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HISTORY OF PANTHER WOODS COUNTRY CLUB |
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In the 1920's, what is now Panther Woods was a virgin pine barren. The building boom at the time resulted in the cutting and selling of the timber and the land was then used for farming pineapple crops as well as general produce. Then, over the years, it gradually reverted to a new growth of pines.
In the mid 1970's a developer, St. Lucie Pines, purchased the land where Panther Woods now stands, and planned to establish five-acre home sites. No sites were purchased and the developer sold to a French company called Nice Investment. They platted the lands for streets, lots and a golf course. The area was named Monte Carlo and the original plat has survived. At that time, it was difficult to get money out of France to begin the development and it was sold again in early 1980.
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A German group, headed by Leopold Estein, was the purchaser. Work was started and the clubhouse opened December 1, 1983. John Randolph McDonald from West Palm Beach was the architect of the 48,000 square foot multi-level clubhouse.
The World Mixed Championship Golf Tournament was held December 15-18, 1983 with Patti Rizzo and Ray Floyd representing Monte Carlo Country Club. However, Sam Snead and Joanne Carner won the tournament.
Ray Floyd was hired to represent Monte Carlo as a touring pro and Bernard Langer and Patti Rizzo were contracted to represent Monte Carlo in golf, as was Björn Borg in tennis.
In 1985 and 1986 Monte Carlo hosted senior golf tournaments and in the late 1990's a Super Seniors' event was held.
Bob Goalby has been a frequent visitor over the years. In all, four Masters' winners have lived or played at Panther Woods Country Club!
The ten, 12 unit condominiums were completed in 1984. What was Patti Rizzo Plaza is now Quail Run Village and what was Yvonne Plaza and Nadja Plaza is now Lakeshore Village. Whippoorwill Run townhouses were completed later.
The course was designed by Charles Ankrum. There are currently six sets of tees ranging from the gold tees at 6744 yards to the red tees at 5014. The course is situated on 195 acres, giving the player a rare spaciousness.
Sunrise Savings and Loan, which was financing the development, closed in 1985 and Club Corporation was then hired to administer Monte Carlo.
In August 1988, the Hankins Group purchased the property. The development was renamed Meadowood and the club was incorporated under the name Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club, Inc. Extensive renovations were done to the clubhouse and the swimming pool, tennis/swim complex and three tennis courts were built with the later addition of two more courts. The condominiums were also upgraded and model homes were built.
For Sam Snead, winner of three Masters' Tournaments plus many other major golf accomplishments, Panther Woods was his winter home for 14 years. In 1988 Sam Snead became the Resident Golf Pro Emeritus. When he was here, he was either playing a round, on the practice tee or regaling members with tales of his many golf accomplishments.
The Club celebrated Sam’s 90th birthday in the Spring of 2002 - just before he left to hit his last opening shot at the Masters. He passed away a short time later.
In November 1992 a member group headed by Ted Maurer, purchased the golf course, clubhouse and tennis/swim center. The intent was to ensure a continuing private country club operation.
In 1996, the club was leased to WELP, a company headed by Lothar Estein, son of the original developer, Leopold. It was at this point that the development's name was changed to Panther Woods and the Club's name became Panther Woods Country Club.
Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances, in the fall of 2004, wreaked havoc with the golf course and clubhouse. The course was closed for over two months, the clubhouse for six months. The happy part of this story is, the clubhouse was totally refurbished with new roof, interior drywall, painting, carpeting etc. The Members' Grill, smaller dining room and main dining room that seats up to 300 are now in top-notch shape for all of our dining enjoyment and camaraderie.
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Sam Outside His Home at PWCC
Bobby Bowden
Bob Goalby
Sam's 90th Birthday Party
Slamming Sammy Snead |
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In January 2005, after seven years of leasing the club to a private developer, the members, under the direction of an elected Board of Governors, took over the management of the Club.
In the summer of 2006, the greens were resurfaced with Champion Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda Grass and the greenside bunkers were all refurbished.
The Tennis Center facility has five Har-Tru Courts that were resurfaced in late 2005. There is also a large, heated pool, locker rooms and an activity center. Our Tennis Professional keeps everyone busy with matches and clinics.
When fully developed there will be about 500 residences, which will include 120 condominiums and 380 single-family homes, villas and townhouses.
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