Lives
NAPLES, FL
Handicap
15-19
Age
55-64
Gender
Male
Skill
Intermediate
Plays
A few times a week

Review Statistics

Average Rating

3.9
3.9
Total 51 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

51 Reviews
5 Stars
15
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
3
Recommended Courses
43
Not Recommended Courses
7
Helpful Votes Count
6
Not Helpful Votes Count
2
First Review
12/22/2012
Last Review
12/24/2023

Reviews Map

Reviews

3.9
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Course Difficulty
First time playing this course
Recommended
Review has
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

Not My First Time

I have known and played The Preserve at Jordan Lake G.C. since its conception as I lived in Apex until 8 years ago when we moved to FL. My buddy from S.C. is in town so we visited the Preserve yesterday, 23 December. James at the Pro desk was terrific, the starter not so much. With a 12:15 tee time we followed a four ball, who took 8 tee shots off Number 1. Two ball following a four ball; no problem, right?
Now my buddy is a ten and I'm a 14 handicapper. The four ahead of us were three beginners and a (I, presume) member. Let me just say a FIVE + HOUR round at this time of year is hardly acceptable. However, the score card does say maximum round is 4.5 hours (still too long).
Now The Preserve is a tough course for someone who has not played it 4 or 5 times. Ya gotta know where NOT to hit the ball.
In addition you need to play the correct tee set, There are 7 from which to choose.... choose wisely!!!
I must say the course it self was in fairly good condition for this time of year. Each cart has two sand bottles but no one uses them from the number of fairway divots I saw, even on tee boxes where there are sand boxes available no one uses them.
The greens were in fine shape and very quick, probably 12 or so on the stemp meter. Again, no one is repairing ball marks but the greens were a bit hard due to weather in the 30 degree range overnight.
Look, this is a very challenging Davis Love III course. Go play, just don't be in any hurry. (it will take all day)

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Raleigh Golf Association

Played On 07/13/2023
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

RGA Once Again

I first walked this course with my father in 1964; I first played this course in 1977, I know the course. I have known may members and Pros through the years. I have fond memories of friends with whom I played, walking at 0700 in the morning. So when I tell you this course is in the best condition tee through green, believe me.
That being said, there is some room for improvement. If only one item, the speed of the greens. Now you should know there is a great amount of play at RGA as it is truly one of the most accessible PUBLIC golf courses anywhere. The greens are kept soft and slow due to players not repairing ball divots and the superintendent has to make sure the grass is useable for as long as possible. However, if the Super should decide to firm up and shorten the grass on the greens, you would have a very difficult time two putting, every green.
My long time acquaintance, Robert is the Pro and you would have a trouble finding a more accommodating and likable Pro. The menu in the snack bar has improved over the years and the staff are as friendly as you will find anywhere.
So, if you desire a day on the course at a facility that appreciates you, your guests and your game, play RGA!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
2.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

D. Postlethwait design, 'D' for Disappointment

Course was designed and built about 1996; I have played it many times in the past. It has been about 6 years since I last played the Meadowland to Deer Run 18. The layout remains fantastic due to the varied elevation changes you do not often find in Central N.C. Playing the day after Christmas with my two Sons-in Law, we were very surprised to find ALL the greens had been "lost" and replaced with artificial turf. Now the best thig regarding artificial turf is you can see the most miniscule undulations of the green. Surprisingly, the artificial greens held flighted shots very well but low run up shots tended to continue to roll far beyond expectations. The turf greens were running, in my estimate, about 14 - 15 on a Stemp Meter that afternoon making 3 putts extremely probable.
It is my understanding the course 'LOST' their greens due to some outside force, weather, or such, and chose to temporarily replace every green, even the practice greens, with artificial turf.
I checked the NO box regarding the question :Would you recommend this course" and I must clarify that when, if, the greens are returned to a proper golf grass I will HIGHLY recommend the Riverwood Golf Club. This lay out by the Neuse River offering 27 holes has such great potential, and I am looking forward to their returning to the days of real golf conditions.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Hibiscus Golf Club

Played On 12/04/2018
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Public Course / Private Owner

The locals know this course as "The Biscuit" as it was developed in 1969 from what basically had been a cattle ranch. Although open for "Public" play the course is privately owned and no tax dollars are used from any government agency for operational expenses. The past 2 - 3 years a new golf course superintendent, from the Michigan State Agriculture Turf Grass Management Collage, strives to get this place in shape to compete with the other 6 "Public" golf courses in Collier County and has done extremely well. The average green size is about 3000 square feet (running about 8 - 9 on STEMP) and most are elevated and bunkered quite well. This past summer most all tee boxes were revamped and sodded with new grass. The practice area now provides not only a matted driving range but a chipping and bunker practice area, as well as the practice putting green. The course plays from the championship tees to 6900 plus yards. The fairways are wide and there is water where your ball should not go. The grass of the fairways has been a contention of poor reviews but allowing for the yearly progress of green and tee improvements over these past few years it is a safe bet the fairways are next on the list of coming improvements.
The staff are friendly, welcoming and informative, the facilities are always clean and the restaurant and bar, although owned by a separate entity, are well run with good service, food and drinks, fairly priced.
As one of a very few "Public" golf courses in Florida's Paradise Coast expect the pace of play this time of year to reach and at times exceed four to five hours.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/13/2018

CORRECTION: The golf course Superintendent has been on staff for more than ten (10) years. The potential upgrade of fairways was my personal opinion and likely will not take place anytime in the foreseeable future. I am not a 'Historian' but have repeated tales told me in this review.
Apologies offered for my mistakes and any offences created.

Lakewood Country Club

Played On 12/03/2018
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

Pay Attention! Small Greens, Deep Bunkers

This is a private Country Club and remains in the possession of the 65 or so equity members. The course is overseen by a Board of Directors and in recent years has come to allow "public play"in order to make financial ends meet. This is an "Executive" length golf course with 18 holes, nine on each side of the Lakewood Boulevard with three par four holes on each nine, playing to a par 60. The challenge is; the average elevated green is 1200 square feet in area (running about 8 - 9 on STEMP) and most are bordered by bunkers. Some greens are 'hour-glass' in shape causing a middle pin placement to be quite daunting. The course conditions from tee through green are exceptional for this type of course. The grounds crew keep the course not only playable but as good or better than many of the public courses in the area; actually comparable to other private courses which you cannot play in "The Season". The Pro Shop staff are pleasant, welcoming and informative. The practice facility allows for work on putting, chipping and bunker practice but the only area for hitting full shots is a two mat 'hitting cage' located near the tennis courts.
Do not come here expecting to hit 300 yard tee balls, rather come to enjoy the challenge of your short game skills. Most 'golfers' are able to play this course in three hours, perhaps a bit more this time of year through April.
At present the "Club House" restaurant and bar are closed due to technical problems of personnel and lease agreements.
When you come to Lakewood, bring your best short game not your ego.
Hope to see you there soon.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Fairly Easy

Crossings at Grove Park, The

Played On 11/22/2017
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice Winter Golf Course

Having played The Crossings many times since its opening, but not in the last six months, I was again pleased with course conditions. Bermuda grass goes dormant quite early and the appearance of brown grass can be off putting, let me assure you the grounds crew here does a fine job of keeping the course both playable and fun. The greens were running more smooth and faster than expected. We played our round, after teeing off at 8:40, in less than four hours; as it should be.
I was also pleased to learn from the pro shop they have a 'senior' rate for players beyond the age of 60 years. The lady in the snack bar was friendly and served one of the best hot dogs I have eaten on a golf course outing.
When you are in the Raleigh / Durham area of North Carolina and looking for a fine golf course to play at a fair price and in a time frame not taking the whole day to complete, take a trip to The Grossings at Grove Park.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate

Riviera Golf Club

Played On 11/09/2017
1.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Terrible at Present BUT Great Potential

I live near Riviera Golf Club, when I first moved here this was "my new favorite course" as I reviewed it in 2015. Over the past couple of years this course has deteriorated to the point of un-playability regardless of the golfer's skill level. Hurricane Irma made a drastic impact, as you may imagine, but prior to that catastrophe the course had been closed for several months with minimal upkeep. The course conditions we played yesterday, 9 November 2017, were horrible. From the first tee through the eighteenth green there was disappointment in all phases of the course conditions. The tees were one area of almost acceptable condition, the best kept playable areas were the bunkers on the front nine, however the bunkers on the back nine had not been touched since last June in my estimation. All greens were in a state of needing complete replacement. The saddest part of playing Riviera Golf Club was knowing what a fine course this was and could be again with proper ownership, care and experienced golf agronomy superintendent in charge. The layout is one of the best in the Naples area for executive courses, and is reminiscent of Pinehurst #3 in North Carolina. Truly it is a shame the current owner(s) have stated they never intended to operate a golf course and the decline of course conditions over the last two years duly reflect their statements.
There are several good executive course in the local area with much better playing conditions. I strongly urge you to patronize the other local public course and not waste your time and money at Riviera Golf Club.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate

Lakewood Country Club

Played On 12/29/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

THE Hidden Gem

Naples, Florida, Winter, Snow Birds and other VISITORS, lots of transients some who attempt to play the game we know as GOLF.
IF you can get around the 'visitors' this is a great place to perfect your game. This course is a par 60, 30 front, 30 back with a sizable square footage of each green at 1500 square feet or there about. This is where you sharpen your short game. Six par threes and three par fours each nine.
My friend and I played this course in 13 over par in less than four hours and had time for a beer and a hot dog in the Duffer's Bar for an additional $5.00 each. BARGAIN BASEMENT prices.
The course is in terrific condition, the greens running about 12 on the stemp meter if you can hit them in regulation you can 'go low'.
Lovely peps in the pro shop and the Duffer's Bar, well they need a bit of help; BUT the food there is terrific thanks to Ms. Vicki who is almost running the place on her own.
Want a good time, fun golf, at a reasonable cost? Seek out Lakewood Country Club. Best Golfing Bargain in the Naples area!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate

Riviera Golf Club

Played On 12/22/2016
1.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Since I was Asked.........

This is the fourth time in 12 months I have written a review for Riviera Golf Club. I do so reluctantly, but as a favor to my fellow golfers in this neighborhood who ask me to do so. I and my friends live in the adjacent neighborhood, known as Riviera Golf Estates, with NO relation to the golf course of the same name. Many of my friends work for the golf course, Riviera Golf Club. Over the past year the course has, with diligence of the owners, made attempts to recover from their loss of greens and teeing areas. At the prompting of my friends I once again forfeited a sum of money to play the course they had touted as "better" than the last time I played.
Dave in the Pro Shop was interesting to speak with and we have a similar take upon the course and the cost for play as compared to the actual conditions of the course.
As I have mentioned previously, this course in "PERFECT" condition is comparable to Pinehurst Number 3, a Donald Ross Design. NOT SO today! The owner(S) have made a weak attempt, in the last few months, to make the course more appealing to the eye but no real progress to 'revamping' the course to return to its status prior to 2005. The owner(s) have to this point in time only made a weak attempt in aesthetically improving the course with RYE GRASS. The greens and other formally barren spots through out the course are now a brilliant green in color but the true nature of the lay of the land is in great need of REPAIR.
On the day we played there was still no level spot on any tee box area to properly tee a ball and make a proper tee shot. The fairways were a luscious green color but the dollar weed still prevails along the parameters. The greens which last summer had barren spots were now covered in RYE grass and the morning footprints (We played after 2:30 pm) were visible therein. The speed of the putting surface if at all possible may have been 6 on a STEMP meter.
I have lived and played here (Naples, Fl area) for more than one year now. I am a golfer of more than 36 years experience and have played courses in many parts of the World. Riviera Golf Club is NOT a course I would recommend to any one of any level of play. Especially when so many near by courses offer a much better experience for an equal or lesser amount of money.
My Friends, PLEASE DO NOT patronize this facility! At LEAST until they make a TRUE CONCERTED effort to make it the great place it once was and can be again.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Moderate

Riviera Golf Club

Played On 09/30/2016
1.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

Farewell and Good Bye

I have lived in the near by area of Riviera Golf Estates for almost a year now and have played Riviera Golf Club many times. In the past ten months the course conditions have worsened and the attitude of the pro shop personnel, except for Ms. Pat, has not gotten any better. As many times as I played this course, both in and out of season, the GM has no idea who I am when I enter the front door, yet I know the welcome I will receive as his attitude has become a trade mark for the course.
The course conditions, as referred to by many of the previous reviewers, are no where they should be for a lay out with this potential. I must say the owners appear to be making strides toward improving the course as they have 'over seeded ' the front nine and are about to begin work on the back nine. They recently replaced their cart fleet with all new carts but who will use them if there is no grass upon the greens? You may also be interested to know Riviera Golf Club is ending their association with Golf Now effective 1 November this year. In addition, I too will be ending my regular trips to play this course, as rates increase and conditions fail my dollars will be spent where I can obtain a fair value. As the season approaches and golf rates in the Naples, and southwest Florida area rise only the brave at heart and hopeful will continue to visit Riviera Golf Club through the winter months. It is my hope , no it is my DREAM, the owners will return this course to the 'days of glory' it once held many years ago.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/03/2017

It appears since my writing of this review the Riviera Golf Club has continued its association with GOLF NOW.
I apologize for that misleading remark. I took that from a fellow I know who works at/for the club in question.
Sincere apologies,
E

Hibiscus Golf Club

Played On 06/23/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

User Friendly Course

I play this course, on average, a couple times a month as it is near my home and affordable this time of year. They closed the course for two days (15 & 16 June) for course maintenance, the greens had somewhat recovered over the week by the time I played on 23 June. There are a few tee boxes, however, that still need attention as the 'dollar weed' is creeping in and will take over the Bermuda if ignored.
This is a good course for beginners and seniors in that there are four sets of tees from which to choose. The course has wide fairways for the most part and the par threes are not overly long. There are homes in the neighborhood but they rarely affect play. There is a good amount of water but, again, not in play for the most part, there is always an 'out'.
As for the staff, I have never had a bad experience as other reviewers have suggested. Joe in the pro shop has always been accommodating as well as Rick and the ladies whose names I have yet to recall.
The restaurant, Erin's Isle, is a fun place to gather for drinks but this time of year their menu is very limited.
As one of the few golf courses open to the public for play in the Naples area, for my money, they are on top of that list. When visiting the area of Naples and do stop in and play the Hibiscus for the fun of it.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate

The Links of Naples

Played On 06/14/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Aqua Training At It's Best

Hidden from view (almost) between Naples and Marco Island, is a small, well kept executive course of about four thousand yards from the back tees. I have played here on several occasions and the course has always been in good condition from tee through green. There is a fair amount of water but not usually in play. The greens typically run about 9 or 10 on the Stimp meter. The practice area is a bit small but the 'range' is a pond, of course the range balls are floaters. The practice putting surface is only about 1,000 square feet but putt close to the same speed as the course greens and can be crowded with a foursome putting.
Most of the staff are nice and smile as they speak and thank you for your patronage.
On your visit to the Naples/Marco area take time to enjoy the aqua range and sharpen your short game at The Links of Naples.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate

Countryside Golf Club

Played On 05/05/2016
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

A Gem of a Course

The "season" for part time residents of south Florida has ended for another year. This allows permanent residents, like me, to visit the private clubs and resorts at a much lower cost than "in season". I was privileged to recently have an opportunity to play the golf course at Countryside Golf and Country Club, a private, gated community in the south Naples area.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, from the cart guy to the pro shop attendants, making a good first impression upon our arrival.
The practice area is very nice and affords a good pregame warmup. The practice green had been 'punched' about a week prior and served as a good indicator of overall green conditions found on the course this day; the greens were rolling fairly true and about a 9 or 10 on the Stemp meter. Lucky for me one of my playing partners had played here and gave me knowledge useful to a newbie. The course is fairly wide open through the fairways but if you fade your tee shot, as I sometimes do, the water can come into play on several holes. I have to say the overall course conditions were exceptional, as with any 'private' club, beautifully maintained throughout. We played the 18 (you have to play nine in order to play 18, this statement in response to the questionnaire asking "did you play nine holes?" ) in about three and one half hours. The Ladies' League were playing behind us and kept good pace as well. Nice to get an eighteen hole round in in less than four hours. I am sure this is not the case "in season".
If you are in the Naples area be sure to place Countryside Golf and Country Club on your 'to play list'.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Lakewood Country Club

Played On 05/03/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

Short Game Challenge

As a new resident to the south Naples area, I have now played this course a few times, most recently as a guest of a member. Originally built as an 'Executive' course to a private, exclusive club, Lakewood is now best described as a semi-private club catering to members but allowing public play.
Although a short course, it has its challenges throughout the twelve par threes and six par fours. Water is abundant but not often in play except for those who fade the ball a bit too much. The greens are quite small, bunkered well and most are hour glass in shape making for a very small target when pin placement is center. ( I hit a good tee ball eight feet right of pin and was four feet off the green.)
On the day I played (I played all 18 holes, how can you play 18 and not play nine? This in response to the question: Did you play nine holes, which appears on the questionnaire of each course review.) the greens had been verti-cut in preparation of the coming summer aerification, and rolling about a nine on the Stimp meter, somewhat quicker than the previous times I had played when the greens ran about a six or seven at best.
I always enjoy a round of golf at Lakewood, even as a visitor the staff, and members whom I have met, welcome me as a fellow golfer. This is a member owned course and priority tee times are rightly afforded to the members. During "Season" this course is jammed with league play both in-house and outside, but this time of year you can almost have the course to yourself after the members go out in early morning.
Anytime you have a desire to sharpen your short game or just play a round with three clubs and a putter, this is a course you need to visit. Once they (the membership) realize the treasure they possess, and bring their price schedule into the realm of their competitors, you will often return to play Lakewood Country Club of Naples.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Fairly Easy

Riviera Golf Club

Played On 04/25/2016
I Recommend This Course
2.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

Previous Post Update

I last reviewed Riviera Golf Club on 18 January of this year. Since that time I have played the course once or twice a week. I have continued to read the reviews of other players through the months and, for the most part, I agree with many of their observations. The greens are in dire need of proper attention. To say the greens are in poor shape is an accurate statement. I am sure however, they are worth saving and with the proper people in place, such as turf grass graduates from the NC State University school of turf grass management, these could be some of the best greens in the local area (emphasis on could).

As I mentioned in my previous post, this course reminds me of courses I have played in North & South Carolina, specifically Pinehurst Number 3. Number 3 at Pinehurst is the 'member's' course and is the shortest course (only two sets of tees) built by Donald Ross on the Pinehurst property. Number three, like Riviera, has raised tees and greens with false fronts that require good to excellent approach shots. The greens are very undulating and well bunkered, as are those at Riviera. The main difference is the upkeep which is where Riviera is sorely lacking. The fairways at Riviera are Bermuda, a very popular grass in the Carolinas, which has become over run with broad leaf grasses that, with the correct grass management program, could easily be overtaken by the Bermuda if conditions were brought up to par. All the tee boxes at Riviera are in great need of, at the minimum, leveling of elevation, not a flat space to be found from which to tee up and play a ball.

There are a few courses in the local area comparable in length and layout to Riviera. The cost to play any of these courses is varied but within a five to seven dollar tollerance price range. The problem is, the visiting guest golfer will only play Riviera once, under the conditions the course is presently kept as proclaimed by the other reviewers on this course. I have spoken with a number golfers in the area and the consensus is, if and when Riviera is taken over by a group or a management company that is able to place focus on bringing the course up to the standards required for repetitive play then Riviera Golf Club will be the lone stand out for public play in the south Naples area. We who reside here are looking forward to that fine day.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good

Riviera Golf Club

Played On 01/18/2016
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

My New Home Course

Recently my wife and I made our move to Naples from N.C. and Riviera Golf Club is the closest course to our new home. It is somewhat difficult to compare central Carolina courses to those in south west Florida, so this is in no way a comparison but a stand alone review of Riviera Golf Club.
I imagine the course was built in the 1960s, or 70s; (I found very little specific course history) as an executive course of six par four holes, 1 par five and eleven par threes ranging from 120 to 190 yards in length totaling about 4300 total yardage from the very longest tees; par 62, not sure of slope ratings.
Course conditions at this time of year are, mostly, very good. Some tee boxes are in repair or needing some attention, difficult to fine a nice level place from which to tee up. The fairways should be, and possibly were, Bermuda but most have been overtaken by various grasses, yet the lies are good for the most part as the crews keep the fairways nicely mowed. Every green is elevated and they roll quite nicely, about 9 on the stemp meter, aside from number 9 which has recently undergone a complete remodel and grass replacement; it is a bit long and shaggy as the new grass takes hold.
All of the conditions combine to make for a somewhat challenging round of golf.
The club house is of the era in which it was built, there are no special amenities, the staff are friendly and helpful with questions or concerns. There are many new golf carts, even the old ones are in very nice condition.
I play this course about once a week, usually early in the day and always enjoy the round, usually played in under four hours. I always play 18, how can you play 18 and not play nine holes; a question I ask in answer to the poorly worded question "Did you play 9 holes?"
This is a course on which one can learn the game as a new player or work on your short game as a more learned player. You will be challenged with your wedges around the greens due to the elevation and run offs, bring your best efforts when you play Riviera Golf Club.

.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Fairly Easy

Pinehills at Myrtlewood Golf Club

Played On 10/09/2015
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Ups and Downs

I recently had the opportunity to join a group of friends on a Myrtle Beach, S. C. weekend of golf and fun. Our host was the Myrtlewood Golf Villas and their partners, Founders Group International. Our two bed two bath accommodation was to include breakfast at the course each day. (See below) We booked tee times at three of their courses, first of which was Pine Hills.
I have played a great many of the hundred or so courses in the greater Myrtle Beach area over the last thirty years but this was my first trip to the courses known as Myrtlewood
The Pine Hills course is a redesign by Arthur Hills, in 1993, of a course previously known as The Pines, which opened in 1966. As time past, the addition of a great many condos as well as a second course has added to the "resort" atmosphere and play is evident in this regard. A five to six hour round is not unheard of but has become the norm with the help of double booking and cross tee use by sending groups out on numbers one and ten at the same time.
I have to say, upon my arrival I was treated as a guest and Keith in the pro shop was most accommodating to my need and request.
The lady at the concessions register was nice and the cook provided me a fine breakfast sandwich for a fair price. However my buddies all went for the buffet (which should have been included in our package price, as aluded to above) at ten dollars per head and all were dissatisfied and disappointed to put it mildly. In no way is this space to be called a restaurant.
The course was wet from 13+ inches of rain the previous week and carts were limited to paths only making for a lot of extra walking, time elapses, and soggy feet. I am happy to say, for the most part, the course was enjoyable. Tees, fairways and greens were in fine shape. Greens were receptable to good shots and putts ran smooth and true. The bunkers were mostly playable but you and I know lazy players do not rake bunkers so there was that rub.
We liked the layout of the course, the views of the Intercoastal Waterway and the beverage cart lady's perfume. If you enjoy the "RESORT STYLE" golf of all day and nothing else to accomplish you will likely enjoy Myrtlewood's Pine Hills course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate

Old Corkscrew Golf Club

Played On 09/24/2015
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

OH the GREENS or Come On Now Jack

On a recent visit to southwest Florida I had an opportunity to play golf on a Thursday morning and found a 'deal' through the new Golf Now booking site "TeeTimes". "Old Corkscrew Golf Club" is a Jack Nicklaus design as well as an Audubon International Sanctuary Course located about seven miles east of the I-75 in Estero, FL.
Upon my arrival, an hour prior to my scheduled tee time, I met the morning cart attendant who was most cordial. The Pro shop guy was accommodating and invited me to enjoy the practice facility which I found to be outstanding. After a few minutes of chipping, pitching and bunker work I stepped over to the range to hit a few and was greeted by the starter who ask if I would go out early with a member as a twosome. Great first impressions I must say.
I became more and more thankful of meeting and playing with Don, the member, as he helped me with proper direction for shot placement, good thing too as some fairways have intruding hazards not viewed from the tee. I found the fairways for the most part quite generous (once you know where to go), the bunkers well maintained but more like Saint Andrews Old Course in depth rather than Florida flat land. The GREENS.... OH the greens, can you say UNDULATING? Well say it again and then times two. The greens were rather large but if you are above the hole, prayer is only hopeful not guaranteed. I cannot recall three putting so many times in one round. (By the way, I played all 18 holes, how can you play eighteen and NOT play NINE?) That being said, I loved those greens and wish I had more opportunities to go play Old Corkscrew Golf Club for the knowledge I could gain putting those greens.
Upon your next travels to the southwest Florida areas of Fort Meyers or Naples or any where near there take time to visit "Old Corkscrew Golf Club" it will be a most memorable experience, one I am sure you will enjoy.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On 09/21/2015
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Audubon's Raptor of Distinction

Upon my most recent visit to the southwest coast of Florida I had the pleasure to play a round at the Raptor Bay Golf Club. As a native of North Carolina as well as an admirer of Raymond Floyd I gladly set out for this famous, if not infamous, golf course venue; the first of its kind to achieve the Audubon International GOLD Sanctuary Certificate. True to all it proclaims this is a great bird and wild life sanctuary as well as a magnificent golf course.
The staff were what should be expected and more, from my arrival meeting with the cart attendant to the Pros in the shop, the half way house attendant and the departing golf cart guys, each and every one had my best interest at heart it seemed.
The practice facility was more than sufficient and I should have spent more time there, the putting surface was a good indication of the greens out on the course. I found the green speed to be close to that of my home club (about 10 or 11 on the Stemptmeter the day I played) not near as slow as others have mentioned in their reviews.
The course was not as busy as I had expected for a Monday afternoon and I began my round as a single. (By the way, I played all 18 holes, how can you play eighteen and NOT play NINE?) Ahead of me was a man and wife twosome whom I never caught up to but then I was in no hurry to leave these beautiful surroundings so I often hit a couple of balls from the tee.
I found the fairways most generous, the bunkers freshly raked and well maintained, the greens large and not overly undulating but challenging when above the hole.
If, no, when you next make the trip to southwest Florida, from Fort Meyers to Naples or any where along that stretch of the Tamiami Trail stop off at Coconut Point and visit the Raptor Bay Golf Club. I know you will enjoy as much as I the course, the scenic views and the "wild life".

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging

Wildwood Green Golf Course

Played On 07/08/2015
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Same Old Same Old

I have played this course from its conception in the 1980s but because it is quite a drive for me (I can be in Pinehurst in the same time frame) I usually play it once a year or so now days.
Wednesday is the day of play for their "Men's League" also know as "the gaggle" and for good reason. With a 10:40 tee time we, as a twosome, went around in about 4 hours and 40 minutes as the first group following "the gaggle'. Keep this in mind for week day play. (AND BTW you cannot play 18 holes without playing nine so why that question is on this survey is confounding to me; poorly worded at best.)
The course in general is in very good shape EXCEPT for a number of greens which are in need of some repair due in part to the harsh winter of 2014/15 in this area. The practice green by the clubhouse is a good indication of what you find out on the course.
The staff with whom we had the opportunity to speak were very helpful and accommodating to our needs and requests. I was happy to see a proper RANGER on duty and making his rounds keeping the pace of play moving to the best of his abilities (often to no avail due to the 'money' game of "the gaggle".)
Even though this course is a par 70, as there is only one par five on each nine, from the back tees the course plays a little more than 6400 yards but has a fair amount of elevation changes and forced carries to keep it interesting.
It is my understanding the family who originally built and owned the course have moved on to better pastures and the course appears the worse for wear and tear. Although you can find efforts here and there from the grounds crews and a few places of cart path asphalt replacement throughout the course.
(Note to golf course designers and builders: pine trees and asphalt paving are sworn enemies, the pine tree root runs very close to the surface of the ground. Repair and/or replacement is an eminent extra cost.)
All in all this is a good facility, not great but fine for a weekday afternoon in the city with a couple of buddies. Take time to visit Wildwood Green Golf Club and I trust you will have a s good a day as we did today.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
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