Must see courses near Boca Raton FL?

[TBD203]

Headed down south next week for a golf trip - thank god cause this snow is bumming me out.

 

We're playing a local course the day we fly in, and then Heron Bay, Polo Trace, and TPC Eagle Trace... just wondering if anyone has another suggestion for our final golf day? Willing to drive 30-45 minutes outside of Boca Raton, and I'm not super worried about affordability as much as a great golf experience.

 

Thanks in advance!

[skylargolf]

I would recommend Osprey Pointe which is in Boca. I have played it a few times and it is a lot of fun. The reason I would recommend it to you is it would be a lot different from the other courses that you have mentioned. It is always in great shape too. I have played the other three many times and I think you will enjoy Eagle Trace a lot. The other ones are alright too. Hope you have a great trip. Let me know if you have questions on any of the other courses.

[TBD203]

You're not the first person to suggest Ospey Pointe I guess I will have to take a look.

Thanks a ton! I can't wait to get out of CT.

[skylargolf]

I bet, the weathers very nice here right now. High 70's and sunny. I don't think you would be disappointed with Osprey Pointe. It's more of a firm and fast course. Not really your typical old school florida course. It has Paspalum grass which you are probably not used to. If you play there don't be afraid to scale back off the tee. I always hit 3 iron off a lot of the tees because there are some pretty tight tee shot and the ball rolls a long way. There are three nines and I prefer Falcon and Hawk. The Raven is my least favorite.

[ButterCutter2]

osprey pointe will be more enjoyable and if you play falcon/raven from the tips, just as hard or harder than any of those other 3 courses. really enjoy that place. i was staying in delray beach in december and played the following tracks: westchester cc blue/red 9s in boynton, a private club i got on through boxgroove up in north palm beach, the eagle course at prez cc in west palm and osprey 2x. you really can't do better in terms of value/condition and enjoyment than osprey in the area. some courses are harder (that combo at westchester, aforementioned eagle course at the president), but osprey is just such an enjoyable round of golf.

[TBD203]

Leaving Thursday I can't wait!!!

[TBD203]

Just wanted to come by me echo that osprey pointe amazing. Best course we played by far- did all 27 and loved it.

[skylargolf]

[quote name='TBD203' timestamp='1394473328' post='8840573']
Just wanted to come by me echo that osprey pointe amazing. Best course we played by far- did all 27 and loved it.
[/quote]Nice, most people enjoy playing there. It's a really fun course.

[marshvegas]

What did you end up paying for TPC Eagle Trace? I am heading down next week. Thanks!

[TBD203]

After putting us off for a few days they ended up telling us to stick it that they only allowed public in the summer when it slows down.

[marshvegas]

That stinks! I'm going down next week. I played it two years ago when it was on GolfNow. I couldn't get on it last year, GolfNow never had any times.

Any recommendations from your trip?

[TBD203]

Honestly as I said above, the best course we played was Osprey. While Polo Trace and Heron Bay are fun layouts with interesting as well as punishing holes, the conditions were sub par. The first hole at heron had crab grass in the fairways. Not a good first impression.

We played a private club as well, the Boca Raton Country Club or some such, at the pink hotel (waldorf astoria) and it was in excellent condition... if it weren't for the twosome of members that decided they wanted to be the first group out, and drove past us on the first fairway to tee off before we could on number 2.

Best advice is to live it up because when you get back here and it's still freezing temps you need the memories to get through to spring!

[marshvegas]

I know what you mean about memories ~ I'm trying to justify $270 for the Blue Monster! Do I want to lay out that kind of cash just to say I played it and have something to talk about until May? It's the only good golf course I will see for a while.

I think I played Osprey last year and had a miserable time! Is it wide open, links style? Right on a lake? If so, when I was there the winds were up to 30 mph and the pace was slow!

[TBD203]

Not much water on Osprey, it's not wide open nor links style. There are waste areas between almost all of the holes from what I remember. The wind was very calm when I was there, and the Palum grass on the greens was different and a lot of fun.

Sounds like you've got them mixed up, but who knows! Enjoy the weather I'm jealous I can't go back for awhile.

[skylargolf]

[quote name='Pings2Win' timestamp='1394740166' post='8864715']
I know what you mean about memories ~ I'm trying to justify $270 for the Blue Monster! Do I want to lay out that kind of cash just to say I played it and have something to talk about until May? It's the only good golf course I will see for a while.

I think I played Osprey last year and had a miserable time! Is it wide open, links style? Right on a lake? If so, when I was there the winds were up to 30 mph and the pace was slow!
[/quote]Playing the Blue now would be cool, but I had played it before the revamp and it wasn't worth it. From what you are describing it very well could be osprey pointe. There is a big lake on some of the holes. There are many good course around this area that you could get on besides Eagle Trace and Doral if you need any suggestions.

[marshvegas]

Yes please! The only courses I play are what I find on GolfNow so I'm sure there are a few good ones that I am not familiar with.

My first round of the trip is usually Heron Bay, $24 after 3pm ~ can't beat it!

[skylargolf]

Nice deal, heres a couple that are all in pretty good shape that you could check out. They are all as good as Heron Bay if not better... The Club at Emerald Hills, Eagle Trace, Jacaranda, Planation Preserve, Country Club of Coral Springs, Carolina Club. Thats probably the order that I would put them in and they are all within 30 minutes of Heron Bay.

[marshvegas]

Thanks! I was going thru my poker chips, ball markers, divot tools and I found one for Osprey Point. I wasn't a fan ~ mainly due to the pace of play.

I found a poker chip for The Diplomat which I played last year. I remember it being over-priced for the condition it was in.

I think I might check out Plantation Preserve and Emerald Hills.