Nicklaus Unveils NOKOSI: A New Legacy Club in Palm Beach County

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – May 04, 2026 – Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is deepening his family's six-decade legacy in South Florida with the announcement of NOKOSI: A Nicklaus Family Club, an exclusive new private destination set to rise from the grounds of a once-dormant golf course in central Palm Beach County. The project, a partnership between the Nicklaus family and the financial powerhouse TWG Global, aims to transform the former Sherbrooke Golf & Country Club into a premier golf, lifestyle, and wellness sanctuary.

Announced today, NOKOSI represents a significant new chapter for the Nicklaus family, with Jack's son, Gary Nicklaus, leading the development group. Construction on the completely redesigned golf course is already underway, with the first rounds of play anticipated for late 2026. The clubhouse and extensive lifestyle amenities are scheduled to break ground in the fall of 2026, signaling a comprehensive and ambitious vision for the property located just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport.

A Deeply Personal Family Venture

For Jack Nicklaus, the project is more than just another course design; it's a personal statement rooted in his family's long history with the region. Having been a resident for nearly 60 years, the Golden Bear views NOKOSI as a place to foster the same values he and his wife Barbara have cultivated in their own lives.

“Palm Beach County has been home to our family for close to 60 years, and where Barbara and I have raised our five children, most of our 24 grandchildren, as well as our nine great-grandchildren—with number 10 on the way,” said Jack Nicklaus in the announcement. “NOKOSI is very personal to us, because it is inspired and driven by our lifelong commitment to family. It is about creating a place where families can come together around great golf, great friendships, and a club culture built to last for generations.”

This family-centric ethos is a cornerstone of the project. Gary Nicklaus, who is overseeing the development and future operations, is tasked with translating that vision into a tangible experience. The club will operate with a strictly limited membership, a model designed to foster a tight-knit community and ensure an exceptionally high level of service and personal attention.

From Dormant Fairways to a New Beginning

The 153-acre site for NOKOSI has a storied past. It was formerly the Sherbrooke Golf & Country Club, a private course designed in the 1970s that fell on hard times, closing its doors nearly a decade ago. The property languished, and in 2017, a fire destroyed its clubhouse, leaving the once-manicured fairways to become overgrown and fallow.

The site's future was a point of contention for years. A 2021 proposal by Mattamy Homes to build 282 residences on the property was met with strong legal opposition from local homeowners, who fought to preserve the green space and prevent increased density. The failed redevelopment bid left the property in limbo until November 2025, when GNP Lantana LLC, an entity connected to the Nicklaus family and their partners, acquired the land for a reported $15 million.

The acquisition marked a decisive shift away from residential development and back toward a premier golf experience. By choosing to resurrect the site as a world-class private club, the development team is not only creating a new luxury destination but also revitalizing a significant parcel of land that had been a source of community concern.

Redefining the Modern Private Club

At the heart of NOKOSI will be a championship-caliber golf course personally designed by Jack Nicklaus. Drawing on his experience from winning a record 20 major championships and designing over 325 courses worldwide, the layout promises to be a masterclass in strategic design. Nicklaus's philosophy emphasizes aesthetically pleasing courses that reward thoughtful shot-making over brute power, a style that will define the NOKOSI golf experience.

However, the vision for NOKOSI extends far beyond the 18th green. The project is at the forefront of a trend in the luxury market that sees private clubs evolving into comprehensive lifestyle hubs. The plans include a state-of-the-art focus on health and wellness, with dedicated fitness, recovery, and performance facilities supported by professionally managed programming.

“We’re building the kind of club where members don’t just come to play golf — they come to spend time, connect, and invest in their long-term lifestyle,” said Gary Nicklaus. “Everything is being designed with the long-term member experience in mind.”

This holistic approach will be anchored by a world-class clubhouse featuring chef-driven dining, refined social spaces, and versatile event venues. A premium pro shop will offer advanced club-fitting technology alongside top-tier equipment and apparel. This integration of golf, wellness, and high-touch hospitality is designed to cater to a new generation of affluent members who seek a balanced and active lifestyle for their entire family.

A Bold Entry into a Competitive Arena

NOKOSI enters one of the most competitive and lucrative private club markets in the United States. Palm Beach County is home to a dense concentration of elite clubs, including The Bear's Club in Jupiter—another Nicklaus creation—Old Palm Golf Club, and the historically exclusive Seminole Golf Club. The region's reputation as “Wall Street South” has only intensified this competition, as a steady influx of high-net-worth individuals and financial firms fuels demand for ultra-exclusive amenities and real estate.

To succeed in this environment, a new club requires not only a compelling vision but also immense financial backing. NOKOSI is fortified by its partnership with TWG Global, the powerful holding company led by Mark Walter, co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Capital. Walter, whose net worth is estimated in the billions, is a major force in global business and professional sports, with ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea F.C. The partnership with the Nicklaus brand is part of a broader strategic alliance, backed by significant capital from entities like Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala.

This formidable financial foundation provides NOKOSI with the resources to execute its ambitious vision without compromise, positioning it to compete at the highest level. By blending the unmatched legacy of the Nicklaus name with a forward-thinking focus on family and wellness, NOKOSI aims to carve out a unique and enduring niche in the pinnacle of Florida's luxury landscape.