Peek Inside Grove XXIII, Michael Jordan’s Invite-Only Golf Club

Christopher Cason
·4 min read

Peace and seclusion are a large part of why Michael Jordan loves the game of golf. However, the legendary NBA star is one of the most recognizable people on the planet, and no matter which course he’s on, he’s still subject to waiting for those playing ahead of him to tee off, during which time they often realize who he is. He wanted a course more tailored to a quicker pace of play, and one which would allow him to control the guest list—and that is how Grove XXII was born.

Located in Hobe Sound, Florida, Grove XXIII opened in the Fall of 2019. The private golf club includes an 18-hole course, a main clubhouse, a gatehouse, a learning facility, and a practice range. There are even drones that deliver snacks and beverages to members during play. The member list includes a who’s who of celebrities and professional athletes who all have received personal invitations from Jordan. The 15,000-square-foot clubhouse was designed by Nichols Architects and Dailey Janssen, and the curved structure is inspired by the precision and flow of a golf swing. Inside are a pro shop, bar, lounging areas, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. The golf course sits on a former citrus grove and was designed by world-renowned course designer Bobby Weed with the owner’s style and speed of play in mind. Some pro golfers have even nicknamed the course Slaughterhouse XXIII for its unique fairways that give an advantage to shorter hitters like Jordan.

Jordan’s primary requirement was that the layout of the course enable firm and fast play, with unique features that produced dramatic matches.
Jordan’s primary requirement was that the layout of the course enable firm and fast play, with unique features that produced dramatic matches.
Photo: Carmel Brantley
The entrance of the Main Clubhouse is designed and built with perforated carbon fiber and glass frit panels, and it mimics the swing of a golf club.
The entrance of the Main Clubhouse is designed and built with perforated carbon fiber and glass frit panels, and it mimics the swing of a golf club.
Photo: Carmel Brantley
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Enlisted with the responsibility of creating a home-away-from-home ambiance for the clubhouse was design firm Kemble Interiors, which has worked on a wide range of commercial and residential projects in the US and abroad.

The furniture is all custom with Jerry Pair leather, and the chandeliers are from Jason Miller for DDCNYC.
The furniture is all custom with Jerry Pair leather, and the chandeliers are from Jason Miller for DDCNYC.
Photo: Carmel Brantley
The terrace features David Sutherland furniture and overlooks the first hole and 18th green. “There’s a lot of smack talking there,” Kah says.
The terrace features David Sutherland furniture and overlooks the first hole and 18th green. “There’s a lot of smack talking there,” Kah says.
Photo: Carmel Brantley

Jordan was involved in each of the design meetings and the goal was to create the vibe of a boutique hotel rather than a stuffy clubhouse. “Working with Michael Jordan is like standing in a centrifuge of charisma and magnanimousness. I’ve never had the privilege of working with someone whose presence was quite that electrifying or inspiring,” firm principal Celerie Kemble tells Architectural Digest. “Michael is also a natural team builder who was very considerate and patient with us as we worked to develop a design vocabulary that reflected his intent—a space that was luxurious and masculine but structurally modern and sculpturally kinetic.”

One of Jordan’s favorite design elements is the Gregories Pineo cork wallpaper used in the men’s locker room.
One of Jordan’s favorite design elements is the Gregories Pineo cork wallpaper used in the men’s locker room.
Photo: Carmel Brantley

As soon as members enter the main lounge, Jordan’s love of leather and wood resonates throughout the clubhouse. “The main bar and community table are both live edge, chunky wood pieces that feel really substantial and really anchor the rooms,” says designer Caitlin Kah, who oversaw the project while at Kemble Interiors and has since established her own firm. “We were looking at how do you use some of these simple materials in different ways to make it more dynamic.” Kah, an avid golfer, says her favorite design elements are the custom tobacco leaf wall panels in the main lounge, which are a nod to Jordan’s love of luxury cigars. One of Jordan’s favorites is the Gregories Pineo cork wallpaper used in the men’s locker room and how it contrasts with the dark lockers. 

The clubhouse was designed to maximize views of the course. Located in the middle is a large bar that features Holland and Sherry leather chairs. The bar opens out onto the terrace, which includes David Sutherland furniture, and overlooks the first hole and the 18th green. “It was definitely informed by [Jordan], his aesthetic, and his need for comfort,” says Kah.

“We didn’t want it to be cold, hard-steel modern,” says Kah of the color palette. “It was more of a warm, natural tone that we were striving for.”
“We didn’t want it to be cold, hard-steel modern,” says Kah of the color palette. “It was more of a warm, natural tone that we were striving for.”
Photo: Carmel Brantley
Comfortable sitting areas can be found throughout the clubhouse.
Comfortable sitting areas can be found throughout the clubhouse.
Photo: Carmel Brantley

With all the amenities Grove XXIII offers, you’re likely to find Jordan at the course when he’s home in Florida. But remember, invitation only!

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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