By Jason Bruno
After closing in April of ’23 for a full scale $14.5 million golf course renovation by Drew Rogers, the Seagate Golf Club in Delray Beach, Florida (formerly known as the Hamlet Club an original Joe Lee design) has opened all 18 holes for play. The back nine was completed first, and opened for play in December ’23.
The new iteration features firm & fast playing surfaces on what the club considers to be an “Olde Florida” style layout. Many of the greens complexes were lowered closer to grade height to accommodate more shot making options and allow for greater playability in South Florida’s breezy conditions. Unlike many course designs in the area, Rogers created openings in front of most of the targets, allowing for ground game elements to be in play on most holes. The transformation was comprehensive, with significant improvements to the greens, fairways, tees, bunkers, irrigation, drainage, turfgrass, and landscaping, as well as the driving range and shortgame practice facilities.
“Our members are thrilled with the new course, finding it both challenging and user friendly,” said Alex Schnoeller, Managing Director of The Seagate (who also hosted us at the resort’s Beach Club and restaurant that is slated to undergo renovations any day now). “We are now recognized as one of the best golf courses and clubs in the region and are thrilled to provide our members with this new, world-class experience.”
The renovation features Bimini Bermuda on tees, fairways and surrounds, a variety that enhances the playing conditions and allows many of the unique land forms that Rogers created to be utilized for fun thought provoking golf. Fairway mounds, greenside runoffs, backboards and kicker slopes are all in play. The new TifEagle greens are absolutely pure.
Anytime there’s a project of such magnitude, it takes the right people to make it happen . . . and Seagate has a superb trio of in-house golf industry professionals that lead their respective teams. It starts from the ground up with Director of Agronomy Alan Fike, who recently spoke about the renovation, “Drew Rogers did a masterful job with the design of our newly renovated golf facilities. Throughout the project, I was on the course each day ensuring that the myriad of intricate design details were executed to plan. We know our members are very pleased with the results.”
To read our Q&A with course Architect Drew Rogers: https://linksnation.com/qa-asgca-drew-rogers/
The Seagate is both a full-service club for resort guests and a private members club as well, led seamlessly by General Manger Michael Rosa (Rosa came aboard after previous stops at Lake Nona in Orlando, and La Gorce in Miami Beach), and Director of Golf Frank Lostaglio II, who the club was thrilled to bring in from nearby Addison Reserve in Delray Beach. Whether you’re a resort guest or a club member, both Michael and Frank are the consummate hosts, making sure that your day at the club is one to remember. One of the more accomplished players in the South Florida PGA Section, Lostaglio II took the time to play the new layout with us and point out the fine details of the renovation.
Upgrades are happening everywhere at The Seagate Resort and Club. According to GM Michael Rosa, the club also renovated its golf clubhouse, inspired by the history of the greater Palm Beach area, which includes a dining with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a Grand Ballroom, Dining Room, Grille Room, and Courtyard. The club also houses a state-of-the-art fitness facility that focuses on total mind/body wellness with Technogym equipment, Kinesis stations, free weights, personal training sessions, and weekly wellbeing activities.
Beach Club
The Seagate Resort also has a magnificent Beach Club (just one block from the Hotel & Spa) that exudes the friendly vibes of the Florida Keys. As a resort guest, you can enjoy exclusive access and membership privileges at the Beach Club. Bask in the splendor of a scenic dining experience . . .
. . . and on the beach level, friendly poolside drink service. The outdoor patio features a lighter side of things with sandwiches, salads, and daily specialties for both lunch and dinner.
This rendering of of the upstairs bar and dining room renovations that will open later this fall.
After a day on the beach or 18 holes on the links, I highly suggest you begin your meal at the Beach Club with the Lobster Caesar Salad, magnificent.
Accommodations
Be among the first to experience the newly renovated accommodations at the hotel, where you can relax and recharge after a day in the South Florida sunshine. All 154 rooms are being superbly appointed with coastal themed hues and designer furnishings, as well as a spa-inspired bathroom with walk-in showers.
To book your resort stay n play – https://www.seagatedelray.com/, or for more information on club membership at The Seagate, visit seagatedelray.com/membership.
