Top Tampa Bay Public Golf Courses
It’s no surprise that Tampa, Florida has some of the most prestigious private golf courses in the state. The perfect weather, ranging between 65 to 95 degrees year round, draws the best golfers from around the country, even from around the world. But, what if you can only get to Tampa a few times a year to enjoy what you love best, golfing. Perhaps paying the high fees and belonging to one private course doesn’t give you the variety of play you prefer. There are some really great public golf courses in the Tampa Bay area, enjoyed by even the most experienced golf traveler.
This 6,244 yard golf course is located just 20 minutes north of downtown Tampa. It’s a smaller course, but it offers challenges where they are least expected. Both 9-holes of the 18-hole course are a par 35. The course is named after “Babe” Didrikson who was called the most versatile female athlete by the Guinness Book of World Records. She purchased this Forest Hill course, herself. Later, after her death, the City of Tampa purchased it. After renovations it was reopened. The golf course now touts Historical Landmark status.
Located conveniently, the Rocky Point Golf Course is just 15 minutes from the Tampa International Airport. 12 of the holes have water hazards. Interestingly, the lakes, on the course, have developed into wildlife habitats. This 18-hole gold course is 6,444 yards. Busy streets are close by several of the holes so care must be taken in those areas. Overall this is a solid course with nice greens.
This golf course, near the University of South Florida, spans 6,809 and offers 4 sets of tee boxes to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are lined with pines, cypress and oaks. Other than an occasional alligator, the wildlife is not bothersome or dangerous. Golf clinics and lessons are available with PGA professionals. The challenge of this course is the long and narrow structure. The Claw offers a large practice green, lighted driving range and refreshments served on the course.
This course is at the top of the list for premier Tampa public golf courses. Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club has hosted the JCPenny Classic as well as the PGA/LPGA. In 1998 they added a 12,000 foot club house. Besides holding the tennis operation, the club house is home to a bar and grill, locker rooms, the golf shop and banquet facility.
This golf course has a 74.4 rating and is one of the most challenging in the country. Still it has enough birdie opportunities to make a fun game and even a terrific short game. Bloomingdale Golfers Club has a 1, 000 square foot putting green. The towering pines and 100-year old oaks frame the natural marshland course. With 7,155 yards of playing field, half of this golf course’s 219 acres is a wildlife preserve. It was designed and built to work in harmony with the surrounding nature.
Another scenic course, Golf Club at Cyprus Creek is placed within 640 acres of protected wetlands. Golf course architect, Steve Smyers, created a course in which the golfer would use every club in his bag. You will find challenging features on 14 of the holes. All skill leveled golfers will find the course both challenging and enjoyable. Cyprus Creek is 6,830 yards with 75.5 rating. Located in the Tampa Bay area, just south of Tampa, the course was recently updated giving it new tee boxes, bunkers and greens.
A new course, Lexington Oaks was opened in 2000. It is part of a real estate development project by Pulte Home Corporation. The 6,748 yard course is a Gordon Lewis design. The lakes and wetlands add challenge to the course, while the 4 sets of tees make it an enjoyable game for all skill levels. This club is strong on customer service and it shows from the moment they greet you at your car when you first arrive.
Not your typical Florida golf course, Sherman Hills features rolling hills and undulating greens. It is located in the states highest area, north of Tampa in Brooksville. This 6,773 yard course is rated 71.4. The front 9 holes are open with elevated greens and tees while the back 9 are surrounded large oaks. It is like playing two separate courses.
Tarpon Woods Golf and Tennis Club
This course has one of the best junior golf programs in Tampa Bay. It boasts water challenges at every hole in this tree lined course. It has 6,613 yards and is rated 72.2. Located northwest of Tampa, it is easy to locate at just 2 miles off of Tampa Road. The challenging layout offers abundant wildlife throughout.
This course is designed so that golfers of all skill levels will have an enjoyable game. The 4 sets of tees create a game played on a course of 5,333 yards to 6,862 yards. Water challenges show up on 16 of the 18 holes. The 11th green is a replica of the Augusta National 16th hole. It’s an easy drive at less than 30 minutes northwest of Tampa.
With so many great public golf courses to choose from, Tampa is surely a great golfing vacation destination. With Tampa your home base, it will be convenient to try several courses during your stay. Make your trip a family affair. Tampa has something to entice every member of the family.
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(cc: photo credit: FloridaRealEstate)
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