Back Row: Shannon Easter, Jennifer Jolly, Chef Jacob Hammell, Michael Vizzi and Dan Pendola; Front Row: Carla Hull, Dalibor Nikolin, Gaby Joy, Daniyel Gavrilov, Natasia Torres
Private Country Club
As Boca Raton celebrates 100 years, one community nestled in its heart has been quietly shaping the city’s story for
more than four decades. Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club — established on a 330-acre Honeybell orange grove — has grown from citrus roots into one of Boca’s most exclusive and storied private clubs.
If you know Boca Grove, you know it’s a hidden gem. But if you don’t, you may be missing out on one of Boca Raton’s most historically rich and quietly influential communities.
Founded in 1983 by the LaBonte family, Boca Grove is more than a golf and tennis club — it’s a living reflection of Boca Raton’s evolution. Members still remember when fairways were lined with orange trees, and fruit could be picked during harvest.
“That orange grove is a big part of our history,” says Jennifer M. Jolly, General Manager. “Like those Honeybells, we’re rooted in our past while replanting our future.”
Golf Greats, Tennis Legends
Boca Grove entered the spotlight quickly. From 1983 to 1985, it hosted the Quadel Seniors Classic, where Arnold Palmer won the first two years and Gary Player claimed his first Champions Tour win in 1985. That same year, Player made Boca Grove his first American home and remains an honorary member today.
“We were a golf powerhouse in the 1980s,” says Jolly. The 18-hole course — designed by Karl Litten and updated by Jim Fazio in 2011 — continues to impress, with no tee times required.
Tennis also runs deep. Boca Grove’s first Emeritus Professional, Gardner Malloy, lived to nearly 103. In the mid-1980s, the club hosted two Grand Masters Tennis Tournaments with Hall of Famers Ken Rosewell, Gene Scott and Roy Emerson. The club has since welcomed stars like Andre Agassi, Coco Gauff and Andy Murray.
Its Italian red clay stadium court — the only one south of Manhattan — is modeled after the European Opens and draws top pros for practice. Charity exhibitions have featured the Bryan Brothers, Kevin Anderson and Martina Navratilova.
More Than a Club
While golf and tennis are at the heart of Boca Grove, the club offers much more. Amenities include nine Har Tru courts, five pickleball courts and two padel courts — among the area’s first. A DEKA-certified fitness center, infrared sauna and cold plunge add modern wellness perks. In 2021, the club unveiled a two-story sports and wellness center and resort-style pool to meet the needs of its multigenerational members.
With 443 homes and over 365 children, Boca Grove has evolved into a vibrant, year-round lifestyle community.
“It’s like summer camp — you come and don’t want to leave,” members say. Programming and events cater to all ages, making it a welcoming place for both retirees and young families.
Homes With History
Boca Grove’s homes add to its mystique. One unique story involves two side-by-side homes — one traditional, the other converted into an indoor tennis practice court. Now a training ground for two junior prodigies, tennis legend Ivan Lendl was once a regular, playing with pros and members alike.
Another story involves Frank Sinatra, who stayed with friends in the late ’80s and according to lore, entertained guests with impromptu serenades.
That same home was later purchased by a noted intelligence historian and spy memorabilia collector. He transformed it into an Art Deco and Machine Age compound, with Sinatra’s guest house now a private museum.
Boca Grove’s residents have included authors, artists, industry pioneers and influencers whose impact reaches far beyond club gates. But it’s the quiet confidence and deep community ties that define the spirit of Boca Grove.
A Legacy Rooted in Boca Raton
As Boca Raton turns 100, Boca Grove stands proudly as a cornerstone of its growth — Cherish the Lifestyle.
Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club, 21351 Whitaker Drive, Boca Raton, 561-487-5300, bocagrove.org
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