Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Boca Woods Country Club (Woods Course)

73

Boca Raton, Florida

Renovated 2024
Established
1981
Architect
Joe Lee (original), Rees Jones (2024 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,527 – 7,043 yds

Recent Renovation

This course recently completed a major renovation. During this transition, course data may reflect a mix of pre- and post-renovation yardages, hole configurations, or routing. The Caddie Report monitors these changes and periodically reassesses the course as a reliable new baseline is established.

The verdict

Modernized Classic With Bite

Boca Woods’ Woods Course delivers a thoroughly reimagined South Florida test, blending Joe Lee’s classic member-friendly routing with Rees Jones’ strategic modern overhaul. Championship-length, rebuilt greens, and sharp new bunkering offer both beauty and a genuine examination. Behind the gates, it’s strictly members and guests — but if you find your way inside, you’ll find an updated, pure golf experience shaped for the next generation.

Course DNA
Difficulty
77
Scenery
60
Conditioning
88
Shot Variety
74
Walkability
65
Green Complexity
80
Wow Factor
66
Design Quality
70
At a glance

Quick facts

Total renovation
2024 Rees Jones full-course revamp
Longest hole
No. 13 – 576 yards from back tees
Par 3s
Four, ranging from 184 to 223 yards
Course style
Classic Florida parkland, strategic bunkering
Course reopening
December 8, 2024 after renovation
Notable architect
Joe Lee (Rees Jones renovation)
The design

The architecture

Originally crafted by Florida master Joe Lee, the Woods Course at Boca Woods has been dramatically modernized by Rees Jones, keeping the classic member-friendly routing but dialing up the strategic interest. The 2024 renovation rebuilt every green with enhanced undulation, redefined bunkers for sharper visuals and challenge, and added both tee yardage and recovery options. The course now marries broad playability with shotmaker's decision points, rewarding both precision and creativity without ever feeling punitive.

Rees Jones’ signature is strategic bunkering and bold green presentations; his work at Boca Woods is evident in both the test and the aesthetics.

Defining features
  • All-new green complexes with modern contouring
  • Expanded and repositioned bunkers for added strategy
  • Lengthened to over 7,000 yards from the back tees
  • Substantial tree management for improved sightlines
  • Six sets of tees for diverse challenge
  • Improved drainage and surface conditions post-renovation
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 6

Long Iron Threshold

PAR
3
YARDAGE
223

A bruising par 3 that stretches to 223 yards off the Black tee, this long one-shotter calls for a pure, accurate strike over trouble to a well-defended green.

Play it smart

Favor the center of the green, as missing left or right leaves tough recoveries and avoids the big numbers that lurk on long holes.

Where it bites

Misjudge the wind or come up short, and you’ll face deep bunkers or tricky up-and-downs.

Course management

Shots to think about

Second shot on 13
Lay up to your favorite distance; taking on the green in two is usually a gambler’s bet.
Tee shot on 7
Play to the angle that gives the best approach—don’t overbite on a pin cut close to trouble.
Par 3s into the wind
Club up and keep it flighted low; better short and safe than plugging in a back bunker.
16th hole risk-reward
After a good drive, check your lie and wind before going for the green—the penalty for an offline shot is steep.
Approach to newly contoured greens
Favor the heart of the green on tough pins to avoid exaggerated contours and challenging putts.
Final hole nerves
Steady swing, fairway first, and accept a mid-iron approach rather than tempting fate with driver aggression.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Expect pristine conditioning with new fairways, rebuilt greens, and sharp bunkers post-renovation.

Vibe

Classic, private South Florida club energy—relaxed yet competitive among members.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Verify Guest Access

Access is strictly members and guests only; confirm your host arrangement well in advance.

02

Practice Your Lag Putting

The 2024 greens demand smart distance control—spend time on the practice green before heading to the first tee.

03

Check the Wind

Though mostly sheltered, several exposed holes can play differently with shifting breezes; be ready to adjust your club selection.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1981

    Club and Woods Course open (Joe Lee design)

  2. 2024

    Major $9 million full-course renovation begins, led by Rees Jones

Stories & legends

What makes it special

renovation

A Nine-Million Dollar Transformation

In 2024, the Woods Course underwent a head-to-toe, $9 million renovation under Rees Jones, reshaping every green, updating bunkering, and adding over 200 yards. The project aimed to blend Lee’s original playability with a more demanding, modern test.

history

Club’s Founding Legacy

Boca Woods’ Woods Course was the club’s first-ever layout, built as an anchor for the neighborhood in 1981. For over 40 years, it served the local membership before its rebirth in 2024.

renewal

From Routine To Reanimated

After over four decades, club leadership decided the Woods Course had passed its 'expected life,' prompting a full-scale renovation to set the standard for years to come. The result: an entirely new playing experience on familiar ground.

architect

The US Open Doctor Touch

Rees Jones, known for prepping US Open venues, brought his expertise to Boca Woods, aiming to create ever-changing tests and smoother play for members while raising the competitive bar.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

The Woods Course was the first of Boca Woods' two distinct 18s.

2

Rees Jones’ nickname—The US Open Doctor—inspired the club’s description of the 2024 renovation.

3

The $9 million renovation included a complete rebuild of all 18 greens.

4

The course gained over 200 yards in length during the makeover.

Build the trip

If you’re making a Boca Raton golf trip out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Park West Palm
Public

Brand new muni that’s making waves for modern architecture and daily fee accessibility.

PGA National Resort (Champion Course)
Resort

Home of the Honda Classic; renowned Bear Trap stretch.

Trump National Doral (Blue Monster)
Resort

Famed, renovated tournament course south of Boca Raton.

Banyan Cay Golf Club
Resort

Contemporary destination course with recent investment and resort pedigree.

Base yourself in Boca Raton or Delray Beach for quick access to the club and an easy jump to public or resort golf corridors north and south.

Course DNA

If You Like Woods Course

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

The architect's other work

More from Joe Lee

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club – Dubsdread

Lemont, Illinois

Chicago’s king of public championship tests

Cherokee Town and Country Club

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s legacy of tournament-caliber, private club golf.

Banyan Golf Club

West Palm Beach, Florida

A classic Joe Lee layout with unique South Florida elevation

Riverchase Country Club

Hoover, Alabama

A classic, wooded private-club test in Birmingham's hills

Deer Island Country Club

Tavares, Florida

Central Florida’s Only Island Golf Challenge

Beau Chêne Country Club

Mandeville, Louisiana

Classic Northshore parkland among majestic live oaks

From the community

Community Sentiment

See something inaccurate in this listing?