In a major move to revitalize the south end of West Palm Beach, the city has selected developer American Links to renovate a 196-acre golf course.
The West Palm Beach municipal golf course at 7001 Parker Avenue will soon be home to Topgolf entertainment sports company, marking the third to pop up in South Florida. The developer also has plans to build an 80 to 100-key hotel or clubhouse. The cost is estimated to total $86 million, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Under the contract, the developer would pay the city $500,000 per year for an initial term of 29 years, and $1.08 million in property taxes annually.
About 5 acres on the property can be turned into a residential community or a public park, according to the publication. The developer beat out finalist Greg Norman Golf Course Design to renovate the course.
Topgolf facilities typically feature three-story entertainment complexes with a driving range, restaurant and bar. The golf balls used by patrons are microchipped so statistics like range can be tracked and translated into points for games. The first Topgolf in South Florida opened in Miami Gardens last year. A second is under construction near Dolphin Mall. [Palm Beach Post] – Amanda Rabines