Willoughby Golf Club
Willoughby Golf Club is a private, gated community offering refined Florida living with a strong golf-centric lifestyle. Situated in Stuart, Florida on more than 400 acres of land, the community blends natural lakes, wooded areas and social amenities into one clubhouse-anchored environment. The clubhouse features elegant casual and formal dining, plus spacious lounge and terrace spaces overlooking the 18th hole. The neighborhood consists exclusively of single-family residences – neighborhood homes and custom estates – many with golf-cart access and scenic views.
Membership at Willoughby brings access to much more than golf. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis, pickleball, fitness center, pool and wellness programs as part of the full lifestyle offering. The tennis facility boasts Har-Tru courts and a robust program of clinics and lessons. The community supports a vibrant social calendar, with dining events, private parties and member-led clubs built into the clubhouse program. Homeownership in this club essentially means owning into the lifestyle — owner-members are integrated in the club through their property ownership.
Willoughby Golf Club Golf Course
The golf course at Willoughby is an 18-hole championship layout designed by Arthur Hills, featuring four sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. From the back tees the length is 6,701 yards with a slope of 132 and a rating of 72.9. The course plays through natural wetlands, water hazards, and mature trees under a Florida/North Carolina mixed landscape aesthetic. The bunkering totals more than 55 sand traps, and water comes into play on many holes. While grass types aren’t explicitly listed, greens and fairways are maintained to high private-club standards.
Hole 1 opens with a 402-yard par-4 from the Gold tees, demanding a precise drive through trees and a mid-iron into a sloped green. Signature holes often include lakes, strategic bunkers and aesthetic elevation changes. The 18th is a 490-yard back-tee par-5 with water guarding the green and offers a memorable finishing challenge. The layout emphasizes shot-making, risk/reward, and views, making it both playable and engaging across handicaps.
Willoughby Golf Club Membership Costs and Initiation Fees
Membership at Willoughby distinguishes between resident equity golf, executive golf, non-resident golf and social categories, offering flexibility. All homeowners in the community receive social or tennis membership via home-ownership; full golf requires upgrade via certificate. Full Resident Member Golf annual dues are about $23,500 plus a capital fee of around $6,800. The property transfer initiation fee is about $50,000 with a $45,000 Equity Golf Certificate. Executive-level membership features reduced up-front cost in exchange for time-of-day play restrictions and a lower fee structure.
The non-resident golf membership permits participation in golf and full club amenities while living outside the community, with specific annual dues applied. For resident social members, the initial contribution covers clubhouse, tennis, fitness and pool privileges only. The full golf membership also includes unlimited range privileges and priority tee times for equity golf members. Non-resident and corporate categories offer alternatives for businesses and families seeking access without full ownership.
Willoughby Golf Club Guest, Greens and Cart Fees
Since Willoughby is a private, equity golf club community, guest access and daily green/cart fees are restricted and handled through member invitations. Specific public daily fee rates are not broadly published, and guest rounds typically require member sponsorship. Resident equity golf members have golfing fees covered by annual dues except for a golf cart or trail fee. Non-resident golf members pay cart or trail fees in addition to annual dues when playing. The absence of public green fees suggests guest play is by invitation through the club’s member-host system.
Willoughby Golf Club Golfing Staff and Members
Willoughby Golf Club employs a team of PGA-certified professionals offering lessons, fittings, and junior clinics throughout the year. The head golf professional and staff manage tournaments, men’s and ladies’ leagues, and year-round instructional programs. Members include a mix of full-time residents and seasonal golfers drawn to Stuart’s relaxed yet refined coastal atmosphere. The club fosters camaraderie through social mixers, charity events, and couples’ tournaments. Membership retention is high, reflecting the community’s active lifestyle and personal service standards.
The golf staff also coordinates interclub matches and organizes club championship events, enhancing a competitive yet friendly environment. Frequent member tournaments and social outings contribute to a lively, close-knit culture. Longtime members often highlight the Arthur Hills course as both challenging and scenic. The club’s reputation attracts professionals, retirees, and active couples who value personalized golf experiences. Willoughby’s membership atmosphere balances tradition, sport, and community in a truly distinctive Stuart setting.