Led by Architect Tyler Rae, Restoration Project Revives Seth Raynor’s Original 1917 Design Features Alongside Major Agronomic and Drainage Infrastructure Upgrades
LAKE WALES, Fla. – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, has officially reopened its historic golf course following an extensive, multi-million-dollar restoration project led by renowned course architect Tyler Rae.
The ambitious project, which commenced on April 20, centered on three primary objectives: the complete infrastructure reconstruction and redesign of all putting surfaces, the modernization and repositioning of the bunker complexes, and strategic design enhancements to every hole inspired by archival photographs and newly uncovered historical records.
Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as the general contractor, wrapping up heavy construction in mid-September. The final weeks of the project focused on the precision grow-in process of the new turf, particularly around the greens. It also included extensive relandscaping utilizing native trees, grasses and indigenous flora to elevate the course’s visual aesthetic.
The wholesale restoration of all 18 greens modernized their underlying infrastructure to ensure superior drainage and elite playability. Re-grassed with TifEagle Bermuda, each new putting surface now faithfully mirrors the dimensions, contours and distinctive characteristics captured in early 20th-century photography.
Similar to the work on the greens, the course’s bunkers underwent comprehensive modern upgrades designed to mitigate rising maintenance costs and prevent washouts during heavy rainfall or severe weather events. To complete the architectural time capsule, key bunkers across multiple holes were strategically repositioned to match their original layout.
To guide the restoration, Rae and his team meticulously analyzed a wealth of historical materials dating back to 1917, the year the course first opened. These primary sources included Raynor’s original sketch of the opening nine holes, ground-level photography and aerial renderings from the 1920s and 1930s. This deep archival research served as the blueprint for several landmark design restorations across the golf course, including:
- Third Hole – The faithful re-creation of the original punchbowl green.
- Sixth Hole – The return of the putting surface to its original location, shifting it more than 20 yards back to the right.
- 11th Hole – Rebuilding the fore bunker and regrading the approach to amplify the classic Redan characteristics of this iconic par-3.
- 13th Hole (“Road Hole”) – Reconstructing the bunkers to mirror the legendary Scholar’s bunker complex at The Old Course at St. Andrews, encouraging a more thoughtful tee-shot strategy.
- 15th Hole – A complete redesign reflecting the classic Garden City template, which demands precise tee-shot placement favoring the right side of the fairway.
- 18th Hole – The total restoration of the green’s original size and shape based on Raynor’s 1915 routing, highlighting a large false front and a distinctive kidney shape wrapped tightly around a deep right bunker.
“Restoring this golf course was far more than a standard renovation; it was a profound commitment to the architectural legacy of Seth Raynor,” says Eric von Hofen, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Mountain Lake. “This milestone marks the culmination of years of meticulous research and dedication from Tyler Rae, our Board of Directors, our executive leadership team, our members, and especially superintendent Brad Quackenbush and his grounds crew.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about the end result of this golf course restoration project,” adds John Dana, President of the Mountain Lake Corporation. “Our mission with this project was to accurately restore and modernize the golf course to highlight the strategic brilliance of Seth Raynor’s original design.”
Founded in 1915 with a master plan designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Mountain Lake encompasses more than 1,000 acres of rolling topography and pristine lakes. Situated on one of the highest land formations in Florida, the secure private community offers sweeping panoramic views of the Central Florida landscape and the neighboring Bok Tower Gardens. This historic enclave features a collection of residences crafted by legendary architects for some of the nation’s most prominent families, preserved today by homeowners who act as dedicated stewards of their timeless exteriors and updated interiors.
The social heart of the community remains the Colony House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1916-era hub features sophisticated dining rooms, casual poolside cookouts, a fitness center, a library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge support. Steps from the clubhouse, members enjoy pristine croquet lawns and a dedicated racquet sports facility bordering the first fairway. Mountain Lake also features a private shooting range nestled within a historic clay mine at the community’s edge.
For more information regarding the restoration or community real estate opportunities, please 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 November 2026, Mountain Lake completed a multi-million-dollar restoration project led by noted course architect Tyler Rae. The golf course restoration project modernized and improved the layout’s aging infrastructure and re-established 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.
