Experience a ReImagined Boca Lago Country Club

Boca Lago Country Club, established in 1975, has completed a significant golf course renovation and extensive clubhouse improvements that will further cement its position as one of the premier lifestyle clubs in Boca Raton's competitive private-club market.

"The enhancement of the entire property diversifies areas for current and new members and their guests to enjoy the club," said new owner Steven Danza. "The renovations are integral to our vision of promoting a healthy lifestyle, including walking privileges for golfers, enhanced fitness programs, and contemporary menu choices. This positions the Boca Lago Country Club favorably to a wide demographic age range for years to come."

Nestled among 250 acres of pure natural Florida settings with 21 preservation areas and over 50 acres of shimmering lakes, The Boca Lago Country Club's $3.6-million renovation of the clubhouse is nearly complete. The revitalized clubhouse showcases upgraded dining areas and pool complex, as well as all-new outdoor dining and gathering spaces.

Located in Palm Beach County, Boca Lago Country Club features 27 holes of championship golf originally designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge. The entire golf course is now open for play, following an extensive renovation under the direction of golf course ASGCA architect Jan Bel Jan and Golf Course Superintendent George Redshaw.

The redevelopment of the South, East, and West nines included redesigned new TifEagle greens, repositioned and re-contoured bunkers in the fairways and around the greens, as well as reshaped and rearranged teeing surfaces.

The renovation incorporates the best elements of the original course design with a revitalized approach to strategy and playability from each tee. There are multiple choices of how to play each hole, with the lakes and tree lined fairways still playing a pivotal role in the character of all three nines. I had the opportunity to savor the new Boca Lago golf course with a round of golf on the East/West 18, and what a treat. I was scared right off the first tee when our drives had to maneuver around and over the lake that comes into play on the par 5, 550 yard opening hole. There was more excitement looming in front of us, but I found the East not as beastly on the other eight holes. East reaches out to 3380 yards while West reduces the distance to 2967 with three par 3s. South, which we didn't get to play is 3241 from the tips.

The practice facilities have been expanded to include more full-swing space, three practice putting areas and an expanded dedicated short-game area, as well as two practice holes that can be played in multiple ways. I checked out these new practice areas on my way to the West 9 and what a great place to work on drives, short irons and the scoring game near the perfectly manicured greens to get your game in tune. While I was on the driving range, I witnessed respected golf instructor David Lee, the founder of the Gravity Golf School, giving a lesson. David utilizes the new and improved golf practice facilities at Boca Lago to run his South Florida schools. Both the Ladies' and Men's locker rooms have fulltime attendants with complete facilities, card playing, enjoying a cool beverage and watching golf or the View on flat screen TVs.

Boca Lago Country Club offers a variety full and seasonal golf or tennis/social memberships in a number of categories, including single, family, executive junior, and corporate. From May to October, members at Boca Lago have reciprocity with over a dozen other private clubs and golf clubs to enjoy their facilities. Because of the diversity of the memberships, I recommend you contact Shannon Ewing, Membership & Marketing Director, at 561-482-5000, extension 302 or Shannon.Ewing@BocaLago.com.

The transformation of Boca Lago Country Club has strengthened its reputation as one of the area's premier venues for private events, weddings, corporate/charity golf tournaments, and community fund-raising events. Reservations are now being taken for the 2019 season and beyond. PGA Professional Ed Segala and his friendly staff can tailor your event to your needs.

The reconfigured dining room, long a popular special-events venue, has been opened up to accommodate seating for up to 375 guests, including a dance floor and stage. Floor-to-ceiling windows present elevated views of the golf course and lake on the east side of the property.

A new arrival experience and entrance will greet members and guests, enhanced by lush landscaping, a refreshed color palette, and a light, airy lobby. Seating areas and reading nooks have also been added, while the Grille Room, Living Room, and Lounge are updated with new carpeting, furnishings, and vibrant color palette.

The floorplan of the clubhouse has been reconfigured to maximize the views of the golf course, lakes, and swimming pool, while enhancing the flow into an expansive new covered patio. The outdoor Tiki Bar, adjacent to the pool, will feature a grill for casual dining, as well as golfers making the turn. After golf we enjoyed the lunch buffet in the newly redecorated airy Bar and Lounge. The outstanding staff and freshly prepared luncheon choices exceeded our expectations. There is a lunch menu to choose from as well.

The new outdoor area-totally covered as it wraps around the clubhouse from the pool to the main dining room-will offer seating areas, casual dining options, plus additional space for pre-function and cocktail parties. "The covered area around the pool undoubtedly will become a popular gathering spot and provides a tremendous ambiance for anyone planning a special event," Danza added.

Tennis is as much a vital part of the Boca Lago social scene as golf, featuring 20 courts (16 Har-Tru and four hard), lighted for evening play. Boca Lago is home to the Rick Macci Tennis Academy, considered one of the best learning centers in the world. Rick, a Hall of Fame Instructor, has coached both Williams sisters, Andy Roddick and Jennifer Capriati in his storied career.

After lunch, I took a peak at the newly renovated fitness center, the perfect place for a workout on the new resistance and aerobic equipment. Other amenities in the center include a free weight area, a stretching area, state-of-the-art blood pressure measurement station, lockers, flat screen TVs and a full time on site staff to assist with any equipment education and provide personal training. If you want more heat than the South Florida sun, take a seat in the dry saunas located in both the men's and ladies locker rooms.

Future phases of the master plan call for a ceremony gazebo, game room, and locker room enhancements. From what I experienced, this is going to be the place to join and enjoy in Boca Raton. Go Experience the ReImagined Boca Lago Country Club.

For additional information, visit www.bocalago.com or call clubhouse (561/482-5000), membership (561/869-8840), or special events (561/869-8834).