while adapting to meet the needs of its members. That’s why they say, Bear Lakes is “Tradition Redefined.” Learn more at www.bearlakes.org.
About Love Golf Design
Love Golf Design has over 25 completed projects in its portfolio and has garnered numerous design awards. The design team includes Mark Love, Davis’ brother and former longtime Tour caddie, and Lead Architect Scot Sherman.
Davis Love III, whose resume of 21 PGA Tour wins includes the 1997 PGA Championship, is already intimately familiar with Hazeltine, having successfully captained the Ryder Cup team in 2016. The Payne Stewart Award was given to Davis in 2008 as a player whose values align with the character, charity, and sportsmanship that Stewart showed. Davis was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
Mark Love is the co-founder and President of Love Golf Design. He has guided the firm through all its completed projects and handles the day-to-day business. Mark is also the Executive Director of the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic played at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia.
Scot Sherman, ASGCA, serves as Lead Golf Architect for Love Golf Design. He has been involved in over 50 designs during his 35-year career working on courses in the U.S. and Europe—most notably The Ocean Course at Kiawah Resort. Scot began his career with the Dye family where the value of designing in the field became a guiding principle of his work. He is a long-time member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
