Ward Northrup

Ward Northrup was commissioned to rebuild the Bent Tree greens, bringing them into line with USGA specifications in 1994.

Members, visitors and LPGA officials all agree on one thing - the greens are outstanding - putt true - hold the line with no subtle breaks - leaving the player with fast sharp greens which test the ability of golfers at all levels of the game.

In addition to hosting the LPGA for 13 years in the late '70s and most of the 80's, Bent Tree was also the site for several U.S. Open qualifiers, as well as the Florida State High School Championships.

Bent Tree tests all levels of golfing proficiency on a layout that ranges from 5400 yards to the gold tee tips at 6800 yards. Yet, the course is a very walkable layout. Cart paths cut through some of Southwest Florida's relatively unspoiled most idyllic nature settings sprinkled with small lakes and streams teeming with numerous species of birds, waterfowl and wildlife.

Both Northrup and the original course architect, Bill Lewis, had one thing in common about Bent Tree - a course designed for championship golf, a course not lined with villas and condos.