Michael Jordan, the legendary NBA icon, has a personal haven of sporting bliss that he cherishes more than any other place in the world. Surprisingly, it’s not a basketball court, nor is there a hoop in sight. Jordan’s sanctuary is The Grove XXIII, his private golf paradise located on the outskirts of Hobe Sound, Florida. This ultra-exclusive club is tucked away from the public eye, making it a well-guarded secret among the world’s elite.
Bobby Weed, a seasoned golf course designer, received a unique and challenging request from Jordan: “Build me the best golf course. Build me the best driving range.” Having worked on numerous golf course projects throughout his career, Weed understood the intricacies of designing a world-class course. However, crafting a course for an iconic athlete like Michael Jordan added an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the project.
Weed, a protege of the legendary course designer Pete Dye, had extensive experience in course design. He had even served as the PGA Tour’s chief architect before launching his own course design company in 1994. However, designing a golf course for someone of Jordan’s stature was a unique opportunity and a significant responsibility.
The land for The Grove XXIII was secured – over 200 acres of former citrus grove located near Atlantic Ridge State Park. Weed was fully committed to the project, even relocating to the site to oversee the development. He encouraged Jordan to be actively involved in the project, inviting him to visit weekly to track progress. Jordan, known for his keen sense of detail and perfectionism, often visited the site multiple times a week.
During their interactions, Weed observed Jordan’s coaching-like approach to discussions with the team. Jordan was an excellent listener, absorbing every detail and suggestion. Instead of dictating specific design elements, he trusted Weed to execute his vision effectively.
The course, situated on what was initially a flat and “featureless” site bordered by two drainage canals, presented a significant challenge. To transform the terrain into a golf paradise, Weed’s team excavated dirt from lagoons to create the course’s features. This effort not only addressed the flatness issue but also resulted in six large lakes – a coincidental nod to the six NBA Championships Jordan won during his career.
Jordan’s vision for the course was clear: he wanted it to be firm, fast, and capable of both exciting and challenging its members, many of whom were current PGA Tour stars. The course layout, resembling a double helix with a “crossover” at the 5th and 14th holes, offered the flexibility to play in three, six, or nine-hole loops – ideal for Jordan’s busy schedule.
The course, affectionately dubbed “Slaughterhouse 23” by some members, was designed to enhance Jordan’s playing style and even offered him a slight advantage, reflecting his penchant for friendly wagers on the golf course.
Apart from the course, Jordan emphasized the need for a state-of-the-art practice facility. Weed’s team allocated 20 acres for this purpose, creating a practice facility that is arguably unmatched in the golf world. With two 400-yard, double-sided driving lanes that can replicate various fairway conditions, target greens in 25-yard increments, and putting greens with incremental slopes, it’s a haven for Tour players to hone their skills.
The course’s attention to detail extended to the grass on the tees, which can be customized to mimic warm or cool-season conditions. Additionally, the practice facility incorporates PGA Tour’s ShotLink data, offering advanced shot tracking capabilities.
For the clubhouse design, Jordan turned to Nichols Architects, a firm with less experience in golf course design but a strong reputation in hospitality, residential, and commercial design. Nichols Architects had a unique advantage: they had previously worked on the W South Beach in Miami, which was the favorite hotel of Jordan’s wife, Yvette Prieto.
The firm’s pitch to Jordan emphasized creating an iconic architectural shape for the clubhouse, inspired by the smooth perfection of a golf swing. The architectural design featured columns set further inside below an overhanging roof, creating a visual reference to Jordan’s famous hang-time, which led to the “Air Jordan” tag.
The clubhouse, spanning 15,000 square feet, was meticulously designed to cater to the needs of members. It included men’s and women’s lockers, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, kitchen and dining facilities, and a shop. Customization was key, with every detail, including Air Jordan logos on ice cubes, reflecting Jordan’s identity.
Throughout the project, Jordan was actively involved in decision-making, ensuring that the club and course matched his vision and preferences. Weed and his team made changes only after consulting with Jordan, acknowledging his deep understanding of what he liked and his commitment to the project.
The Grove XXIII officially opened in the fall of 2019, and there was no grand reveal for the owner, as Jordan had been closely monitoring the project’s progress. Instead, there was a heartfelt moment when Weed joined him for his first round at the course. Jordan expressed his gratitude by giving Weed a 6-foot, 6-inch bear hug, saying, “I’m fortunate enough I can be anywhere in the world, but there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here.”
The Grove XXIII is not just a golf course; it’s a testament to Michael Jordan’s passion for the sport and his commitment to creating a golf paradise for himself and future generations. As golf continues to evolve, Jordan’s legacy in the sport will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of golf.
In conclusion, The Grove XXIII represents the culmination of Michael Jordan’s dream – a golf course and practice facility tailored to his exacting standards. It’s a place where he can escape, enjoy the game, and challenge himself, all while leaving his unmistakable imprint on the world of golf. Michael Jordan’s dedication to excellence and his love for the sport have created a lasting legacy that transcends his legendary basketball career. The Grove XXIII is not just a golf course; it’s a symbol of Jordan’s relentless pursuit of perfection in all his endeavors.