Tampa Buddies Trip

[Golfffer]

Tampa, Orlando?

I posted this in the main travel forum, but did not get much of a response. I thought I would give it a try in the local forum as well!

The annual buddies trip has taken a shift to my home state of Florida. The last four years, we have taken trips to Michigan, Kentucky, Pinehurst and Scottsdale. The Tampa area is the best logistical option, but I am willing to look at Orlando as well. Great golf is preferred, but good golf should suffice. We tend to have a good time regardless. Renting a place on the beach and driving to golf is one option. I know that options are fairly limited for quality golf close to any of the primary beach locations. Though stogies and drinks on the beach after golf sounds like a good way to finish any day.

Unfortunately, price is also a factor this year for the group.

Thoughts?

[jnier75]

How about stay on Clearwater beach, play Innisbrook, World Woods or Saddlebrook, a day trip for 36 in Orlando(Panther Lake at OCN and Orange Lake Legends).

I grew up in St. Pete and unfortunately most courses there are way overpriced for the conditions. If you're looking for more than a few rounds of golf in the area you have Fox Hollow which is a good layout with average conditions and Westchase which is nice but pricey. You may have some luck playing on private courses if you call them up and ask to play in the afternoon.

I like the Hammock Beach idea, that gives you room to go up to Sawgrass/World golf hall of fame and other courses along the eastern seaboard.

[glauser]

[quote name='jnier75' timestamp='1333396266' post='4632127']
How about stay on Clearwater beach, play Innisbrook, World Woods or Saddlebrook, a day trip for 36 in Orlando(Panther Lake at OCN and Orange Lake Legends).

I grew up in St. Pete and unfortunately most courses there are way overpriced for the conditions. If you're looking for more than a few rounds of golf in the area you have Fox Hollow which is a good layout with average conditions and Westchase which is nice but pricey. You may have some luck playing on private courses if you call them up and ask to play in the afternoon.

I like the Hammock Beach idea, that gives you room to go up to Sawgrass/World golf hall of fame and other courses along the eastern seaboard.
[/quote]

I agree with pretty much all of this. It depends what your green fees budget is though. Would definitely recommend playing 36 at World Woods. Right now I think it's $110 and you get two excellent courses.

[sonofagunn]

If you stay on the beach, do it at Clearwater Beach, because the best courses are North of you.

You can stay at Innisbrook pretty affordably, so if you were going to play a round at Copperhead ($200 if you are not staying there), it definitely pays to get the golf package. But I wouldn't do that every night because a trip to World Woods for 36 holes should definitely be on your agenda. Innisbrook does have 4 courses so you could stay pretty busy there.

If you decide to stay on Clearwater Beach, some other nearby decent courses open to the public are Fox Hollow, Dunedin CC, Wentworth, and Westchase.