Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club opened in 1916 as Tampa's first private golf club, founded by local businessmen who committed roughly $100,000 to build a course and clubhouse on about 82 pine-covered acres. Scottish architect Tom Bendelow routed the original 1916 layout, and Donald Ross reworked all 18 holes in 1923. The historic club later undertook phased restoration with architect Bobby Weed.