Trying to choose between St. Andrews Country Club, Woodfield Country Club, and Mizner Country Club can feel like comparing three great versions of the same lifestyle. Each offers golf, racquets, resort-style amenities, and gated privacy, yet the experience on the ground is very different. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, side-by-side look at membership structure, golf and racquets culture, clubhouse life, housing styles, and long-term value so you can match a community to your goals. Let’s dive in.
The short answer: who each suits
St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton skews ultra-luxury with estate-scale homes, a resident-focused equity model, and two championship golf courses. It appeals if you want prestige, top-tier golf access, and a refined social calendar.
Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton is a large, multi-village community with a broad housing mix and an extensive tennis program. It works well if you value robust racquets offerings, children’s programming, and a wide range of home types.
Mizner Country Club in West Delray is a boutique Toll Brothers community of single-family homes with a lifestyle center and one course. It is a strong fit if you prefer a newer, more intimate club environment with modern layouts.
Membership structure and what it means for you
- St. Andrews is publicly described as a resident-only, equity membership community where club membership is part of the ownership model. Policies on equity, refunds, and transfers can change, so confirm specifics with the membership office before you make an offer.
- Woodfield presents a mandatory owner membership with tiered equity categories and defined dues structures. Availability and caps can affect access, so ask about current categories, any waiting list, and transfer terms.
- Mizner operates as a private club associated with the planned community. Membership categories and transfer rules are typically provided at closing. Verify initiation, dues, and any refund policy directly with the club.
Practical takeaway: “Mandatory” is different from “optional.” A mandatory membership model will affect your closing costs and the future pool of buyers when you resell. Ask to see the membership agreement and any equity refund policy up front.
Golf: courses, access, and feel
- St. Andrews stands out for serious golfers with two 18-hole championship courses often referenced as an Arnold Palmer Signature design and the Olde Course by Gene Bates, along with a performance and practice center. That mix supports strong tee-time access and tournament play for committed golfers.
- Woodfield offers one championship course with family and junior programming woven into the culture. Community materials reference redesigns and ongoing investment, which matters for course conditioning and the member experience.
- Mizner features a single 18-hole course and a neighborhood-scale golf membership. If you like a more intimate program and a smaller community footprint, it can be a comfortable fit.
For a sense of St. Andrews’ scale and lifestyle, review the club’s official site for community and amenity context (St. Andrews Country Club).
Racquets: tennis and pickleball
- Woodfield makes a major commitment to racquets with about 20 courts across multiple surfaces, strong adult and junior programming, and industry recognition. If tennis or pickleball drives your decision, Woodfield is often the top pick.
- St. Andrews runs a deep clay-court program with roughly 15 lighted Har-Tru courts and formal clinics and team play. It suits clay-court enthusiasts who want organized play at a high level.
- Mizner offers tennis and pickleball within a smaller community footprint, which some buyers prefer for ease of access and a close-knit feel.
Clubhouse, dining, and social scene
- St. Andrews features a very large clubhouse footprint with multiple dining venues, a spa and fitness center, and a calendar that spans formal galas and family events. If you enjoy black-tie events as much as casual gatherings, the range is there.
- Woodfield emphasizes multi-age programming with a substantial clubhouse, fitness and spa facilities, and a dedicated children’s clubhouse. The social calendar typically offers options for all ages.
- Mizner hosts a lifestyle center and clubhouse appropriate to its boutique scale, delivering dining, fitness, and community events without the pace of a mega-club.
Homes and architectural styles
- St. Andrews is known for estate-scale properties, custom builds, and architecture that blends Mediterranean, Traditional, and contemporary styles. Listings often sit at the high end of the Boca Raton market. If you want privacy, lot size, and presence, you will find it here.
- Woodfield spans townhomes, villas, mid-size single-family homes, and custom estates across many villages. That variety makes it easier to match square footage, layout, and price to your needs while staying in one master community.
- Mizner offers Toll Brothers single-family homes with modern floor plans and neighborhood uniformity. If you like newer construction and a cohesive streetscape, this model delivers.
At a glance: quick comparison
| Category | St. Andrews Country Club | Woodfield Country Club | Mizner Country Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall fit | Prestige, estate living, top-tier golf | Broad family amenities, deep racquets culture | Boutique, newer single-family community |
| Golf | Two championship courses plus performance center | One championship course with junior programs | One championship course |
| Racquets | Large clay complex with formal programming | About 20 courts, strong adult and junior play | Tennis and pickleball on a smaller scale |
| Clubhouse vibe | Large-scale, formal plus family events | Multi-age, family-forward amenities | Intimate, neighborhood-scale calendar |
| Housing mix | Custom estates and high-end builds | Villas to custom estates | Toll Brothers single-family |
Long-term value: what to watch
Country club living can hold value well in a strong market, but it is tied to the health of the club and its amenities. Academic research on golf-course communities finds that course closures or underinvestment can have measurable negative effects on nearby home values, especially for interior lots that rely on the master plan experience. Review club finances and capital plans as part of your diligence to reduce surprises later. See a peer-reviewed discussion of fragility and lot-type sensitivity in master-planned golf communities in the Journal of Property Investment and Finance (research summary).
Recent demand across Palm Beach County has been strong, which supports pricing for desirable communities. Still, local momentum does not erase structural risks like dues increases, special assessments, or major renovation cycles. For context on regional demand and price pressures in the area, see recent coverage of Palm Beach luxury market dynamics (market overview).
Bottom line: focus on the specific club’s financials, capital reserves, and recent sales inside the gate rather than assuming a general pattern will apply to your home.
Before you buy: a quick checklist
Use this list to structure your diligence with the club and HOA:
- Membership rules: Is membership mandatory to purchase or to use the club? Does the membership transfer with the home, or is it sold separately?
- Initiation and equity: What are the current initiation or equity contributions and the refund or credit policy on resale or transfer?
- Dues history: How have dues changed over the past 5 to 10 years? Any recent or planned special assessments?
- Caps and wait lists: Are there membership caps, category limits, or waiting lists that could affect your ability to join or resell?
- Financials and reserves: Request the current operating budget, recent audited or reviewed financials, and the capital-reserve study or plan for major projects. Lack of transparency is a risk.
- HOA covenants: Confirm HOA fees, rules, and any club-use requirements in the covenants.
- Physical plant: Ask about course irrigation and turf system age, clubhouse renovation history, and any scheduled capital projects.
- Sales data: Review recent comparable sales and days on market inside the specific community.
Which one fits your lifestyle
- Choose St. Andrews if your priority is championship-level golf, an estate setting, and a refined social calendar that can scale from family events to formal galas.
- Choose Woodfield if you want a diversified housing mix, standout racquets amenities, and multi-age programming across an expansive master community.
- Choose Mizner if you prefer a boutique, newer single-family community with a complete but intimate club experience.
When you are ready to tour, align your selection with the membership model you prefer and the amenities you will use the most. If you narrow your choice to two, compare each club’s financials and upcoming capital projects before you make an offer.
Ready for a confidential, on-the-ground comparison and private showings inside the gates? Connect with Noah J. Heller for curated tours, current membership insights, and access to listed and off-market opportunities.
FAQs
Which Boca Raton area club is best for championship golf?
- St. Andrews stands out with two championship courses and a performance center, making it a strong fit for committed golfers. Explore the community context on the St. Andrews Country Club site.
Where is the strongest tennis and pickleball program in Boca Raton and Delray Beach clubs?
- Woodfield is widely recognized for a large, well-run racquets program with about 20 courts, while St. Andrews also offers a deep clay-court program. Mizner provides tennis and pickleball on a smaller scale.
How family-oriented are St. Andrews, Woodfield, and Mizner Country Club?
- Woodfield emphasizes multi-age amenities and a children’s clubhouse, St. Andrews runs family events alongside formal programming, and Mizner’s calendar fits its boutique scale. Tour each to gauge daily activity and fit.
Do initiation fees and dues affect resale in Palm Beach County country clubs?
- They shape the buyer pool and long-term carrying costs. Research shows amenity-dependent communities are sensitive to course investment and capital needs, so review club financials and comps before you buy. See this research summary.
Can I rely on realtor pages for exact club fees and rules?
- Realtor and community profiles are a helpful starting point, but membership offices and official club documents are the authoritative sources. Always verify current initiation, dues, refund terms, and transfer rules directly with the club.