Jim Wagner

West Palm Beach, FL

Gil Hanse masterpiece: best new public course in Florida.

Rising Fawn, GA

The Highlands Course at The McLemore Club sits atop Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, Georgia, designed by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin. It plays as a cliff-edge par 71 course measuring 7,055 yards from the tips. The routing includes a set of canyon holes that run into and along an elevated ridge on the eastern side of the mountain, centered around a lake, and a run of highland holes that make up most of the back nine. The course closes with a cliff-edge par 3 along the rim overlooking McLemore Cove. It is part of the McLemore resort, with access available to members, resort guests and invited Friends of McLemore.

Moorpark, CA

Rustic Canyon Golf Course in Moorpark, California, opened in 2002. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner designed the course with a minimalist, lay-of-the-land approach, shaping greens and bunkers directly from the natural terrain. From the back tees the par-72 layout plays 7,040 yards with a course rating of 73.9 and a slope of 135. Wide, flat fairways fade into native barrancas and canyon hills dotted with sagebrush, cactus, and native grasses. Large, contoured greens favor a ground-game approach, and bunkers are edged with shaggy fescue. The course is public and open to daily-fee play.

West Palm Beach, FL

The Lit 9 at The Park West Palm, designed by the collaborative team of Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Dirk Ziff, offers an innovative and accessible golf experience. This lighted 9-hole par 3 course embodies a philosophy of 'open golf,' aiming to make the game enjoyable for players of all skill levels and backgrounds. The design focuses on creating a fun and challenging quick loop, perfect for honing short-game skills or enjoying an evening round under the lights. A standout feature is the soon-to-be-famous 9th hole, an exceptionally long putt that can stretch over 150 feet, providing a unique and memorable challenge. The course is part of a larger complex at The Park West Palm, which emphasizes community programming and making golf accessible. The Lit 9's extended hours and walk-up only policy make it a flexible and inviting option for golfers seeking a relaxed yet engaging experience in West Palm Beach.