Florida boasts some of the most beautiful golf courses in the nation, and McArthur Golf Club is a must-play for serious golfers. Situated in Hobe Sound, this private Tom Fazio-designed course promises a challenging yet rewarding round amidst Florida’s natural landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a golf enthusiast looking to tackle this prestigious course, these top tips will help you make the most of your round at McArthur Golf Club.
1. Understand the Course Layout
Take a few minutes prior to teeing off on the first tee to familiarize yourself with the course layout. McArthur Golf Club is a 18-hole, private championship course that features rolling fairways, well-placed bunkers, and undulating greens. The course plays a little more than 7,300 yards from the back tees, but several sets of tee boxes make it accessible for all levels.
The holes to pay attention to are:
● Hole 4: A par-4 that is a long one with water on the left.
● Hole 12: A risk-return par-5 with a highly protected green.
● Hole 18: A flamboyant finish hole with a lake defending the approach.
Knowing the layout will prevent you from making expensive errors and enhance your total score.
2. Play the Correct Tees for Your Ability
One of the most common errors golfers commit at McArthur Golf Club is using tees that are too long for their skill. Although the course presents a championship-level challenge, choosing the right tee box will create a more enjoyable round.
● Black Tees (7,300+ yards): For scratch or low-handicap players.
● Blue Tees (6,700 yards): Suitable for mid-handicappers.
● White Tees (6,100 yards): Suitable for higher handicappers or those who prioritize fun over challenge.
Selecting good tees guarantees an equitable but competitive round of golf with consistent pace of play.
3. Tame the Fast and Undulating Greens
The greens are fast and break subtly at McArthur Golf Club. Most golfers find them difficult to read, resulting in three-putts. Here’s how to deal with them:
● Pay Notice to Grain: Florida’s Bermuda greens tend to have grain that impacts ball speed. Putts into the grain will be slower, and down-grain putts will be faster.
● Play More Break Than You See: The greens have slight contours that can mislead even seasoned players.
● Lag Putting is Crucial: Pay attention to putting your first putt close to prevent large numbers.
Getting some time on the practice green prior to your round can acclimate you to the pace.
4. Handle the Wind and Weather
Florida’s location along the coast makes wind a significant component at McArthur Golf Club. The course is very open, with not many trees to hinder gusts, so playing adaptation is essential.
● Club Selection: Playing into the wind, play at least one club back. Shots downwind might be less.
● Low-Ball Flight: Holding the ball back in windy weather keeps it more under control.
● Check the Forecast: The afternoons in Florida tend to bring thunderstorms, so take an early tee time to find smoother air.
5. Steer Clear of the Bunkers and Native Zones
McArthur Golf Club has large waste bunkers and native zones that will punish slices. Although generous fairways are provided, it’s still tough to recover from a miss.
● Bias the Center of Fairways: Even when you feel inclined to take shortcuts, playing safely off the tee will leave you in play.
● Master Bunker Shots: The sand bunkers are deep and nicely raked, so learning to get out of them quickly will shave strokes.
● Play Clever Recoveries: When you get in trouble, sometimes pitching sideways is better than trying a hero shot.
6. Leverage Caddie Services (If Offered)
Because McArthur Golf Club is a private club, caddie services might be extended to members and guests. A skilled caddie can give you indispensable advice on:
● Green Reading: Nobody is more familiar with the breaks.
● Course Strategy: They’ll assist you in placing shots for the optimal angle into greens.
● Club Selection: Wind, slope, and pin position all come into play in their suggestion.
Even if you’re an experienced golfer, a caddie can enhance your experience at McArthur Golf Club.
7. Enjoy the Scenery and Club Amenities
Beyond the golf, McArthur Golf Club offers a luxurious experience. The clubhouse features top-tier dining, a well-stocked pro shop, and practice facilities that rival the best in Florida.
● Warm Up Properly: The driving range and short-game area are excellent for pre-round preparation.
● Relax Post-Round: Dine on the patio overlooking the 18th green.
● Discover the Club’s Amenities: Some private clubs provide extra amenities such as tennis, pool, or social functions.
Final Thoughts
Playing McArthur Golf Club is a privilege, and with proper preparation, you can enjoy the most from this world-class course. Knowing the layout, choosing the proper tees, learning to dominate the greens, and making accommodations for wind will put you in great shape. Regardless of member or guest, these pointers will have you ride over the obstacles and have one of Florida’s great golf experiences.
