St. James Bay Golf Club

Sad to see this once beautiful, well maintained course turn into a such disaster. Most holes “cart path only” so you don’t tear up the little bit of dried out brown grass that’s left. Greens aren’t far behind!

Very nice scenery. Fairways chewed up but still enjoyed very much compared to most courses. Happy I found this place and thanks for participating with golf now.

Course was in fair condition. First time I had been there where it was not in tip top shape. But still was a joy to play.

Love layout, played her a lot over the years, first time it was not in great shape.

Course has seemed to be trending down last year or so. GPS removed from carts. App no longer supported. Range balls no longer included. No more coolers on carts or cool towels provided. New ownership seems to really be cutting costs.
Grass in fairways disappearing (not dormant, I’m aware of the difference). Even some greens are getting bare in spots.
Overall, still a great course. I would not spend $50+ to play it, but $35 is a good deal. I would recommend that more emphasis be put on maintenance and bringing the GPS units back. They are sorely needed on a course like this.

This golf course is in great condition. The greens are beautiful! I would not recommend this course to a beginner though unless you want to loose lots of golf balls. If you need reading glasses, make sure you bring them to read the course map, which is tiny. There were a few holes that we we were unsure about where the green was when teeing off. Saw a couple of alligators in the ponds around the course and a few turtles shared the sand traps with us. Really enjoyed playing there.

I live in Tallahassee, and have played St James Bay many times in the past. But it has been since last year since I've been here, during an FSGA event, and I came again today for another FSGA one day event. I've played this course in every conceivable weather condition from hot and sticky, to cold and wet, to windy, etc. DIscounting it being a bit chilly when we teed off, the course is next to impossible to actually play and be honest with yourself about it being a true test of golf. We had 10 players in the FSGA event, and the field averaged 99 strokes. One guy just quit after five holes out of frustration it was so bad. Dirt for tee boxes, and the fairways were patchy at best, and because this was an FSGA event we had to play the ball down. I managed my way to a 78, but even with that this was just borderline torture forcing people to play the ball as it lies. I'd suggest preferred lies if you decide to play this course, but good luck finding any grass to put your ball on. The only positive is that the greens are puttable and have somewhat decent roll to them. But honestly, if you make it to the green to have a putt you should be given a medal. I honestly hate seeing this course deteriorate like this, as it's probably one of the most demanding and challenging golf courses in the area. But you need decent conditions to give the average golfer a fair chance here. And this is definitely not a fair fight. Save your money, and play somewhere else.

Sorry to report that the course is not up to its reputation nor capabilities . I have played this course since it’s opening. It was deeply challenging for the average golfer and a test for the best; good amenities, good food and a great get away for groups of golfers looking for fun.. About 5-6 years ago the maintenance program went south. Ironically Bob Walkers greens endured and I still give them a 10 rating, but traps only 6 or 7, tee boxes 5 or 6, and fairways are 3 to 5 at best. I cannot attest to the front 9. W/o any warning they closed and punched the front 9 on a beautiful Saturday, so we played the back 9 twice, as if once wasn’t enough. What golf course on the beach in Florida punches their greens on a weekend? I rest my case! Save your money, go to PC or Tallahassee and send SJBGC a message. Terrible!

Greens. Perfect
They really need more info on the tee of each hole
Unless you’ve been there some holes you don’t know where to go

Must think about every shot and where you need to hit it, buts it fun,OH by the way if you can't do this bring extra balls! I was able to only lose three balls,not bad for a 14 handicap.

Love playing here, visiting the area for 5 weeks have played here 4 times can’t wait to come back next year and play here again.

Played 3 times
Off line or poor lay up punishes you
3 birdies 3 doubles 3 three putts 81
Not for high handicap player unless you like punishment and bring lots of balls due to forced
Carryovers of marsh areas

Greens true and same from practice green thru course
Fairways a little sparse in spots but playable
Bunkers have a lot of sand and tough since deep around greens
As other reviews, marsh to carryover is tough unless you can figure distances
High handicap players will struggle, even from front tees unless you know the course.
The golf course employees are the best in pro shop and cart people

Course is in great shape staff was very friendly and helpful

For the average golfer this coarse is not for you. Every hole has tee off that must clear marshy areas to be in fairways and par 3s. I am a 17 handicap I left after the 15th hole. Found as many balls as I lost, go figure. No hole layout at tee boxes. Only on score card. No gps as advertised. Live and learn. Most holes were cart path only, real pain for old guy. I’m sure the conditions of the coarse improve with warmer weather.

Tough unforgiving layout, but a lot of fun! Course management a must and to score well the player has to plan ahead and execute.

Have played 20 plus times and always find it a challenge and well kept course. Take some extra balls! Enjoy.

Do not play this course unless you have a gps with hole maps. There are many carries that average women golfers can not carry. Many of those carries are blind. My wife will not play it again. The carries need to be shortened or the women's tees need to be moved forward but even that is not enough as second shot carries are still too long. If a woman can carry the ball 140 yards in the air she will be fine. If not, forget this course. They need to have in cart gps. Greens are slow but roll well. Fairways and rough have many bare spots. All golfers should have a dozen balls with them. Good layout.