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On 7/23/2018 at 12:11 PM, fozcycle said:

Great write-ups Greg, you did Pine Barrens, but what about the other course, Rolling Oaks?

 

 

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Here ya go Foz

We played Rolling Oaks this past weekend. I turned in an 86 net 69 to finish B Flight 4th and tied for 5th overall.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Getting ready for week at East Lake Woodlands Country Club. Looking at the course it's going to be a challenge. Stay tuned.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Week 5 - East Lake Woodlands Country Club, North Course, Oldsmar FL

Tees Played: (A) Gold 6,807 yds 73.0/147 / (B) Blue 6,365 yds 71.0/141

Conditions: Hot, Dry, Very light breeze

Price: $$ ($50)

http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/East-Lake-Woodlands-Country-Club/

East Lake Woodlands Country Club is a private club operated by Club Corp in Oldsmar Florida. Oldsmar sits just above Tampa Bay (the body of water not the general area), about 30-45 minute drive from Tampa proper, slightly less than that from the Tampa airport area. It has always had a good reputation among the Tampa area courses, and I'm sure Club Corp is all that needs to be said to many of you. This was my first opportunity to play there and it lived up to both the local reputation and the standard I've come to expect after playing other Club Corp sites around the country. Through Club Corp there is limited public access, otherwise play is restricted to site or Club Corp members and their guests. 

The North is the more difficult of the two courses on site. You can see by the rating/slope numbers it is a shot making course without a lot of room to miss. Narrow fairways surrounded by lots of trees, strategic bunkering and a better than fair amount of water offer a true challenge for all levels of golfer. Small misses won't be over punished but there just isn't any room to accommodate wayward shots without incurring some kind of penalty.

Course Conditions: In general good to very good and well maintained all the way around. Tee areas were all level and lush. It has been atypically dry for this time of year so the fairways were dry and firm offering good roll-out on tee shots but still had good depth and feel for iron play. The rough is not deep enough to be penalizing. The narrow fairways, doglegs, bunkers and water take care of that. The greens were smooth and between fast and very fast, and rolled true with some allowance for grain. There were a few greens with repair patches that affected play and was just about the only negative aspect on course conditions.

Practice Areas:  The practice and warm up area setup is a bit odd. The putting green adjacent to the clubhouse is very good and replicates the on course greens well. There is a short range next to the club house (short walk distance) but the long club range is a short cart ride over from the first tee.  The short club range goes out toward some adjacent houses so be alert to the requested distance limit posted at the tee. Allow some extra time for moving around if you prefer a full warm up before play. All of the areas were well maintained and appointed.

Course Employees: All were very friendly and accommodating. The check-in desk and starter made it easy to get ready for play. We didn't see a ranger on the course, but the beverage cart made enough rounds that we never wondered where it might be. The North Course does not route back to the clubhouse, but there is a half-way house at the turn that has light snacks and beverages. There is a very nice bar and gill area for pre/post round gathering as well. Given we somehow got booked for a holiday weekend Saturday at a private course, the people there (including the members we encountered) all made us feel like welcome guests.

Overall Impression:  The North Course at East Lake Woodlands CC is a challenging course that rewards accuracy over length. Stay along the line of the hole and your score won't suffer much, but stray too far off line and the numbers will quickly climb. The course conditions and friendly atmosphere generated by the folks there made it an all around great day at the golf course (despite the higher than normal score). I've never walked away from a Club Corp facility feeling anything otherwise. A definite recommend if you can find an opportunity to play.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 3 weeks later...

Week 6: Southern Dunes Golf and CC, Haines City FL

Tees Played: Blue - 6,803 yes, 73.3/134 ; White - 6,298 yes, 70.9/125

Conditions: Hot, humid little to no breeze

Price: $$ ($50 - Seasonal)

https://www.southerndunes.com

This was my second visit to Southern Dunes for league play, and not much has changed since our visit last year, so I've included the link to last season's review below. 

Haines City sits between Orlando and Tampa just south of the I-4 corridor, about 45 minutes from the Orlando resorts and a little more than an hour from the Tampa areas. The golf course is open to the public but feels more like a private club atmosphere. From both an aesthetic and playability point of view, the course is a level above most fully public courses in the area. It is a shot-making course with strategy dictated by elevation changes and the numerous bunkers throughout the course. Large, undulating greens challenge shot placement and good putting in order to score well.

Course Conditions: Perhaps a step down from last years visit, but excellent in every category. It has been a very dry start to the summer season in the area, so the high traffic areas (tees and fairway edges) showed some wear. Otherwise, the playing areas were all lush and green. Fairways firm enough for roll, with good depth. The greens were lush, smooth, and rolled true and were a bit faster than they looked at a glance.

Practice Areas: Again, small but well maintained. Very good marks for the chipping/bunker green. Full swing range is a short walk from the cart area and gets crowded quickly. The practice green on this visit did not replicate the speed of the greens on course well. A few of us struggled for a while to adjust during the round.

Course Employees: Just about sets the standard for a fully public access course. Outside greeters who were helpful without feeling pushy, friendly and engaging clubhouse desk operator, and quick friendly servers in the bar/grill. Didn't encounter an on-course ranger and the beverage cart routed past us at least once on each 9. It was a very hot humid morning so that was welcome.

Overall Impression: If you are in the Tampa or Orlando area and looking for an outstanding golf course to play, Southern Dunes carries the highest recommendation. The course conditions are outstanding for a public course. The layout is interesting, challenging, and fun to play. The price may be slightly higher for a public venue, especially in the peak season, but Southern Dunes is well worth the drive and the price of admission.

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Week 7: TPC Tampa Bay, Tampa FL

Tees Played:  Blue: 6,610 72.6 / 136 ; Green: 6,332 70.8 / 133

Conditions: Stinking Hot and Humid

Price: $$$ ($75)

https://www.tpctampabay.com/ also see https://tpc.com/tpc-network-pga-tour/

TPC Tampa Bay is one of the TPC network's public courses and sits just on the north side of Tampa next to the Veteran's Expressway so a short drive from the Tampa International Airport area. The course is a local favorite as well as an annual stop for the PGA Champions' (Senior) Tour and numerous high-school and inter-collegiate events. TPC Tampa Bay has long been known as one of the most challenging tracks in the region, and for maintaining the quality of conditions and amenities associated with the TPC brand. The course is designed as a stadium golf venue so greens and fairways are surrounded by lots of mounding for spectators, throw in the natural wetlands areas, other water features, and ample bunkers, it all adds up to create a challenge even the tour level players.

Course Conditions: Given the course's solid reputation and that it carries the TPC brand name, I was actually slightly disappointed in the course conditions. Don't read that to say it was bad, just not quite up to the expectations going in. It was all good to very good from tee to green. There were numerous bare spots around the greens and in some of the rough areas. Those areas and the fact the greens hadn't quite recovered fully from recent aeration (they were still fairly fast, rolled true, and held shots), are the only things keeping me from saying excellent all around.

Practice Areas: For the size of the facility, the full swing range is a bit small with few enough stations that our group of 40 more than overwhelmed it. Good quality turf and ample targets for pre-round warm up though. Same goes for the practice green; good condition, replicates the on-course greens well, but small and easily over crowded. The chipping/bunker area is separate from those adjacent to the first tee, but is also a good representation of the course conditions for a pre-round warm up or practice. 

Course Employees: Everyone we encountered was a pleasure to deal with. The bag drop crew will make sure you get situated with a cart (no parking lot cart access is permitted), and wipe down clubs post round. Check-in at the clubhouse was a breeze. On course, the single beverage cart was probably overwhelmed given the temperature, but the attendant was terrific. Same with the rangers. Even when they were encouraging us to maintain pace of play (they never said speed up) they were friendly and unobtrusive. The bar and grill has sufficient indoor seating as well as a large patio and the service crew were engaging as well as quick and informative. For a public course, the TPC Tampa Bay crew is definitely doing it right.

Overall Impression: TPC Tampa Bay definitely lives up to its reputation as a challenging course. If you don't bring your A game with you, you will almost certainly gain an understanding of just how good the tour level players are. The aesthetics of the course are terrific and even at its difficulty level, it's a fun track. It does wear the TPC badge, so it carries the price tag to go with it. Fees are significantly higher in the cooler months. A solid recommend for anyone in the Tampa area.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Event #8 Lake Jovita G&CC, South Course

Tees Played: Blue: 6,690 yds, 71.7/136; White: 6,206 yds, 69.8/133

Conditions: Hot, Humid, Rain Showers late

Price: $ ($45)

http://lakejovita.com/

Lake Jovita is a 36-hole formerly private golf and tennis club associated with a medium sized gated community near Dade City, Florida. A 30-45 minute drive from Tampa, it is a bit isolated and out of the way for those coming from the coast cities or Orlando area. Both courses offer more rolling terrain than you'd expect from a course in this region which gives each track character and some different challenges that other nearby courses. The South Course is more strategic, starting with a very challenging par 4 then varying distances, doglegs, bunkers and water features to dictate strategy and offer risk/reward opportunities.

Course Conditions:  In last season's review of the North Course, I said general conditions were good, but starting to show wear after the facility switched to full public. It might be a bit generous to say the conditions had maintained that status quo. Excepting the greens, every area of the course was between below average and poor. Tee boxes were level, but worn and many had weeds creeping in. Fairways were thin, and inconsistent with regard to firmness. Every member of my foursome had complaints about at least one fairway lie. The rough was moderately deep but playable, and tended to be where water collected once the rain started where the depth limited drainage. The bunkers were absolutely ABYSMAL. Unkempt, washed out, firm and collecting water; every bunker on the course could have been considered an unplayable lie. The greens again, were the lone exception. Smooth and fast, rolled true but grain was definitely a factor for distance control. In general, the best descriptor is disappointing. Everything still looks green and lush, and aesthetically the course pleases the eye. But bare spots in the thin fairways, and the ridiculously bad bunker conditions (given how many there are and how they affect play) definitely degraded the experience of the round.

Practice Areas: Nothing has really changed from previous reviews. The limited number of full swing stations meant warn/ragged turf for our mid morning start time. The practice green is a good representation of the course - smooth, fast, and lots of undulation. Make sure you are ready to leave the clubhouse and use them as an intermediate stop to the tee, otherwise it will be some annoying back and forth cart driving.

Course Employees: Just about the only thing that improved from our previous visit was the interaction with the course employees. They were all friendly and engaging. Chances are you'll have a greeter/assistant meet you in the parking lot to help transition to the cart barn area and pro shop desk for check in. The beverage cart made enough rounds we didn't despair the hot conditions. I was in a later group so didn't get a good gauge of the bar/grill service as the rain had thinned the crowd quite a bit. Be aware, they make up a bit for the value of the golf with higher prices on everything else (hot dog and coke at the turn was $9). 

Overall Impression: Still a good value, but don't expect to be impressed. Aesthetically the course still pleases the eye. That and the layout and challenge of the course should make it fun to play. The degrading course conditions definitely brought down the overall quality of the experience. The greens are still among the best we've played this season. The only thing saving a positive recommendation for Lake Jovita is the golf value, but it is not as strong a recommendation as it was just a year or so past.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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We are set to take on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook on Saturday.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Week 9: Innsbrook Resort - Copperhead Course

Tees Played: Green 73.1/139, 6,624 yds; White 71.1/137 6,243 yds

Conditions: Humid, warm, light breeze. Wet early (lift+clean). Hot later in the round.

Price: $$$ ($89)

https://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/golf/copperhead-course

The Innisbrook Resort is a large golf and spa resort in Palm Harbor, just a short drive north of the Clearwater/St Petersburg area on the Central Florida gulf coast. A longtime favorite of Tampa Bay area golfers, the resort has three championship courses. The Copperhead Course we played to day is the site of the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship during the springtime Florida swing. It is definitely a shotmaking course with a lot of risk/reward opportunities. It takes sound strategy and good execution to finish the day with a good score. The final three holes are a pair of challenging par 4s bracketing a long, tough par 3 known as The Snake Pit. This is a previously reviewed course with nothing really new to report so the rest of this review will be pretty brief.

Course Conditions: In general very very good, but since we are there every year maybe a notch below the resort's standard. We played early in the morning after several days with heavy afternoon downpours. Given that, the course played exceptionally well. Carts were only restricted on par 3's so drainage was not an issue. The only noticeable mark down was a few, small, bare/worn spots on greens. I'll chalk that up to slow recovery from the tour setup and a very dry early summer period after the tour event. Tee areas are all good. Fairways were a little firm even after the recent rains. Rough was deep enough to affect shots but not be penal. The greens were smooth, rolled true, held shots well, andwere fast early then very fast after they dried a bit.

Practice Areas: It's a short walk from the clubhouse to the practice/warmup area. Ample stations, good turf, and good quality balls provided at the full swing range (limited to irons only after wet weather for us). A good size chipping green is between the range and putting green. All are kept in similar condition to the course so a very good warm up area all around. The resort has other areas dedicated to practice that are just as good if not better.

Course Employees: No change at all from the previous reviews. The people at Innisbrook set the standard on how to treat their guests and ensure you enjoy your round. Even the rangers reminding us to maintain pace of play were friendly and encouraging rather than sounding like the jerks many of their counterparts are. If you have an unpleasant interaction with anyone I'd consider it rare.

Overall Impression: All three of the courses at Innisbrook are terrific, and each one has a unique feel, appearance, and set of challenges. Copperhead is the signature course and bears that flag well. If you want a feel for what the pros face week in/week out, plan your visit in the late spring for just after the Valspar. It is daunting at times, and will challenge your course strategy and shot making skills on just about every hole. It remains an annual stop and league favorite. In fact, we will be back for the end of year team cup event to play all three courses. Copperhead is a definite recommend.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 3 weeks later...

Event #11 - 2-Day: Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando FL

Tees Played: (A) BLUE / 6,895  73.7 / 139;  (B) YELLOW / 6,437    71.6 / 134

Conditions: Hot, Intermittent Rain/Storms, Light Wind

$$$+ ($125/round)

https://www.bayhill.com/

The championship course at Bay Hill is an annual host to the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament (formerly the Arnold Palmer Invitational). At 7,300 plus from the tips, it can be a lot of golf course. There are plenty of challenging holes through the course, with plenty of water and deep rough to dictate strategy. It is a resort course though, so as long as you are on the appropriate tee, there is usually a generous enough landing area for the tee shot, and well protected greens that make it much more of a 2nd shot or shot-makers kind of course. Most of the greens are fairly large and surrounded by water, bunkers or both. Without a lot of undulation to deal with, shot placement into the greens is not as critical as distance control.

Course Conditions:  Palmer's name on the marquee and the long association with the PGA should tell enough of the story. Every area on the course was on the better side of very good to excellent. Tee areas were all level and well manicured. Fairways were just about pristine, and maintained playability through and after the heavy rains. The greens rolled true and held shots very well, and speed wise were moderately fast but a bit slower than expected. The rainy conditions made the bunkers challenging as the sand was fairly shallow and made firm by the rain. Finding the fairways is a premium, as the deep rough will definitely affect most shots that find it, but not necessarily to the level of being penal.

Practice Facilities:  The practice facilities are all adjacent to the clubhouse/lodge. Very large full swing range with quality practice balls, and alignment sticks at each station. The chipping and putting greens are a good replication of the on-course conditions. All the areas were maintained as well as the course itself.

Course Employees: Like most resort courses, the course personnel were a pleasure to deal with, and showed good customer focus. The bag/cart attendants were friendly and knowledgeable. Pro-shop attendants were happy to assist and answer questions. The only time we saw an on -course ranger was when they went out to enforce a lightning warning. The beverage cart made 2-3 passes each 9 (thank goodness with the heat). Kathy at the halfway house was an absolute treat. It might have been a group/tournament perk, but each of our groups was announced by name at the first tee. All-in-all we felt like we were treated well through the weekend. 

Resort specifics to note: You MUST stay at the resort or be a member to access the course. The resort does not accept cash or credit card payment anywhere on the property. You will be issued a guest card that functions as your payment card for all charges during your stay (think cruise ship). Consequently, unless it's on a restaurant menu or pro-shop shelf you don't see the price tag until you check out. And EVERYTHING is over-priced. Before your visit, read up on the dress code. (No hats inside, and tucked in shirts are the standard). The resort rooms are nice enough, but the interiors are dated. In general, you're paying a price premium for everything because Arnie's name is on the door and the PGA is there every year.

Overall Impression: The course was fantastic. You  get to face some of the same challenging shots as the PGA Tour pros and experience the Tour quality conditions from start to finish. Play the appropriate tees and use some sound strategy and it's a great golf experience. The golf rate was high, but not quite as high as some other premium resorts. As long as you don't mind jumping in at that high price point the Bay Hill course is a definite recommend.

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Final Event League Invitational: Belleair Country Club West Course, Clearwater Florida 

Tees Played: A: Black  6,541 / 71.0 / 131  ; B: 6,075 / 69.0 / 127

Conditions: Hot, moderate breeze

http://www.belleaircc.com/

Price: $$$ ($80)

The Belleair Country Club is a private golf and country club in Clearwarter Florida, about an hour drive from most of the Tampa area, and 30 minutes from the Tampa airport. Originally developed in 1897 by Tampa mogul Henry Plant, the Donald Ross design is considered Florida's first golf club. Though not lengthy from the member tees the layout has plenty of challenges with strategically placed bunkers, doglegs and a few water features. The West Course features a run of holes featuring fantastic views of the coastal inlet and Gulf of Mexico. Belleair is, again, a private/members only club. We were able to schedule our event because one of our league members has a partner club membership. 

Course Conditions: Donald Ross and private club should say just about all there is to say. Tee to green the course was in fantastic condition. Given the long run of rainy weather the area has had running up to this event it was exceptional for play. Tees were level and well maintained, fairways lush and firm, and the Bermuda rough deep but manageable. The greens were absolutely fabulous. Slightly firm but received good shots well, with exceptionally smooth true roll and between fast and very fast according to grain. Not a lot of contour to the greens, but many are elevated, they vary in size, and have a variety of protections to deal with. Quality of approach shots will make a big difference for scoring.

Practice Areas: All the practice areas were large and well maintained. The full swing range has quality turf and room for small groups. There are also some golf school type lesson areas for the pros to use that are separated from the range itself. The chipping/putting green is adjacent to the first tee and represents the greens on-course well.

Course Employees: Pleasantly indifferent might be the best description. Our connected member gave word ahead of time they don't like to advertise too loudly when they allow 'outside groups' access to the course. So we identified our group by the partner club's name rather than by our league name as much as we could. Everyone we encountered in the clubhouse area was very cordial and informative, we were treated very  much like welcome guests. The on course ranger did question us about pace of play at one backed up tee box, but even that interaction was friendly.

Overall Impresssion: An absolute recommend if you are able to find the opportunity to play. The combination of the club's history and it's Donald Ross heritage are definitely a draw. The nearby Belleview Biltmore is another Ross design, so if you're on a DR quest, I'm not sure you'll find two so close together anywhere else. 

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 3 weeks later...

Post Season Team Cup: Innsbrook Resort -  South Course, Island Course, Copperhead Course

Conditions: Hot and breezy (fringe effects of TS Humberto)

Price: $$$ ($89)

https://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/golf/

There have been a couple of previous reviews in this thread of the Innisbrook resort courses. The only one I haven't covered is the South Course, and I have never played the North course. I'll focus on the South since the others have been reviewed previously.

The South is generally considered the easiest of the resort's courses. It's not the longest either, but don't let that description lull you into thinking it doesn't have it's challenges. The course uses the terrain features and strategic bunkering to dictate your strategy. It's also a links style course that doesn't route back to the clubhouse at the turn.

Course Conditions:  Like all the previous trips to Innisbrook, the course conditions are very good to excellent. Lush, firm, very playable fairways are the resort's standard. So is the deep rough in the summer months. Like, search for your ball deep kind of Bermuda rough. Bunkers are plentiful and well maintained for playable conditions. The greens are normally very fast. Our  play date was a couple of weeks after their late summer aeration, so they were still sanded. Even with that though, they rolled nice and true, just with a bit less pace. Bottom line; if you play any of the Innisbrook courses and have reason to complain about the course conditions, you've found extremely rare circumstances.

Practice areas: The South course shares the resort's Osprey clubhouse with the North. There is a putting green adjacent to the first tee which does match the course conditions. The practice area/driving range though is a short cart ride to one of their golf school ranges across the street. All are as well maintained as the courses themselves. (side note here; our Sunday round on Copperhead the warm-up stations had not been moved yet so they were very worn). If you are playing the South or North courses you'll want to plan additional time for your warm up.

Course Employees: Out of all the sites our league visits, the Innisbrook resort courses set the standard for customer service. The best description I have, is that each and every employee I encountered this weekend made me feel like they were happy I was there and wanted me to enjoy my golf experience. So if you visit the resort and have a bad interaction with a course employee you should probably examine whether you are being the jerk.

Overall Impression: Like the previous reviews, Innisbrook carries the absolute recommend label. Yes, it's a resort so the prices are going to be a bit high, and a little higher in the winter months. The golf experience though, is first rate, with great courses and standard setting customer service. They are in the process of renovating and updating the guest rooms so that is also a bonus. If you are planning a Florida golf trip our group outing, any course at Innisbrook is going to be a good choice for the total experience.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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I could hit like to every one of your reviews - you do a great, great job with this.  I've played many of these courses, all of them I think except Bellaire which should give you an idea of how exclusive it is - they are supposed to be a reciprocal of Bayou but they never seem to offer us times when we call.

How did you get into this league?

Also I had a question about the course at the Biltmore - it was my understanding that the Ross course was ploughed under and that there is a new uber private modern design going in.  Have I heard wrongly?

 

Thanks again!

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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3 hours ago, revkev said:

I could hit like to every one of your reviews - you do a great, great job with this.  I've played many of these courses, all of them I think except Bellaire which should give you an idea of how exclusive it is - they are supposed to be a reciprocal of Bayou but they never seem to offer us times when we call.

How did you get into this league?

Also I had a question about the course at the Biltmore - it was my understanding that the Ross course was ploughed under and that there is a new uber private modern design going in.  Have I heard wrongly?

 

Thanks again!

Thank You Rev!

I was almost convinced they weren't getting a whole lot of 'air time'. The league is by invitation. I got invited in by one of the players who did some contract work at my house. I haven't heard anything about the Biltmore. I played there once way back in like '06 and really enjoyed it.

We should get our schedule for next season some time in February. We play a lot of the same courses year to year, so the new ones really stand out.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Thank You Rev!

I was almost convinced they weren't getting a whole lot of 'air time'. The league is by invitation. I got invited in by one of the players who did some contract work at my house. I haven't heard anything about the Biltmore. I played there once way back in like '06 and really enjoyed it.

We should get our schedule for next season some time in February. We play a lot of the same courses year to year, so the new ones really stand out.

 

Please keep the reviews coming - they are well written and even if those of us in the area know the courses lots of MGS forum members travel to the area. They are invaluable for those folks.

 

BTW Rookie Blue and I played TPC right around the same time that you did in your league - it was an outing of some sort (we were guests). It was so hot and so wet - the course really beat us up - I’ve had a couple of nice rounds there but it’s gotten me really bad a few times too - that back nine can get ugly fast.

 

Have you ever played Bayou?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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  • 5 months later...

New season is about to start. The league committee did a great job getting us some fantastic venues to play, though that does mean a few more $$, and $$$ sites on the schedule this year, along with some long drives (in the car that is).

To refresh, my  pricing scale is 3 tiers: Under 50 - $,  50-75 - $$, 75+ - $$$. Again this season, after each event, I will post my review of the course with my perspective being; how was the total experience, not just the golf course. I'll continue with the previous basic format of a general course description, the playing conditions, practice areas, and course employees followed by a summary review. If you can think of other perspectives or nuggets to include that might make a difference please chime in.

Here is this season's lineup: (P) designates previously reviewed

Event1: Eastlake Woodlands CC/North - Oldsmar, FL (P)

Event2: Southern Hills Plantation - Brooksville, FL (P)

Event3: Juliette Falls - Dunellon, FL

Event4: TPC Tampa Bay - Lutz, FL (P)

Event 5: Southern Dunes GC - Haines City, FL (P)

Event 6: Lake Jovita GC/South - Dade City, FL (P)

Event 7: Streamsong Resort/Black - Bowling Green, FL (I didn't know FL had a Bowling Green either...)

Event 8: Innisbrook Resort/Copperhead - Palm Harbor, FL (P)

Event 9: Lakewood National GC - Lakewood Ranch, FL (P)

Event 10: Hammock Beach Resort, Hammock Beach FL (2-day)

Event 11: Streamsong Resort/Red - Bowling Green, FL

Event 12: Bella Colina GC - Bella Collina, FL

Event 13: (Invitational) Ritz Carlton Members Club - Sarasota, FL (P) (Must Qualify)

Event 14: (Team Cup - 3 Rounds) Innisbrook Resort/Island, South, Copperhead Courses (Qualify or Captains Choice)

This season we are going back to a lot of the members' favorite courses and trying out a couple of new ones.  A couple of regular stops, notably World Woods and Lake Jovita North did not make the rotation this season. Hope you all enjoy the journey and find value in the reviews. If you want to follow along the league play story, that thread is League Play From the Middle of the Pack.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Looks like a great season, Greg.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver: image.png.6ba1c8a254ad57aa05e527b74c2e04ba.png0311 XF 10.5* w/Project X Cypher 40 gram Senior shaft or 0811 XF 12* w/Evenflo Riptide CB Senior shaft

Fairways:  image.png.80321f01fc46450b6f428c7daf7b3471.png0211 5W & 7W w/ Evenflo Riptide CB  regular shaft and Tour Edge E521 9W w/Fubuki HD50 regular shaft

Hybrid: None in bag at the moment

IronsTitleist T300 5-PW w/Fubuki MV Senior graphite shafts w/Golf Pride Tour

Wedges: Edison forged 49*, 53* and 57* wedges with KB PGI Senior shafts(80 grm).

Putter: 33” Evnroll ER6R or  ER2 or Bellum Winmore Model 707,   or Nike Method Core Drone  w/Evnroll Gravity Grip

Bag: Vice cart bag(Black/Lime). 

Ball: Snell MTB Prime X, Maxfli Tour/S/X CG, Titleist Pro V1x or Titleist TruFeel

Using Shot Scope X5 and Pinned Rangefinder

 

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New season is about to start. The league committee did a great job getting us some fantastic venues to play, though that does mean a few more $$, and $$$ sites on the schedule this year, along with some long drives (in the car that is).
To refresh, my  pricing scale is 3 tiers: Under 50 - $,  50-75 - $$, 75+ - $$$. Again this season, after each event, I will post my review of the course with my perspective being; how was the total experience, not just the golf course. I'll continue with the previous basic format of a general course description, the playing conditions, practice areas, and course employees followed by a summary review. If you can think of other perspectives or nuggets to include that might make a difference please chime in.
Here is this season's lineup: (P) designates previously reviewed
Event1: Eastlake Woodlands CC/North - Oldsmar, FL (P)
Event2: Southern Hills Plantation - Brooksville, FL (P)
Event3: Juliette Falls - Dunellon, FL
Event4: TPC Tampa Bay - Lutz, FL (P)
Event 5: Southern Dunes GC - Haines City, FL (P)
Event 6: Lake Jovita GC/South - Dade City, FL (P)
Event 7: Streamsong Resort/Black - Bowling Green, FL (I didn't know FL had a Bowling Green either...)
Event 8: Innisbrook Resort/Copperhead - Palm Harbor, FL (P)
Event 9: Lakewood National GC - Lakewood Ranch, FL (P)
Event 10: Hammock Beach Resort, Hammock Beach FL (2-day)
Event 11: Streamsong Resort/Red - Bowling Green, FL
Event 12: Bella Colina GC - Bella Collina, FL
Event 13: (Invitational) Ritz Carlton Members Club - Sarasota, FL (P) (Must Qualify)
Event 14: (Team Cup - 3 Rounds) Innisbrook Resort/Island, South, Copperhead Courses (Qualify or Captains Choice)
This season we are going back to a lot of the members' favorite courses and trying out a couple of new ones.  A couple of regular stops, notably World Woods and Lake Jovita North did not make the rotation this season. Hope you all enjoy the journey and find value in the reviews. If you want to follow along the league play story, that thread is League Play From the Middle of the Pack.

Looking forward to reviews, especially Juliette Falls


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Rick

 

 

Left Hand, 

Driver; PXG 0311XF Cypher 50 gr Senior  
5 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr       
7 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr      
5 hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous R2     
Irons; Mizuno JPX 923HM 7-GW Recoil 460 F2
Wedges; Titleist S9 54*, Mizuno SW 56*

Putter; Waaay too many to list

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12 hours ago, Rickp said:

Looking forward to reviews, especially Juliette Falls

Me too. That's a new site for us this season. With that one, Southern Hills, Southern Dunes, Bella Collina, and Hammock Beach all in the lineup it feels more like the 'Central Florida' Tour than the Tampa Tour.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Me too. That's a new site for us this season. With that one, Southern Hills, Southern Dunes, Bella Collina, and Hammock Beach all in the lineup it feels more like the 'Central Florida' Tour than the Tampa Tour.

Juliette Falls seems to be a frequent destination for many Villagers. Heard it was OK. But most of them go by $$ as the primary factor.


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Rick

 

 

Left Hand, 

Driver; PXG 0311XF Cypher 50 gr Senior  
5 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr       
7 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr      
5 hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous R2     
Irons; Mizuno JPX 923HM 7-GW Recoil 460 F2
Wedges; Titleist S9 54*, Mizuno SW 56*

Putter; Waaay too many to list

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  • 3 weeks later...

We are kicking off my 3rd Tampa Tour season this week at Eastlake Woodlands. After this track kicked everyone in the teeth last season each flight moved up one tee so we will be Blue/White this time. Early report says the greens are FASSSST. I am set to be in the B flight this week, so playing a significantly shorter yardage than last time. It still carries a slope rating of 131 so tee shot accuracy and good putting are likely to be the keys to a good round. So here we go again Spyverse. Hope you enjoy the reviews and can take advantage.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

2020 Event 1: East Lake Woodlands Country Club, Oldsmar FL, 3/21/2020

Tees Played: A) Blue - 6,365 yds / 71.0 / 14; B) White - 5,887 yds / 69.3 / 131

Conditions: Warm, dry, light breeze

Price: $$ ($49)

https://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/East-Lake-Woodlands-Country-Club

East Lake Woodlands is a semi-private 36-hole facility operated by ClubCorp, which will say enough for many of us familiar with the ClubCorp brand and their facilities. Oldsmar sits just at the top of Tampa Bay (the body of water) between the cities of Tampa and Clearwater. The North Course is a challenging, shot making course with lots of bunkers, doglegs, and water/penalty areas that dictate the strategy for each hole, and offer plenty of opportunity for big numbers on the scorecard if shots go too errant.

Course Conditions: If only given one word to summarize, excellent is a fine choice. March has been a completely dry month for the Tampa area so the fairways and greens were near pristine. The greens were FAST (estimate of 12+ stimp) and rolled smooth and true. Even dry and a bit firm they were receptive to good shots and held well. Tees and fairways were all well maintained and offered good play depth. The rough is not deep enough to be much of a penalty so as long as you are staying generally along the line of the hole you'll be okay. The rough areas do tend to have some mounding to create uneven lies, and if you stray too far from the fairway you'll understand the high slope numbers, as the trees and water areas will take their toll. There are LOTS of bunkers on the course, but they are well maintained with good quality sand.

Practice Areas: If there is a downgrade to give it is here. The medium sized putting/chipping green is adjacent to the clubhouse and replicates the on-course greens very well in speed and condition. There is a short club range (140 yards max) at the clubhouse, but the long range takes a short cart-ride to reach. The full swing range is dual direction so when the far tees are in use it is a bit longer ride. Allow an extra few minutes if you plan on any warm-up with the long clubs.

Course Employees: All friendly and helpful. Keep in mind our play date was essentially Day #2 of COVID-19 based health restrictions. All the clubhouse attendants were attentive to our questions and made sure we knew the rule adjustments (flag attendance, bunker raking, etc.). The starter crew was informative and courteous about keeping us all on schedule with the tee sheet. Given the nature of our play date all the course employees were more than friendly and made us feel welcome even as a 'guest' group. Even the members we encountered seemed happy for us to be there.

Overall Impression: East Lake Woodland (North) is a fun and challenging course. True to the ClubCorp brand, the conditions were first rate. The fast greens challenged some of our players, but once you have the feel of the speed they are a pleasure to putt on. The narrow, well protected fairways are a real test of strategy and accuracy. You don't have to be precise with every shot, but your score pay for being inaccurate. This course is a definite recommend.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 1 month later...

Juliette Falls Golf Club, Dunellon FL (Blue: 6,279 yds/72.6/139; White: 6,269 yds/70.4/130)

Conditions: Warm, Light Breeze

Price: $ ($45)

www.juliettefalls.com

Juliette Falls is a relatively new golf course centered development in Dunellon, FL, just west of Ocala about 2 hours drive from the Tampa St. Pete Area. The course winds through rolling terrain with a design balancing length and strategy to create a fun and challenging player experience. The naturally rolling terrain, and the mature landscape environment surrounding the course it is visually stunning as well. Elevation changes and the extensive waste areas make club/shot selection and miss management the keys to a good score.

Course Conditions: Our play date was the morning after the area experienced some significant storm rain. Even so, the course was still in nearly pristine playable condition. Tees are all level and well manicured. Fairways are lush but still a bit firm. The greens are smooth but still need some time to mature, they held shots with a bit more roll out than hit-and-stop playability. Putts rolled true with moderate speed. Due to the previous day's rain, the bunker conditions were inconsistent, trending toward shallow and firm. Though not played as penalty areas, the crushed shell waste areas are not a place you want to visit too frequently. Altogether the course conditions are fantastic, given some additional maturation time only expect better.

Practice Area: Positioned near the first tee (just across the street from the clubhouse) is a large, undulating putting green, full swing range, and separate pitching/chipping green. The practice green seemed to roll a tick or two faster than the on-course greens, otherwise, it is a good representation of the greens. The full-swing range has multiple target flags and ample space for players to warm up with excellent turf as well as mats. There is enough space around the short game green to practice shots up to about 20 yards and a small practice bunker. 

Course Employees: Given Covid-19 restrictions, the indoor facilities were operating at lower capacity. The golf shop in the clubhouse is small, clean, well stocked, and has a classic feel to it. Check-in was quick and friendly. Our event was the only thing going for the morning, so we did not see a course ranger. The starter was friendly and engaging and the snack/beverage cart made enough rounds that we never had to wonder if it was coming back around. There is a small bar/grill area with a screened patio connected to the clubhouse. Still operating both indoors and outdoors, with food service utilizing a 'bag lunch' style rather than plates and tableware. 

Overall Impression: For the price we paid for a tournament event the overall experience will be tough to beat. The course is still pretty 'young', yet the conditions are the equal of any of the resort courses in the area. Playing the course was challenging and fun (I carded one of my worst league scores this week, but still walked away having had a great time on the course). Dunellon is "up the road a piece" for us in the Tampa area but Juliette Falls proved well worth the trip, and is a Definite Recommend.IMG_0141.jpg.4fe8f0d4ed38d04d6e2f392429143c65.jpgIMG_0140.jpg.178b72f7fc359090e6e8e3123e3996ac.jpgIMG_0139.jpg.fd993fcb3b2c10ed7fd4b17a691d8c18.jpg

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Juliette Falls Golf Club, Dunellon FL (Blue: 6,279 yds/72.6/139; White: 6,269 yds/70.4/130)

Conditions: Warm, Light Breeze

Price: $ ($45)

www.juliettefalls.com

Juliette Falls is a relatively new golf course centered development in Dunellon, FL, just west of Ocala about 2 hours drive from the Tampa St. Pete Area. The course winds through rolling terrain with a design balancing length and strategy to create a fun and challenging player experience. The naturally rolling terrain, and the mature landscape environment surrounding the course it is visually stunning as well. Elevation changes and the extensive waste areas make club/shot selection and miss management the keys to a good score.

Course Conditions: Our play date was the morning after the area experienced some significant storm rain. Even so, the course was still in nearly pristine playable condition. Tees are all level and well manicured. Fairways are lush but still a bit firm. The greens are smooth but still need some time to mature, they held shots with a bit more roll out than hit-and-stop playability. Putts rolled true with moderate speed. Due to the previous day's rain, the bunker conditions were inconsistent, trending toward shallow and firm. Though not played as penalty areas, the crushed shell waste areas are not a place you want to visit too frequently. Altogether the course conditions are fantastic, given some additional maturation time only expect better.

Practice Area: Positioned near the first tee (just across the street from the clubhouse) is a large, undulating putting green, full swing range, and separate pitching/chipping green. The practice green seemed to roll a tick or two faster than the on-course greens, otherwise, it is a good representation of the greens. The full-swing range has multiple target flags and ample space for players to warm up with excellent turf as well as mats. There is enough space around the short game green to practice shots up to about 20 yards and a small practice bunker. 

Course Employees: Given Covid-19 restrictions, the indoor facilities were operating at lower capacity. The golf shop in the clubhouse is small, clean, well stocked, and has a classic feel to it. Check-in was quick and friendly. Our event was the only thing going for the morning, so we did not see a course ranger. The starter was friendly and engaging and the snack/beverage cart made enough rounds that we never had to wonder if it was coming back around. There is a small bar/grill area with a screened patio connected to the clubhouse. Still operating both indoors and outdoors, with food service utilizing a 'bag lunch' style rather than plates and tableware. 

Overall Impression: For the price we paid for a tournament event the overall experience will be tough to beat. The course is still pretty 'young', yet the conditions are the equal of any of the resort courses in the area. Playing the course was challenging and fun (I carded one of my worst league scores this week, but still walked away having had a great time on the course). Dunellon is "up the road a piece" for us in the Tampa area but Juliette Falls proved well worth the trip, and is a Definite Recommend.IMG_0141.jpg.4fe8f0d4ed38d04d6e2f392429143c65.jpgIMG_0140.jpg.178b72f7fc359090e6e8e3123e3996ac.jpgIMG_0139.jpg.fd993fcb3b2c10ed7fd4b17a691d8c18.jpg

 


Good reviews. I heard good things about Juliette Falls.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Rick

 

 

Left Hand, 

Driver; PXG 0311XF Cypher 50 gr Senior  
5 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr       
7 wood; Ping 425, Senior Shaft 55 gr      
5 hybrid; Cally Steelhead, Hazardous R2     
Irons; Mizuno JPX 923HM 7-GW Recoil 460 F2
Wedges; Titleist S9 54*, Mizuno SW 56*

Putter; Waaay too many to list

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On 7/23/2018 at 11:39 AM, GeekingGolf said:

Are there any links style courses in Florida I really want to get a taste of The Open but stateside for now.

 

Sent from my SM-G960U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

Grand Cypress has the "New Course" which is supposed to be linksee.  The Streamsong courses are firm and fast and gives a linksee feel.  Hammock Dunes also has a links course.  

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  • 2 weeks later...

Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club, Brooksville FL (Previously Reviewed)

Conditions: Warm, Light Breeze

Price: $$ ($79)

https://www.southernhillsplantationclub.com/

Southern Hills Plantation is a favorite site for many of the league membership. To exemplify, the original RSVP for 36 players was full within 30 minutes of the notice going out. The course is a Pete Dye design that mixes terrain, elevation changes, and strategic mounds and bunkering to create a very challenging shot-makers course. And, oh yeah, REALLY fast greens. Brooksville is north of the Tampa area, about 45 to 60 minutes drive time.

Course Conditions: The course continues to maintain its reputation for quality playing conditions. It has been a very dry spring in the area, so the course played very firm and fast. Teeing areas ranged from really good to spectacular. Fairways have good play depth and with the dry conditions provided plenty of roll out. Allowing Mr. Dye's mounds and bunkers to provide the majority of the challenge, the general rough is not kept very deep. It takes a truly wayward shot to find deep rough. The greens provide a challenge of their own. With the firm dry conditions, anything but a very high, spinning approach shot rolled out more than expected.  Our estimate was they rolled about 12-13 on the stimp, so near tour level speed wise. The greens were recently verticut, but still rolled true. The combination of speed, grain, and all Pete Dye does to trick your eyes around the green meant that all but the best putters in the group struggled on and around the greens.

Practice Area:  So. Hills has one of the best combinations of practice facilities we visit all season. The full swing range has ample enough space, and plenty of target flags, but was showing wear from high use. The large putting green is a good match for the greens on course. It is very fast, rolls true. The putting green's only downside is lack of any level spots, so better for warming up and preparing for the course than true practice putting. There is a large chipping green with a bunker adjacent to the first tee also maintained to the green quality of the course. As a bonus, So. Hills also has a short course for practice.

Course Employees: A recent change in management meant a slightly higher price tag for this season, and some challenges when forced to reschedule due to COVID restrictions on the original play date. Only the check-in desk was operating as far as inside facilities. The bag checkers and starter were all friendly and informative. Beverage/snack cart made enough rounds for 1 stop per nine. 

Overall Impression: Southern Hills Plantation will not disappoint. The course conditions are always top quality. As a Pete Dye design, you have to remember good putting involves reading the whole green, not just the line of the putt. Keep an eye on the natural downhill and the grain when preparing to putt. We saw some really tricky pin positions on this play date, making 4-putts from 3 feet more than possible, as well as putts that rolled past the hole, then back into the cup from the top side. "A" game, on and around the greens is definitely a must for keeping the scores down. Regardless, the course is still a lot of fun to play and stays a definite recommend.

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Event 5: Southern Dunes Golf and CC, Haines City FL (Blue - 6,803, 72.9/136; White - 6,220, 70.9/133)

Conditions: Various - From hot and humid, to cloudy and breezy, to light rain, to sunny and windy...

Price: $$ ($55)

https://www.southerndunes.com/

Southern Dunes Golf Club is in Haines City FL a short drive off of I-4 between Tampa and Orlando. A bit nearer Orlando, it is about an hour to hour and a half from the Tampa/St Pete areas. The rolling terrain, bunkers and waste areas make for a unique and challenging layout. As public/semi-public courses go, you'll be hard pressed to find better course conditions for the price. The Dunes does use a seasonal rate schedule to summertime play is a bit more of a bargain than the peak season in the cooler months. 

Course Conditions: In general, not much change from the previous review, still excellent overall though not quite pristine this time around. I missed our event at The Dunes last season, to there is a two year gap between these visits. The spring months have been extremely dry in the area, so the fairways were VERY firm. The rough was barely any deeper than the fairways in most spots, but the design of the course doesn't beat you up with the rough anyway. The large greens have a lot of undulation, and Steve Smyer's design influences can trick your eye. I got beat up on the greens this particular round.  

Practice Areas: No real change here. Sufficient not ample with good conditions. The putting green has a lot of slope, but not quite what you'll  see on course. Full swing range with multiple targets. The chipping area is one of the nicer you'll find, but like the rest can feel crowded quickly.

Course Employees:  Playing during the Covid-19 restricted days has made for some interesting times. Everyone was still a pleasure to deal with. The cart attendants are a plus since The Dunes is a public course. We were a large group, so they still had us paired in carts, though other groups we saw on the course were riding single. The bar/grill area was open as well, though with reduced inside seating. 

Overall Impression: An aesthetically gorgeous golf course, with excellent playing conditions and a tough but fair and fun layout. All at a price well below its nearby resort neighbors. Southern Dunes is an absolute recommend if you are planning a visit to the area and are looking for a great deal on great golf. The course has a good mix of open feel, shot making and risk reward holes. Sound strategy and shot placement are necessary, but good green reading and strong putting are the biggest keys to a good round at The Dunes.

 

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Thanks to Covid 19 restrictions and temporary or seasonal closures the league schedule has seen some changes. Our date at TPC Tampa Bay had to be moved to later in the season. Streamsong Resort closed two of their courses for the season and our date at Lakewood National was cancelled as they went to member only play for the summer. The league committee has done a fantastic job re-working our play schedule with still some really good courses added to the mix. So the rest of the season looks like this now.

Event 6: Orange County National - Crooked Cat (added)

#7: Lake Jovita - South

#8: Streamsong Resort - Black

#9: Innisbrook Copperhead

#10: TPC Tampa Bay (rescheduled)

#11: Hammock Beach Resort - Ocean/Conservatory

#12 Black Diamond Ranch - Quarry (added)

#13: Bella Colina

Invitational: Ritz Carlton Club

Team Cup: Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead, Island, Osprey)

I'm really looking forward to a couple of these as they are not only new to the league but for me as well. Going back to the Quarry course at Black Diamond will be a lot of fun. You can get a peek at Orange County National on the Golf Channel thanks to Cameron McCormack recording his instructional show there. OCN is also quickly building a strong regional reputation as a quality facility with better than reasonable rates.

A note about Streamsong resort. Not only did they close the Red Course for the season, eliminating a league event. They increased our previously agreed upon rate by 10/player. Mixed feelings about that right now. We'll see what the experience brings. That will be my first experience playing with a caddie. Should be interesting.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 2 weeks later...

Event 6: Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge - Crooked Cat (Orange - 6,748/ 73.0 /134; Green - 6,226 / 70.4 / 130)

Conditions: Humid, hot and sunny, light breeze

Price: $$ ($59)

https://ocngolf.com/

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is just a short drive from the big resort areas in Orlando, and is the current host site of the annual PGA Merchandise show. The site has two 18-hole championship golf courses, Crooked Cat and Panther Lake as well as a 9-hole walking course The Tooth. Also on site is "The World's Largest Driving Range", where the PGA Show demo days take place along with several golf schools and training centers. You can also see glimpses of the facilities on the PGA teaching pro Cameron McCormack's Golf Channel show The Skill Code. The Crooked Cat course has a good mix of links style, shot making, and risk reward holes. The real teeth of the course are the par 3 holes (even for the B group all played at 170 yards plus), and the well protected greens. There is not much in the way of penalizing rough, but strategically placed bunkers and trees will guide strategy and present a challenge for the big misses. Just about every green on the course is guarded with large, steep bunkers or had multiple tiers to make putting a challenge.

Course Conditions: To be honest, given the sites reputation, and close affiliation with the PGA, I was expecting slightly better, even at the reasonable price point. Some of the tee areas were excessively worn. On hole 15, one of the toughest par 3 holes the league will face this season, playing 190 for the B group and 210 for A, the B group tee ground was grossly worn and noticeably uneven. The fairways were firm and thin with occasional areas of burned out bare turf. As mentioned above, the rough is not intended to be the big challenge so most of the primary rough is barely noticeable. It was deeper around some of the fairway bunkers or in the designed 'turf bunkers'. The bunkers were interesting. They looked firm but played soft. The greens appeared to be still in recovery after recent treatment. They take top billing for the course conditions because they received shots well and rolled smooth and true, even if they did lack a little of the anticipated pace. Not slow, but not excessively fast either.

Practice Facilities: I guess if you are going to make your sites claim to fame it's driving range you better keep it in tip-top shape. And OCN does just that. The massive circular driving range is surrounded by 8 tee areas with multiple target flags and greens in the center. Aa a group event we were afforded a dedicated tee area with balls provided. The turf on the range tees was lush and well maintained, but a noticeable difference versus the on-course fairways. Multiple short game areas for chipping/pitching/bunkers are available as well. The primary practice green next to the club house is huge and matched the on-course greens very well (no holes cut in the practice green, assume Covid-19 based element). A little spread out for pre-round warmup purposes, but if you are looking for a place to practice any element of your game you'll be hard pressed to find a better site.

Course Employees: Even as a fully public golf course facility, OCN is resort affiliated with the on-site lodge and the reasonably new Margaritaville Resort adjacent to the property. With that, you receive resort level attention from all the course employees. Outside attendants were there to greet players and direct us to the club house and staged group carts as needed. The inside attendants made check in easy. On course marshals were visible but not intrusive. The snack/beverage cart made plenty of circuits (a blessing on our 90+ degree early afternoon). Post round cart attendants offered to clean clubs and transport bags to the bag drop (no carts in the parking lot). Every single representative of OCN we encountered was polite, attentive, and dedicated to making sure we enjoyed our visit. The club house facility also bears mention. It houses the large and, better than well stocked, pro shop, bar/grill with indoor and outdoor seating, and locker room facilities. The entire setting is modern, clean, and inviting.

Overall Impression: The Crooked Cat course at OCN was a lot of fun to play. Aesthetically gorgeous holes throughout and It has a great open feel, while still presenting some challenge for every part of your game. The front nine definitely plays as the easier of the two. On the card, the hole handicapping is split evenly between the front and back nines, but most of our playing group agreed, the hardest holes are all on the inward side. The par 3s are all long and challenging. The par 5s offer a chance for some risk/reward for those long enough to take on going for the greens. You may be able to find better course conditions nearby for a similar rate, but you won't match the overall experience provided by the facilities and the people at OCN. Call it somewhere between a definite and absolute recommend. 

 

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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  • 1 month later...

Hey there Spyverse,

I've been out of action for a bit with a couple of weeks of self quarantine for C19, but I am well now and back in action (never was REALLY sick so I got lucky). 

The next two weekends I'll be back at the Innisbrook Copperhead course (already reviewed multiple times). I will post an update to the previous reviews and be sure to include the C19 specific changes to any facilities or ammenities.

The league schedule has been updated based on some less than pristine conditions at a couple of our usual stops. We will not be playing the TPC Tampa Bay course this season. Usually one to look forward to, several league members have played there this year and said the course and especially the greens are not fit for competitive play. So in place of TPC we are heading back to Lake Jovita North (also a previous review).

The remainder of the schedule has some really good courses on it. After Copperhead it's Lake Jovita. Then we do  our two day event at Hammock Beach, so I get to play and review both the Ocean and Conservatory courses.

From there its the Black Diamond Ranch Quarry Course. Usually that's a spectacular facility, but a previous tourney event this year turned up a bad experience. Scheduled originally for the Quarry, they claimed a 'booking mistake' 3 days prior and put our group (100 golfers) out on the Ranch Course instead. They also allowed ZERO access for the guest golfers to any clubhouse ammenities - rest rooms, range, putting green, restaraunt - NADA. Hopefully that will have changed by the time we get there in August.

After Black Diamond we are at Bella Colina. A league favorite but one I have neither played nor reviewed yet. 

The post season events (crossing my fingers to qualify) are at the Ritz Carlton Members Club (Sarasota) for the invitational, followed by the Team Cup event held on all 3 courses at the Innisbrook Resort.

Hope this little update finds everyone well and enjoying the golf course being just about the only thing open for recreation right now.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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Alright, I got a little bit of a preview in at Innisbrook Copperhead. Had the opportunity to play in a team shamble event this past Sunday, one week before my individual league event. The course is in really good shape, but is still showing they had the course closed for a bit due to reduced maintenance manning. I'll work up the full review after the league event on Saturday.

Driver:  :PXG: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex

Fariway:  :PXG: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex

Hybrid:   :PXG: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5

              :titleist-small: TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester)

Irons:  :titleist-small: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW

Wedges:   :cleveland-small: CBX2 Zipcore  52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft

Putter: :EVNROLL: ER2 Murdered Out

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