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Rotonda Golf & Country Club – Family Owned, Fun, and Friendly

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During my 10 years of living in SW Florida, I was always under the impression that Rotonda Golf & Country Club was a private club. It wasn’t until my sister moved there that I discovered that the public was welcome to play it, too.  In the few times I’ve played it since then, I’ve always had a great time. The courses are always in good condition, they are challenging, and priced right, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

The Rotonda West community is located in southwest Charlotte County, Florida, less than a mile from the Gulf of Mexico, and Englewood Beach. It is a deed-restricted community that is home to over 15,000 residents. The community has an interesting shape to it when looked at from an aerial view; it’s perfectly round, with 7 pie-shaped wedges cut into it. Each wedge is a separate community – Oakland Hills, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Long Meadow, White Marsh, and Pine Valley. The eighth wedge is wetlands and preserves which is helpful for irrigation of all the courses. Each community has a golf course running through it, so if you live there, you’re never too far from the golf course! All of the homes and home sites front either a golf course, greenbelt, or body of water.

The Rotonda Golf & Country Club features 99 holes of golf across its five courses, designed by 5 renowned architects: Pete Dye, Ted McAnlis, John LaFoy, D.J. DeVictor, and Jim Petrides. Long Marsh has 27 holes and is considered Rotonda’s premier course; it’s also rated its toughest. Long Marsh was designed by Ted McAnlis.  Rotonda Golf & Country Club has been awarded a “Beginner Friendly Certification” from the National Golf Course Owners Association and numerous accolades from the Charlotte Sun Herald.

The Long Marsh Golf Course is the centerpiece of all five golf courses at Rotonda Golf & Country Club. It was designed by Ted McAnlis and the original 18 holes – Long Meadow and White Marsh – opened for play in 1999. The 9 holes at Pine Valley were added in 2007. The course winds through 450 acres of natural Florida scrub and each of Long Marsh’s 27 holes has a distinctive character, making it unlike any other course in the area.  Gently rolling fairways are framed by native pine, oak, and palm trees with natural waste bunkers, lakes, and marshes that add to the intrigue. What you see is what you get; there are no blind shots or hidden hazards. Four sets of tee boxes provide distances ranging from 5,257 from the forward tee yards to 7,120 yards from the back tees.

Number 6 on the Pine Valley Course is probably the most interesting while out. From the White Tees it plays350 yards around a small lake and is dotted with fairway bunkers in the landing area. Longball hitters can take their tee shot over the water straight at the green. Anything left of the green will most likely not be seen again. Bunkers front both sides of the green which slopes gently from back to front. It’s a good risk-reward hole.

The Palms was the second golf course built at Rotonda. It was designed by D.J. DeVictor and opened for play in 1980. With five sets of tees, there’s a yardage suitable for every level of golfer. The Palms’ five finishing holes have been astounding golfers ever since. These five holes bring six different water hazards into play and feature several multi-tiered greens. The 15th and 16th holes are considered by many to be two of the most and two of Florida’s most demanding holes in the area. At 404 yards from the Gold Tees, Number 15 is handicapped #2. What makes this hole difficult for most golfers is the water that runs down the right side of the fairway. Try and bail out to the left and you’re bringing the trees into play. Ideally, you want to play your tee shot down the right side close to the water. That will give the least obstructed path into the green. Several trees infringe into the fairway on the left and a large deep bunker guards the right side of the green which slopes back right to front left.

Number 16 is a 492-yard par 5 with more water on the right side off the tee. There’s room to bail out left this time, just before the dogleg. A good drive down the right side may allow you to cut the dogleg and go for the green but beware, there’s more water to the left of the green. A single sand trap sits on the left side between the water and the long, narrow green.

The Hills is an 18-hole championship course in the Oakland Hills community and was designed by Jim Petrides. It opened in 1972 and is the oldest of Rotonda’s courses. Well-placed water hazards present challenges in several landing areas and around greens. The Hills Course will test the accuracy and course management skills of more accomplished golfers while offering beginners and those less skilled an enjoyable round of golf. The greens are incredible and roll true.

Pinemoor is located in the Pinehurst community and is the most recent addition to the Rotonda lineup, becoming a part of the mix in 2011. The course was built in 2004 and was designed with input from Pete Dye: since then, it has been reworked to bring it back to its former glory. The golf course winds its way through woodlands and nature preserves, with rolling fairways that lead to Bermuda greens. At 6,057 yards from the back tees and a par of 70, it is Rotonda’s shortest non-executive course. At 205 yards from the Gold Tees, the par 3, 5th hole is as beautiful as it is challenging with the right side of the green guarded by water. Successfully finding the green off the tee is just the beginning;  there’s a lot of undulation in the green and the right side slopes slightly towards the water.

The Links is an 18-hole executive-length golf course that meanders throughout the Cape Haze community. It was designed by George Cobb protégé, John LaFoy, and opened in 1990. Don’t let the “executive” monicker fool you.; the course has a lot of challenges. For starters, the golf course is built on 80 acres of land, 35 of which are water. Translation – bring a lot of golf balls!  You’ll also encounter an array of pot bunkers, grassy knolls and swales, and triple-tiered greens placing a premium on club selection and accuracy. The nine par 3s and nine par 4s will challenge golfers of all abilities. The 329-yard, par 4, 11th hole is a member favorite. Although it may be drivable for many players, the risk of finding the water in front of the green outweighs the reward!

Golfers and residents alike flock to the Rotonda Hills Restaurant; the public is invited on Wednesdays and Fridays for dinner and on Sundays for breakfast. Their specialty is made-from-scratch dishes with new food and drink specials each week, You can see their menu online.

Should you find yourself playing at Rotonda more and more because of the great golf and friendly staff, you may want to consider becoming a member. A membership at Rotonda gives you access to all 99 holes of golf, free range balls, advanced tee time booking, and a 10% discount on pro shop merchandise. There are never any assessments or food and beverage minimums, and they even throw in handicap indexing through the USGA at no charge! Memberships are available for singles and families and can be purchased for one or two years. Each membership plan requires a small initiation fee. Best of all, you don’t have to live in the community to become a member!

For more information or to book your next round, visit them online at www.rotondagolf.com.

Boyne Resorts – Northern Michigan Golf At Its Best

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No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including two of my favorite Highlands courses, the Arthur Hills Course and the Robert Trent Jones-designed Heather Course. The Hills Course is one of Hill’s best efforts and showcases the beauty of the Northern Michigan terrain. Strategically placed bunkers dot the landscape in many of the landing areas and narrow approach passages lead to surprising yet subtle greens. Miss the fairway and you’ll find a lot of mounding on the peripheries of each hole. The 13th hole is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular holes in Northern Michigan. It measures 516 yards from the Blue tees and plays downhill. It begins with a tee shot from the top of a ski slope down to a landing area that is wide enough to land an aircraft. A good drive will leave an option to go for the green in two. There are no bunkers in the landing area on this hole, however, the four traps around the green complex more than make up for it. The green slopes in from all sides creating a bowl effect. While this may make for a shorter putt, rest assured it will have plenty of break!

The Heather Course was Boyne’s first golf course and is as challenging today as it was then.  Having hosted numerous state and national championships, the Heather has earned its reputation as one of the finest championship courses in the entire United States. In 2019 it was named “National Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association). Number 18 is my favorite hole on the Heather Course; I can remember the first time I played it. It’s a long par 4 that requires a well-struck drive followed by a long approach shot over a lake into a green that slopes back to front. It may not be the toughest hole on the golf course but it sure is memorable!

Moving over to the courses at Boyne Mountain, each starts with a one mile drive up the mountain to the first tees. Then it’s all downhill from there, so to speak. Each of the resort’s 36 holes presents a challenge in its own right and uses every aspect of the beautiful northern Michigan terrain, from the summit of the ski slopes to tee boxes with views of the lake. The Alpine Course plays host to Michigan’s Tournament of Champions each year and offers stunning panoramic views of Deer Lake from its mountain setting. Since you’re starting at the top of the mountain, most holes play downhill, and well-hit drives are rewarded with much more manageable approach shots. The forgiving greens will give you more confidence in your short game, something that will come in handy at Boyne’s two off-property courses – Crooked Tree Golf Club and Bay Harbor.

Bay Harbor may well be the crown jewel of the Boyne courses. This Arthur Hills masterpiece offers 27 holes that can be played as 3 challenging and scenic 18-hole championship courses. The design, quality, and playing conditions on each layout are consistent but each course is truly unique. Stunning views of Lake Michigan played a major influence in the design of Bay Harbor Golf Club with each course having at least one impressive view of the bay as you play.

The Links/Quarry combination is the most popular and closely follows the rugged coastline, highlighting the magnificence of Lake Michigan and the existing quarry that was preserved to give the layout a dramatic finish. The Links Nine lives up to its name and is situated on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Move inland for a few holes and you’ll encounter windswept dunes and huge bluffs. This is Arthur Hills at his best, creating a golf course with unique topography that fits seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

The Quarry Nine is situated in, around, and through a massive shale quarry and features 40-foot gorges, stone cliffs, mountain ponds, and a peaceful waterfall. The course requires strategically placed tee shots and well-executed approaches with a few risk-reward opportunities thrown in.

Although it may not get the notoriety of its sister courses, The Preserve is a members’ favorite. Maybe it’s because of the way it meanders through native wetlands filled with a multitude of wildlife or the way it weaves the lush grasses and native wildflowers into the scenery of the golf course. Or maybe it’s because the tranquil sounds of golf are interrupted only by the sound of waves crashing along the Lake Michigan shoreline. For me, it’s the finishing hole, a par 3 with a large green that slopes to the left and funnels balls on the right side down to the hole.

After many attempts to work Crooked Tree Golf Club into my rotation, I finally succeeded, and rest assured, I was not disappointed! Crooked Tree is situated on bluffs high above Little Traverse Bay. The front nine winds its way through centuries-old stands of hardwood trees which lead to well-manicured, undulating greens. You’ll find significant elevation changes from tee to green with the first four holes playing from well-elevated tee boxes. Some tee shots require a modest carry over marshlands onto wide, receptive fairways. The views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan make Crooked Tree one of the most photographed golf courses in the state. The 4th hole is handicapped #1 for men. From the Blue Tees, the hole measures 381 yards, so the length is not a big concern. The key to conquering this hole is all in the tee shot, you need to play something that finds the short grass and leaves a direct shot into the green. The fairway bunkers on either side come into play regularly and create a very narrow landing area between them. If you find yourself stymied behind one of the grass mounds in the left bunker, good luck! Pin placement dictates where you want to be in the fairway; the general rule is that with a left pin, you want to be on the right side and vice versa. Trees on either side near the green come into play as well; finding your ball may be the least of your problems! Par is a great score!

Other courses at Boyne include the Donald Ross Memorial and the Moor at Boyne Highlands and the Monument Course at Boyne Mountain. The Donald Ross Memorial features 18 of the designer’s best-known holes from around the globe. The staff at Boyne went to painstaking lengths to recreate each hole as close to Ross’ original specifications as possible. In 2018, Michigan-based course designer Ray Hearn went one step further and used the latest in design technology to better replicate each hole. It is arguably the greatest tribute to Donald Ross in the country.

The Moor is widely regarded as a members’ favorite because it represents a fair but true test of the game regardless of ability. The course features nine doglegs and one double-dogleg at the 18th hole. Number 18 is a par 5 and may well be the most exciting finishing hole at any of the ten courses and features every hazard you’ve encountered so far – water, doglegs, sand, and wetlands – all on one hole. A good drive will take the first water hazard and dogleg out of play, leaving only one pond and a few well-placed sand traps between you and a chance at eagle. Bailing out to the left on your second shot will most likely find sand. This hole will bring out your best…or worst!

The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain borrows traits from such notable designers as Donald Ross, Dr. Alister Mackenzie, Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Pete Dye. The course never seems to play the same way twice and the demanding fairways and well-undulated greens will reward a golfer who chooses brains over brawn.

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

This is just a brief overview of what’s going on at Boyne Resorts. For more information or to book your next vacation and see everything these incredible golf resorts have to offer, visit them at www.boynegolf.com. Book now for 2024 and be one of the first to experience The new Highlands Short Course.

Plantation Golf & Country Club – Fantastic Golf and So Much More!

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Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida is not only a great place to play golf, it’s also a great place to call home. It’s one of Venice’s premier country club communities and sits on more than 1300 acres with about 2,600 residences. Home styles include maintenance-free villas, patio homes, condominiums and single-family homes.

Plantation Golf & Country Club is owned by Concert Golf Partners, one of the fastest-growing private club ownership companies in the US. Concert currently has over 30 properties in its portfolio, spanning 16 states from Massachusetts to Texas. As a member of one club, you basically become a member at all of them, so you can play a round of golf or tennis, swim, or dine at another Concert Golf property during your travels.

The centerpiece of the community is the two 18-hole championship golf courses. Both the Bobcat and Panther golf courses were designed by Lakeland, Florida-based golf course architect Ron Garl. Each year since 1988, Plantation Golf & Country Club has played host to the LPGA Tour Qualifier event and the club’s reputation continues to grow in stature.

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian did a number on the west coast of Florida, and Plantation Country Club did not make it unscathed. As a result, the golf courses now have a different look and feel than when I played them in 2019. Between the two courses, Plantation lost between 450 – 500 trees. The main clubhouse and fitness buildings received a complete remodel, several pickleball and bocce courts needed to be replaced, and the tennis courts were redone with a Har-Tru surface.

The Bobcat Course is consistently ranked among Florida’s top 50 courses by Golfweek Magazine and is considered by many to be one of the finest and most challenging 18-hole courses in the area.  According to Garl, more earth was moved to create the rolling hills on the Bobcat Course than any other course in Florida. With seven sets of tees, Bobcat can be played anywhere from 6,813 to 4,551 yards.

For me, the most memorable holes on Bobcat are Numbers 5 and 18. Five is a 392-yard, par 4 dogleg right and the course’s #1 handicap hole for men. Members refer to Number 5 as “Big Foot” because of the large foot-shaped bunker at the corner of the dogleg. Should you encounter Big Foot off the tee, par is a lot tougher. Your approach shot plays to a large, well-undulated green that is protected by a long, narrow bunker front left. A retaining wall frames the entire left side of the putting green and adds to the overall beauty of the hole.

Number 18 is considered by local golfers, members, and LPGA Tour players to be one of the finest finishing holes anywhere! From the White Tees, it plays 374 yards and can be a tricky driving hole with two fairway bunkers on the left, one on the right, and water beyond that. A tee shot over the bunkers on the left tee that finds the fairway will leave a short pitch shot into a triangular green with bunkers in front and behind, with water guarding the entire right side. From the fairway, you’ll have a stunning view of the entire greens complex, stone retaining wall, and the clubhouse.

The Panther Course is the perfect complement to the Bobcat. Although it is considerably shorter than Bobcat it typically plays a little tougher. The original Garl design offered a distinctly different look with several fairway pot bunkers and several sharp dogleg holes. A renovation by architect Stephen Kay in 1999 included enlarging the greens complexes and incorporating more undulation into them. The greens were regrassed with TifEagle Bermuda grass and the greenside bunkering was made more dramatic.

The stretch of holes from 12 – 15 is referred to by members as the “Panther’s Claw.” Number 12 is a 308-yard par 4 that epitomizes target golf. Most golfers will hit something less than a driver off the tee over an environmentally protected area with water on the left. From there you’ll be left with a short pitch shot over another protected area to the green.  Don’t let this hole fool you; it takes two well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation.

Number 13 is a 443-yard par 5 where your second shot is the most demanding. A good tee shot leaves a decision to go for the well-undulated, island green in two or layup and leave a 60-yard plus carry over water. This hole is as picturesque as it is challenging!

The 356-yard 14th hole is a slight dogleg right with no water hazards and a single greenside bunker, giving players the idea that it’s an easy par, but the tree-lined fairway tells another story. The narrow fairway that slopes to the left and the small green make it a challenge.

The par 3, 15th hole is pure Ron Garl; he’s the master of the island green! The hole plays 141 yards with sand surrounding the green. Although it’s one of the largest putting surfaces on the course, the water and sand tend to take their mental toll on golfers. Remember, sand is better than water!

It’s often said that “practice makes perfect,” and The Learning Center helps members get the most out of their golf game.  They use the FlightScope Launch Monitor and various club-fitting systems to help you take your game to the next level. Practice facilities include a multi-sided driving range, 2 practice putting greens, and 3 short game areas for chipping. They also have major equipment manufacturers come in for “Demo Days” where you can try all the latest and greatest golf gear. Private and group lessons are available from the professional golf staff as are one-on-one club-fitting sessions.

If golf’s not your thing, there’s still plenty to do at The Club. For racquet sports players, Plantation features 13 Har-Tru tennis courts, 5 of which are lit for night play, and 6 pickleball courts. Another popular activity at Plantation Golf & Country Club is bocce ball. There are 4 courts located behind the Tennis Pro Shop and instruction and tips are available.

Plantation’s Fitness Center is stocked with weight machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights. There’s also a full fitness calendar that includes classes such as Zumba, Yoga, Balance and Tone, TRX, and Arms & Abs. You’ll find that getting healthy has never been easier or more fun!

For swimmers, Plantation’s heated Junior Olympic-size pool is a popular place to swim a few laps. There’s also a heated Jacuzzi spa that seats 10 and food and beverage service is available poolside. It’s the perfect place to relax while enjoying some Florida sunshine.

Dining is an important aspect of any private club. Plantation Golf & Country Club offers several dining venues creating a wide variety of food options. The Club’s Executive Chef and team of culinary artists put together weekly specials using locally sourced foods to create a wide selection of dishes that will tease your palate. Festive parties and events are held throughout the year for members and their guests.

Plantation offers several membership categories to meet the needs of just about anyone. A Full Membership gives you access to everything the club has to offer – golf, tennis, fitness center, Aquatic Center, and all of the activities in and around the Clubhouse. A Sports and Fitness Membership includes everything, but golf is limited. As a Social Member, you’ll have unlimited access to the Clubhouse and all social activities, the Fitness and Aquatic Centers, bocce, and pickleball courts with limited golf and tennis opportunities.

Plantation Golf & Country Club is located near Venice on Florida’s southwest coast. It’s just minutes away from nearby Sarasota and the Gulf beaches and has much to offer. To inquire about membership or to arrange a personal tour, give them a call at (941) 497-1494 or visit them online at www.plantationgcc.com.

Treetops Golf Resort in Gaylord: Still One of America’s Best

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Many people believe that Treetops Golf Resort in Gaylord put Northern Michigan on the map as a great golf destination. Although there are several golf resorts in the area with multiple courses, Treetops emerges each year as one of the most recognizable golf resorts in the state. With 81 holes of spectacular golf at two locations (Treetops North is about a 7-minute drive), 226 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a salon, and more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it’s easy to see why Treetops Resort is a popular venue for golf getaways, weddings, and business conferences.

If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world.  Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf):  good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter’s Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique.  Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

And now on to the main event:  Golf at Treetops! The Jones Masterpiece Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is the only course on the main property. Many feel that The Masterpiece is the one course that put Gaylord on the map as a golf destination. Recently, Golf Digest named Masterpiece to its Top 10 list of Favorite Fall Foliage Courses in the US. Masterpiece has a slope rating of 147, making it one of the state’s toughest courses, but if you play the tees that best suit your game, you’re sure to have a fun and challenging round. As you make your way around the course, be sure to take in the scenery, especially in the fall. I spoke with several women at the course who all said that it’s the fall scenery that brings them back every year.

Controlling the ball off the tee is everything, and don’t try and bite off more than you can chew.  You can score well here, especially on the par 5s which play anywhere from 435 to 500 yards, so getting there isn’t the problem. The problem is keeping the ball in the fairway. Number 6 is a memorable par three that plays 162 yards from the Blue tees, but up to 4 clubs less because of the 120 ft. drop and the wind. This and one other hole at Treetops North put Northern Michigan golf on the map.

Practice facilities at the Jones Masterpiece Course include a grass driving range, a short game area with a practice bunker, and a putting green. Regardless of how you play, it’s hard to not enjoy your round on the Jones Masterpiece Course.

Treetops’ other three courses can be found at Treetops North, about a 7-minute drive up the road. The Signature was the second 18-hole layout built on the resort property. It was also the first golf course design for Rick Smith who then went on to design the Tradition Course and Threetops. Smith used the insight and knowledge he gained from his numerous trips to Scotland and Ireland to help him shape the courses, giving them the look and feel of some of the world’s best courses.

The Signature Course was recently recognized by Golfweek Magazine as one of the Top 200 Resort Courses in the United States.  features rolling hills, sand traps, and dramatic elevation changes, both up and down. With all of its magnificent views, The Signature Course is the most photographed course at Treetops and is the overwhelming favorite of both locals and visitors.

The Premier Course at Treetops Resort is the only Tom Fazio-designed golf course in Michigan and is as challenging as it is forgiving. It’s a very player-friendly course with many wide-open and rolling fairways, some of which are bowl-shaped, which helps to correct errant tee shots. You’ll find significantly less undulation than Masterpiece or Signature, yet there are still plenty of challenging breaks on the greens. Although the course features several doglegs, it is still player-friendly regardless of how good you are.

Recently, Treetops unveiled the “new and improved” Tradition Golf Course which will appeal to golf enthusiasts who want to experience the game as it was intended to be played – a good walk spoiled by a little white ball! Course Designer Rick Smith has incorporated many of the traits of a links-style golf course on an inland layout.  The conversion resulted in the removal of many trees, which brings to life subtly rolling fairways and native grasses. The rough areas have been cleaned up and seeded with various fescue grasses. According to General Manager Barry Owens, “With these links-style changes, you can see up to fifteen different greens on different parts of the golf course.”

Threetops is the most challenging par 3 course in North America. AARP named Threetops the #1 Par 3 Course in North America. It was also the site of the former ESPN Par 3 Shootout which challenged the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, and Raymond Floyd. The 7th hole is where, in 2001, Lee Trevino hit his tee shot over the green but managed to spin it back into the hole. The ace earned him $10,000 for the closest to the pin, $80,000 for the skin, and $1,000,000 for the hole-in-one.

From the back tees, yardages range between 140 and 219 yards. The longer holes may look intimidating on the scorecard, but they usually play significantly downhill. Each hole is unique, and the course conditions are the same as any of the championship 18-hole courses. The greens are the most challenging aspect of the course; some have severe slopes with a lot of undulation and break that you may not see at first glance and “straight-in” putts are rare. Threetops is a must-play if you’re on a golf trip to Gaylord; you can get around the course in about 90 minutes.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination. For more information on this outstanding golf resort, visit their website at www.treetops.com.

Tamahka Trails Golf Club – A Golf Course With Some Teeth

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Let’s start by learning a new word. “Tamahka” is the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal word for alligator. Tamahka Trails Golf Club is one of the wonderful amenities at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, LA, and believe me, this course has some bite. The course has received numerous accolades including “Top 10 Courses in Louisiana” in 2015 and 2016 by Golf Digest and a three-time host for U.S Open Qualifying. They are also a proud member of Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail.

Tamahka Trails was designed by Lakeland, FL native Steve Smyers who took the natural contours of the property and created one of the best daily fee golf courses in Louisiana. There are five sets of tees to choose from, so finding a distance that suits your game shouldn’t be a problem. Juniors, seniors, and ladies can move up to the Gold Tees and play the course from 4,370 yards while low handicappers and masochists can move back to the Black Tees and play from 7,019 yards. Par out here is 71.

Smyers has taken resort golf to a whole new level where brains over brawn will yield the best results. The golf course winds its way through 230 acres of rolling terrain, majestic century-old trees, and a bevy of native wildlife. You’ll encounter strategically placed hazards and traverse creeks that wind their way through the property, all designed to keep you honest. The native grasses not only add to the look and feel of the course, but they can also prove to be a formidable hazard as well. The putting surfaces are incredible, well-undulated, and a joy to putt on.

In late 2020, Tamahka Trails underwent a major renovation including a new set of junior tees that measured around 4,000 yards, seven new Champion tees, upgrades to fairway and cart paths, a new chipping bunker and practice green, and new landscaping throughout the course, clubhouse, and parking lot.

But the biggest changes were made in the bunkers; poor bunkers were the reason Tamahka Trails was unable to attract top amateur tournaments for the past 15 years.   The renovation included the conversion to the Better Billy Bunker system which improves drainage and creates longer-lasting sand traps. To do so meant they had to replace all of the drain lines, reshape several bunker complexes to eliminate steep slopes, and replace all of the sand. Tamahka Trails also converted about 40,000 square feet of bunkers to grass and added several small pot bunkers. They have already secured several big-name tournaments: The Louisiana State Women’s Four-Ball Championship, The Gulf States PGA Chapter Championship, the All-Pro Tour Paragon Championship, the Golfweek Amateur Tour, and the Eagle Amateur Tour Inaugural Tournament.

The Tamahka Trails yardage book can be a valuable asset, especially if you’ve never played the course before. With several blind shots and a few doglegs, there’s nothing worse than standing on the tee box and not knowing where the hole goes.

There are several memorable holes, starting with Number 1, a 518-yard, slight dogleg left, par 5 with a very generous fairway. A good drive will give you a chance to get your round off on the right foot. There’s a dense strand of trees down the left side where finding your ball let alone having a shot will be a task. The right side is no picnic either, although the trees are less dense. You may find your ball, don’t expect a clear shot to the green. Play your layup shot out to the right side; the cluster of bunkers you see in front of the green starts about 100 yards out and approach shots from left of them will be blind. The green is large and a lot wider than deep. Regardless of how you played the first hole, stop by the comfort station for an iced mango towel and slushy ice water. They’re very refreshing on a hot summer day.

There are three par 3s on the front side and all are challenging from the White Tees. Move to the back tees and they get even more challenging. Number 2 plays 112 yards from the Whites and is all carry over water. The kidney-shaped green is flanked with a bunker between it and the water. Anything short of the green is probably in the water and anything over the green will find the deep collection area. The green slopes steeply from back right to front left.

From the back tees, Number 6 plays 199 yards from an elevated tee box, so it’s considerably less than the stated yardage. Distance and accuracy are both important because of the three sand and one grass bunkers that guard the multi-tiered green. Watch out for the false front too. Par is a good score here.

If you think the par 3s are getting longer, that’s because they are. Number 8 plays 204 yards from the White Tees. Don’t let the length get to you; well-struck tee shots tend to run onto the green. Two large, deep bunkers guard the green, which is large and has been known to produce a lot of three-putts.

The toughest hole on the entire layout is Number 7, a par 4 that plays 380 yards from the White Tees. Keep your tee shot right of the fairway bunkers; there’s more room over there than meets the eye. The approach shot is semi-blind, although the front of the green is wide open. There’s a lot of contour in this green, so pay attention.

Number 17 is a good risk/reward par 4. From the White Tees, this short dogleg left plays 276 yards. If you can hit a draw, now’s the time. A good line is the tree right of the green. Hit a good drive and catch the downslope and you can easily find the green. Three fairway bunkers guard the right side, waiting for errant tee shots while those that try to cut the dogleg will have a separate set of traps to deal with. If you have any questions about whether or not you can make the green, play a long iron off the tee and leave yourself a manageable pitch shot into a green that slopes left and away from you.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Tamahka Trails want your golf experience to be unique and memorable. After your round, head to the Tamahka Grill where they serve some delicious food. I highly recommend the Tamahka Black Oak Smoked Sausage, 1/4 lb. smoked sausage grilled to perfection and served with grilled peppers and onions. You can’t go wrong when you build your own Tamahka Burger, a half-pound burger, served with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun with your choice of several toppings.

Once you play it, Tamahka Trails Golf Club is a course you’ll want to come back to again and again. They offer several affordable membership programs for singles, couples, and out-of-towners. They also offer some incredible Stay and Play and Play packages, too.  To see that everything that Tamahka Trails Visit their website for more information, www.tamahkatrails.com.

Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club– Two of Hilton Head Island’s Finest Public Courses

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In 2022, Heritage Golf Group – the fastest-growing golf course ownership company in the country – acquired Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club on Hilton Head Island. For Heritage Golf Group’s President and CEO Mark Burnett, the decision to purchase Palmetto Hall was easy. “With the resurgence in golf travel and the number of choices golfers have for golf getaways, it’s crucial that we promote our region’s amazing golf, lodging, and culinary assets,” Burnett said. He added, “We are thrilled with the recent addition of Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club to our portfolio and excited for its inclusion in Hilton Head Golf Island alongside Oyster Reef, Port Royal, and Shipyard.”

Immediately after the acquisition, Heritage Golf Group committed to a multi-million-dollar golf course improvement project. A complete renovation of the Arthur Hills course was completed in the fall. The renovation included new Tiff Eagle Bermuda greens, renovation of all the bunkers and installation of the Better Billy Bunker system, the best drainage system in golf, and extensive tree work.

Palmetto Hall features two golf courses designed by two iconic golf course architects: Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp. Together, these courses have long been considered among the best layouts in the Lowcountry; Heritage Golf Group’s goal is to return them to their former glory. The courses present a compelling contrast – the computer-designed Robert Cupp Course with its ultra-modern shaping and geometric bunkers and the Arthur Hills Course with its traditional look and feel.

The Cupp Course is unique because it was one of the first courses to be designed using a computer and a CAD program. As a result, you’ll find a lot of geometric shapes throughout the course. Some of these geometric figures have dissipated over time, but many are still noticeable. Straight lines and defined angles are the norms for many of the hazards; perfectly round greens, rectangular greens, square bunkers, and mounds that look like pyramids can be seen as you make your way around the layout. As a result, the Robert Cupp Course has shown up on its fair share of “Unusual Golf Course” lists, yet it will test low handicappers and is extremely playable for novices.

When the course opened in 1993 it had a 152 slope rating – the highest slope rating of any course in the state at the time. The course has mellowed slightly and now carries a slope rating of 149. Move up to the White Tees which play 6,042 yards and the slope drops to 124, a little on the high side but still manageable. The Forward (Green) Tees play 5,230 yards and offer only a slight reprieve in difficulty with a course rating of 70.6 and a slope of 123. Pick the tees that best suit your game and you’re sure to have an enjoyable round.

Even with a high slope rating from the tips, the course still draws high praise for its impeccable year-round conditioning, sound shot values, and flexibility. The course will challenge you as you wind your way through and around vast sawgrass marshes and dense forests of oak and pine.

The 11th hole may be your best shot at birdie. It’s a short par 4 and plays 290 yards from the White Tees. Hit’s advisable to hit something less than a driver off the tee, short of the triangular bunker. That will leave a short pitch shot into a green where the pin is probably blocked out by a large mound. The green’s not very deep so distance control is at a premium. A good pitch shot can result in a good score!

The Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall opened in 1991 to rave reviews and that same year was named to Golf Digest’s list as one of America’s Top 10 New Courses. Over the years the magazine has awarded the course 4-stars as one of its “Best Places to Play.” The Arthur Hills course plays 6,918 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 73.8 and a slope of 139. At 6,257 yards (70.6/128), the White Tees will prove to be a formidable foe for most golfers, while ladies will find the course enjoyable from the Red Tees (5,006/70.3/119).

Hills’ signature style is on full display with undulating fairways and a lot of mounding as the course winds its way through heavily wooded forests of moss-draped oaks and towering pines that frame the fairways of many holes. Palmetto Hall’s lush fairways and crystalline lakes give way to large greens that are protected by strategically placed bunkers.

The completely remodeled Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Hall starts you off with the most challenging hole on the course and ends with the Number 2 handicap. The first hole is a 405-yard par 4 (White Tees) that is relatively flat with marshlands on the left side and trees tight on the right. The green has a large false front and sits at an odd angle to the fairway. It’s protected all down the right side by a sand bunker. Did I mention the greens are very quick?

The 8th hole is a challenging par 4 that plays 354 yards from the White Tees. The water on the left side can be carried with a good tee shot, leaving a much shorter approach shot into the green. However, if you push your tee shot right, you could easily find the woods that line the fairway. There are two fairway bunkers in the landing area on the right side that also see a lot of play. Par is a good score here!

Number 18 is the #2 handicapped hole on the golf course and plays 389 yards from the White Tees. It’s a dogleg left par 4 with water all down the left side that most players are going to have to cross twice. Push your drive right and the trees will get you. A good drive will leave a mid-iron into a green with water on the left that comes right up against the green and two traps on the right. It’s one of Hilton Head’s best finishing holes!

Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club offers a variety of membership categories. It is a bundled community, so if you live in the Palmetto Hall community you must purchase at least a social membership.

Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club has joined three other classic golf courses on Hilton Head Island – Port Royal, Oyster Reef, and Shipyard Golf Club -and is now part of Heritage Golf Group’s Hilton Head Collection. Visit them online to book your next round or golf vacation package. at www.hiltonheadgolf.net.

Carrollwood Country Club – A Family-Oriented Club in the Heart of Tampa

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Carrollwood Country Club has a very rich and interesting history. The club – originally known as Carrollwood Village Golf & Tennis Club – was founded in 1972. Back then, the Carrollwood area, which is about 10 miles due north of downtown Tampa, was not considered part of “Tampa,” yet the club was very successful, boasting nearly 1,000 golfing members and 600 tennis members. It was the largest Country Club community in the Tampa Bay area.

Fast forward 30 years to the early 2000s and the club is undergoing an ownership and name change. The new Emerald Greens Golf Resort and Country Club is about to embark on an extensive renovation project at the hands of world-renowned golf course architect Dan Maples. Maples will oversee the rebuilding of all 27 holes as well as resurfacing of all greens with Champion UltraDwarf turf, considered to be one of the best putting surfaces in the world. The club continues to flourish.

A little over a decade later times have changed once again. The economy has taken a huge hit, and in 2013, Emerald Greens Golf Resort and Country Club was sold to Concert Golf Partners. Concert Golf Partners CEO, Peter Nanula, a Tampa Jesuit graduate, finds that owning a country club in his hometown is a natural fit. One of the first orders of business is to rename the club and give it a sense of community and Carrollwood Country Club is reborn.

Carrollwood Country Club proudly boasts 27 holes of incredible Dan Maples golf. It may seem cliché but it’s a fact: 27 holes of golf equals three challenging 18-hole golf courses and this is certainly the case at Carrollwood Country Club. Each nine is unique in its own right and exemplifies Dan Maples at his best. A variety of strategically placed bunkers dot the landscape in several landing areas including devilish pot bunkers and large waste bunkers. Water hazards abut several elevated greens which are well-undulated and roll true.

The majestic tree-lined fairways of pine and cypress trees on the Pine Course give it a North Carolina look and feel. Water comes into play on seven of the nine holes and culminates with an island green, albeit on a par 5. A good drive that finds the fairway on this finishing hole may give you the opportunity to go for the green in two but beware, double bogeys are more common than eagles.

The way the courses are typically played, the Cypress Course is the back nine of the championship layout. It is the longest of all three courses and is considered to be the most challenging. Many of the holes are tight and require accuracy off the tee in order to score well. Your journey starts with a tee shot that puts a premium on accuracy as water lines both sides of the fairway. Success off the tee on the first hole will leave an easy approach shot to the elevated green and hopefully set the tone for a good round.

The Meadows Course is the most wide-open of all three layouts, which may allow you to spray the ball a bit but won’t help you find the smaller, well-protected greens any easier. The 6th hole is a 390-yard par 4 dogleg right that requires a tee shot down the middle/left side of the fairway; anything to the right and your approach shot will be blocked out by cypress trees. A good tee shot will leave an approach shot of about 160 yards into a green that is well-bunkered and guarded by water up the right side. The seventh hole is considered the best par 3 on any of the three layouts. The hole plays 158 yards hole with a forced carry over water and a bunker to a well-undulated green.

Carrollwood Country Club also boasts some tour-quality practice facility, which includes multiple tees, a short game area, and practice putting greens.

If you prefer the courts over the course, you’ll be glad to know that Carrollwood Country Club has an extremely active tennis membership. They offer eight beautifully surfaced Har-Tru tennis courts equipped with brilliant lighting for nighttime play. CCC’s staff of certified tennis professionals can help you with your tennis game as well as assimilation into leagues, clinics, and an ongoing schedule of social opportunities with fellow tennis players.

The warm Florida weather does have its advantages and being able to keep the sparkling Junior-Olympic swimming pool open year-round is definitely one of them. The centerpiece of the Tennis & Aquatic Center is surrounded by a magnificent deck of pavers, palm trees, cabanas, lounge chairs, and a large natural grass activity area. CCC offers a number of regularly planned fun activities such as Kids Nights, Movie Nights, and Barbecues. There’s a fenced Splash Pad for smaller children and a covered playground, which is also fenced in. Salads, wraps, hotdogs, and burgers are prepared poolside at the Oasis Poolside Grille.

No private club is complete without a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Fitness Center at Carrollwood Country Club is located inside the Tennis & Aquatics Center and features Life Fitness equipment, cardio machines, and free weights. Members can also choose from a number of fitness classes designed to work certain parts of the body or work out at their own pace. No matter what you choose, it’s a great way to feel better and more energized!

Since its founding, Carrollwood Country Club has been a melting pot of family fun and memories. Many of these memories are made with friends and their families; relationships that were made within the club. And there is no better place to make new friends than at one of the club’s social events. Whether it’s attending a Family Movie Night, taking a fitness class, or enjoying each other’s company at Happy Hour, CCC offers an active social calendar. Arrange a visit and see for yourself the family atmosphere that exists within the club.

The best way to take advantage of everything Carrollwood Country Club has to offer is to become a member! As a Full Golf Member, you, your spouse, and children under 24 will have full access to all 27 holes on the Meadow, Pine, and Cypress courses including greens fees and practice facilities for everyone listed on the membership. You’ll also receive full access to the Junior Olympic-size cooled and heated pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and social/dining events is also included. All items including food, guest fees, and carts will be charged to your member account. Each guest may play with you up to 6 times per year at current guest fee rates. A Junior Executive Golf Membership has the same privileges and is designed for members who are under 40 years of age.

Social and Tennis Members have full access to the Junior Olympic-size pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and social/dining events along with indoor and outdoor dining for everyone listed on the membership. You may play golf up to six times per calendar year and have yearly access to the practice range facility at an additional fee. Social Members may also play tennis, up to six times per calendar year at the discretion of the TAC staff; fees apply.

As a member, you’ll also be entitled to Club benefits at other Concert Golf properties. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, your benefits will mirror those of your home club; Full Golf Members receive cart fee-only pricing and regular guest fee rates for guests and each property can be accessed up to 6 times a year.

For more information, visit them online at www.carrollwoodcc.com.

French Lick Resort – The Best Golf The Hoosier State Has To Offer

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The 3,200-acre French Lick Resort – nestled in the hills of Southern Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest – is an oasis of rest and recreation just waiting to be discovered. On property, you’ll find two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, two world-class spas, 24/7 gaming at the French Lick Casino, meeting venues, and three challenging golf courses: The Donald Ross Course, The Pete Dye Course, and The Valley Course. A fourth “overflow” course – Sultan’s Run – is located about 30 minutes away in Jasper, Indiana, and is well worth the trip.

If you’re there to play multiple courses, I advise warming up on the Valley Course. This once 18-hole, Tom Bendelow design was original to the French Lick Springs Hotel and has been converted into a 9-hole layout and still has a lot of its original flavor and bite with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and Scottish-style fescue grasses. Experienced golfers can play it all the way back at 3,500 yards, while ladies, juniors, and seniors can move up and play it at 2,465 yards. The Valley Course is very family-friendly with two sets of tee markers for juniors and beginners. These tees measure 11,00 and 1,900 yards.

The Pete Dye Course at French Lick has received numerous awards including the #1 spot in GolfWeek Magazine’s “Best You Can Play in Indiana” for 13 years in a row. PGA TOUR player Colin Montgomery has said of the Dye Course, “It’s one of the iconic courses in America and one that golfers all over the world will want to play.”

The golf course sits on one of Indiana’s highest elevation points and showcases the course’s narrow and immaculately groomed fairways and the rugged and intense topography of the surrounding land. As you make your way around the layout, you’ll encounter three man-made lakes, numerous elevation changes, and Dye’s signature Volcano bunkers which, while aesthetically pleasing, can add intrigue and chaos to your round. You’ll also be treated to 40-mile panoramic views of the southern Indiana countryside.

Golfers at The Pete Dye course can choose from five sets of tees with yardages ranging from 5,155 for ladies, juniors, and seniors to 8,102 yards for better players and masochists!

The first hole on the Pete Dye Course is a 360-yard par 4, dogleg left that starts with a drive from a very elevated tee box, downhill to a receptive fairway. The water on the left is reachable off the tee for most golfers and takes about 250 yards to carry it from the White Tees. The fields and fescue grasses on the right also see a lot of play, too. A good driver will still leave an uphill pitch shot into a very narrow and undulating green.

Number seven is a 480-yard Par 5 with a fairway that slopes violently and fairway bunkers on either side in the landing area. Your 2nd and 3rd shots play significantly uphill, so don’t be afraid to hit an extra club or two depending on the pin position. Four bunkers surround the long, pear-shaped green.

Number 13 is a par 3 that plays 152 from the White Tees with one of the longest and most interesting greens on the course. It can easily be a one or two club difference depending on the pin position.

The Donald Ross Course was originally built in 1917 and allows golfers to step back in time and experience the game the way it was meant to be played. This par-70 course is second only to its sister course in Golfweek Magazine’s “Best Places You Can Play in Indiana.” It’s been that way since 2011 which speaks volumes to the quality and integrity of both courses.

Many of Ross’ original design elements can be seen to this day including about 80 bunkers, 35 of which are from Ross’ original course design. They feature Ross’ trademark flat bottoms and deep, gnarly faces; oftentimes it’s hard to advance the ball. You’ll also find square and rectangular-shaped greens with plenty of undulation; many are two-tiered.

You’ll soon understand why it was originally called The Hills course as approach shots often require at least one extra club. Try to avoid the rough as much as possible; it’s longer than what you’re probably used to and can cost you a shot  – if not a ball – or two. Except for the dogleg left #8, the holes are pretty straight with strategically placed hazards – trees, water, and sand – waiting to claim errant shots.

The Donald Ross Course offers golfers 4 sets of tees ranging from 5.050 to 6,976 yards. Pick the tees that best suit your game for maximum enjoyment. The Donald Ross Course has many memorable holes including #3, a 364-yard par 4 that starts with a blind tee shot over a hill. Hit a great drive down the middle of the fairway and you could easily make it to the bottom of the hill.  The second shot plays well downhill into a small, two-tiered green with a large bunker on the right and requires at least one less club. There’s another bunker about 75 yards short of the green on the left. The green slopes severely from back to front so it’s important to leave your approach shot below the hill.

At 305 yards, the dogleg left 8th hole may be short by today’s standards but still requires good course management skills. To master the hole, you’ll want to hit something less than driver of the tee and over the bunker. Staying on the upper plateau is very important and if you try to hit more club, there’s a steep grade at the dog leg that goes down to the valley. A good drive will leave an uphill chip shot into a two-tiered green that slopes well from back to front.

Guests can choose rooms at either the French Lick Springs or West Baden Springs Hotel. Both were iconic symbols of the great economic achievements experienced in the area in the early 1900s. They offer Old World opulence combined with modern comforts. Many of the original amenities available at the West Baden Springs Hotel are still available today. The casino is located at the French Lick Springs Hotel.

French Lick Resort is the perfect place for a guys, girls, or couples weekend getaway. With 45 holes of golf and another 18 located about a 30-minute drive away, you’ll have plenty to choose from when it comes time to tee it up. For more information or to book your next stay at the French Lick Resort, visit their website at www.frenchlick.com.

Big Cypress Golf Club – Open to the Public

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Big Cypress Golf & Country Club is located within the 55+ gated community of Cypress Lakes on Route 98 in Lakeland, Florida, and is one of the most active adult communities in Florida. As you drive from the guard shack at the front gate to the clubhouse, you’ll pass crowded pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts. And there is always something going on at the clubhouse; both pools are very active, as you’ll discover as you make your way to the range.

The two golf courses are the centerpiece of the community. The clubhouse is well-decorated, and the pro shop is well-stocked. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

Both golf courses at Cypress Lakes are built on a swamp so the surrounding terrain is perfectly flat. Florida golf is characterized by water, sand, and palm trees and Big Cypress is no different. Water comes into play on at least 11 holes on the South Course and 16 on the North Course so you may want to take a few extra golf balls.

The South Course was designed by renowned golf course architect and Lakeland, Florida native, Ron Garl. The South Course has been recognized by Golf Digest, Florida Golfer, and Senior Golfer magazines for its par-72 championship-caliber layout. It is also ranked the #3 Best Golf Course in Florida by Golfers’ Choice in 2023.

From the Black Tees, the South Course plays 6,588 yards with a course rating of 72.1 and a slope of 134. Move up to the Green Tees (5,998/69.4/125) and you’ll save considerable yardage on a couple of holes and still have a great time. The South Course features Bermuda tee boxes and fairways, and Diamond Zoysia greens. Diamond Zoysia has excellent tolerance to low light conditions and does well in salty soils and high traffic. It also holds shots very well!

To create a little character for the South Course, Garl trucked in a lot of dirt and created mounding on a few of the fairways and along the peripheries. Not only does this add to the aesthetics of the course, but it also creates the odd uneven lie! And it helps to shield a few holes from the outside traffic on Route 98.

Several holes on the South course are tight and require a certain amount of driving accuracy off the tee. It may not be the longest course in the area, but if you don’t keep the ball in play, the length doesn’t matter.

Two very memorable holes on the South Course are par 5s. Number 3 plays 507 yards from the back tees, and from back here it’s a legitimate par 5. Move up to the Green Tees (438 yards) and it’s a chance to pick up a shot or two. From up here, the trees on the left are reachable off the tee. With that in mind, play down the right side of the fairway; another good aiming point is the billboard in the distance. A good drive will leave the option to go for the green in two; if that’s not a possibility, play your layup shot toward the right side. This will take the water on the left out of play. Hit your approach shot over the green and you’ll most likely find that water. This hole is a good test of both control and accuracy.

Number 12 is a 590-yard, par 5. It plays every bit of its length because most players won’t be able to hit driver off the tee. If you have great control of your driver, it’s possible to play down the right side around the lake but beware of the woods to the right. Even with a good tee shot and a layup shot, you will still be faced with a fairly long approach shot into an elevated green which slopes back to front and is guarded front right by a large bunker.

Although the South Course gets the majority of play at Cypress Lake, the North Course should not be taken lightly. The North Course was designed by noted course architect Chip Powell and offers golfers two sets of tees. The Cypress Tees play 3,463 yards to a par of 60 with a rating of 58.2 and a slope of 93 for men. The Teal Tees play 3,013 yards (56.0/85). Pick the tees that match up with your game and you’re sure to have a great time!

Don’t let the yardage fool you, it’s definitely not a walk in the park. With six par 4s and three par 3s that measure over 170 yards, it can be a major challenge. For the most part, it’s a gentler version of the South Course and for that reason, more enjoyable for beginners with several risk/reward opportunities for seasoned players. The layout is fairly narrow with several tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers. You’ll also encounter water hazards on at least 12 holes.

This “executive” course starts with a par 4 that plays nearly 300 yards with trees on the right side in the landing area. Anything that lands on the right side will require an approach shot over trees into a green with a bunker on the right. Favoring the left side off the tee leaves an unobstructed shot into the green.

Things don’t get much easier on the 2nd hole, a 184-yard, par 3 with a lake and sand on the right side. There’s a bit of reprieve on the 3rd and 4th holes which are almost identical with water left of the green.

Number 7 is a 276-yard par 4 that is a slicer’s nightmare with water all down the right side and a devilish pot bunker right of the green. The 8th hole is another challenging par 4 with water guarding the entire left side of the green and coming into play only about 200 yards off the tee. Play your tee shot about 170 yards and then play your approach shot over water and sand.

The back nine starts with one of the shortest holes on the golf course followed by the longest, a 302-yard par 4 that is one big dogleg left. That’s followed by the risk/reward 12th hole, a 260-yard par 4 with little danger (the pond on the right side is easy to carry). Hit a solid tee shot and you’re in business. The next three holes are par 3s. Thirteen and fourteen are straightforward par 3’s but the 15th is a challenging 179-yarder with a small green and a large bunker on the left. The round ends with another challenging 170-yard par 3 that’s very similar to Number 15.

Big Cypress has some good practice facilities, too. There’s a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. There’s also a massive practice green that can accommodate any size outing. And, if your game’s not up to par, Big Cypress has on-staff resident golf professionals who can help with individual lessons or group clinics. They can also help arrange tournaments and leagues. Inside the pro shop, you’ll find all of the necessary golf accessories from golf clubs to logoed clothing.

Regardless of which course you play, you’ll encounter superb conditions. Golf Course Superintendent Gary Newcomb says “At Big Cypress, maintenance is a top priority. We try to provide well-manicured fairways and greens that are consistently in good shape.” His biggest challenge is finding staff that is willing to work. “Any superintendent that tells you staffing is not their #1 challenge probably isn’t telling you the truth.”

Big Cypress Golf Course General Manager Allan Tener wants golfers to know that both Big Cypress courses are open to the public. “ A lot of people in the area think that just because we are in a gated community, we are not open to the public,” says Tener. “Once golfers realize that they can play here and give us a try, we’re sure they’ll come back. And with rates that are lower than most courses in the area, you can save a few dollars at the same time.”

Cypress Lakes and the Big Cypress Golf Club are less than an hour’s drive from both Orlando and Tampa.
If you’re in the Lakeland area, Big Cypress is worth checking out. Visit their website at  www.cypresslakesfla.com or give them a call at (863) 859-6871.

Raven Rock Golf Club – A Fun Golf Course with Breathtaking Views

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Raven Rock Golf Club is arguably Eastern Kentucky’s most breathtaking championship golf course. It’s part of a remarkable strip mine reclamation project that encompasses over 2,000 acres. The course was originally built by Jack Fykes for TECO Coal in 1995 as a 9-hole layout and 8 years later was expanded to 18 holes. It’s a stunning combination of Mother Nature’s handiwork and manmade features all blended together to create a golf course that will thrill and entertain golfers of all abilities.

The golf course plays around a very large quarry and has wide fairways lined with prairie grasses that lead to well-manicured greens and give the course an open, links-like feel. This once-scarred property has become a model of sustained development that will last for generations to come. Compared to other courses in the area, the greens are very small and therefore don’t need a lot of protection. You can almost count the total number of bunkers on both hands; there are maybe ten sand traps on the entire course and a few of them are fairway bunkers.

Even though the course is short by today’s standards, don’t let that fool you. From the back (Black) tees, the course plays 6,160 yards with a rating of 69.8 and a slope of 131, which translates to a good test of golf. Members typically play from the Whites Tees (5545/67.3/118), while most ladies enjoy the Red Tees (4546/65.7/117). Pick the set that best suits your game and you’re sure to have a great time.

Your round starts with a par 3; one of three on the front nine. Number 1 plays slightly downhill, about 150 yards from the White Tees. It’s virtually all carry over thick ugly rough into a small green that slopes back to front. Hit a good tee shot and get your round off to a great start!

Number 2 is a dogleg right, par 4 that plays 363 yards from the Blue Tees. Tee off from an elevated tee box over a ravine to a fairway with native rough and woods on the right. From the tee, the pine tree on the left side is a good aiming point. Trying to cut the dogleg can land you in one of the two fairway bunkers at the corner. Your approach shot is going to play uphill into a green with a lot of mounding around

Number 5 is the second par 3 on the front nine and confirms the fact that a golf hole doesn’t have to be long to be a challenge!  From the Black Tees, the hole plays a mere 127 yards, however, a small grove of trees creates a blind tee shot for right-hand pin placements. The small green is almost an island and leaves little room for error.

Number 6 is a risk-reward par 4 that plays 301 yards from the White Tees, but that’s if you make it a dogleg right, and hit the ball out to the fairway on the left. Longball hitters can take a shot at the green and the 240-yard carry over the quarry.  Either way, you’re playing into a small green protected with a bunker back left.

The 14th hole may well be the prettiest hole on the golf course. Playing 394 yards from the White Tees, this dogleg left, par 4 requires something less than a driver off the tee. Play your tee shot no more than 195 yards into a landlocked “island” fairway. Anything longer than that and you’re not likely to find it. A good tee shot will leave a long, downhill approach shot over a ravine into a small, elevated green that slopes left to right. Miss the green and you’ll need a good short game to salvage par!

From the back two sets of tees, “blind shot” does not begin to describe your tee shot on Number 15. You tee off high above the tree line, over a small forest, and need at least 200 yards of carry. Successfully finding the fairway off the tee will leave a short iron into an elevated green.

On June 4th, 2023, a week before my arrival, tragedy struck one of Eastern Kentucky’s most scenic and challenging public golf courses when the Raven Rock clubhouse burned to the ground. They lost everything including the restaurant which was known to draw a lot of non-golfers, and the entire contents of the pro shop. Luckily, the golf carts were stored in a separate building.

To their credit, Golf Operations Manager Todd Combs and his staff never missed a beat. They worked out of a makeshift pro shop set up in a gazebo and within 72 hours, had golfers out on the course. A large golf tournament that was scheduled for the following weekend went off without a hitch – other than dinner which was catered. Raven Rock is currently working out of a temporary pro shop and other than no food service, it’s business as usual. Plans are to start the construction of a new clubhouse in the spring of 2024.

Raven Rock Golf Course is the perfect choice for a round of golf or as a new destination for you and your golf buddies when visiting the Jenkins, KY area. Todd Combs and his staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round on this scenic and challenging golf course. To book your next round at Raven Rock, give them a call at (606) 219-4499 or visit them online at www.ravenrockgolfcourse.com.