Tyler Rae-Led Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Set to Open in Early November; Will Feature Distinctive Characteristics Found in Seth Raynor’s Original Design
(LAKE WALES, Fla.) – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, announces that the construction phase of the golf course restoration project has been completed and the re-opening remains on schedule for early November.
Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as general contractor for the project. Mountain Lake selected NMP 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.
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. The previous greens were built in the early 2000s as part of a redesign project and were nearing the end of their functional life. The materials in the subsurface layers of the putting surfaces have gradually hardened over time, which has limited drainage. Now, each new green replicates the sizes, shapes and distinctive characteristics shown in historical photographs, and are 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.
Like the putting surfaces, the restoration project modernized and improved the bunkers. The updates will help manage the rising costs of repairs and maintenance, and reduce washouts during heavy rainfalls or abnormal conditions. Some bunkers were also repositioned on several holes to mirror what was found from historic photos.
“We are thrilled to announce that the construction phase of our renovation project is now complete, and we are one step closer to the highly anticipated reopening of the golf course,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Eric von Hofen. “It’s been a pleasure following the progress made by our partners at NMP, and their exceptional work is one of the main reasons that we remain on track to reopen in November.”
“Standing on the course and seeing the transformation of an already top-tier club, I can only imagine how much higher Mountain Lake will rise. It was truly a blessing to be part of such an all-star team and to help lovingly restore this Seth Raynor gem,” says Darryl Barlett, Senior Manager and Chief Development Officer, NMP Golf Construction.
Leading up to the November opening, Mountain Lake’s agronomy team will focus on the grow-in process of the grasses throughout the golf course, especially around the greens. Superintendent Brad Quackenbush and his team will also finish relandscaping across several areas of the golf course with native trees, grasses and indigenous plants. These thoughtful plantings will add rich texture, depth and natural beauty to the overall golf experience.
“We have been very pleased with how the project has transpired from an agronomy standpoint and look forward to seeing the golf course visually improve with each passing day,” Quackenbush says. “The careful planning and dedicated work by our team are really starting to show, and we’re excited for members and guests to experience the enhanced playing conditions and overall character of the course when we open in November.”
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
MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert Rodriguez
Buffalo Groupe
rrodriguez@buffalogroupe.com
www.buffalogroupe.com
