HOBE SOUND (Florida) — Miami Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross wants to achieve more this season than just win the Super Bowl. Stephen Ross is also taking his first steps into the golf club industry, and he didn’t aim low.
Ross is partnering with North Palm Beach resident Michael Pascucci to build an audacious three-championship-course private club in Hobe Sound, just west of Interstate 95 off Bridge Road.
Apogee is the name of a club that is used to describe when an object is at its greatest distance from Earth’s center. It’s like a Rory McIlroy driving. McIlroy, Ernie Els and other consultants are involved in the project.
Pascucci, pronounced Puh-scoochy, is no stranger to the game of golf. He has built the highly regarded Sebonack golf club in Southampton, New York and lived at Lost Tree Club with Jack Nicklaus for over 30 years. Ross, 83 years old, lives in Palm Beach and is the owner of Related Companies, which has become a major player on West Palm Beach’s real estate market.
Why would they build something as complex as Apogee in this stage of their career (their combined ages total 170)? Both men are physically fit enough to walk the 18 holes. If uber-successful entrepreneurs like Ross and Pascucci undertake a project, they do so because they see an opening: the COVID-19 epidemic has caused millions to travel from the Northeast and West Coast to Florida, increasing the demand for private high-end golf.
Ross, speaking to The Palm Beach Post, said: “We saw this tremendous growth in South Florida – particularly around West Palm Beach. Related has been there for over 20 years.” “We saw all these companies and businesses coming to town, and we knew that there would be a huge demand for world-class Golf.” Ross told The Palm Beach Post.
“Our plan for Apogee was to create a golf experience of the highest quality to meet the demand. Our vision was to create the best golf experience in the world, a six-star experience. We are creating amenities that will be the best in class, beyond golf. We believe that we are setting a new benchmark.
Apogee is planned as a three-championship-course private club in Hobe Sound, Florida, just west of Interstate 95 off Bridge Road. (Provided photo)
Wayne Huizenga, former Dolphins owner, piqued Pascucci’s interest in golf
Pascucci was inspired to buy a golf club by Wayne Huizenga, a former Dolphins owner. Pascucci was impressed when he visited Huizenga’s Floridian Club, in Palm City, about 25 years ago.
Pascucci said: “I asked Wayne ‘Why do you do this?’ and he replied, ‘It is great for business, and I get take care of my friend’s.'” “Only one person was present that day. But he had a guy in mind he wanted to meet. Clarence Thomas, (Supreme Court Judge) was there. “That was impressive.”
Pascucci was soon bitten by the golf ownership bug. In 1999, Pascucci joined Nicklaus as a founding member of The Bear’s Club Jupiter. Pascucci then built Sebonack seven years later after convincing his neighbor Tom Doak to co-design the house.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross watches from the sidelines at Hard Rock Stadium during the fourth quarter of a game between the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA TODAY Sports
Pascucci takes another bite at the apple of a private golf course almost a generation after he first did. It’s a big bite. He knew that South Florida was in need of something.
Pascucci stated that the cost of joining a private club has increased and there are many restrictions for guests to play. “I decided that if I could find the right land, I would build three championship golf courses.”
More: Former USGA chief Mike Davis takes on ambitious project to design golf courses in South Florida
Both men split the work: Pascucci focused on the golf side by finding and hiring architects for the 1,220 acres of land along the St. Lucie Canal, while Ross used his building expertise. Pascucci did not want to deal homeowners associations. Plans call for 54 luxury homes ranging from two to eight bedrooms. There are also two Hart Howerton designed clubhouses, two short par-3 golf courses, putting greens and practice areas, and a helicopterport. Non-golfers can enjoy a wellness center, fitness center and racquetsports. There are also fishing lakes, restaurants, nature trails, restaurants, a heliport, and putting greens.
Ross stated that “working with Mike was a wonderful experience.” He is the epitome a true professional – not to mention, the world’s best salesman. Our ability to execute, and his golf knowledge are all things that complement each other. His talent is evident in what he has created at Sebonack. “This is a really great collaboration.”
It’s not cheap to become a member. The initial price is $550,000 or more. Pascucci and Ross think the price is reasonable because they have the option of three championship golf courses, plus all the amenities, and don’t need to purchase a house.
Three different architects design three courses
Gil Hanse, course architect at a media unveiling of the PGA of America’s new golf courses on Frisco, Texas October 18, 2019. Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty images for the PGA of America
Pascucci has hired three different architects to design the courses. South Florida residents Tommy Fazio, Mike Davis, the ex-USGA executive director are building Apogee South which will open in late 2020. Kyle Phillips who designed Kingsbarn, a golf course in Scotland, built Apogee north, which is set to open late in 2025.
Pascucci, like most elite private clubs that have multiple golf courses, felt it essential to offer different styles of golf to the members. He gave them freedom to create their own designs, but with one caveat.
Pascucci stated, “I asked that all three courses end with par-5s.” “I convinced Jack and Tom (at Sebonack), when I reminded Jack about all the courses that he played with par-5s. I didn’t like that any of Apogee’s courses ended with a par-4 because it usually makes members unhappy after a round.
Pascucci explains that living next to the greatest golfer in the world at Lost Tree comes with its benefits. Pascucci says that the Golden Bear is not only a golf expert, but also has a lot of experience in building and dismantling courses.
Pascucci stated, “You could not have a more perfect neighbor.” There’s always something happening at Jack’s. He has nice toys, like grass tennis court, and Barbara is a great person. You can always find something to eat or drink.
Ross, on the other hand, only took up golf in his 70s, after an injury to his shoulder ended his tennis career. He’s tried to make amends for his lost time.
Ross stated, “I became addicted to golf as soon as I started playing.” It’s the only sport in which you are not just playing the course, or your opponent, but also yourself. It’s an incredibly addictive game.
It’s like trying to win your team’s first Super Bowl after 50 years.
