With a series of changes, life keeps getting better at this Boca Raton stalwart.
It is truly out with the Olde at St. Andrews Country Club, where the Olde course just underwent a top-to-bottom renovation by Tommy Fazio (Tom’s nephew) that made the lushly landscaped layout more playable and more fun. It also makes the Fazio II course, as it’s now known, a more suitable complement to the Palmer Course, which the late superstar designed with acres of sand and water on almost every hole.
And there’s more in store as part of a multi-year, $25 million improvement plan. The golf practice facility has been redesigned, as was one of the club’s ballrooms and ladies’ card room. Next to go will be the spa, to be replaced by a brand-new, 11,000-square-foot facility with multiple treatment rooms and salons for men and women. The fitness and tennis facility—where long-time tennis star Aaron Krickstein runs an active program—will be overhauled in 2018.
But some things will never change, says General Manager Craig Martin. Members never need a tee time: “They just get out of bed, get in a golf cart, and get right out on the course. It’s the same with our other facilities.” Dining will always be a big draw, led by a former Ritz-Carlton chef and a nutritionist who can work one-on-one with members.
The resale market is active—about 50 homes a year from the 725 total—with many older ones being rebuilt and expanded; prices average around $1.5 million. Martin says home values have exceeded other area clubs. “People are getting a full lifestyle experience. We pride ourselves on anticipating what members want before they know it.”