Tampa - Wesley Chapel

Accommodations:

Saddlebrook Resort

Location:

The Palmer Course
This course was designed by its namesake in 1986 with assistance from his usual sidekick Ed Seay. You will find this course is more open off the tee with rolling fairways, but water also comes into play on 17 of the holes. And it’s well bunkered and if they let the rough grow tall, it’s like a US Open course. The greens with their many undulations resemble Palmer’s Bay Hill course in Orlando. The toughest hole on this track is #4. This Par 5 demands a accurate drive between water on the right and OB on the left, then the second shot narrows with trees lining both sides. The third shot is to an elevated green that is well trapped. SPECIAL NOTE: If it is a warm day, you might see the largest gators this side of the Everglades.


The Saddlebrook Course
This track was originally designed by Dean Refram in 1976 and then redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 1986. This Par 70 track is more of a flat, driving course that is tree-lined with narrow fairways. Most greens are large and flat, so read your putt and bang it home. Watch out for the water hazards, because they come into play on 17 out of the 18 holes. Since it is heavily bunkered, accuracy is a benefit on this course. The toughest hole can give you a thrilling close to your round. #18 requires a solid tee shot that’s guarded on both sides by sand traps. The second shot is over water to a very undulating green with water in front of two-thirds of the green.

A one-day road trip…

WORLD WOODS GOLF CLUB is one of those places that are almost too good to be true. It appears as part of this package, because if you’re in the area, you must play both courses. World Woods has two championship courses designed by Tom Fazio, a 22-acre 360-degree practice range, a 2-acre putting course, a Par 3, Par 4 and Par 5 practice holes and a 9-hole short course. Located in the middle of the country north of Brooksville, you can spend the entire day here and more.


Pine Barrens Golf Course
is rated #4 in the state by Golf Digest and GOLFWEEK awarded it 9th in “America’s Best Modern Courses” while GOLF Magazine chose it 38th among the “Top 100 Courses in the US”. These are lofty honors and it is well worth the praise. Fazio’s skillful enhancement of the natural terrain has resulted in this fabulous layout. Heavily wooded with specimen pine trees, the course could be located in New Jersey, maybe even Pine Valley. Even the extensive bunkering utilizes native sand, which is dotted along the perimeter with tall, wild grasses. This is a stark contrast to the well-kept tees, fairways and greens. The design demands many long carry shots over waste areas, as well as delicate placement shots to small landing areas. Generally, trees come into play on either the left or right side of each fairway, but rarely both. Small consolation, but it is a break. You’ll need it.


Rolling Oaks Golf Course
does not take a back seat to its sister course. With a feel of Augusta National with Spanish moss, this track is carved out of centuries old Oak trees. Rated #22 in the state by Golf Digest, 63rd by GOLFWEEK in “America’s Best Modern Courses” and 33rd by GOLF Magazine among the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play”, Rolling Oaks can show off its trophy on the mantle as well. Fazio created a traditional design of rolling, tree-lined fairways, but try not to become distracted by the flowering dogwoods, azaleas and magnolia trees. The large greens feature multiple tiers and cavernous protective bunkers. Water hazards (two lakes) come into play on three holes. The Augusta feel come into play when you see the bridged water crossing, overlooking a low, tumbling waterfall, along with an abundance of lush flowering vegetation. You will be captivated.


SPECIAL NOTES: If you arrange your flights well, you can receive free golf on your day of arrival and departure at Saddlebrook. If you do it that way, the package has greatly added value.