Sandhill Crane Golf Club: A Guide from Avondale at Avenir

Sandhill Crane Golf Club is the City of Palm Beach Gardens' public golf course, at 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive. It is a par-72 championship course, and the city says it is open to the public. Next door, the city's Nest Par 3 adds a short course, a large putting green and a two-story driving range with covered bays.

For buyers at Avondale at Avenir, that means daily-fee golf close to home without joining a private club. This guide covers both courses and how they fit life at Avondale.

The championship course

The city lists the course at 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33412. It is a par-72 course that was redesigned in 2013 by Dusenberry Design. Golf industry press describes it as an 18-hole course of about 6,330 yards.

Here is what that means in plain words:

• Par 72 is the number of strokes a strong golfer is expected to need for all 18 holes. Most full-size courses are par 70 to 72.

• 6,330 yards is the length from the tees the press measured. Most courses offer several sets of tees, so shorter hitters can play a shorter course.

The city's course information page has the details, and its frequently asked questions page confirms the course is open to the public.

The Nest Par 3

The city opened The Nest Par 3 in the summer of 2023 at 9900 Sandhill Crane Drive. It was designed by Nicklaus Design. The city lists:

• A par-3 course, about 3,100 yards from the back tees.

• A 30,000-square-foot putting green.

• An island-green ""19th hole,"" which is a bonus hole for fun.

• A two-story driving range with 18 covered bays and Trackman, a system that tracks each shot so you can see how far and where it went.

A par-3 course has only short holes, so a round goes faster. It is a good place for beginners, kids and anyone who wants to work on their short game. See the city's Nest Par 3 page for tee times and prices.

The two courses work well together. Warm up on the covered range, hit putts on the big green, then play a quick round on the short course or a full round next door.

Why a public course matters to buyers

Many Palm Beach Gardens neighborhoods are built around private country clubs, where you pay a joining fee and yearly dues. Avondale is not a golf club community. Instead, you can book a round at a city-run public course close to Avenir and pay as you play.

For a lot of buyers, that is the better deal. You get regular golf without a club membership, and you only pay when you play. The Avenir developer also lists Sandhill Crane and The Nest among the things that make Avenir appealing.

Getting there

Sandhill Crane's address, 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive, is in the same 33412 ZIP code as Avondale. Avenir's main entrance is at Northlake Boulevard and Avenir Drive, so most trips start there. See getting around on Northlake Boulevard for the main roads.

If you play a lot, a 3-car garage can hold a golf cart or keep your clubs and gear out of the way. At Avondale, the Renown has a 3-car garage, and the Stardom and Stellar offer one. See Classic vs Estate at Avondale.

More ways to stay active

Golf is one option. Avenir's clubhouse has tennis and pickleball courts, which we cover in pickleball in Palm Beach Gardens. For trails and kayaking, see Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area and Riverbend Park.

Tips for your first round

• Book a tee time ahead, especially in winter, when Florida golf is busiest.

• Check the dress code on the city's site before you go.

• Try The Nest first if you are new to golf or rusty. Short holes build confidence.

• Use the covered range bays on hot afternoons.

• Ask about resident rates. Many city courses price differently for residents, so check what applies to your address.

Golf for every level

You do not have to be a strong golfer to enjoy these courses.

New to golf? Start at The Nest's range. Hit a bucket of balls in a covered bay, then spend time on the big putting green. When you feel ready, play the par-3 course, where every hole is short.

Getting back into the game? Play The Nest a few times before you book the full course. Short holes build your touch around the green, which is where most strokes are saved.

A regular player? The championship course is your home track. Book early in the week for the best tee times, and ask the pro shop about leagues and events.

Playing with kids? A par-3 course is the best way to bring kids along. Rounds are shorter, and the holes are not as long, so young players stay interested.

What to bring

• Your clubs, or ask about rentals when you book.

• Golf shoes or clean sneakers with good grip.

• Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.

• A few extra balls, since water hazards are common on Florida courses.

Golf and your home budget

Public golf lets you play without a club membership, so your housing budget can go further. If you are weighing two plans, the money you save on dues could cover an option you want, like a covered lanai extension or a bigger garage. Ask the sales team what each option costs before you decide.

Choosing a home near the course

Most golfers at Avondale ask about one-story living and garage space. Seven of Avondale's ten plans are one story. See all ten Avondale floor plans compared to find the right fit.

Call 561-704-0091 or Visit Avondale at Avenir Near Sandhill Crane — Schedule a Visit. Ask what incentives DiVosta is offering this month, since they change.

Common Questions

Call 561-704-0091 or Visit Avondale at Avenir Near Sandhill Crane — Schedule a Visit.

Related reading: Pickleball in Palm Beach Gardens · Loxahatchee Slough and Riverbend Park · Getting around on Northlake Boulevard · Classic vs Estate at Avondale · Avondale at Avenir community page