Naree

I have played Tuscawilla over fifty times in the past two years. I enjoy the layout since it has more personality than the average flat and wide Florida course. A few par 3's have elevation changes and there is a nice mix of holes with tight and wide fairways. I also remember the size of the greens being generous though most contain shelves that put a premium on distance control for me.

The usually average to fair condition of the course keeps me from giving it a higher rating. I also heard the course has recently changed hands so how this may affect the conditions is yet to be seen.

Okay, so this course is one of the lower end Donald Ross courses but it's a lot of fun if you're not expecting pristine conditions. The course is not very long but there are lots of holes with big personality--some narrow holes, wide holes, and some risk/reward shots. If you're looking for a day of family fun or fun with friends on a 'homey' golf course and atmosphere, definitely give Bobby Jones G.C a shot.

I played Presidio Hills for the first time when I was 7 years old and had a great time. The course was the host site of Junior World Championship's 10 & Under age division so my sister and I trained there for nearly a month. The head pro at the time also told us Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods competed there in their junior days so that added to the allure of the miniature course.

Upon completing our morning practice round on the 1,300 yard or so par 3 course, our mother walked us across the street to Bazaar del Mundo, a Spanish-style plaza with the best pizza and chocolate I've ever had in my life. After a great lunch and a quick browse inside some souvenir stores, my sister and a returned to Presidio for the afternoon session.

We had such a blast that when my sister and I had a chance to return to San Diego roughly two years ago, we looked forward to reliving our fond memories of the place.

We were giddy with excitement as we pulled into the parking lot but soon realized how much the charming little course had changed. The layout was still the same--it was still a short, fun par 3 course with twists and turns and elevation changes--but the conditions had deteriorated quite a bit. Gone were the above-average municipal greens; now brownish patches and long grass covered much of the landscape. While my sis and I had fun during our one-on-one match during our visit, we hope that conditions would improve before our return trip in the future.

I played Prairie Dunes from roughly 6,800 yards in the middle of summer and boy, did the ball fly and roll a long way! The greens were also dry and firm so that added to the fun and challenge of the course. Coming from Florida where the conditions were soggy everywhere, the change in pace made the experience memorable since it forced me to play a different kind of game. Instead of carrying approach shots all the way to the pins as usual, I had to think about how much roll each shot would get. In many ways it reminded me of desert golf. I would definitely play here again.

Merion is a course that should be on every intermediate and advanced player's bucket list. The conditions are pristine and the layout is both fun and challenging. There are quite a few shots with drastic elevation change which is both breath taking and intimidating simultaneously. Some shots that don't seem that uphill or downhill to the naked eye still play longer/shorter than the yardage, respectively. That is why the wicker basket flag sticks are so long in length--it's so you can locate the pins on those approach shots.

If beginners also want to give this course a go, be sure to play from the forward tees as there are quite a few shots that will require carries.

The scenery and conditions of this golf course is neck to neck with some of the best in the country. From the rolling hills and lush fairways to all the different colored grasses covering the terrain--this course is sure to sooth your senses while challenging your game.

The only downside to this course is that after playing so many holes, the layout sort of blends in together in my mind. While I can't quite put my finger on why the holes don't remain distinct in my memory, I think the scenery may have something to do with it as there are so many mounds and different colored grasses everywhere you look.

Even then I would still recommend this course to golfers of intermediate and advanced levels. I would also return for an encore in the future if the opportunity presents itself--the conditions are that good.

I wouldn't say Pinehurst No. 2 is the only standout course on property but if you're going to play only one course while you're in town, you might as well play number 2 because of all the history. The upturned bowl greens and false fronts put a premium on approach shots and short game (especially chipping). When the ground is firm and rough is absent from around the greens, consider putting if chipping from tight lies isn't your thing. Regardless of your caliber of play, I'd say the charm and challenge of this course rests mostly in the approach shots and short game, providing the course isn't prepping for a major championship by letting the gnarly rough grow. Bottom line: I definitely recommend and look forward to returning later this year.

This Pete Dye challenges players of every style and caliber. The unique design rarely has two consecutive holes running in the same direction, making wind a constant factor to golfers at every level. The 17th hole and its island green has a cool 'stadium' atmosphere about it; it left quite an impression on me as I was finishing up my round. I'll definitely be returning!

Sara Bay CC is one of my favorite courses to play in Florida, and that's a big compliment coming from an avid Floridian golfer. Typical of Donald Ross designs, this course has a lot of up-side down bowl greens that put a premium on your approach shots. The surface of most greens also contain lots of undulations which adds to the charm and challenge of this course. I would also say the fairways are narrow but the course isn't too lengthy even from all the way back so most intermediate golfers can hit 3 wood off the tee when they need to.