By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
Founded by sports marketing agent Dominik Senn, Panther National is a private membership community in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida that is comprised of signature estate homes that have been designed by celebrated architect Max Strang. Strang is known for emphasizing the importance of sustainability in luxury design and once told Aspire Magazine, “I feel strongly that sustainability should be a prerequisite for luxury.”
“We had a huge groundbreaking in the fall of 2023 and hit the one-year mark last November,” says Sharon Miller, the Director of Brand and Marketing at Panther National. “We celebrated the course opening with an amazing 3-on-3 exhibition and inaugural drives hit by Mr. Nicklaus and Justin Thomas.
Still growing, Panther National is a 2024 Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Private Facility, the club’s first GRAA award. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas, the 18-hole championship golf course offers substantial elevation changes, beautiful views and tees from 4,500-8,000 yards in length.\
In addition to this challenging layout, members can enjoy the “Panther9” short course, a par 27 track with holes between 90-150 yards. What’s unique about this par 3 layout is that the shots players have to these greens mirror various approach shots they’ll face on the championship course. It also features an island green that was inspired by the storied 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.
“Panther9 is a perfect complement to our championship course – ideal for pros honing their short game and beginners developing confidence,” Senn says.
The Panther National golf experience, however, goes beyond the golf course. It offers an array of additional practice and social amenities that enable members to hone their skills and share time with friends and family in a leisurely and fun setting. The following areas of the facility are already open for business.
The Panther National Practice Area, “JT’s baby,” as Miller describes it, is a double-sided facility that offers many opportunities for members to work on full-swing and focused wedge play. This practice range has 27 target greens that mimic different length par threes for an enhanced practice experience every time. This unparalleled design helps players work on distance control and shot shaping. The 27-yard-wide U.S. Open width fairway runs through the center, preparing golfers for the course by making driving practice more difficult than playing the game.
“Designing Panther National’s practice facility was an incredible experience. I wanted to create a space where every shot mirrors what professionals encounter on Tour,” Justin Thomas says proudly.
Panther National also features a putting course called “The Cub” that was inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course at St. Andrews. It’s a one-acre Nicklaus design where members can gather before or after their rounds, enjoy time with family, continue to practice or settle those bets that went unresolved on the championship course. They even built a Short Game Training Area that is a great tool to help golfers determine their wedge distances and improve their pitches and chip shots.
Of first-time course architect Justin Thomas, Miller says he brought a fresh perspective to the championship layout design and was handpicked by Nicklaus himself from a small group of potential collaborators. In addition to the youth and fresh point-of-view that JT brings, Panther National has an Ambassadors program that includes a stellar list of some of the greatest players in the modern game.
According to the Panther National website, “These individuals transcend the boundaries of conventional representation, becoming living embodiments of the values and spirit that define Panther National. Selected not just for their athletic prowess but for their unwavering commitment to quality on and off the field, these players are inspirational figures, epitomizing the standard of achievement that Panther National aspires to uphold.”
The Ambassadors Program includes Nicklaus and Thomas, of course, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Sahith Theegala, Viktor Hovland, Nick Dunlap, Erik Van Rooyen, Camilo Villegas, Morgan Hoffman and LPGA superstar Lexi Thompson.
Serving its members and growing the Panther National community is a golf professional staff of more than 10 PGA of America Members and Associates, including Quarter Century PGA Member Tom Dyer, the club’s PGA of America Director of Golf. Dyer has earned Golf Professional of the Year and Teacher of the Year honors from the SECPGA and was selected South Florida PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year for Private Facilities in 2009.
“Justin’s feedback shaped every aspect of our unmatched practice facilities. His passion for precision is evident in every detail,” Dyer explains. “The championship course’s four par 3 and four par 5 holes run in eight different directions on the compass. That means you’ll face different playing conditions on each hole – headwinds, crosswinds, tailwinds – making every round unique.”
Looking ahead, Panther National members will enjoy various other amenities, including a Racquet Center featuring pickleball, tennis and panel courts coming in early 2026, a new clubhouse in the fall of 2026 and a Lifestyle Club & Wellness Center in the fall of 2027.
Thomas says, “Panther National is destined to be one of the top private courses in Florida.”
With an exciting vision for Panther National that continues to grow, Founder Senn gets the final word, “As a former skier, I think very much in landforms. With Panther National, I wanted to create something very special with Jack and Justin. So, we have moved almost three million cubic yards of earth to shape a championship course with a links style. We blended dramatic holes with lakes and the look of the neighboring nature preserve. Players can expect the best possible golf experience.”
