Challenge the pros and test your accuracy
Written: Oct 11 '01 (Updated Oct 12 '01)
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Pros: Challenging layout full of doglegs, trees and your friendly neighborhood alligators.
Cons: Flat, not a course for the beginner (bring enough balls!), course not in great shape
The Bottom Line: Playing a challenging course has its rewards and for the price, you've got a great deal on a good golf course.
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| krashlite2's Full Review: University Of South Florida Golf Course |
The USF Golf Course located in Tampa, FL is a must for any golfer visiting/living in the Tampa Bay area. Playing from the back tees at nearly 6900 yards, distance is not the issue here but rather accuracy because of tree lined narrow fairways and doglegs on most of the par4s and par5s. The white (light green) tees play at about 6000 yards.
I've got a 7 handicap and let me tell you, this course makes you work on every single shot. If you've got a buddy who wins because he outdrives you off the tees, take him here and you'll find that accuracy is what is most rewarded. The par5s are the hardest holes on the golf course so distance is not that important here.
The course conditions are decent enough during the dry seasons here in Florida but while most courses are closed when it rains, the USF golf course stays open and in the process the fairways take a beating thanks to the hackers out there. One recent example is that during the hurricane that passed through, the USF golf course stayed open (except when there is lightning obviously). The greens are in decent condition and are pretty testy especially when its hot and dry.
The front nine is a nice challenge for the adventurous golfer. The par5 3rd hole is about 522 yards from the back tee and is lined by a swamp on both sides of the fairway so a straight drive is definitely in order. The best birdie opportunities are on the par4 2nd hole and the par3 5th (160 from the back tee, 120 from the front). Shame on the golfer that doesn't at least bogey number 5 because trust me, there are some testy holes on the back nine. Watch out for the gators on number 7! (you've been warned). I saw like 4 baby gators last Friday, and you can bet that "mama gator" was probably lurking somewhere. Between 7 and 8 is where I put the "pedal to the metal" on the golf cart and don't look back for those objects that might be closer than they appear. Ok I'm exaggerating, but only slightly.
On the back nine, at 10 take my advice and drive it directly over the trees (slightly to the right of the first tree). If you can get it out there about 270, your tee shot should catch the downslope of a hump in the middle of the fairway and leave yourself with a nice wedge to the green. The first tricky hole is number 11. Course management is pretty important here. If you drive it at least 260, its best to use a 3 wood. I usually use a 2 iron that leaves me 140 to the flag.
The signature hole, the 14th is called The Claw, appropriately named due to its undulating outline. It may be a par 5 but I've had a few forgettable 12s here because there is very little room for error on the drive. Its so tempting because a nice 280-300 yard drive will leave only about 220 to the front of a large green, but this is probably one of the holes where discretion is the better part of valor. The tee shot is a blind one over trees to the left. If you are right handed (I'm left handed), you should be playing a slight draw. The best birdie opportunities on the back nine are 15 and 17. I like 15 because since I am left handed, I can fade the tee shot over the water. Right handed players generally don't like this hole because a sliced drive is sure to catch water, which is on the right. 17 however is a nice straight hole (377 yards) that you can crank out your driver and be left with an easy pitching wedge to the green. 18 plays fairly long, and the green here is perhaps the most challenging one on the course.
Overall, because of the water all over the course, and the trees lining every fairway, this is a difficult course to play especially if you are a beginner. I don't recommend anyone who is above a 25 handicap playing this course. However if you are a mid-range handicapper, you should find it loads of fun. Accuracy is definitely rewarded here. If you are ever in doubt, take a shorter club and hit it straight. The long irons can be tricky and I know this saying is overhyped, but driving it in the middle of the fairway really is key here. If your driving is off, don't play here unless you have a plentiful supply of balls unless you are adventurous enough to fight off the gators for your wayward balls.
The driving range is small but there aren't many customers. At the moment, its an irons-only range but plans are in the works for the very near future to install 100 foot nets and lights so that should be fun.
The clubhouse is nothing fancy but the A/C is on at full blast which I'm sure you'll agree after 4 hours of that blazing hot Florida sun. The bar&grill has been nicely redesigned and is somewhat of a hangout spot. On the weekends, its pretty busy and you might find me there on some Monday nights when football is on especially if the Tampa Bay Bucs are playing. All in all, for $25 a round (with cart) on the weekends and $14 (with cart) and $10 to ride on the weekdays, its a great deal for a good golf course. Just keep an eye out for those gators!
Tee/Course Distance/Rating/Slope
Dark Green/6876/74.2/132
Gold/6288/71.9/125
Light Green/5939/69.7/122
Yellow/5353/70.9/115
Recommended:
Yes
Green Fees Paid (US$): 14 ride
Speed of Play (typical weekend): 4 to 5 Hours
Look Out For: Water
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Epinions.com ID:
krashlite2
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Location: Tampa, FL
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 64 members
About Me:
Opinions are best served when put into actual practice.
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