Tampa Area Private Clubs

c3wdd · February 1

I live in north Tampa and I'm closing in on a retirement date and I'm contemplating joining a private club in Tampa.

The public courses in Tampa which allow public play are overrun. I'd like to be able to walk nine holes a few days a week, ride 18 another day or two and hit range balls on a nice practice facility. I'm looking for a low key membership and a relaxed atmosphere. I'm not looking to drop 25K on an initiation fee either. Contrary to most golfers, I play most of my golf between March and November.

I'm considering the Club Corp membership and Carroll-wood Country Club. I like that Carroll-wood has three nine holes and I'd probably make more friends there given my location and only routinely going to one facility. They have a nice practice facility too.

I think the Club Corp courses are more interesting and generally in better shape than Carroll-wood. As another option, I considered Southern HIlls but I think the regular 30 minute drive to and from would eventually discourage me from driving there and I'd probably not make as many new friends given where I currently reside.

Am I missing another membership option? What are the best and worst attributes of the Carroll-wood membership? Same question about the Club Corp membership. I'd welcome any input from this trusted group. Many thanks.

Edited February 1 by c3wdd

J_Birdie · February 1

Southern Hills is a fantastic club and facility, and as someone who drives 30 minutes to my club, it really has not discouraged me but you could be different.

Tfb003 · February 1

I’ve heard Belleaire is great and they just did a Reno. Not sure about pricing there though.

Dancin · February 1

Club corp courses seem more like semi private than private. I don't know about the ones in Tampa but everyone I know who joined one elsewhere has trouble getting prime tee times.

jkody · February 1

4 hours ago, Tfb003 said:

Belleaire is great

Belleair West is now unbelievably good and the East Course is about to go under the knife like the West just did. But it has a 5+ year waitlist right now...other than that, it is truly exceptional as a golf course (I can't speak to the club aspect of it).

My understanding is that the initiation is currently in excess of $75k, but it will probably be a lot more by the time they get to the bottom of the waitlist, barring some major change in the golf scene.

Philfil · February 2

I think you’d be better off selling your house and moving to the villages and golf your brains out.

DrSchteeve · February 3

you will get more info by posting this in the Florida section

Golfinfloridaafter40 · February 5

The two members of Carrolwood CC that I know both left for the same reasons. The club refuses to keep up with maintenance or make improvements. Just isn't worth paying for when they won't keep it up. Practice area isn't to die for either.

Lake Jovita is my favorite in north tampa area

Robber6656 · February 5

14 minutes ago, Golfinfloridaafter40 said:

The two members of Carrolwood CC that I know both left for the same reasons. The club refuses to keep up with maintenance or make improvements. Just isn't worth paying for when they won't keep it up. Practice area isn't to die for either.

Lake Jovita is my favorite in north tampa area

That's interesting. I thought Gary Sheffield was a member there. At least he was a year of so ago. I thought it was strange because I had never heard of it and I've played in Tampa Clearwater for years.

third-times-a-charm · February 5

In this day and age unfortunately I think you're priced out of a club with your requirements within 30 minutes of any major metro area in Florida.

$25k and under initiation fees went away during covid and it's all $50k+, now. I specified metro area because you can probably find something within your liking in the less populated areas.

GCS · February 11

We were members at Carrollwood CC for two years. It fits the bill if you're looking to walk. The range is mats only Tuesday-Friday and 260 yard limit when they go to the back range on Saturday and Sunday. Good luck getting a tee time before 11 on the weekend and expect a lot of slow play even with three nines.

toddlasher · April 17

On 2/5/2024 at 9:41 AM, third-times-a-charm said:

In this day and age unfortunately I think you're priced out of a club with your requirements within 30 minutes of any major metro area in Florida.

$25k and under initiation fees went away during covid and it's all $50k+, now. I specified metro area because you can probably find something within your liking in the less populated areas.

Money aside, aren’t there wait lists at all the good Tampa/sarasota area private clubs?

Edited April 17 by toddlasher