Our History

 In the beginning, (1968), a group of men formed a Florida Corporation titled The Golf and Racquet Club of Palm Beach and purchased a 600 acre tomato farm that stretched along Jog Road from Lake Worth Road to Lantana Road.  The plans began with a clubhouse and nine-hole course (North Course) designed by Bruce Devlin and Von Hagge.  Most of their early members lived at the beachfront in Palm Beach, but soon the first residential apartments were constructed in Gefion Court.

 The Florida Corporation merged with Rabino Ladd, a developer, and the residential boom took off.  The nine-hole course soon became 27 holes.  During
1972-1974, an additional 6 residential courts were under construction, along with a hotel facility.  The Fountains real estate market had become a hot commodity with a resort atmosphere.  As a result, the original 27 holes proved inadequate
“in season” .    

 A group of our members, led by Jerry Cohen, negotiated a 4-year lease with Rabino-Ladd in the amount of $375,000 for an additional 18 hole “private” course (South Course).  A right of first refusal clause to purchase the entire South property was included in the lease.

 Subsequently, Rabino Ladd experienced financial difficulties and Citibank took over control of the properties.  A Citibank Manager resigned and formed a company to purchase/develop the South property.  Leaders of the Fountains Country Club contacted 400+ members of the Club who contributed $10,000 each to purchase the property under the “right of first refusal” clause included in the lease.   Now, in addition to being Country Club members, we had become land barons.

 A contract agreement was negotiated with Goldlist/Trizec, a Canadian Corporation, who wanted the south property surrounding the golf course.  We wanted the golf courses and clubhouse.  The final deal brought our total to 54 golf holes, a second clubhouse and 12 hard-tru tennis courts.  In addition, the final contract also included the purchase of the Recreation Lease for $2,500,000.

 An agreement was made between the FCC and the FCO for the FCO to act as managing agent for the FCC roads, lakes, fountains, Craft Hall, Fountains Hall and security.  The monies collected in M&U fees contributed to pay off the 2.5 million dollar mortgage the FCC took to purchase the Recreation Lease.

The life of the Fountains Country Club was born.  Goldlist/Trizec started construction of larger semi-detached residences and the percentage of “rounders” increased each year.   In 1985, after the construction of San Marino
Way was completed, the FCC purchased the remaining vacant land and 300 memberships from Goldlist/Trizec.  The property purchased would be the future sight of Oakmont.

 The first expansion of the Country Club added 3,000 square feet of dining space.  The locker rooms were refurbished, a new men’s card room and a pro shop/control room were developed.  The grille room was added to the bar, along with new air conditioning units.    

 The second expansion of the Country Club in 1994-95 included a larger kitchen, the remodeling of the dining room and the installation of a new roof.  In 1998-99, the south 27-hole irrigation system was replaced and the clubhouse rest rooms were renovated.  A new fitness center , ladies’ card  room, men’s card room and golf pro shop were completed during 1999.

The mandatory membership vote in 2003 has provided an important investment in the future of the Fountains Country Club.  A Master Plan was developed in 2005 with overwhelming approval by the members and includes the construction of a 4,000 square foot Tennis Complex, a 6,000 square foot fitness center, a cart barn/bag room complex, redesigned entrances to the main clubhouse and new offices.

During the past 40 years, we have developed a tomato patch into one of the premier country club communities in South Florida.  The fortitude and unity within our FCC membership provides a strong basis for continued growth and prosperity.