Course Near St. Pete (FL) Airport

PS Someone suggested Plantation Palms. Any feedback/opinions on it?

Thanks again.

WW

Forget Plantation Palms. Actually, you should probably pass on The Dunes, often in very bad shape. I would play one of the following if you're willing to drive a bit further than Brooksville.

Juliette Falls in Dunellon is phenomonal. Excellent condition from tee to green and real challenge from the "Viking" tees. Staff up there is great as well.

Second is Sugarloaf Mountain in Minneaola. New Crenshaw/Coore design that is unbelievable. Played both courses over the weekend and you'd never know that they are new. You won't be disappointed.

Both courses are in the top 15 of Best New Courses in Golfweek.

If you are looking for a good course close to the St. Pete/ Clearwater Airport try Feather Sound C.C. It's a private course, but they sometimes have guess passes. I would call them and see if you can get on. The course is always in great shape and has a pretty good layout. Greens are small, elevated and fast.

WRXers:

 

I'm headed to Tampa in January and am flying out of the St. Pete airport on a Tuesday. I'm looking for a good place to play that fairly close to the airport, since I'd rather not gamble on a post-round drive.

 

I've played Bardmoor, which I enjoyed. Are there other places nearby that you'd recommend, or should I revisit the old stomping grounds of the JC Penney Classic?

 

Just looking for input from folks who know the area. Thanks.

 

WW

 

PS Playing Pine Barrens and The Dunes on the same trip. I've played PB before. How's The Dunes?

Dunes is a good layout, but conditions are hit & miss. Unlike BenCodi, I really like Plantation Palms, and find it to be one of the better conditioned layouts for the Tampa daily fee courses. I would recommend TPC of Tampa Bay, which will give you fast access after your round to the Veteren's Expressway to I-275 to St. Pete airport.

(about a 45 minute trip).

http://www.tpctampabay.com/

Another high recommendation would be Lake Jovita in Dade City, with a direct route on I-75 to 275 to Airport (60-75 minute trip).

http://www.lakejovitagolfcc.com/golf_home.aspx

Unless you are staying at the resort, you won't be able to play at the former home of the JC Penney classic (Innisbrook) in January!

You didn't say when in January you will be in the area, but if it's the last week - don't forget the Superbowl is in town on Feb 1st. The courses will be more crowded than usual that week