Southern Hills

[DrSchteeve]

Note: generally not a Dye fan, usually think there's too much artificiality, but Southern Hills seems to be universally liked.

 

Will be there next March and can only play 2 rounds. I like Rolling Oaks better than Pine Barrens, though I am a big fan of both, but I'm thinking about replacing Pine Barrens with Southern Hills.

[jerebear21]

I am no Pete dye fan but southern hills is just plain awesome. It’s not overly manufactured and plays into the land. Lots of tilts and angles on the fairways that will affect the approach shot. The greens are also tilted as well. You will enjoy it.

 

I personally think pine barren is overly manufactured. The closing holes at pine barren is kind of boring. Southern hills finishing holes are way better.

[DrSchteeve]

Rolling Oaks and Southern Hills it is. Also planning 2 nights at Streamsong to play all 3, though I'm not sure as a single it will make financial sense. It's not like I'd be hitting the bars at 2 am anyway. I have a place to stay in Sarasota and in St. Pete, but it's about an hour and 15 minutes to Streamsong from either of those.

[jerebear21]

If you’re staying in Sarasota just make the drive. Don’t have to stay. But why would you go north to golf ? I would stay in Sarasota and play Lakewood National twice then streamsong.

[DrSchteeve]

If you're staying in Sarasota just make the drive. Don't have to stay. But why would you go north to golf ? I would stay in Sarasota and play Lakewood National twice then streamsong.

 

Jerebear21 you are entertaining.

 

That said, I can shape it up to:

 

Sun Lakewood National

Mon Streamsong Red

Tues Streamsong Black

Wed WW Rolling Oaks

Thurs Southern Hills

[jerebear21]

FYI it’s Lakewood National. Not Lakewood ranch. Lakewood ranch has 3 courses on their own

 

I think streamsong black and Lakewood nationals specifically holes 10-13 at Lakewood National will demand you come back for a revenge factor. One round at the black is never enough.

 

Also you can bring or borrow your friends push cart at streamsong if you want to avoid the caddie or cart fees/forecaddie fees.

[DrSchteeve]

Presumably the original 18 at Lakewood National?

[jerebear21]

Lakewood Nationals only have 1 course right now, an arnold palmer design. The 2nd course just broke ground and won't be ready till another year or so. I'm usually not into these "community" florida golf courses but you have to trust me on this that this course has a lot of similarities of great "golden age" golf courses. Blind tee shots, short reachable par4, LONG par3s, redan like greens, punchbowl like greens, cape like holes, raised plateaus, short par3s, and an awesome finishing hole. It's just that good.

 

https://www.lakewoodnationalgc.com

 

I also don't think it's good looking either but the quality of golf is good. It plays fast and firm with world class drainage.

[Hybrid]

I don’t recall anything that indicates SH is “universally liked”. The greens are universally disliked. They do not hold. It seems they have been built to kick your best approach shots away from the pin and off of the green. Great layout, but not a fan of the greens.

[DrSchteeve]

I don't recall anything that indicates SH is "universally liked". The greens are universally disliked. They do not hold. It seems they have been built to kick your best approach shots away from the pin and off of the green. Great layout, but not a fan of the greens.

 

One personal experience is when he was brought to Sea Pines to design/adjust the Marsh Course to what became Heron Point. Can't say it was an improvement, with that same greens philosophy you describe.

[WidespreadPanic]

i played Southern Hills a couple years ago (December) and absolutely loved it. It wasn’t what I expected at all for Florida golf. It can be tough but very playable - I shot a 72. Could have been an all timer, greens are pretty tough to read. Great elevation changes. My favorite part was shaved areas around the green and how firm the course was. In the DC area I’m used to long rough around the greens, so it was really fun to play a course that gives you so many options. stayed in the Tampa area and also played TPC Tampa which was good but nothing too special.

[Tim_Gavrich]

You really should try and fit in Brooksville CC while you're on the World Woods/Southern Hills part of your trip. It's awesome.

[DrSchteeve]

You really should try and fit in Brooksville CC while you're on the World Woods/Southern Hills part of your trip. It's awesome.

 

I would have to replace one of WW courses or Southern Hills - only time for 3 rounds (if that). Suggestions?

[benkodi]

You really should try and fit in Brooksville CC while you're on the World Woods/Southern Hills part of your trip. It's awesome.

 

I would have to replace one of WW courses or Southern Hills - only time for 3 rounds (if that). Suggestions?

 

Brooksville CC should NOT get a play in front the courses you are already playing.

[BryanS4]

I don’t recall anything that indicates SH is “universally liked”. The greens are universally disliked. They do not hold. It seems they have been built to kick your best approach shots away from the pin and off of the green. Great layout, but not a fan of the greens.

 

I have zero issues holding the greens, in fact any mid to short iron stops on a dime. Just assuming maybe you're a mid to high cap and coming in really low with minimal spin? I will say they are challenging to read the first few times, but no issues “kicking” ball off the greens.

 

Love this place, my favorite in the area by a long shot.