Floridians are Stronger than the Storms
The Pasco Country region of Florida, better known as Florida’s Sports Coast just north of Tampa was battered by one storm after another. In late September, Hurricane Helene a category 4 storm hit as a devastating tropical cyclone. On Helene’s heals, and just a couple of weeks later Hurricane Milton, thankfully, if you can say that, was downgraded to a Category 3 storm before sweeping across central and southern parts of the State. It caused flooding, property damage, evacuations, and power outages in multiple communities.
These storms are not new to Floridians and how they and their businesses bounce back to welcome travellers and especially golfers is absolutely amazing. Clean up, and power restoration begins almost immediately after the storms and before we in the north can imagine, Florida is back in business. That is the case again!
Saddlebrook Resort is the golf anchor of the region, VP of Saddlebrook International Sports, Pat Farrell advised, “We had some trees down and some flooding on the course and debris clean up but within 2 weeks we were fully reopened, and virtually no damage to the condo units.”
The iconic Saddlebrook Resort is on the verge of undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation. Situated on a 5,623-acre property where you find a gazillion gallon pool, tennis courts, with over 500, 1–3-bedroom condo units. Once on property there is no vehicle required. Walking distance to everything or call the concierge and they come get you.
Golf course transformation under the guidance of renowned golf course designer Reese Jones has already begun. The two 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed courses have been revamped into 27-holes, with a new driving range to open in Mid December just a stone through from the Pro Shop.
What you may remember from the golf on previous visits will remain the same through this winter and spring. Fairways are generous but stray and there is plenty of water, towering cypress and oak lined fairways to deal with. White sand bunkers protect a variety of greens, medium to large in size with some interesting complexes. Surrounding the greens, the thick, gnarly Bermuda rough tangles around the club and complicates the soft touch needed to play short pitch shots. Miss the green, and you face a difficult par.
Hole 9
Beginning, April 2025 one 9 at a time will be shut down and Mr. Jones will begin to over hall 27 holes. At such time there will always be 18-holes available for play. Starting in January of 2025 renovations will continue on the condo units. Tampa, FL Hotels | Tampa Resorts | Saddlebrook Resort
Golf on Florida’s Sports Coast
Golf extends from Dade City to the east, west to New Port Richey and the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations in the area are not limited to resorts. Just off of I-75 The Hyatt Place Tampa is right across from the Tampa Outlets, within walking distance of many restaurants and bars including the Tiger Woods designed Popstroke, for those who just don’t get enough golf.
Also, for the dining aficionado’s and located between the Hyatt and Saddlebrook is a fine collection of dining establishment’s set amongst the “Shops at Wiregrass.” Over 30 bars and restaurants to satisfy any pallet.
Lake Jovita Golf Club, a gem. 30 minutes east of I-75 and Saddlebrook close to Dade City. 2 great and totally different courses and a property oozing with southern charm.
The South Course: considered “the Members Course” is a tighter layout, more of a player’s course, where accuracy is key. There are plenty of dog-legs to deal with, plenty of water, marshes and creeks to deal with and bunkers too! The 9th and 18th holes taking you back to a most impressive southern style clubhouse are most memorable.
South Course
4th Hole
The North Course: a wonderful compliment to the South, grip it and rip it style, wider fairways, fewer but more strategically placed bunkers and some interesting water plays. Believe it or not there are rolling fairways and elevation changes that come into play in this part of Florida.
Stay & Play: is available at Lake Jovita, 1750 sq/ft Villas, only a 2-minute walk from the Clubhouse’s exceptional dining and cozy 19th hole. Villas are 3BR/2BA in a gated community overlooking the 18th & 9th greens. Lake Jovita – Golf & Country Club
Plantation Palms Golf Club: A semi-private club that for 3 straight years has been selected “Best of the Best” by a Tampa Bay Times reader poll. 10 minutes west of I-75.
The links style design was carved from a 400-acre citrus grove that slopes from west to east, providing interesting elevation changes. The course opens up with a welcoming par 5 and then slowly steps up with a mixture of strong par 3s. It won’t take long to notice the attractive framing of fairways and greens with pine trees, water and large snow-white sand traps. Water is in play on 17 of 18 holes. You will also want to make Mulligan’s Irish Pub your 19th hole for the day.
Plantation Palms Golf Club | Home | Land O’ Lakes
At the west end of the region, and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico you will find the historic Hacienda Hotel in downtown, New Port Richey. It is just one of those places, where you say, “I need to stay here!”
The Hacienda: originally built in 1927 and re opened in 2022. Featuring 40 comfortably appointed rooms, each styled with a classic elegance, reminiscent of the hotel’s original, Spanish-Floridian charm. It doesn’t take long before guests of the Hacienda find themselves whisked back in time to the glory days and its reputation as “The Hollywood of the East.” Notable patrons included Gloria Swanson and Charlie Chaplin, stars of the silver screen. Bad boy Al Capone, and baseball slugger Babe Ruth hung out, as did the first ever golfer to win all four majors, Gene Sarazan. For them, The Hacienda was always the place to be. Historic Hacienda Hotel in the heart of New Port Richey (haciendahotelnpr.com)
Fox Hollow Golf Club: 20 minutes away is a premier semi-private golf course, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs.
WOW factor sets in the moment drop your bag off, you can’t help but catch site of the 10th and 18th holes with large water bordering both sides of the fairway. Central Florida Magazine consistently ranks the 18th hole as “Best Par 4 in Florida”. Water comes into play on 11 holes and Jones’ other signature feature – plentiful, profound and penal bunker complexes – abound. Fox Hollow has hosted local qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as qualifiers for the Valspar Championship, the PGA Tour event held annually at Innisbrook Golf Resort. The Grille is another 19th hole not to be missed. Locals have been known to dine here regularly, golfing or not. Home – Fox Hollow Golf Club (TPA)
18th hole
It may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Florida golf, it certainly is convenient being just 35 minutes north of Tampa Airport. Other than the iconic Saddlebrook Resort your will find hidden golf gems at very reasonable rates and a whole new world of great golf, dining and adventure.
It’s Florida, so you know that sun is shining and nothing shines brighter than the resilience of the people of Florida. Putting the damn hurricanes behind us, let’s get back there and play some golf!
For more information on the entire Florida’s Sports Coast region Adventure Sports in Florida | Florida Sports Coast (flsportscoast.com)
