Justin Thomas’ first golf course set for opening

Panther National, designed by Justin Thomas and Jack Nicklaus, is set to open in Florida this November.

The championship golf course will be Thomas’ design debut, featuring huge elevation changes and beach-like bunkers.

Over 18 holes, Panther National can play anywhere from 8,000 yards to 4,500 yards, offering several ways to tackle the private venue.

Behind the design is the chance for the course to be a ‘major tournament’ test for expert golfers, while remaining enjoyable for players of all abilities.

Thomas, who reckons Panther is ‘destined to be one of the top private courses in Florida’, is a two-time major champion and Ryder Cup star.

The 30-year-old is entering the design industry with one of the finest golf course designers in the world, and a globally recognised name.

Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time, winning 117 events including a record-breaking 18 major championships.

However, the ‘Golden Bear’ has showcased his expertise in course design and architecture, with a portfolio of over 300 courses.

Panther National

Nicklaus’ latest work, Panther National, is in Palm Beach County, and offers a massive resort spread over 2,400 acres of land.

Alongside the enormous Panther Clubhouse, the complex will also boast a Lifestyle Club and Spa, pools and cabanas, tennis courts, pickleball courts and over ten miles of nature trails.

On the golf front, Panther National will have a par-3 short course, stretching over nine stunning holes.

With three different tee options, they will range from 54 yards to 200 yards to provide a huge variety of shot types and approaches.

Golfers will struggle to find a more enjoyable round than this, and the 7th hole even has an island green, designed to replicate the famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.

Nickalus echoed that sentiment about the championship course, too, as he said: “You won’t find any golf course that’s even remotely close to it in all South Florida.”

Panther really is a golf heaven, offering a performance centre, practice range, and short game practice area.

Undoubtedly, though, the Panther putting course, inspired by the Himalayas track at St Andrews, is what every golfer really wants to get stuck into.

Founder and President, Dominik Senn, said: “With Panther National, I wanted to create something very special with Jack and Justin.

“So, we have moved almost two 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 neighbouring nature preserve. Players can expect the best possible golf experience.”