ndflamer

I have played here occasionally over the last 18 years. In June the course was in good shape, but not now in Sept. The starter, George, tried to put a guy (a smoker) in our twosome, but we declined adding a stranger to our match. So George put our twosome behind a foursome. When I questioned that, he said they "had the same tee time" and that "they won't hold you up." !?! We had to skip holes to get by them. The restaurant is closed for the season, the Lakes 9 is closed for the summer due to wetness, and the snack bar closed because the lessee didn't pay his rent. So there's no place for a post-round beer. The place has gone way downhill. It's cheap. You get what you pay for. Hepatitis A scare here this summer.

Best conditions I've seen here in 15 years, but some bare areas in fairways and greens, but not bad. Rough was about 4 inches and wiry, so that was the toughest hazard. Uncrowded, quiet, scenic, very friendly.

The views from this elevated location will make you gasp. Rolling hills drop away in every direction. More like upstate NY or Chicago. Immaculately maintained. Lightning fast greens, perfectly smooth. Fairways are a joy. Staff was uberfriendly, very nice. Tampa's area best.

Narrow, tree-lined fairways, smallest greens I have seen, mostly wooded area. Perfect condition except some bunkers needed sand and conditioning. Fairways lush and mown, first cut only about 2 inches, then 4 inches then -- forget it, big bushes, trees and water. Two par 3s at 195 yds. Greens small with a wide collar, like they were just made smaller. Greens in pristine condition, medium fast on 19 September. A couple of drives call for forced carries over the waste area between narrowly spaced tall trees, so hit it straight. Players were small town friendly as was the staff. Lots of nature to see. This course is a beauty hidden in the middle of Tampa.

The Quarry is in the heart of Brooksville and exudes old town America friendliness. It is a 9 hole, Par 29 executive course, 1,264 yards from the tips. Sound easy? It's not. Fairways are literally in the woods, calling for straight or shaped shots. The hills must be close to 100 feet in elevation changes. Stray shots are gone. The greens are immaculate, large, firm, fast and deceptively undulating. Precise shots with proper trajectory to hold are called for. Misses can be chipped, but these are the hardest chips in golf, with greens running away, and fast. Not crowded. A great place to sharpen your short game.

Not a house in sight. Just rolling hills, pine and oak forest and wildlife. Fairways wide and lush. Maintained like a football field. Greens fast and perfect. Recommend playing back a set of tees, this one is so easy. One reachable Par 4. Deep sand bunkers, but fewer than Pine Barrens. This is the easier of the two.

Difficult to locate the course. A standard housing community course. Narrow fairways between houses or roads. Fair amount of water and OB zones. Par 70, and 6,100 yards from the back. Not an old man's course, fairly challenging especially in strong wind. Good amount of sand in bunkers. Greens, though well maintained, exceptionally shaggy and super slow in January. Very crowded, but moved along well. Good value for the price. Not a very natural setting.

Always in great shape, well-manicured fairways, bunkers and greens, even the rough. Three nines. Wide fairways. Friendly staff. Well-stocked pro shop and full restaurant. One of the few courses with free range balls. Downside: always crowded until after 12. Many senior golfers, who don't let fast players through. Unsightly to see so many hot rod custom golf carts.

Course was in excellent condition form tee to greens. Greens were very fast, smooth and receptive. Lots of water and narrow drives, including some long forced carries. Scott, the manager, is very customer friendly as is the starter/cart guy. A short hop from I-75. Clubhouse looked well stocked and fancy. I will return with friends. Who are good players. Did I mention It's a tough? Not a course for high handicaps.

Chi Chi is a municipal course, but you'd never know it to look at its condition. Greens were fast and smooth, fairways lush and mown, rough deep but fair. For a short course (under 6,000 yds) it is surpisingly narrow, with gorgeous trees and wildlife. Pace of play was quick, despite a fair number of players. The staff was 100 percent super friendly. The pro shop is fully stocked. I will go back. The price was very low.

Clearwater's greens are better than Cheval, Quail Hollow and Plantation Palms, all of which I played last week. They are smooth and super fast! The course is still not too crowded. The rough is wiry and penal, the fairways lush. The staff is very friendly and the pub cafe is well stocked and hearty. I've played there about 6 times and never been disappointed. The course has some interesting holes, not too difficult. And a lot of wildlife.