Turtle Creek Club
Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta is a private, member-owned golf and social club anchored by an 18-hole Joe Lee championship course. The club amenities include a clubhouse with multiple dining venues (Grille Room, Tiki Bar, Tiki at the Turn), a pro shop, a robust social calendar, and full banquet/event facilities. Members can also enjoy a double-sided practice facility, golf instruction, and varied tournament play. The club boasts year-round security with gated entry and 24-hour manned gates in the community. Swimming, social lounges, and community gathering spaces further enhance the club lifestyle.
The Turtle Creek community is situated in Tequesta, Martin County, offering a serene, upscale setting with easy access to shopping, dining, and beaches. Housing options include single-family homes, villas, and golf condos, many with golf or river views. Residents benefit from biking and jogging trails, gated security, and close proximity to the Loxahatchee River for boating. The club membership is optional, which helps maintain resale flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere. The neighborhood offers both natural beauty and a strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors.
About Turtle Creek Golf Course
Turtle Creek Club’s golf course is an 18-hole private championship layout originally designed by Joe Lee and updated by Kipp Schulties. The fairways and roughs use Celebration (or seashore) paspalum and the putting surfaces are Tif-Eagle Bermuda, resurfaced during the 2016 renovation. The course plays to a total yardage of 7,172 from the back (Black) tees, with par 72 throughout. Its slope rating is 146 from Black and the course rating is 74.8 from that same tee. Renovation added 74 reshaped bunkers and expanded water features, increasing visual drama and strategic risk.
Signature holes include the long 7th (up to 623 yards), challenging par-3 14th, and the risk-reward 16th which plays around water. The front nine features more tree-lined fairways and subtle undulating greens, demanding accuracy. The back nine alternates between tighter wooded holes and more open stretches near water. Greens are well maintained with firm speed and good roll, while bunkers have crisp faces and clean raked sand. Water comes into play on numerous holes, making course management essential for good scores.
Turtle Creek Greens Fees and Membership Costs
The daily green and cart fees at Turtle Creek Club feature guest rates of $130 for 18 holes and $75 in summer months, plus $29 cart rental per person. The 9-hole guest rate is $90 in season and $50 in summer, with 9-hole cart rental $15. Members have trail fee or cart options depending on membership level. Fees vary by season and membership category. Guest play is limited and subject to availability.
The initiation equity cost is $80,000 non-refundable for regular membership when a spot opens. Annual dues are $9,850 billed monthly. A special assessment of about $960 may also apply yearly. There is also a food minimum for members of about $800. Membership provides full access to the golf course, practice facilities, and clubhouse amenities.
Turtle Creek Golfing Staff and Members
The golf staff at Turtle Creek Club includes Ted Strelec (General Manager), Toby Hill (Head Golf Professional), Ryan Crowley (Lead Assistant Pro), Clarence Covington (Superintendent) and Kaydee Schultz (Membership Director). They bring combined decades of club management, agronomy, teaching, and hospitality experience to the course. The superintendent has overseen high-end projects at top South Florida courses before joining Turtle Creek. The head professional has coached and managed operations at notable clubs prior to coming here. The membership director is also a recreational golfer, bridging staff and member relations.
Famous members have included PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour players drawn by the championship layout and practice facilities. One local member, Riley Smyth, won her first Epson Tour title while at Turtle Creek. The course originally opened in 1969 and was fully renovated in 2016 to modern standards. Joe Lee considered this layout one of his finest works during his lifetime. Over time it has hosted sectional and amateur championships, enhancing its prestige.