BY AAGE STAFF
MAY 4, 2020 — How would you feel if you invested millions of dollars into building your own golf course only to have any-and-everybody tromping all over on it? Well, firstly, it would erode any exclusivity that you may have planned for your course, and secondly, it may lose its all-important prestige appeal.
In Fall 2019, former NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan (MJ) opened his uber-exclusive Grove XXIII golf course in Hobe Sound, Florida (near Jupiter). The Roman numeral (XXIII) in the course’s name represents Jordan’s jersey number which he wore while playing with the Chicago Bulls. Now, retired, Jordan has taken the full leap from basketball into golf.
A lover of the golf game for years, MJ has taken his passion for the sport to a whole other level, and finally, his long-anticipated 226-acre project is complete. And it came out beautifully with an ingenious double-helix layout. The course can be played in four nine + nine combinations, or played as shorter three- to six-hole loops. Don Wolfe, principal at NBWW was awarded the design contract. Architect, Bobby Weed.
The vastness of the property with its sandy, grass-covered spaces between the holes is likened to the same venue that showcases the US Open on Long Island (NY). But here, sitting on a former citrus grove, the bottom line is that MJ can invite whomever he wishes to come and play his prestigious course. This means the basketball billionaire can enjoy rounds with golfers from all over the world, many who are much better than himself. Worth a reportedly $1.9 billion, MJ not only loves a good golf game, even more, loves betting when he plays it.
Although he is not the sole owner—but a majority owner—on January 14, 2020, Jordan is listed as Director on the Florida Not For-profit Corporation Annual Report filed with the Secretary of State. The Grove XXIII is private and carries an ‘invite-only’ policy. This means that not just anyone can simply call up and book a tee time at the course.
Is your name on the list?
In February, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin played Grove XXIII alongside PGA Tour champion Rickie Fowler and former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip. Names like these, individuals of wealth and privilege love to play golf. Every facet of the game speaks to those who are titans of good fortune, from Presidents of the United States to corporate leaders, movie/music moguls, celebrities, socialites, and other iconic influencers.
A forum posting on golfwrx.com read, “I played it Feb 3rd. First day the clubhouse was open. MJ was there. Pro Shop is amazing. Course won’t be in any top 100 lists but it will be a blast to play. Many different routings. Wind will be its defense. The practice area is out of this world. They thought of everything. Can’t imagine being a member there. The vibe will be like no other place on the planet.” The Grove XXIII is located at 2323 SE Blackcat Way, Hobe Sound, FL 33455.
Since its inception, Grove XXIII was predestined to be a haven beyond the reach of a majority of average golfers. Jordan’s private course and all of its luxurious amenities will be a welcome respite for his ‘special guests’ and higher-income bracket individuals. At last count, there were only 75 members to enjoy the main clubhouse which consists of 15,000 sf of men’s and women’s lockers, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a retail shop and kitchen/dining facilities.
RELATED: Michael Jordan’s Golf Course Grove XXIII to Open in 2019
MJ has succeeded in his goal of building a lavish golf course. This once young man from Chicago who made it big in the NBA, gained exposure to the finer things in life, and now has his Grove XXIII golf course. It must be amazing to him. Some may wonder if he will pass along any privileges to those who cannot afford the opulence of a Grove XXIII membership. Or, will the ocean-breeze swept course simply be another jewel in his cap of mega-material wealth, to be flaunted and swooned over? As one of the most competitive athletes of all time, MJ’s gem course is now one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, and if it’s on your bucket, list it will probably stay there.
