Guess where we played yesterday

[tony@CIC]

Ah - summertime in Florida, when the snowbirds are gone and you can find bargains at either reciprocal clubs or the really special ones. A couple of weeks ago we played at Rosedale in Lakewood Ranch, next week at Waterlefe in Bradenton. However, thanks to a GolfMoose special promotion ($125. vs. $380  in peak season) we got to play at ........... hint, hint.........

We had 9 in our group and decided to be easy on our bodies (temps mid 90's heat index 100+), and egos so we played a 3some scramble but also from the gold tees (5676 yds. 69/131 slope rating). Of course there's always money on the line ...$5. buy in for closest to the pin AND the losing teams get to buy the beer for everyone.   The course was in pretty good condition - with cart path only on the 2nd and 3rd holes - we had a gotten a ton of rain, thankfully, in the past couple of weeks. Also, the Bermuda rough was cut, so finding that wayward ball was a bit easier then the set-up for the Valspar. The starter advised us that the typical rounds were 4.5 hours. However, the course was packed and we had to wait quite a bit on each hole - ended up taking just over 5 hrs. Phew it was hot - with little breeze. 

I have a new regard for both the Pro's and their Caddies having to walk a course like this.

Here's a pic of "Snakebite" #15 a 160 yd - from the gold tees, par 3, one of 5 par 3's on the course. Note: they name all of their holes.  

My drive landed about 4' from the pin and YES I made the birdie. My partners didn't even get out of the cart for that one since they had confidence in my making it! 

Of course who doesn't want a pic of "Striker" who guards the last three holes: Moccasin, The Rattler, and The Copperhead. 

 

Speaking of  "Copperhead" the #18 par 4. Lots of bunkers right and left. By the time you reach this hole - well, let's just say you're happy that it's almost over. Note the green is to the left of the white gazebo and in back of that big a$$ greenside bunker (you can see 2 guys standing in the rough chipping over the bunker onto the green). 

Our 3some ended up winning at even par - next closest 3some was 5 over, the other 3some wouldn't admit their score but were happy to chip in for the beer. Oh and one of my partners and I each got 2 CTP's - no one won the other CTP. A good time was had by all.

Definitely a class resort with 4 separate courses, the course conditions were great and the staff was very friendly even though we weren't paying the full $380 price. On the other hand I did spend $$$$ in the pro shop for stuff for myself and my golfing wife.  

Next on the bucket is Streamsong which is only 40 minutes away from our house. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 3 by tony@CIC
Additional pics

[vandyland]

I've always seen that course on TV and thought it looked so, so difficult. Sounds like you had a great time! I think playing up a tee was the right decision as well. 

[Northern Monkey]

That must have been a great experience. Looks like a fantastic course

[sirchunksalot]

Sounds like you had a fun time on a beautiful course. Thanks for sharing your experience there!

[MattF]

Good one Tony.

 

When Covid hit, @revkev, @fozcycle, Rob and myself got on the South course for $38 each including cart.

[KC Golf]

3 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

Ah - summertime in Florida, when the snowbirds are gone and you can find bargains at either reciprocal clubs or the really special ones. A couple of weeks ago we played at Rosedale in Lakewood Ranch, next week at Waterlefe in Bradenton. However, thanks to a GolfMoose special promotion ($125. vs. $380  in peak season) we got to play at ........... hint, hint.........

We had 9 in our group and decided to be easy on our bodies (temps mid 90's heat index 100+), and egos so we played a 3some scramble but also from the gold tees (5676 yds. 69/131 slope rating). Of course there's always money on the line ...$5. buy in for closest to the pin AND the losing teams get to buy the beer for everyone.   The course was in pretty good condition - with cart path only on the 2nd and 3rd holes - we had a gotten a ton of rain, thankfully, in the past couple of weeks. Also, the Bermuda rough was cut, so finding that wayward ball was a bit easier then the set-up for the Valspar. The starter advised us that the typical rounds were 4.5 hours. However, the course was packed and we had to wait quite a bit on each hole - ended up taking just over 5 hrs. Phew it was hot - with little breeze. 

I have a new regard for both the Pro's and their Caddies having to walk a course like this.

Here's a pick of "Snakebite" #15 a 160 yd - from the gold tees, par 3, one of 5 par 3's on the course. Note: they name all of their holes.  

My drive landed about 4' from the pin and YES I made the birdie. My partners didn't even get out of the cart for that one since they had confidence in my making it! 

Of course who doesn't want a pic of "Striker" who guards the last three holes: Moccasin, The Rattler, and The Copperhead. 

 

Speaking of  "Copperhead" the #18 par 4. Lots of bunkers right and left. By the time you reach this hole - well, let's just say you're happy that it's almost over. Note the green is to the left of the white gazebo and in back of that big a$$ greenside bunker (you can see 2 guys standing on the green). 

Our 3some ended up winning at even par - next closest 3some was 5 over, the other 3some wouldn't admit their score but were happy to chip in for the beer. Oh and one of my partners and I each got 2 CTP's - no one won the other CTP. A good time was had by all.

Definitely a class resort with 4 separate courses, the course conditions were great and the staff was very friendly even though we weren't paying the full $380 price. On the other hand I did spend $$$$ in the pro shop for stuff for myself and my golfing wife.  

Next on the bucket is Streamsong which is only 40 minutes away from our house. 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks great!  So what was the best purchase in the Pro Shop?  

[tony@CIC]

44 minutes ago, KC Golf said:

Looks great!  So what was the best purchase in the Pro Shop?  

I'd say the golf bag towel - which I gave to my wife, although, I'm a hat person, so I'll probably get more use out of that purchase. Then of course you have the normal collectables; markers, balls, etc. SInce this was a bucket list course, cost was not in the decision-making process. Typically, I only get a ball and a marker. 

[revkev]

I didn’t realize you were here full time now. Let me know when you want to give streamsong a whirl. 
 

You’re looking great btw. Glad you got to play it - coursesctreee are all always in great shape though I have to say there are some quirky jokes scattered throughout those 4 courses and the island is ridiculously difficult - I think there’s are thankful it’s not the one used for the tournament.