High Grove Golf Club PD represents a distinctive private golf destination nestled in the unincorporated community of Venus, Florida, within ZIP code 33960. Spanning over 1,200 acres of historic Valencia orange groves along the southern reaches of the Lake Wales Ridge, this development stands out for its dramatic topography, featuring elevation changes of 60 to 70 feet that are rare in the typically flat Florida landscape. The project emerged from a vision by co-founders Ryan Hanks, Colin Sheehan, and Bert Guy, who identified the site for its sandy dunes, natural ridges, and citrus heritage after extensive scouting beginning around 2021. Construction commenced in December 2024, positioning the club for a grand opening targeted around late 2025, with the facility becoming operational in the following year.
The location offers exceptional accessibility for members and guests traveling from major Florida hubs. Venus sits roughly two hours from Orlando, Tampa, Naples, and Jupiter, making it an ideal second-club destination for snowbirds or a convenient escape for those along either coast. Fort Myers lies about 65 miles away, providing additional connectivity via nearby airports and highways.
Lifestyle at High Grove centers on an immersive, understated luxury golf experience that prioritizes walking and natural play. Both the main 18-hole course (approximately 7,100 yards) and the accompanying par-3 layout (with holes ranging 102 to 188 yards) follow a walking-only policy with no paved cart paths and no artificial ponds, evoking traditional links golf while incorporating the property's unique sandy terrain and orange groves. A robust caddie program enhances the experience, fostering social interaction and a sense of place amid the citrus trees and ridgelines. The design by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner of Hanse Golf Design maximizes the site's 40-foot ridge and undulating ground for varied routings, firm-and-fast conditions, and scenic variety.
Real estate within the development is limited to guest accommodations rather than private residences. The club features 48 to 54 rooms distributed across three lodges or cabins, designed in a rustic style that complements the agricultural roots of the area. This setup supports the destination-club model, where members and their guests typically stay for one or two nights rather than maintaining permanent homes. The absence of a residential real estate component differentiates High Grove from conventional Florida golf communities.
Nearby attractions leverage the central Florida position, including proximity to Sebring (about 30 minutes north), Lake Wales, and broader regional draws like state parks or the Lake Wales Ridge's natural refuges. The surrounding environment blends preserved citrus groves with native flora, creating a serene, rural yet elevated setting.
Parks and recreation opportunities revolve primarily around the golf facilities, with the expansive property offering walking trails implicit in the course routing and opportunities for enjoying the ridge's elevation and views. The practice area provides additional recreational space for skill development.
Shopping and dining options are not developed on-site given the private, low-density nature of the club; members typically rely on nearby towns like Sebring or Lake Placid for everyday needs, with the clubhouse serving as the focal point for on-site hospitality.
Transportation access benefits from the club's central location, with easy drives to regional airports and major interstates facilitating arrivals from across the state and beyond.
Demographics skew toward dedicated golf enthusiasts seeking exclusivity, with a capped membership of 150 individuals who value the club's intimate scale and high-end, personalized service.
Safety and livability emphasize privacy and exclusivity, with the remote yet accessible setting providing a secure retreat focused on tranquility and natural beauty.
Local highlights include the innovative incorporation of citrus groves into the golf experience, the unique elevation on the Lake Wales Ridge, and the commitment to a walking culture that sets it apart from cart-dependent Florida courses. The project maintains groves in out-of-play areas and along perimeters to preserve the agricultural character.
People choose High Grove for its unparalleled natural site, world-class design pedigree, and focus on an authentic, memorable golf getaway without the typical trappings of large residential developments. The emphasis on sustainability through native elements and minimal alteration of the landscape adds to its appeal as a premier private destination.
Community Amenities
Name: ** ** High Grove 18-Hole Championship Course
Name: ** ** High Grove Par-3/Short Course
Name: ** ** High Grove Clubhouse
Name: ** ** High Grove Practice Facility
Name: ** ** High Grove Lodges/Cabins
Notes Management company name: High Grove Golf Club (private operation). Source URLs: https://www.highgrovegolf.com/, multiple articles from Golf Digest, Golf Course Architecture, and Top 100 Golf Courses (2024-2026). Context: Private club with no residential HOA; all amenity details derived from public development announcements and design features.