Banyan Cay – the West Palm Beach, FL., golf course project that has stopped, started and stopped again over the past few years – today unveiled a new name – Dutchman’s Pipe – under the ownership of Witkoff Group, Access Industries and PPG Development. Marking a multi-million-dollar renovation and complete overhaul of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, the newly rebranded Dutchman’s Pipe, a private club that will open for play in fall 2024.
Witkoff Group this past January took over the property from the bankruptcy court.
The course will be accompanied by nationally ranked instructors and elevated practice facilities, including a driving range exceeding 300 yards and two acres of dedicated short game area.
Led by the golf course architects at Nicklaus Design, the golf course renovations will enhance playability, aesthetics, and sustainability for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Dutchman’s Pipe is located east of I-95 in West Palm Beach, just minutes away from Palm Beach Island, downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and Singer Island.
“Dutchman’s Pipe will be the first new private golf club to open in West Palm Beach in 25 years,” said Alex Witkoff, Co-CEO of Witkoff Group. “Land in this area is extremely scarce, rendering new golf clubs within five miles of Palm Beach Island exceedingly rare. The opportunity to control 220 acres in the heart of West Palm Beach is generational and will allow us to deliver a transformative golf club experience.”
Tipping out at 7,300 yards, Dutchman’s Pipe promises to challenge even the world’s best golfers, while ensuring playability for all levels. This ambitious project underscores the dedication of Witkoff Group to delivering unparalleled golf and lifestyle experiences, as reflected by the firm’s recently completed Shell Bay in Hollywood (in collaboration with PPG Development), about one hour south of Dutchman’s Pipe.
The comprehensive overhaul, according to Witkoff, will encompass every facet of the course, from its layout and design to infrastructure and amenities. The course will undergo significant restructuring, incorporating all-new fairways, revamped bunkers, and strategic green complexes to optimize the routing’s flow and bring visual allure to every shot.
Strategic landscaping efforts, including the introduction of native vegetation such as the Dutchman’s Pipe flower, will not only enhance the course’s beauty but also bolster erosion control and biodiversity, creating a serene enclave for members. Existing water features will be seamlessly integrated into the redesign, with measures taken to preserve the integrity of the property’s lake banks, adding both aesthetic charm and strategic intrigue to the course.
Green complexes will be upgraded to meet contemporary standards of smoothness, consistency, and drainage, while tee boxes will be expanded and leveled to perfection. Modern irrigation and drainage systems will be installed to bolster water efficiency and prevent water logging, ensuring the course’s long-term sustainability.
In addition to the golf course, Dutchman’s Pipe’s club facilities will include a fitness center and a racquet center with tennis, padel, and pickleball courts. Three dining venues – including a members-only grill and poolside al fresco dining led by Chef Julian Jouhannaud, formerly of Anabel’s London and Le Bilboquet – will offer world-class culinary programming. Health and wellness amenities will include personal training, a day spa, and event space, providing members and guests a holistic retreat in the heart of West Palm Beach.
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