Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
Kevin Olson
John's Island Club: West Course
John's Island Club: West Course
5804 87th St
Sebastian, FL 32958-6801
United States
Overview
John's Island West was one of the last courses Tom Fazio and his associates completed as they were getting into the thick of building Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. In that regard, the course fittingly marks an end to an early Fazio phase, one before it became increasingly clear to him that, for the skills of he and his staff to be maximized, the project's budget and ambition were more critical than having strong natural assets to work with. John's Island, like Jupiter Hills an hour south, did have strong natural assets, namely a series of sand ridges, some up to 50 feet high, that were used to prop up a number of greens and tees. This provided attractive views, tough targets, and much-needed relief amid a site thick with dense undergrowth. Several lakes were excavated for added fill and the surfaces of the course were cut and molded with sandy finger-like transition areas and bunkers, but the overall feel of the course is calm and not engineered. It's a wonderful snapshot of a creative use of existing land, one burnished further by Fazio's 2022 renovation.
About
Awards
ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 1991, 2003, 2007-'09. Ranked 11th, 2011-'12. Ranked 12th, 2013-'14. Ranked 15th, 2023-'24. Ranked inside the top 15, 1995, 1999, 2005. Ranked 17th, 2025-'26. Ranked 18th, 2021-'22. Ranked 19th, 2019-'20. Ranked 20th, 2015-'16. Ranked inside the top 20, 1993, 2001. Ranked 22nd, 2017-'18. Ranked inside the top 25, 1997.
Previous ranking: 15th.
2025-'26 ranking: 17th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This is a phenomanal Fazio design on a pristine sandy track of land with elevation changes unique in Florida. Challenging course with excellent conditioning that require a high level of shot making. One of the best courses I've played in Florida."
Read More2026
Review
“Phenomenal Fazio design and built on a sandy base with unique elevation changes. Challenging course with excellent conditioning that required a high level of shot making. One of the more enjoyable rounds of golf in Florida I've played."
Read More2026
Review
“The Tom Fazio-designed west course at the John's Island Club is one of the more exciting courses I've seen from the prolific architect. The back nine offers multiple drivable par-4s and the par-5 17th boasts a blind approach shot over a massive sand dune."
Read More2026
Review
“A fantastic Fazio design located on a distinct sand ridge that runs along the SE Florida coast. Excellent match play course as the held the US Mid-AM in 2015. Great risk reward holes abound with the standout being the drivable par 4 15th. Slight dog-leg right with a large tree protecting the green if you push it up the fairway. The greens are gaurded well and several have distinct sections that require precise approach shots. A true second shot golf course with wide fairways. The elevation changes are dramatic for a florida course require a number of uphill approach shots such as holes 4 17 and the dramatic 18th. This course may be the best of Fazio's work as he utilizes the unique topography to great effect. Superbly conditioned track where each hole is a distinct and unique challenge. Worthy of a visit if you are in the Vero Beach area."
Read More2026
Review
“Built on a sand belt with more undulation and elevation changes than a typical Florida course, John’s Island West is an upscale golf course that features an abundance of that sand throughout, often lining the fairways and surrounding the greens both as bunkers and waste sand areas. The course also provides sufficient water features to provide additional interest and challenge. While Fazio moved a significant amount of dirt, the land offered enough variety that the finished products does not feel manufactured. The course is noteworthy when hosting the 2015 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. Sammy Schmitz made a hole-in-one on the par 4, 15th hole which all but clinched the final match and the championship."
Read More2025
Review
“Built on a sand belt with more undulation and elevation changes than a typical Florida course, John’s Island West is an upscale golf course that features an abundance of that sand throughout, often lining the fairways and surrounding the greens both as bunkers and waste sand areas. The course also provides sufficient water features to provide additional interest and challenge. While Fazio moved a significant amount of dirt, the land offered enough variety that the finished products does not feel manufactured. The course is noteworthy when hosting the 2015 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship. Sammy Schmitz made a hole-in-one on the par 4, 15th hole which all but clinched the final match and the championship."
Read More2025
Review
“Beautiful facilities and well manicured course with some nice land movement and challenging greens."
Read More2025
Review
“Fantastic layout with superb conditioning! Short par 4 15th was a fantastic hole... aced when they hosted the MidAm by the champ."
Read More2025
Review
“Fantastic layout with superb conditioning! The par 4 hole 15th hole was aced when they hosted the MidAm... fantastic short 4 with lots of shot options!"
Read More2025
Review
“A must play if given the opportunity. Without question one of the best courses in Florida."
Read More2025
