A Club Built for Jordan’s Game
Michael Jordan wanted a course where elite match play and wagering reigned. Bobby Weed’s design delivers exactly that, with fast turf, risky half-par holes, and a routing that mirrors Jordan's unique competitive edge.
The verdict
Modern, exclusive, fiercely strategic
Grove XXIII sets the gold standard for exclusivity and modern strategy in Florida golf, with Bobby Weed’s double-helix layout designed for fast, firm, and flexible play. Its legendary privacy and inventive architecture make it a mythic destination—if you’re lucky enough to get an invite.
Course DNA
Difficulty
84
Scenery69
Conditioning94
Shot Variety91
Walkability78
Green Complexity89
Wow Factor88
Design Quality93
At a glance
Quick facts
Owner
Michael Jordan
Site History
Former citrus grove
Practice Facility
Advanced, tech-driven complex
Routing Style
Double-helix crossover with multiple loops
Number of Lakes
Six, a nod to Jordan’s NBA titles
Grass Types
Bermuda tees, fairways, greens
Membership Size
Fewer than 100 members
Famous Nickname
"Slaughterhouse 23"
The design
The architecture
Grove XXIII is a study in modern, strategic minimalism, built to serve both Michael Jordan’s competitive instincts and the pursuit of pure, fast match play. Bobby Weed’s routing employs a double-helix/figure-of-eight pattern, intersected by crossover holes and multiple loops, so play can be tailored to any match length or wager. The course’s fast Bermuda turf, subtle topography, and a plethora of 'half-par' holes force constant decision-making. With broad fairways, segmented greens, and risky water and bunker placement, every round is a mental and physical test, rewarding creativity and boldness alike.
Bobby Weed crafted Grove XXIII as an architecturally daring, flexible, and ultra-private test where shot decisions and match dynamics shift from tee to tee.
Defining features
- Double-helix routing with crossover holes and internal loops
- Match-play emphasis with multiple 'half-par' holes
- Large, creatively contoured greens offering wide variety
- Sparse tree cover, open ground-game friendly corridors
- Water features nodding to Jordan’s championship history
- Flawless Bermuda conditioning throughout
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 8
Double Dogleg
PAR
5
YARDAGE
542 yds
A twisting par 5 renowned for its aggressive double-dogleg shape, the 8th demands tactical placement on each shot. Its vast, bi-level green banks hard against the water, amplifying the risk-reward stakes.
Play it smart
Precision layups and angle control set up a score, but the bold player can attack the green in two for a shot at glory—or disaster.
Where it bites
Miss left and your approach flirts with water; the bi-level green is treacherous for anyone out of position.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching a half-par hole
Aggression pays, but only when you have the angle and nerves—read risk versus reward on every shot.
Deciding tee strategy with multiple loop options
Adjust your game plan for the chosen loop length, and pace your wagering appropriately—matches can swing fast and furious here.
Playing firm, running fairways
Embrace the ground game—use low bullets and chase approaches for maximum advantage.
Facing a green with heavy contour
Don’t fire blindly at the flag; know your tiers and leave your ball below the hole whenever possible.
Reaching the closing stretch
Gamble big only if you can recover—risk ramps up across the final signature holes.
Playing around the many water hazards
Commit to every carry, but respect the crosswinds and the subtle illusions created by low site lines.
Navigating match play with elite company
Psychology counts—watch your opponent’s choices and know when to challenge or lay back.
Watch
See it before you play it
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Immaculate, superlative private-club polish—fast, firm, and true.
Pace
Flexible and usually rapid thanks to multiple short loops and highly limited membership.
Vibe
Exclusive, competitive, but relaxed for those 'inside'—a true inner sanctum.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Master the run-up shot
Firm Bermuda fairways and approachable green fronts reward low, bounding approach play—dial in your bump-and-run.
02
Practice creative short game options
Contoured putting surfaces and segmented practice greens mean you’ll face plenty of tricky chips and lag putts—hone your touch.
03
Be match-play ready
Every hole can swing a match; prepare for intense one-on-one battles and keep your mental game sharp.
04
Pack for sun and comfort
It’s South Florida—carry sun protection and lightweight gear, and follow any specific guest attire rules relayed with your invitation.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2015
Reports surface that Michael Jordan is pursuing a private golf retreat in Florida.
- 2019
Grove XXIII officially opens in Hobe Sound with Bobby Weed Golf Design.
- 2019
Debut of the innovative double-helix routing and match-play centric design.
- 2020
"Slaughterhouse 23" nickname emerges, reflecting Jordan’s legendary competitive culture.
- 2023
Grove XXIII’s privacy and architectural edge continue to attract national golf media attention.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Six Lakes, Six Rings
Observers quickly picked up on the course’s six distinct lakes—a playful architectural nod to Jordan’s six NBA championships, reinforcing the club’s aura as a stage for personal greatness.
Mystique: The Ultimate Private Invitation
With membership reportedly capped below 100 and access strictly by invitation, tales swirl of high-stakes games and unparalleled privacy—making Grove XXIII one of golf’s most mythical modern venues.
The Double-Helix Routing Revolution
Weed’s twisting, interlocking layout allows matches that can be three, six, nine, or eighteen holes—it’s tactical, social, and as flexible as the inner circle wishes.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Membership is rumored to be below 100, among the most exclusive in golf.
2
Nicknamed “Slaughterhouse 23” for MJ’s match-play dominance and high-stakes games.
3
The six lakes on the property honor Jordan’s six NBA championships.
4
Practice area is described as one of the most technologically advanced in the US.
5
Course routing allows for three-, six-, or nine-hole loops—uniquely flexible for wagering.
Build the trip
If you're making a Palm Beaches golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
PGA National Resort – Champion Course
Resort/Public
Bear Trap and tour-level challenge
The Park West Palm
Public
Pure public golf with elite greens and crowds
Breakers Rees Jones Course
Resort
Impeccable conditioning, prestige setting
Jupiter Hills Club
Private
A regular in state/national rankings
Dye Preserve Golf Club
Private
Distinctive modern design nearby
Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens for easy access to the area’s best golf, dining, and luxury amenities.
Course DNA
If You Like Grove XXIII
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Strong DNA Match6.7
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Strong DNA Match7.2
Sandy Pines Golf Club
DeMotte, IndianaConditioning
Why it matches: Sandy Pines Golf Club is a natural next stop after Grove XXIII: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Strong DNA Match8.6
Chevy Chase Club
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Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Chevy Chase Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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