Suggestions for Courses Near Brooksville Area

[Tom S.]

On the suggestion of Golf Digest's "Buddies" issue, we've decided to make Brooksville our destination this year for our winter golf trip.

 

We (4 guys) are flying in/out of Tampa 2/7 - 2/10 and have rented a house in Homosassa.

 

Here's the proposed agenda, and hoping some of you guys with local knowledge could provide some feedback and/or recommendations.

 

Thursday afternoon - Southern Hills

Friday - 36 at World Woods

Saturday - recommendations for 36 holes?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[stevopagolf]

I believe Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, which is not far from Homosassa which was strictly private allows for outside play now. That would be a good option. Other decent courses I have played in the general area are Juliette Falls and El Diablo. Juliette Falls was the preferred to El Diablo.

[Tom S.]

Thanks for the info, Stevo. Black Diamond Ranch looks amazing! I contacted them and unfortunately, they only offer stay-and-play packages or a pro-to-pro arrangement but no regular outside place.

Also turns out Southern Hills doesn't offer public play as well. So far, I have made reservations at The Dunes and 36 holes at World Woods. I still need to make a tee time near the Homossasa area for Saturday (El Diablo was a little to far).

Thanks again.

[jnier75]

Little pricey but Southern Hills can be booked through here on your dates: http://www.teetimesusa.com/Tampa_golf_courses/Southern_Hills_Plantation_Club

Glad to see you have Dunes and World Woods. Check out Lake Jovita and Saddlebrook just north of Tampa for a few other options.

[BrianL99]

You'll love the Dunes, you'll forget you're in Florida.

Brooksville Country Club is a pretty decent golf course. As others have mentioned, Saddlebook & Lake Jovita are good.

TPC Tampa is less than an hour away from Brookville, it might be worth the drive for you, although not one of my favorites.

[bbgator]

if you're looking to play 36 on the last day, go to Lake Jovita. A lot of folks around here like it as much or more than World Woods. If you really want to blow it out, drive a couple hours to Streamsong.
Highly recommend Southern Hills. You can book a tee time here as well. [url="http://book.hamptongolfclubs.com/"]http://book.hamptongolfclubs.com/[/url]

[dmagalhaes]

The Dunes is a blast, and World Woods is a fun, yet exhausting day if it's busy. My brother and I played the Dunes for 12.50 a head one year on an afternoon special.

[dbleag]

Innisbruck isn't too far away either. Play CopperHead if possible!

[bbgator]

I played the Dunes about 3 months ago and it was in pretty bad shape. If you want to go cheap in the general vicinity of WW, I would choose Brooksville CC or Hernando Oaks over Dunes.

[mwmgolfx]

+1 here. I just played the dunes about a month ago and the shape was marginal at best. Great layout but not worth the money (and I only paid about $30). Brooksville CC or Hernando oakes are both better condition than Dunes.

Lake Jovita has two courses, North and South. And well worth the journey for 36 in one day. Playing from the tips, they'll be all you want to play, especially if the wind blows a bit from the north.

North is semi-linksy (in top 25 according to Golf week) - basically a links layout but trees come into play on the back nine and there are a number of forced carries as well. South is very tree and bunker lined but huge fairways. But the greens are large and very undulating and quite often very very fast. If they are fast, then placement into the right area of the green is critical or 3-4 putting is common. Course makes you think about course management.

Lots of resemblance to North Carolina courses for both courses. Moderately hilly (largest natural elevation drop is 96 feet on #11 on the south (largest natural drop in state).

Condition varies a lot. From semi-poor to absolutely fantastic so no guarantees there. Played south over Christmas and it was decent not super.

Depending upon which tees you play, both courses can severely challenge you. They used to hold 2nd stage of tour school there before it was sold. And they actually had it easier for the Pro's than for the members, yet the pro's didn't score that great, usually -4 per round was tops and -1 made the cut.

[Tom S.]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, boys. This is a lot of great info and very helpful with planning our rounds.

[T Shaf]

I was in brooksville area two weeks ago. First, I'd recommend to stay away from the dunes...it was in terrible shape with very slow greens - i did like the layout however. Southern hills does allow public play after 11am but it looks like you are going there? Honestly, you may want another 36 at world woods - if you've never been there before you might want to get a few holes back after the first time. Regardless, have fun!

[Openwater22]

+1 on The Dunes. Played it last week and it was in terrible condition, so bad we almost walked off. Word on the street is El Diablo and Hernando Oaks are less than good. Another suggestion about 1/2 hour from Homosassa is, Skyview at Terra Vista. Not quite as good a layout as WW or Southern Hills Plantation, but still a very good course and in the best condition of all. At check in ask to become a VIP member and you will play for $35.00. Juliette Falls is awesome, but about an hour drive. They do have a $38.00 special for groups of 4, includes green fee with cart and burger and draft beer after.