Key Biscayne Business Trip

Phreddy · January 28, 2015

I will be staying at a hotel in Key Biscayne for a conference in a couple weeks. I plan to head down early and play a couple rounds of golf while there. I won't have a rental car, it would be a cab ride to where ever it is I choose to play. The hotel is suggesting Crandon Parks. I have no problem playing a muni, but since this is a break from a midwest winter the nicer the course the better.

Any experience with Crandon? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Phred

Argonne69 · January 28, 2015

Crandon is a great course. I was a bit disappointed that there weren't more views of Miami, as the perimeter of the course blocks the view, other than an opening or two on #18. That said, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The price is high for an out of state visitor, but not completely unreasonable. 'Just don't ask a local what they paid. :-)

duke2001j · January 29, 2015

Crandon Park is a very unique place to play - I play there a couple times a month. Quite possibly the only golf course in the U.S. where you'll see actual crocodiles (not alligators - had to explain that to a few ppl lol). I saw this guy last time I played there about a week ago. You'll see a ton of wildlife out there, if you're into that kind of thing, as I am. A very unique habitat.
That being said, I dont know if it's worth the cost that non-locals pay to play there - it's about $200. But the pros are that its a very challenging course, and a unique layout. There used to be a few different professional events there (Champions/LPGA). It's fun to play, but your first time could be frustrating if you don't have a forecaddie with you (they offer forecaddies for a fee). The other good thing about it is during the week especially there aren't many people out there. Last time I played I finished in 3 hours flat. It's in great shape for a muni, but is it in $200 shape? Probably not.

Phreddy · January 29, 2015

Thanks gents. I think I will give it a go and hope not to loose a leg!

Phred

mshills · January 29, 2015

Crandon is a really good golf course. Very difficult, especially when the wind is up. Smallish greens and lots of elevated greens. Only one really stupid hole (you'll know it when you get to it.) The staff are fantastic, really a nice group of guys working out there. The course is in a nature preserve so it's all by itself, no houses lining the fairways -- instead, you have mangroves. Don't even think about going in there after a lost ball. :swoon:

I moved to Miami from Atlanta and had to overcome my reluctance to play a "muni." A "muni" in Atlanta is entirely different than Crandon.

That said, Crandon is very costly, especially for out-of-towners during the busy season. Mandatory forecaddy and I think all-in you are looking at $200 or a little more. The conditioning, while pretty good especially for a municipal owned course, does not measure up to that nut. For example, Jacaranda up in Broward is in much, much nicer shape for half the cost. But that's not accessible if you're not going to have a car, so play Crandon at twilight, which starts at 2P. If you do that, I believe it's $60 and no forecaddy.

I really enjoy the course, especially at the twilight rate. I could play it every week and never get bored. If you can score out there you're playing some good golf indeed.

Phreddy · January 29, 2015

My plane gets in at 11:00 AM Sunday, retrieve bags, cab to Key Biscayne hotel, check in, dump stuff and off to Crandon. I think I can make a 2 PM tee time, and if I am lucky I will get paired up with a little local knowledge. I will play again on Monday, destination unkown, but it won't matter. I will be on someone else's expense account. :taunt:

Phred

Phreddy · February 9, 2015

I played 18 yesterday and really enjoyed the layout. I played from the whites and it still felt pretty long. I missed my first ever hole-in-one by about 3 inches. Back at it again today with a little " local" knowledge having seen it. This sure as Hades beats the snow I elft behind to be here!

Phred