Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Led by Tyler Rae Revives Historic Greens, Bunkers
and Iconic Hole Designs as Classic Florida Course Returns to its 1917 Roots
(LAKE WALES, Fla.) – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, announces that the extensive restoration of its historic Seth Raynor-designed golf course remains on schedule for an early November reopening.
The multi-million dollar restoration project, led by renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae, began on April 20 and focuses on three key components: the complete reconstruction and redesign of all putting surfaces, strategic design enhancements to every hole drawn from archival photos and newly uncovered historic information, and the meticulous repositioning of bunkers.
All 18 putting surfaces have been fully reconstructed and restored, with the greens’ infrastructure modernized for superior drainage and playability. Each new surface now faithfully replicates the sizes, shapes and distinctive characteristics shown in historical photographs and has been sprigged with TifEagle Bermuda grass.
Guided by extensive historical research—including Raynor’s original sketch of the first nine holes that opened for play Jan. 1, 1917, aerial photographs and drawings from the 1920s and 1930s, and ground level photographs—the design enhancements crafted by Rae and his design team have been completed and are now in the grow-in phase. Notable strategic features include:
- Recreation of the original punchbowl green at the third hole
- Relocating the putting surface at the sixth hole, shifted more than 20 yards to the right to the original location
- The pond fronting the ninth green filled in and replaced with a dramatic “beach” bunker, while preserving the original green contours
- Rebuilding the fore bunker and regrading the approach at the 11th hole to strengthen the Redan characteristics of this iconic par-3
- Reconstructed bunkering at the 13th “Road Hole,” designed to promote thoughtful tee-shot strategy and mirror the Scholar’s bunker complex at The Old Course int St. Andrews
- Redesign of the 15th hole to reflect the classic Garden City template, with greater emphasis on precise tee-shot placement favoring the right side of the fairway
- Restoration of the finishing hole’s original green size and shape, featuring a large false front and a distinctive kidney shape wrapped around a deep right bunker, as shown in Raynor’s 1915 routing
Relandscaping across several areas of the golf course with native trees, grasses and indigenous plants remains underway and will serve as one of the final touches of the restoration. These thoughtful plantings will add rich texture, depth and natural beauty to the overall golf experience.
“We are pleased with how the golf course restoration project is progressing from both a timing and budget standpoint,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Eric von Hofen. “There is a genuine sense of excitement at the club with every milestone achieved. We remain confident in reopening the golf course for member play in early November.”
Rae, who has led projects at prestigious clubs in New York, Illinois and South Carolina, is an accomplished restorer of Raynor designs. His previous work includes the restoration of Lookout Mountain Club in Georgia and Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club in Rhode Island.
“Working on this project has been a rare privilege—reconnecting with Raynor’s original vision through every subtle contour and strategic decision,” says Rae. “What excites me the most is knowing that players will now discover the same drama, deception and joy that defined this course a century ago, yet with a soul that feels completely alive again.”
Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as general contractor for the project. The firm was selected for its expertise in recreating the character and charm of early 1900s golf course design while delivering a course that performs seamlessly with modern maintenance practices.
“Our goal was to bring to life the historic Raynor features Tyler Rae uncovered from archival photographs while ensuring the finished product is built to withstand the next hundred years,” says Darryl Bartlett, Senior Manager and Chief Development Officer at NMP Golf Construction. “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in preserving the course’s character for future generations.”
Founded in 1915 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Mountain Lake encompasses more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills and pristine lakes. The community offers sweeping panoramic views of Central Florida’s landscape and the neighboring Bok Tower Gardens. This secure, private enclave features an exceptional collection of historical residences designed by legendary architects for some of the nation’s most prominent families. Today’s homeowners serve as dedicated stewards, preserving the timeless exteriors while thoughtfully updating the interiors.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Colony House serves as the community’s elegant social hub. It offers sophisticated dining in its 1916-era rooms, casual poolside cookouts, a fitness center, library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge support. Croquet lawns lie just steps away, with a racquet sports facility bordering the first fairway. Mountain Lake also features a private shooting range nestled within a historic clay mine on the community’s edge.
For more information visit www.mountainlakeflorida.com.
ABOUT MOUNTAIN LAKE
Situated equidistant to Tampa and Orlando on one of the highest points in Florida, Mountain Lake is an upscale golf club and community with a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. A one-of-a-kind oasis amidst a sea of Florida sameness, Mountain Lake boasts a highly ranked golf course, homes designed by some of the top architects in the world and a unique club culture – all in the shadows of a national landmark singing tower rising high above lush gardens.
At the heart of Mountain Lake is its Seth Raynor-designed golf course, a masterpiece of golf’s Golden Age architecture, and widely considered one of the best layouts in Florida. In April 2026, noted course architect Tyler Rae will lead an extensive golf course restoration project that will modernize and improve the aging infrastructure and re-establish Raynor’s traditional design elements.
More than 125 historic and newer homes spread across Mountain Lake’s 1,100 acres of stunning parkland. Many of the historic homes were built by noted architects for some of the country’s most distinguished families, and are beautifully maintained by homeowners who treasure their home’s history. Homesites at Mountain Lake start at $795K, while residences on the market range from $1.45 million to over $4.5 million.
The Colony House is the social hub for the community and features dining options ranging from sophisticated to casual. A fitness center, library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge services also can be found at the Colony House, with croquet lawns situated just steps away and a racquets facility located right of the first fairway. Situated next to Mountain Lake is Bok Tower Gardens, a garden and bird sanctuary created by former Mountain Lake resident Edward Bok, author and publisher of the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies’ Home Journal. Mountain Lake residents are hugely supportive of the Gardens and enjoy convenient access via a private gate. For more information visit www.mountainlakeflorida.com.
ABOUT NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION
NMP Golf Construction specializes in golf course renovation, restoration, drainage, irrigation, shaping, and infrastructure work for private clubs, resort courses, and tournament venues throughout the U.S. The company partners with architects, owners, agronomy teams, and project stakeholders to deliver technically complex golf course projects with precision, efficiency, and respect for each property’s design intent and objectives. www.nmpgolf.com
