Golf Inc’s Amenity of the Year 2025

Welcome to Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design, the podcast where we explore the world of luxury golf club architecture and the evolving spaces that define the member experience. Today, we’re diving into Golf Inc’s Amenity of the Year twenty twenty-five winners—focusing on the design innovations that are setting new standards in golf clubhouse experiences.

From multi-seasonal social hubs to immersive golf learning centers, this year’s winners have reimagined how members interact with their club’s spaces. We’ll explore how thoughtful architecture, seamless integration, and advanced technology are enhancing the way golfers practice, socialize, and unwind.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an architect, or someone passionate about luxury design, stay tuned as we break down the architectural brilliance behind this year’s most inspiring clubhouses.

Today’s golf clubs are no longer just about the course—they’re about community, lifestyle, and multi-functional spaces. Modern clubhouses are embracing trends that prioritize flexibility, social connectivity, and technological integration.

One major shift is the rise of social hubs that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Members now expect year-round functionality, from cozy firepits in the winter to open, airy lounges in the summer. Another growing trend is the incorporation of high-tech learning centers equipped with golf simulators and swing analysis systems, catering to both serious players and casual enthusiasts.

We’re also seeing a shift towards holistic wellness, with clubs offering fitness centers, yoga studios, and even spa amenities. The result? A comprehensive lifestyle experience that extends far beyond traditional golf.

This year’s Amenity of the Year winners exemplify these trends, showcasing innovative designs that blend luxury, functionality, and member engagement.

Let’s take a closer look at the architectural brilliance behind this year’s winners:

Multiple Amenities Category – First Place: Royal Melbourne Country Club Located in Long Grove, Illinois, Royal Melbourne redefined social spaces with its Social House. Designed by FGM Architects with interiors by Kelly Spitzer Design, this multi-seasonal building maximizes member engagement through a compact yet dynamic layout.

The Social House features built-in outdoor firepits, a full kitchen, and a bar, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. With double doors that open wide in the summer and cozy firepits for cooler nights, the design fosters year-round social interaction.

Strategically placed to serve both the pool area in the summer and the platform tennis courts in the winter, this venue is the epitome of functional flexibility. Its architecture not only enhances social experiences but also integrates beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Golf Entertainment & Range – First Place: The Country Club of Florida In Village of Golf, Florida, The Country Club of Florida collaborated with Peacock and Lewis to create a state-of-the-art golf learning center that goes beyond practice. This three thousand square foot facility is all about immersive experiences, featuring climate-controlled hitting bays with advanced swing analysis systems and integrated golf simulators.

Peacock and Lewis designed the building to blend seamlessly with the nearby clubhouse, maintaining a cohesive architectural aesthetic. Instead of traditional garage doors, they chose elegant folding glass doors that open to the driving range. This decision was not just about aesthetics—it was a strategic choice to enhance the view for nearby homeowners.

Inside, the space is designed for comfort and community. A lounge area with food and beverages allows members to relax, review their swing performance, and socialize. The flexible design also supports event hosting, with the driving range easily converting into a par-3 course for club competitions.

Racket Category – First Place: Memphis Country Club Memphis Country Club’s architectural achievement lies in transforming an old parking lot into a sixty thousand square foot indoor racket facility. Designed by JC Chi at Kuo Diedrich Chi Architects with interiors by J. Banks Design, this space features five tennis courts, four dedicated pickleball courts, and the Racquets Café.

By building the courts below grade, they reduced noise pollution and created an intimate, tournament-style atmosphere. The structure was also engineered for seismic safety, showcasing how functionality and design can intersect beautifully.

The lobby and retail space were crafted with warm interiors that invite members to relax and connect. This thoughtful design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s about enhancing the overall member experience.

What made these designs truly stand out? It’s all about purposeful integration and user-centric spaces. The judges were particularly impressed by how these clubs blended functionality with sophisticated aesthetics.

Peter Cafaro praised the indoor hitting bays at The Country Club of Florida, noting their seamless integration with the facility’s general architecture. This thoughtful design approach enhances both usability and charm.

Mark Melzer emphasized the importance of strategic placement, highlighting how the proximity of the learning center to the clubhouse and parking enhances member convenience. It’s proof that great design is as much about functionality as it is about beauty.

Meanwhile, at Royal Melbourne, the Social House’s compact footprint maximizes site efficiency while offering expansive social opportunities. It’s a perfect example of how modern clubhouses are balancing space constraints with lifestyle needs.

So, what’s next in golf clubhouse design? As member expectations evolve, clubs will continue to innovate with multi-functional spaces, enhanced social connectivity, and advanced technology integration.

Expect to see even more hybrid spaces that blend sport, wellness, and social interaction. Virtual reality golf simulators, smart fitness studios, and dynamic social hubs will become the norm. We’ll also see a rise in eco-friendly designs that harmonize with the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and luxury.

The key takeaway? The future of golf clubhouses isn’t just about elegance—it’s about experiences. Clubs that prioritize connectivity, flexibility, and immersive environments will continue to lead the industry.

That wraps up our exploration of Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design. Today, we saw how the winners of Golf Inc’s Amenity of the Year twenty twenty-five are redefining what it means to belong to a golf club. From Royal Melbourne’s vibrant Social House to The Country Club of Florida’s immersive learning center, these clubs are setting new standards in design and member experience.

Which design trend inspired you the most? Do you see these innovations coming to your local club? Let us know your thoughts!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow golf enthusiasts and design lovers. And if you’re an architect or designer inspired by these trends, we’d love to hear how you’re planning to innovate in your next project.

Thanks for tuning in to Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design. Until next time, keep swinging, keep socializing, and experience the evolution of golf club luxury.