Tampa / St Petersburg, Florida

TPC Tampa Bay is an 18 hole, par 71, stadium-style course designed by Bobby Weed with Chi Chi Rodriguez as the PGA Tour player consultant. As the home of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, TPC Tampa Bay will not only challenge the top players in the world, but will also provide a fun and memorable experience for players of all skill levels. The course rolls around unspoiled wetlands lined by native cypress, oak and pine trees, and through open flats of native grasses framed by pristine blue lakes and white sand bunkers.

The Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am has become one of the most popular stops on the Champions Tour, annually drawing one of the top fields on Tour and ranks as one of the highest attended Champions Tour events in the country. Our strong tournament crowds have been drawn by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Nick Price, Bernhard Langer, David Graham and Jerry Pate who have all hoisted trophies behind our famed 18th hole.

Since opening in 1991, TPC Tampa Bay has earned numerous accolades, including Golf Digest's 4 1/2 Stars "Best Places to Play", top 20 "Best Public Golf Facility" by GolfWorld Magazine, and #five in the state by the readers of Florida Golf Magazine. The list of awards continues with the well-appointed pro shop, which has been ranked as one of the Top 25 Daily Fee Golf Shops in the country by GolfWorld Business Magazine.

Lake Jovita's South Course is rolling hills, undulating valleys and ancient hardwood forests dotted with freshwater lakes. The landscape and elevation changes here are far more typical of North Carolina than they are of Florida. But, make no mistake, this is Florida golf at its finest, thanks to the creative design work by the architect team of Tom Lehman and Kurt Sandness. You'll be interested to know that the Lake Jovita South Golf Course features one of the longest natural elevation drops of any golf course in the state - 94 feet from tee to green on the Par-5 11th hole. Playing from a length of 7,126 yards from the tips, the South Course also features three other teeing areas for golfers of all skill levels.

The Pine Barrens Course at World Woods Golf Club is currently ranked in the "Top 100 Courses in the U.S." (#74) by Golf Magazine and is a visually stunning blend of native terrain and golf course design. The Tom Fazio- designed masterpiece is sculpted from an expansive pine forest and barren sandhills with surprising and dramatic changes in elevation. The large manicured fairways framed by tall pines and expansive untamed waste bunkering have challenged amateurs and professionals alike. Playing to a total length of 7,250 yards, the par-71 course features four sets of tees and requires some waste area carries, as well as precise shot placement that can be well rewarded. The Pine Barrens layout and sytle-of-play can be characterized by the 330 yard par-4 15th hole, where precise shot-making and "go for it" decisions will continuously challenge players. On this particular hole, a single group recorded scores of 1,2,3,4!

The layout and style of Pine Barrens has often been compared to Pine Valley in New Jersey - perennially ranked the best golf course in America. Pine Barrens has been awarded Golf Digest's 5-Star Rating, which is defined as "Golf at its Absolute Best", joining elite public courses such as Pebble Beach Golf Links, Bethpage Black, Kiawah Island Ocean Course and Whistling Straits (The Straits) as courses that have achieved this coveted rating.

To round out the World Woods golf experience, guests can warm-up, or hone skills at the nationally-ranked practice facility. Fazio created a rare opportunity for golfers by designing the practice facility, complete with a 22-acre circular range, chipping area, 2-acre putting green, three practice holes and a 9-hole short course.

The Rolling Oaks Course provides the second world-class layout at World Woods. An entirely different, yet no less challenging and enjoyable experience than playing Pine Barrens, this course's name also gives clue to its design. Despite being built directly adjacent to the Pine Barrens Course, differences in soil content allow the land to support giant Oak trees draped with Spanish moss that regularly accent the holes. Sharply defined bunkers filled with bleached white sand contrast beautifully with the rich green fairways.

These attributes coupled with the lush course landscaping - including many Azalea bushes. create a scene reminiscent of the famed Augusta National. The beautiful rolling fairways that lead to undulating greens add drama to this more traditional course design. Many changes in hole style and length create a great blend of holes that requires a variety of shots and a strategic approach to score well. Rolling Oaks plays to a formidable 7,275 yards from the back tees and features two other teeing areas to challenge players of all golf skills.

Noted golf course architect, PGA Tour professional and NBC-TV commentator Gary Koch and master architect Rick Robbins are responsible for the front nine of The Forest Course, while noted architect Ron Garl designed the back nine.

Accuracy is a premium on this course, with its highly contoured fairways and well placed, meticulous greens. This course measures 6,700 yards and features the signature island-green, par-3 sixth hole, which rivals the famous 17th hole at the TPC at Sawgrass in Jacksonville.

An abundance of water inspired the moniker for this course. Water comes into play on virtually every hole. This 18-hole course measures over 7,100 yards and is more like the traditional Florida course with huge greens and generous driving areas. Both nines of The Lakes start out with unique par-5's that challenge golfers to use their creativity to make a sub-par score.

As you play these outstanding layouts, you soon understand why The Eagles has a hard-won reputation for well-conditioned tees, greens and fairways. Four sets of tees offer golfers a wide choice of challenges. When the St. Petersburg Times canvassed several dozen Tampa Bay golf courses to put together a Tampa Bay "Dream 18," two holes from The Eagles were selected.

The Copperhead course may only be booked as part of a "Stay & Play" package. Please see the "Innisbrook Golf Resort - Stay & Play" listing on the lodging page for details.

The Copperhead undoubtedly is the golf course that most lovers of golf are familiar with at Innisbrook Resort. After all, they've seen America's greatest golf stars taking on its pine tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain during the PGA TOUR Transitions Championship each March. So you, like many other visitors to Innisbrook, will want to make the Copperhead one of your must-places to play.

With its unusual elevation changes, the natural setting of the Copperhead course will probably remind you of a Carolina layout rather than Florida's West Coast. The Copperhead is ranked in the "Top 100 Places to Play", and among "America's Top Resort Courses" by Golf Digest. From the tournament tees Copperhead presents a stern test of golf. At 7,340 yards, this par-71 layout is designed to challenge players of all ability levels. The Copperhead Practice Facility is located adjacent to the first hole and is complimentary for guests preparing to tackle Innisbrook's signature course.

The Highlands North course may only be booked as part of a "Stay & Play" package. Please see the "Innisbrook Golf Resort - Stay & Play" listing on the lodging page for details.

This beautiful 18-hole, par-70 layout features tight fairways and well-bunkered greens, placing a premium on accuracy from tee to green. Recent course improvements include longer, more challenging par-4s and -5s with added bunkers and waste areas to create greater penalties throughout for those errant approach shots. This course is known for its daunting par-3s. "This is known as a shotmaker's course," says Director of Golf, Jay Overton. "There's definitely a premium on accuracy and not so much on distance."

Also designed by Lawrence Packard, the Highlands North at Innisbrook is similar in terrain to the Copperhead Course, but not in length. Rolling fairways and water throughout make club selection your most important strategy on this course. Playing to a length of 6,325 yards from the back tees, this course is known for its long par-3s and small greens where ball placement is paramount to good scoring.

The Highlands South Course may only be booked as part of a "Stay & Play" package. Please see the "Innisbrook Golf Resort - Stay & Play" listing on the lodging page for details.

The Highlands South Course stretches to 6,620 yards from the back tees across undulating terrain, ample waste bunkers and 10 water hazards. This course is reminiscent of a links style course, both in its set-up and the way it plays with fairway bunkers and rolling terrain. Don't let the rather short length fool you as the course features five incredible par-3's that are always a challenge due to the breezes off the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

You'll get off to a moderately easy start with a straightaway par-4 that plays at 335 yards from the back tees and 250 from the forward. You do have to avoid a large bunker on the left and trees on the right. Then there is the great par-3 third hole that measures 180 yards from the back tees and 100 from the front. This hole has a very narrow green that measures about 40 feet at its deepest point. There's plenty of water in front of the green. Accuracy and distance control is very important here. "If you're short, you'll end up in the water. If you're long, you'll be in the back bunker," says Director of Golf, Jay Overton. The par-3 finishing hole of 180 yards (back tees) is a perfect finale hole featuring an elevated green protected by water and large, deep bunkers.

The Island course may only be booked as part of a "Stay & Play" package. Please see the "Innisbrook Golf Resort - Stay & Play" listing on the lodging page for details.

Ample water, tight fairways, intimidating hazards, and abundant bunkers -- all designed to test the skills of the most accomplished golfer have won much acclaim for the Island Course. The Island, often considered to be just as challenging as the Copperhead, is ranked among the country's top 50 resort courses by Golf Digest and No. 14 in Travel & Leisure Golf's "Fifty Finest in Florida." The varying terrain, coupled with a variety of tee placements, can challenge both the professional player as well as the weekend golfer. The course has been a regional qualifier for the U.S. Open and is remembered as well for the NCAA championship that Phil Mickelson won here in 1990.

Summerfield is a Scottish links course that looks like the great courses of Scotland. The championship course is unique with pot bunkers, waste areas and small, undulating greens. The course is highlighted by its signature 15th hole, a scenic par 3 surrounded by water with an island green. Facilities include a two-tiered driving range, putting and chipping greens, practice bunker, a full-service bar, golfers' grill and banquet facilities for up to 144 guests.

The tradition of excellence that brought the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour to Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club continues today. Host of the nationally televised JC Penney Classic for 13 seasons, this 18-hole par 72 premier Tampa golf course was redesigned in 2001 by Gary Koch. Demanding for pros yet fun for all players, Bardmoor epitomizes Florida golf at its finest. Pristinely manicured, Bardmoor features TifEagle greens that rival tour status. State-of-the-art practice facilities, an award winning golf shop, and outstanding service complete your experience. Located minutes from some of the best beaches in Florida, Bardmoor is consistently rated one of the premier Florida golf courses.

The beautifully manicured, par-72 golf course features two distinctive nines. The front nine has an open links feel with wide fairways and greens that will accept bump-and-run approach shots. The back nine requires more accuracy from tee to green as it meanders through a large conservation area. Water comes into play on many holes and most fairways are lined with tall pines and ancient oaks. Six sets of tees insure that golfers of every skill level will enjoy their round.

The "Best Challenge" in Hillsborough County. Reminiscent of Scottish Links featuring tight fairways, over 100 sand bunkers as well as small undulating greens. Located on 600 acres of protected oaks and cypress, the course features water hazards on 13 holes. Cypress Creek is staffed with Class A PGA Professionals only. After your round, enjoy the comforts of our full-service lounge.

Lansbrook was originally designed by Lane Marshall and later redesigned by Ron Garl. The course features no parallel fairways and plenty of water. In fact, water comes into play on sixteen holes. All of Lansbrook's greens have recently been rebuilt to USGA specifications. The highly contoured Tifdwarf putting surfaces, maintained between 9 and 10 on the Stimpmeter, will challenge the best of putters. Proper positioning of approach shots on the greens is a must if you're to have a good day with the flat stick. At 6,719 yards from the back tee, Lansbrook is not overwhelming. However, it does demand accuracy off the tee and on approaches.

Course design is one reason why Northdale is a popular Tampa, Florida golf course. The course is a 18 hole par 72 layout that measures 6824 yards from the championship tees. Full of challenges for the more experienced golfer Northdale is also forgiving enough to be very enjoyable for even the novice player.

This classic Florida-style layout has only two parallel fairways, which offers every golfer an experience that is relaxing; to better enjoy the view of the natural terrain. The well-manicured holes wind their way through 180 acres of land that features Brushy Creek and its unspoiled wooded boundaries. Crystalline spring- fed lakes are found on eleven (11) holes of the course, which are home to a host of birds of all types. The combination of the lush fairways, contoured greens and natural surroundings makes Northdale a great place to test your golf game and forget the worries of the day.

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Plantation Palms Golf Club provides the golfer a challenging but rewarding golf experience with a links style design that includes ample greens, wide fairways and elevated tees and greens. A David Harman-designed Par 72-championship golf course that has a practice facility with amenities to work on every phase of the game.

There is also a Grille Room with the perfect bill of fair. Locker service and showers are available. Design consideration has been given to beginners, juniors, ladies and higher handicap players.

Since opening in 1994, the Silverthorn Country Club golf course has earned its challenging 131 slope rating through a combination of rolling terrain, unpredictable Florida Gulf Coast winds, and no less than 96 stragegically-placed bunkers. This exceptional masterpiece, designed by renowned golf course architect Joe Lee, offers a mixture of wide open links-style holes and tight, tree-lined fairways. Playing at over 6800 yards from the back tees, Silverthorn provides a challenging test of golf for players of every skill level. The impressive 25,000 square foot clubhouse offers a scenic vista of Silverthorn's championship golf course, surrounding lakes and splendid Florida sunsets. Along with an excellent, well-stocked Pro Shop, Silverthorn provides group and private lessons and club-fitting services from its PGA Professionals.

Westchase Golf Club is one of the most popular Tampa golf courses and the perfect place to begin or end your Tampa area golf vacation. Located just ten minutes from the Tampa International Airport, Westchase Golf Club has earned a 4-Star "Best Places to Play" from Golf Digest, as well as a great value award. Nationally known architect Lloyd Clifton designed Westchase's 6710-yard, par 72 layout, which winds through natural wetlands, across wooden bridges and around bulkheads. No Tampa golf vacation is complete without a round at Westchase Golf Club!

Traveling golf groups are always pleased with the Saddlebrook course's convenient design. The 1st and 10th tees of the course are at the very center of the resort, next to the guest accommodations, restaurants, spa and Superpool. Once leaving the tee, scratch golfers and weekend warriors alike, enjoy lush, green fairways set in a quiet hammock of cypress and oak. Gators and turtles, Blue Herons, Wood Storks and White Egrets compliment the natural beauty of the Florida foliage and adjacent ponds Whatever your score, this par 70 course will provide you with a challenging, yet relaxing experience you will want to repeat. You must stay at Saddlebrook Resort to play this course.

Starting from the heart of the resort, walking distance from your guest accommodations, this par 71 Arnold Palmer creation is an inviting test very different from the Saddlebrook course, and also fun to play. While many of the holes provide generous driving areas, the firm fairways are contoured to resemble a rolling New England course. Level ground is rare. Hilly lies make it difficult to attain the accuracy needed to find the small elevated greens. These tif-eagle greens are firm, fast and undulating, allowing only crisply struck shots to hold the surface. Miss the green and you face a difficult par. Several holes require length; all require finesse. Golf groups always enjoy the challenge. You must stay at Saddlebrook Resort to play this course.