Par 3 Pleasure Written by K i K i Hobbs Photographed by David L. Williams II
AT THE NEST
THIS SUMMER, PALM BEACH GARDENS’ NEWEST GOLF FACILITY OPENED ITS DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, LETTING GOLFERS TEST THEIR SHORT GAME SKILLS ON THE CITY’S NEW, PUBLIC PAR-3 COURSE. The Nest, situated next to the City’s other public course, Sandhill Crane Golf Club, boasts a 30,000 square foot putting green, two bars, retail, and casual dining, but the amenity that appears to be generating the most buzz is its two-story driving range, which includes 18 covered hitting bays. The bays are split between two levels of The Nest’s clubhouse with nine downstairs and nine upstairs. Each one is equipped with Trackman technology, a ball tracking system similar to what’s used at popular entertainment venues like Drive Shack and Top Golf. In the bays, golfers can use the Trackman to play fun games like Closest to the Pin, Capture the Flag, and Bullseye. They can also play a virtual round of golf on Trackman’s courses of the month, which include a rotating selection of some of the country’s most iconic golf courses like California’s Pebble Beach Golf Links. 6
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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“Basically, it shows you, on the screen, the hole that you could be playing in Monterey, California, and it shows your shot and tracks the ball based on your shot in the driving range,” says Casey Mitchell, PGA, the Golf General Manager. Mitchell says for many younger players, going to the driving range to practice your swing can be “stuffy and boring,” but the Trackman’s gaming options are making kids excited to go out and work on their swing. According to Mitchell, the games are also a great, nonthreatening way to introduce people to golf. She says she’s seen plenty of first-time golfers pick up a club and reserve a bay, including parents who are passing the time while their kids take a private lesson or families who are looking for a fun, group activity.
