By David Volz
More and better golfing opportunities are soon coming to Hollywood. Major redevelopment will be taking place at the Orangebrook Country Club.
The City of Hollywood has received an Unsolicited Proposal (UP) for a qualifying project known as a Public-Private Partnership (P3), for the design, construction and operation of a new master-planned 36-hole golf facility to replace the current Orangebrook Golf and Country Club located at 400 Entrada Drive, Hollywood, Florida
The project proposed in the UP includes: A new redesigned 18-hole championship golf course. A new redesigned 18-hole executive golf course. A new clubhouse, golf pro shop, bar, kitchen, restaurant golf cart barn and maintenance building. A new state-of-the art driving range, chipping/putting area and teaching facilities including entertainment booths. Infrastructure including entryway, car park, outbuildings, drainage/recirculation systems, computer-controlled irrigation system, lighting, and general landscaping. Management of the renovated site and day to day operations of the redesigned courses.
Hollywood owns the Orangebrook site, which is approximately 245 acres and is bounded by roads including South Park Road, Pembroke Road, and Interstate 95. The site is also located a few blocks from a Tri-Rail Commuter train station. Orangebrook is a historic 36-hole championship golf course located in the heart of Hollywood, Florida. Originally built as an 18-hole facility in 1933, a second 18-hole course was added in 1959. During its history, Orangebrook played host to the Women’s International 4-Ball golf tournament, which was the longest-running women’s amateur event held at one location in the United States. Past champions include Babe Zaharias, Peggy Kirk Bell and Louise Suggs. Orangebrook has also played host to the Men’s Amateur 4-Ball golf tournament, which in 1960 was won by Jack Nicklaus and Deane Beman. In addition to its 36 holes of golf, Orangebrook has a Pro Shop, lighted driving range, restaurant with full bar service, and a banquet room with seating for up to 250 people, according to Hollywood information.
On March 12, 2019, residents of the City of Hollywood voted to pass a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) during a Special Election to fund a variety of city-wide public improvement projects totaling $165 million. As part of that referendum, residents agreed to invest up to $24.7 million in improvements to Orangebrook, including the following: A new 15,000 sq. ft. multi-use clubhouse. An ADA accessible nature preserve path, designed with wildlife habitat/biodiversity for walking, jogging, biking, etc. Improved course drainage and enhanced water retention capacity. Renovated 36 holes of golf to include an 18-hole championship course and an 18-hole Par 3 course. Enhanced putting/chipping area and driving range. A new 10,000 sq. ft. cart barn. A new 12,000 sq. ft. maintenance building, course restrooms and starter shack. New golf cart paths, illuminated 9 holes for evening play, parking lot and entryway signage
The City has determined that the UP meets the criteria for consideration as a qualifying project on a preliminary basis. Hollywood is accepting other proposals for the Orangebrook improvements described above during this notification period. The City is expecting each respondent to put forward an innovative proposal with a market-driven concept for the design, construction and operation of a new master-planned 36-hole golf facility to replace the current Orangebrook Golf and Country Club, according to City information.
