WYCLIFFE CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION
Makeover meant to preserve country club lifestyle as golf fades.
The clubhouse at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club just south of Wellington is getting a multimillion-dollar face-lift after the club’s members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the changes — a trendy but expensive makeover at clubs throughout Palm Beach County.
The $18.1 million plan will add a new restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, and outdoor pool pavilion to the clubhouse. The massive building’s banquet room, spa and fitness center will be renovated, the club announced.
The club turned to its members for feedback at more than 30 information sessions. But club leadership also acknowledged the plans have a lot to do with who they see as the “next generation of club members.”
“Our current membership understands that we need new members to continue our lifestyle,” Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Board of Directors President Doug Lipman said. “In order to do that, we need to appeal to the changing demographics of members who are in the position to buy into country club living. Achieving that goal is our vision for this project.”
As other clubs sell their golf course land to build homes as part of an effort to stay viable, Wycliffe joins a growing number of golf course communities doubling down with a focus on adapting to fit a changing market — notably, one with less of an emphasis on golf and more of a focus on health and wellness and resort-style living.
“The overwhelming response from our members supporting this renovation was astounding,” said Rob Martin, Wycliffe chief operations officer and general manager.
“Our team is enthusiastic about the upgraded amenities and we know this renovation will put us in a competitive position to attract new members and enhance the lifestyle of our current population.”
The announcement marks 10 years since the club’s members spent $22 million to expand the clubhouse and renovate the west golf course. That move also was done to appeal to the club’s younger membership.
Work on the renovation will begin in the spring, with the target completion date fall 2019. Once completed, the clubhouse will be just under 80,000 square feet.