Tesoro Club, one of the Florida Treasure Coast’s premier golf club communities – and one of the great comeback stories in golf – has begun work on renovating the 18th hole of the Watson Course, designed by Tom Watson. It’s the first step in bringing a world-class standard back to the Watson Course and is expected to be open to players in late summer 2025.
The 18th hole’s refurbishment will be built to United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications to include the installation of an entirely new green and new bunkers. Additionally, Tesoro Club – located in Port St. Lucie – will be replacing most of the bulkhead and stone walls that line the hole with grass-covered slopes. Once completed, the 18th hole can be used as an optional 9th hole on the Arnold Palmer Course, Tesoro’s other golf course that opened in January 2023.
Featuring and array of new homes, tennis courts, swimming pools and restaurants, in addition to golf, Tesoro Club, which was abandoned for 15 years before brought back to life by its current ownership group, is one of the top private luxury communities in South Florida.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Tesoro Club and reinforces our commitment to offering world-class amenities for our members,” said Tim Jones, managing partner of Tesoro Club. “Our team will use the utmost care and expertise to bring the Watson Course back to life and reflect Tom’s original vision of beauty and playability.”
Selective in his choice of course locations, Watson has only designed three courses in Florida. The 7,019-yard, par-72 course at Tesoro Club will feature fast, firm fairways, expansive greens, and strategic bunkers that enhance the natural landscape and terrain.
“This refurbishment will add new layers of strategy and gameplay quality that’s sharper, more refined, and even more rewarding for players who rise to the challenge,” said Matt Doyle, Tesoro Club’s head golf professional. “It could be the most played hole at the Club next season.” The Watson Course’s 18th hole is scheduled to be open to players as early as August 2025. Renovations to the remainder of the Watson Course are still in their planning stages.