bmerc

Played the course on a cold windy day. I ciuld see why the JC Penny Classic used to play here. The course is challenging with some long par 4s especially with the wind coming from the North. Par 3's are challenging with many hazards protecting them. The green are fast and true with lots of subtle breaks. You are wise to keep the ball below the hole. The fairways were somewhat dry, had lots of tight lies. Ball striking is very important. Staff was friendly. I would recommend this course.

I played Seminole Lake today and it was windy! The course layout is very good. Some short easy holes and some long par fours. Hazards were placed in the right landing area as I played the blue tees. Course conditioning was fantastic. I have played many Florida courses at this time of year and must say the fairways and the greens were extremely well cared for. The greens rolled fast and true. The only criticism I would have is that the greens are pretty much the same. This course would be even better if there was mounding around the greens. Grenside bunkers were awesome, easy to hit out of the them with the right technique. Pace of play was excellent. All in all, this is one of the best courses I have played in the Clearwater area and is worth the drive! I will definitely play this course again!

Madeiras was a great course to play. Rarely do I have a chance to play a course sculpted in the mountains. There are some of the most scenic views I have ever witnessed. The course is very scorable with good shots. Course management is a must. I was lucky to play with some local gentlemen with local knowledge and had a very good time. Too bad the greens were a little fury as they had been punched in the last few weeks. Overall, a great place to spend a day and admire nature!

You will have an advantage if you can drive the ball in the fairway because they are well taken care of. as for the rough, it is rough and dry. The greens are hard and roll very well, your approach shots must be short and below the hole. it is a good course for the money.

What a great golf course. The fairways and greens were immaculate. It was a treat to play. there is a premium to driving the ball well. Holes 15 to 18 are probably some off the best finishing hole I have played. what a treat!

This is a challenging course for the most experienced golfer. There are too many forced carries from the tee and I was bored with the course after the 5th hole, too much of the same. My foursome golfed on a very hot day and saw the beverage cart at the beginning of the round and at the 11th hole. Unacceptable in my view. When complained to the staff, they brushed me off, very unprofessional in my view. Also, there was no staff to speak of at the bag drop. We had to load our golf carts ourselves. The course is not worth the money nor the drive to and from.

As for the course itself, the course condition was very good however, the greens were very slow. The sand bunkers were iffy at best. Sometimes there was sand and sometimes not. For the quality of the course, I feel that the ball should roll more than a seven on the stimpmeter. Overall, I was very unimpressed with the course and the treatment we received.

Because of Highway 406, the ownership of the course had to make some changes in order to protect drivers on the 406. Hole #3 is no longer a risk/reward par 5. It has been divided into two par 3 with the first being a "fun" par 3 that does not count. The second par 3 is now a 165-180 yard par three with the tee being below the hill. What a shame as this was one of my favourite holes. Apparently, too many golf balls were found on the Highway right of way as the second shot left little room for an errant shot. # 4 hole has been converted to a 265 yard par 4 with the tee Baxter in the middle of the fairway near the forward tees ( red tees). Today, with a north wind, I almost drove the green.

These changes have altered what was once a formidable front 9. These changes were mandated by MTO. Ownership now has a big decision to make as the changes are not, in my view, sustainable for the long term. I have been a member for a very long time. If there is no plan in place by the fall and communicated to the members, I will go elsewhere.

I know many members feel the same way. It is really a shame!

Riverbend is a great Doug Carrick design. The course condition was excellent. The greens were fast and true. Must keep the ball below the hole on the green. A must play!