Chip Smith has been around the golf industry long enough to know a good deal when it’s staring him in the face. His Atlantic Golf Management Company operates several high caliber courses in the Myrtle Beach area so, when the opportunity arose to purchase the former Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington, FL, Chip Smith and then partner Doug Marty jumped at the chance. The pair felt they were buying the course at the right price and were confident that by doing some renovation work on both the course and the clubhouse, they could bring a high-quality golf and country club to Wellington. Marty was having so much fun with his new golf project that in early 2019 he bought out Atlantic Golf Management’s interest in the property. The new logo reflects the fact that Wellington is indeed horse country.
Wellington National can play as long as 7,125 yards from the Black Tees, with a course rating of 75.1 and a slope of 144 or as short as 4,226 yards from the Orange Tees (65.6/116) Through combining a couple of sets of tees, the scorecard provides seven distances with one that is sure to fit every player’s game.
There are several memorable holes at Wellington National, one of which is the 2nd hole. It’s a slight double dogleg that bends slightly to the left before curling back to the right and plays 490 yards from the White Tees. There’s a stream that crosses the fairway about 250 yards from the tee, so something less than driver may be needed. Avoid the sand traps on either side of the fairway on your layup shot and you’ll be faced with a short pitch into a well undulated green
Number 12 is the first par 5 on the back nine and is pretty much straight away. The hole plays 484 yards from the White Tees with a fairway bunker on the right which can easily come into play as can the water down the left. Don’t push your layup shot right or you could easily find the water that hugs the cart path. Play your approach shot to a double green shared with Number 15 and fronted with a large bunker on the left. Keep the ball in play and you can put up a good score on this hole.
Practice makes perfect and Wellington National has the facilities and personnel to help with your game improvement. There’s a full-length range that has been tripled in size under the new ownership as well as a short game area and practice putting green. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to help with either private or group lessons. Wellington National has a full-service golf pro shop that is open year-round. They offer a good selection of clubs, bags, shoes, gloves and golf balls as well as logoed apparel from top name manufacturers.
That being said, it’s evident that he has played a major role in creating the menu; before we even sat down, he placed an order for Wellington’s National’s signature appetizer, Roasted Brussel Sprouts. To say they were tasty is an understatement; my wife, who is not a fan of said vegetable thoroughly enjoyed them as did everyone at the table. Other uncommon “golf club” entrée such as Bang Bang Chicken and the Smoked Fish dip seemed to have a little added foodie touch to them, especially when it came to the presentation.
The Yoga Room is open for private sessions and invigorating classes where you can explore the fundamentals of yoga. Your yoga fitness regimen will help you develop mind and body as you connect with your inner self.
When it comes to dining, members have a couple of options. Wellington National’s Wine Bar allows members and their guests to enjoy a wine-friendly world cuisine. Dishes range from shareable small plates to elegant entrees, all served in an intimate atmosphere.
Wellington National’s Grand Ballroom is the premier event facility in the area with room for over 500 people as well as an additional 200 guests on the piazza. The room features vaulted ceilings with an open architecture and rich wood-style floors. When you couple the size of the venue with the gourmet dining offered by the kitchen it’s easy to see why the Grand Ballroom has become the area’s preferred venue for weddings, charitable event galas, and corporate gatherings.
All in all, Wellington Nation is poised to be the private golf and country club in the Wellington area, For more information on how to become a member or to arrange a visit, give them a call at (561) 333-5731 or visit them online at www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com.