History

Conceived in 1975 and named after the distinctive tree on the eighteenth fairway, Bent Pine Golf Club was opened for play in 1979. A small nucleus of men, mostly from John’s Island Club, had the vision of an intimate private club which would be kept uncrowded enough to afford no structured tee times. The vision was of a championship course boasting rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens.

Bent Pine was the first golf facility to be carved out of the sand ridge in once rural Vero Beach. It was a risky and courageous decision by the founding fathers to venture from the barrier island to this totally undeveloped area where few people lived.

Bent Pine became identified early on as one of the masterpieces of noted architect Joe Lee. In addition to Bent Pine, Joe Lee designed many renowned courses including La Costa (CA), Jekyll Island Gold Club (SC), Country Club of Virginia (Tuckahoe Course), St. Clair Country Club (Pittsburgh, PA), Del Mar (Santa Fe, NM), Sea Island (Retreat Course, GA), and Hobe Sound Golf Club (FL).

He also is well known for his sensitive renovation work at Scioto, Bay Hill, Gulfstream, Cog Hill, Pine Tree, Coldstream and Indian Creek. Over the years, the Club has continued to champion the strong culture of our founders. We pride ourselves on presenting golf the way it should be… an impeccably maintained course. In addition, we maintain equal course access for women, and a robust program of mixed (couple) events.