Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Trump International Golf Club

79

West Palm Beach, Florida

Established
1999
Architect
Jim Fazio
Access
Private – members & guests
Par
Par 72
Length
5,114 – 7,496 yds
The verdict

Big, Bold, Demanding, Exclusive

Trump International West Palm Beach is a pure test of championship golf, blending brute yardage with sleek landscaping and serious tournament pedigree. It is a statement course built to exacting, modern standards—and more than holds its own among Florida’s elite private clubs.

Course DNA
Difficulty
89
Scenery
76
Conditioning
91
Shot Variety
78
Walkability
61
Green Complexity
81
Wow Factor
74
Design Quality
73
Don't miss

Check out the view from the back of the iconic clubhouse patio at sunset, where dramatic closing holes provide a spectacular live show for finishing groups.

At a glance

Quick facts

Hosted U.S. Women's Open
2017
LPGA event host
8 times
Course architect
Jim Fazio
27 holes on property
3 nines
Best-in-state ranking
Top 15 in Florida
Notable winners
Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb
Trump Golf's first course
Opened 1999
The design

The architecture

Trump International’s Championship Course is unmistakably bold, a modern South Florida titan that pairs muscle with manicured beauty. Jim Fazio’s routing is expansive, weaving broad fairways and deep water hazards around a demanding par-72 blueprint. The design refuses to let up: forced carries, penal rough, and protected greens demand a confident, patient game. It may be contemporary in look, but it summons championship nerves and offers true risk–reward everywhere.

Jim Fazio left a power-player signature here: size, scale, and toughness.

Defining features
  • Large, fast greens with subtle slopes
  • Expansive fairways flanked by water or sand
  • Dramatic forced carries on numerous holes
  • Modern contour bunkering in play for all levels
  • Memorable finishing stretch with tournament pedigree
  • Imposing, grand clubhouse vista on opening and closing holes
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 2

South Florida Gauntlet

PAR
5
YARDAGE
581

An early test, this sweeping par 5 showcases wide fairways nudged by water and strategic bunkering—daring you to take an aggressive line in pursuit of an eagle look. The wind is always a live variable, and layups or bold attempts both have consequences.

Play it smart

Keep your drive left to avoid water on the right, then weigh your risk on a long approach over trouble.

Where it bites

Water right off the tee, and a cunningly protected green with trouble lurking on approach.

Course management

Shots to think about

Long par-4 tee shot with water in play
Dial back the driver for control—better short and safe than flirting with a big number.
Approach into a green with tight runoffs
Err to the wide side; misses short-side are hard to recover.
Windy day across exposed back nine
Club up and focus on shot shape—flight the ball beneath the breeze.
Second shot on reachable par 5
Check your distance and pin—lay up if you can't clear the crown of bunkers.
Facing slick, multi-tiered greens
Aim for the proper level—two-putting is a success on most holes here.
Recovery from deep greenside bunkers
Focus on blasting safely to the fat part of the green; don’t chase perfection from sand.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Tournament-lush, fast greens and perfectly maintained fairways year-round.

Pace

Efficient member groups with championship-level time expectations.

Vibe

Upscale, exclusive, with attention to championship tradition.

Dress code

Strict club dress code—collar required, no denim.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Bring distance—and discipline

Pack your long game: this layout rewards power, but punishes errant shots off the tee.

02

Scrutinize pin locations

With multi-tiered greens and water protecting approaches, study the pin sheet to plan your bailouts.

03

Expect South Florida wind

Wind is a real constant here, especially on exposed stretches; practice controlling trajectory.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1999

    Championship Course opens, designed by Jim Fazio

  2. 2002

    LPGA Tour event debuts at the club

  3. 2009

    Hosts U.S. Junior Amateur (New Course)

  4. 2015

    Awarded Golf Magazine's Best U.S. Private Course Renovation

  5. 2017

    Hosts U.S. Women's Open and KitchenAid Senior PGA

  6. 2023

    Venue for Aramco Team Series

Stories & legends

What makes it special

origin

South Florida Showpiece

Jim Fazio's master plan transformed prime West Palm Beach land into an elite, muscular test—an instant rival to Florida's best the moment it debuted. This was the Trump Organization's groundbreaking leap into high-end golf, and it set a new local standard.

competition

A Major Stage for Champions

Eight LPGA stars have lifted trophies here, with matches and moments that have shaped the club’s lore—including Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa’s victories. The 2017 U.S. Women’s Open brought even more global spotlight and championship intensity.

design

Grand Ambitions, Grand Design

Every inch was built to impress—massive, immaculate fairways, expansive water features, and a clubhouse that speaks to exclusivity. Jim Fazio’s vision was a fortress of championship golf; it remains Florida’s gold-standard for aspirational scale.

variety

27 Holes, No Weak Links

The club’s three nines keep the rotation and challenge fresh, with the Championship routing forming the backbone for major moments and member showdowns. Each nine brings its own flavor, but the central theme is bold, uncompromising golf.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Site of Annika Sorenstam's 59 in competition preparation.

2

Trump's first-ever golf property acquisition.

3

Hosted both LPGA and senior major championships.

4

Known for one of the longest routings in Florida.

5

The clubhouse overlooks the 9th and 18th greens for a dramatic finish.

Build the trip

If you're making a Palm Beach golf trip out of it

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

Top modern public design with wide fairways and creative greens.

North Palm Beach Country Club
Public

Jack Nicklaus muni with fun greens and classic vibe.

Abacoa Golf Club
Public

Quality public daily-fee golf near Palm Beach Gardens.

PGA National Resort – The Champion
Resort

Resort access to a former Honda Classic host, famed 'Bear Trap' closing stretch.

Stay in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach Gardens for easy access to both private and top public courses.

Course DNA

If You Like Trump International Golf Club

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

From the community

Community Sentiment

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