Michael Jordan's ultra-exclusive private golf course is called The Grove XXIII. Named for his legendary jersey number, this isn't just another golf club - it's a high-tech, ultra-private playground built specifically to suit the competitive fire of arguably the greatest athlete of all time. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about MJ's course, from its design philosophy and legendary perks to just how difficult it is to score a tee time.
First things first, let's get the name right. The course is officially named The Grove XXIII, pronounced "The Grove Twenty-Three." It’s a simple but powerful name that a branding genius like Michael Jordan would approve of.
The name perfectly blends the natural beauty of its surroundings with the legendary status of its owner. It’s an effective way of saying, "This is Jordan's Florida paradise."
The Grove XXIII is tucked away in Hobe Sound, Florida, just up the Atlantic coast from Jupiter. This particular slice of Florida has become a sort of 'ground zero' for the golf world's elite. If you look at a map, you'll see a staggering concentration of PGA Tour pros and legendary golfers who live and play in the area.
Tiger Woods has Medalist Golf Club nearby. Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and dozens of other tour pros either live in Jupiter or have a home base there. By planting his flag in Hobe Sound, Jordan built his club right in the heart of professional golf's unofficial capital. This wasn't by accident. It ensures there's always a steady supply of top-tier talent ready for a high-stakes match.
The course itself is built on a former grove, maintaining a sense of privacy and seclusion. You won't find it easily off a main road, and there are no signs pointing the way. Its exclusivity is part of its identity, designed to be a sanctuary for its small, hand-picked membership.
When you're Michael Jordan, you don't just hire any architect - you hire someone who understands how to build a course that’s both challenging and fun, but most importantly, built for intense competition. MJ tapped renowned golf course architect Bobby Weed for the job.
Weed's design is a marvel of strategic thinking, created with Jordan’s favorite form of golf in mind: match play. He didn’t just create a standard 18-hole loop. He crafted a course that can be played in multiple ways.
The most unique feature of The Grove XXIII's layout is its "crossover" or "double-helix" routing. Instead of a traditional front nine and back nine that each return to the clubhouse, the course routes in a way that the front and back nines intertwine. This means:
This design ingeniously caters to the non-stop, competitive nature of the club. Everything is structured to remove downtime and maximize the action.
Soon after opening in 2019, The Grove XXIII earned a notorious nickname: Slaughterhouse 23. The name was famously coined by PGA Tour pro Rickie Fowler and has stuck for good reason. The course is set up to give Michael Jordan a significant home-course advantage.
Here’s how it works from a coaching perspective: Shorter hitters and those who play a draw (a right-to-left ball flight for a righty) tend to find fairways and good angles on the front nine. But as the round progresses, the holes get longer and more demanding, favoring powerful players who can hit a fade (left-to-right). This layout plays directly into MJ's hands and his desired ball flight. Visiting pros and guests have often remarked that the course gradually "squeezes" you, forcing you into tougher situations as the bets get higher on the back nine.
The 18th hole is a perfect example. It's a risk-reward par-4 where a central water hazard comes into play. You can take a conservative route or go for a heroic carry, a setup designed for dramatic, high-pressure finishes. It's truly a course where the house - Jordan's house - has a subtle but distinct edge.
Beyond the architectural brilliance, The Grove XXIII is famous for its almost mythical amenities and member experience. This is where the club transforms from an excellent golf course into a legendary one.
Perhaps the most famous feature is its drone delivery service. Forget waiting for the turn or flagging down a beverage cart. At The Grove XXIII, members can order snacks, drinks, and even Jordan’s signature cigars on a mobile app, and a drone will fly them directly to their location on the course, lowering the items down on a string. It’s part of the seamless, futuristic experience that defines the club.
Adding to the effortless vibe, roving scooter-like concession carts patrol the course. Your caddie doesn't even need to stop walking. They can just ride a few feet over, grab whatever you need, and the round continues uninterrupted. Every detail is focused on pace of play and keeping the rhythm of the game going.
The clubhouse is a sleek, futuristic structure that looks more like a high-tech corporate campus than a traditional golf club. With floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist design, and an overall exclusive vibe, it sets the tone from the moment you arrive. It reportedly includes state-of-the-art lockers, a pro shop stocked with exclusive Jordan brand gear, world-class dining, and lounge areas perfect for settling up after a round.
Here’s the straight answer: For the average golfer, it’s next to impossible. The Grove XXIII is one of the most exclusive and private clubs in the world. Its membership is rumored to be fewer than 100 people.
There are only two ways to get a tee time:
The aura of the club is built on this exclusivity. It's not a place trying to attract visitors, it's a private haven built for Jordan and his inner circle to enjoy the game on their own terms.
Ultimately, The Grove XXIII is more than just Michael Jordan's golf course, it's a reflection of the man himself. It's impeccably designed, relentlessly competitive, unapologetically exclusive, and packed with an incredible high-tech "wow" factor, from its strategic layout to its buzzy drone-delivery system. While it remains a dream destination for most, its legend continues to grow with every story that emerges from behind its private gates.
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