Exploring The Best Golf Courses Near Tampa, FL for A Premier Golfing Experience

Tampa has a great golf scene and some of the best golf courses in the area. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Tampa’s golf courses have something for everyone from resort play to public courses. Here we’ll look at the 10 best golf courses in Tampa and what makes them special for locals and visitors.

10 Best Golf Courses in Tampa

Westchase Golf Club

Located just outside of downtown Tampa, Westchase Golf Club has an 18-hole par 71 layout with water hazards and bunkers to challenge the player. Known for its well-manicured greens and fairways, Westchase is a local favorite for its balance and scenery. The club is semi-private and open to members and non-members to play golf in a peaceful setting.

Location and Accessibility

Westchase Golf Club is located near downtown Tampa so it’s easy for locals and visitors to get to. Being close to the city means you can play golf without having to travel too far from the city amenities.

Course Design and Features

The golf course at Westchase has an 18-hole par 71 layout that is designed to fit in with the natural surroundings. The course has multiple water hazards and strategically placed sand bunkers that add beauty and challenge to the game. These require the golfer to think about each shot and make the game more interesting.

Maintenance and Scenery

Westchase Golf Club is known for its well-manicured greens and fairways. The club takes great care to make sure the playing surfaces are always in top shape so the game is smooth and enjoyable for all golfers. The scenic design of the course with natural flora and fauna makes the atmosphere peaceful and inviting and each round of golf an escape from the city.

Club Features

As a semi-private club Westchase Golf Club offers the private club feel while still open to non-members. This makes it a popular choice for all types of golfers. The club has a clubhouse where players can relax and socialize after their round and adds to the overall community feel of the club.

Why Golfers Love Westchase

Local golfers like Westchase for its balance. The course has enough challenges for more experienced players but not too many for beginners. This balance makes Westchase a favorite among a wide range of golfers from beginners to experienced players. The scenery and design only add to its appeal and make it a top golf destination in Tampa.

Rocky Point Golf Course

Rocky Point Golf Course is one of the most public courses in Tampa. Just a few minutes from Tampa International Airport this course has a mix of challenging and forgiving holes for all skill levels. Wide fairways and elevated greens make for an easy yet fun golfing experience. Plus with the bay nearby golfers get cool breezes and beautiful views.

Easy Access and Location

Rocky Point Golf Course is located just a few minutes from Tampa International Airport. So it’s one of the most convenient courses in the Tampa area for locals and travelers. Plus with Tampa Bay nearby golfers get cool breezes and beautiful water views restaurant.

Course Design and Layout

The design of Rocky Point Golf Course features wide open fairways and raised greens so it’s playable for all skill levels. This layout is forgiving so beginners can feel comfortable and more experienced golfers can work on their precision and control. It’s a mix of challenging and easy holes for everyone.

Playing Experience

Golfers will have a mostly easy game with some challenges to keep it interesting. The wide fairways give you plenty of room to hit the ball and not lose it or hit obstacles. The raised greens add an extra layer of challenge so you have to think carefully about your approach shots to score well.

Scenic and Environment

Being by the bay Rocky Point Golf Course has beautiful natural scenery that makes for a great golfing experience. The cool bay breezes make the game more comfortable and add a dynamic to play as the wind can affect the ball. Good weather, beautiful surroundings and well-maintained greens equals a perfect day out.

Why Golfers Play Rocky Point

Rocky Point Golf Course is a favorite among Tampa golfers for its friendly atmosphere and layout. It’s playable for all skill levels so it’s a family-friendly place where serious and casual golfers can have fun. The location and natural scenery are just the cherry on top so Rocky Point is the perfect place to play golf in Tampa.

Fox Hollow Golf Club

Fox Hollow Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Tampa. It has an award-winning Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. The par 71 layout is challenging because of the cleverly placed bunkers and water hazards. With rolling fairways and great conditions, Fox Hollow is a top-shelf golf experience.

Reputation and Design

Fox Hollow is one of the top golf courses in Tampa. The course was designed by the famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. who has designed some of the toughest and most beautiful courses in the world. Fox Hollow lives up to that reputation with its great layout and strategic design for serious golfers.

Course and Challenges

The Fox Hollow course is a par 71 and has many challenges that require thought and skill. The course has several bunkers (sand traps) and water hazards strategically placed to test your accuracy and decision-making. Each hole is different so you will use every club in your bag and think through each shot.

Fairways and Greens

One of the best features of Fox Hollow Golf Club is the condition of the fairways and greens. The course is maintained to the highest standards so the fairways are smooth and rolling and the greens are fast and true. This attention to detail gives you a consistent high-level playing experience that’s rewarding and challenging.

Scenic and Course Environment

In addition to the golf, Fox Hollow is beautiful. The course has rolling hills, mature trees and nicely manicured vegetation that adds to the visual and strategic complexity of the course. The natural terrain makes for an interesting round of golf with each hole a new view and a new challenge.

Why Golfers Love Fox Hollow

Fox Hollow is a favorite among Tampa golfers for several reasons. The challenging layout is a great course for experienced players to test their game while the scenery and conditions are a pleasure to play. The legacy of Robert Trent Jones Sr. attracts golfers who want to play on a course of his design.

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club

Just north of Tampa in Dade City is Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club with two 18-hole championship courses designed by Tom Lehman and Kurt Sandness. The courses have elevation changes with the South Course having a 94-foot drop – one of the biggest in Florida. The setting is beautiful and you get to play among native Floridian wildlife and lush vegetation.

Location and Setting

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is located in Dade City just north of Tampa so you can get away from the city noise. The club is situated in a pretty area with rolling hills and natural landscape so you get great views and a peaceful golfing experience.

Championship Courses

Two 18-hole championship courses were designed by Tom Lehman and Kurt Sandness. Both courses are known for their thoughtful design and challenging layout so Lake Jovita is a must-play for serious golfers.

Elevation Changes

One of the unique features of the South Course is the elevation changes. One of the holes has a 94-foot drop – one of the biggest in Florida. This adds to the scenery and introduces challenges not found in Florida’s flat terrain.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife

Playing golf at Lake Jovita is more than a game; it’s an experience that surrounds you in the natural beauty of Florida. The courses wind through native Floridian wildlife and lush vegetation so you get to see local wildlife and enjoy the area’s natural beauty as you play. This connection to nature adds to the relaxing and fun atmosphere of the club.

Golfing Experience

The courses at Lake Jovita are designed to challenge all skill levels. With strategic hazards, varied layouts and the natural undulation of the terrain each round presents new challenges and opportunities to play strategically. Plus the club’s great maintenance means the fairways and greens are always in great shape so you get a smooth golfing experience.

Why Golfers Choose Lake Jovita

Golfers come to Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club for the challenging golf, beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you want to test your game on the elevation changes or just want to play in a pretty setting Lake Jovita is the perfect golfing spot for both competitive and recreational golfers.

Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort

Host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is a must-play for any golfer in Tampa. This Packard-designed course is known for its beautiful tree-lined fairways and rolling hills. The resort has four courses but the Copperhead is the standout with its tough layout and the infamous “Snake Pit” (holes 16-18) one of the toughest finishes on the PGA Tour.

Premier Golfing Destination

Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort is a top pick for golfers not just in Tampa but nationally, because of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. Located in Palm Harbor just outside of Tampa, Innisbrook is a luxurious golf getaway for golf enthusiasts.

The Famous Copperhead Course

The Copperhead Course is the crown jewel of the four courses at the resort, designed by Larry Packard. The course is known for its beautifully maintained, tree-lined fairways that wind through rolling hills, beauty and strategy. The natural beauty of the area combined with the well-designed course makes Copperhead a favorite of pros and amateurs alike.

Challenging Layout and “Snake Pit”

Copperhead is beautiful but also challenging. It culminates in the “Snake Pit” (holes 16-18). This trio of holes is one of the toughest finishes on the PGA Tour, requiring precision and strategy to navigate. The challenge is amplified by distance, wind and hazards.

More Than Just Golf

While Copperhead may bring golfers to Innisbrook, the resort has much more to offer making it a full vacation destination. The other three courses offer different challenges and scenery, something for every skill level and preference. Innisbrook also has a full-service spa, multiple dining options and recreational activities so there’s something for everyone whether you come to golf or just relax.

Scenic Beauty and Wildlife

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast Innisbrook is surrounded by natural beauty. The courses wind through acres of woods, lakes and rolling hills, with scenic views and wildlife. This connection to nature makes the resort feel tranquil and luxurious.

Why Golfers Love Innisbrook

Golfers come to Innisbrook for a great golf experience, especially the Copperhead Course. The combination of great golf, luxury and natural beauty makes Innisbrook a top choice for those looking to play great golf and enjoy the amenities and services of a luxury resort. Whether you want to test your skills on a championship course or play a leisurely round in a beautiful setting Innisbrook delivers.

TPC Tampa Bay

TPC Tampa Bay is the course where you can live the PGA Tour life. Designed by Bobby Weed with Chi Chi Rodriguez as a consultant, this course is tough on the pros but fun for all skill levels. The course has a series of beautiful, challenging holes that wind through natural wetlands, cypress heads and lagoons, it’s a one-of-a-kind golf experience.

Premier Golfing Experience

TPC Tampa Bay gives golfers the chance to play a course designed for the PGA Tour. Located in the Tampa area, it’s a mix of pro-level challenge and fun for all golfers.

Design and Collaboration

The course was designed by Bobby Weed, a top golf course architect, with input from Chi Chi Rodriguez. This combination created a course that’s tough on the best golfers and fun for all skill levels. The design uses the natural terrain to make each hole unique and interesting.

Course Features and Landscape

TPC Tampa Bay is famous for its beautiful and challenging course that winds through natural wetlands, cypress heads and lagoons. These natural features are not just obstacles but part of the course’s character, adding beauty and requiring thought. Water is present on many holes so precision and shot selection is key to the overall challenge.

Scenic Beauty and Wildlife

Playing at TPC Tampa Bay is as much about enjoying the Florida natural beauty as it is about golf. The course is designed to blend in with the surroundings, offering great views and wildlife in their natural habitat. This connection to nature makes for a very memorable and peaceful golf experience.

Accessibility for All Skill Levels

Despite being a pro-designed course, TPC Tampa Bay is playable for golfers of all skill levels. The course has multiple tees on each hole so players can choose their level of challenge. This means families, friends and competitors of all abilities can play together, each finding their own challenges and rewards.

Why Golfers Choose TPC Tampa Bay

Golfers come to TPC Tampa Bay to play a course designed to PGA Tour standards. The top-level design, natural beauty and wildlife make for an unparalleled golfing experience. Whether you want to test your game on a tough course, play a leisurely round in a beautiful setting or just walk the same paths as the pros, TPC Tampa Bay has it all.

Cypress Run Golf Club

Exclusivity and luxury. That’s what you’ll find at Cypress Run Golf Club, a Tom Fazio design. This private club is famous for its immaculate conditions fast greens and a layout that demands precision and strategy. Several long par 4s and beautiful par 3s to challenge even the best golfers.

Exclusivity and Premier Design

Cypress Run Golf Club is exclusive and luxurious. Period. If you want a high-end golf experience, this is the place. Tom Fazio, one of the best architects in the business, created a challenging and beautiful course.

Course Layout and Challenges

The course at Cypress Run is designed to balance strategy and beauty. It has a variety of holes that require precise shots and thoughtful play. Several long par 4s that demand power and accuracy off the tee and approach. The par 3s are beautiful and protected with greens that require precise iron play.

Greens and Fairways

One of the best parts of Cypress Run is the greens, fast and smooth. This tests your putting skills and adds to the challenge of each round. The fairways are equally well maintained, with perfect lies and all.

Aesthetic Appeal and Natural Beauty

Cypress Run’s design doesn’t just challenge you, it pleases you. The course winds through natural wooded areas and incorporates the natural features of the land, cypress trees and water hazards. These add to the visual appeal and play a role in the game, affecting club selection and strategy.

Exclusivity and Membership Benefits

As a private club, Cypress Run is exclusive to its members, in a peaceful and quiet environment. Membership includes playing rights and access to all the club amenities and social events, a community for members.

Why Golfers Love Cypress Run

Golfers come to Cypress Run for a combination of challenge and luxury. The course is in perfect condition, the setting is beautiful and the exclusivity is unmatched. Members get the physical benefits of the course and the prestige and comfort of being part of a top-tier club.

The Club at Cheval

The Club at Cheval is for families and serious golfers, a full-service resort with a great golf course. Designed by Steve Smyers, the course has a challenging layout with strategic bunkers and unique water hazards. It’s known for being in great shape and a private club experience at a public course price.

Family-Friendly and Inclusive Atmosphere

The Club at Cheval is famous for being a welcoming place for families and serious golfers. This is the perfect spot for those looking for a golf venue that caters to all ages and skill levels, where everyone can have their day.

Course Design and Strategic Play

Designed by Steve Smyers, the course at Cheval requires you to think about every shot. The course is dotted with cleverly placed bunkers and innovative water hazards that add depth to the game and make you plan your way around each hole.

High Maintenance Standards

The course is in great shape. The greens are smooth and fast, the fairways are manicured. This high level of maintenance means every round at Cheval is enjoyable and free of course distractions.

Accessibility and Value

One of the best things about The Club at Cheval is that you can have a private club experience without the private club price. This is especially great for golfers who want the exclusivity and great conditions of a private club but at a public course price.

Amenities and Services

Beyond the golf course, The Club at Cheval has amenities to enhance the resort experience. A clubhouse to socialize, a pro shop with the latest gear and dining options to suit all tastes. For families, additional recreational facilities to keep non-golfers entertained while golfers play.

Why Golfers and Families Choose Cheval

Golfers and families come to The Club at Cheval for the great golf, strategic course and family-friendly amenities. The combination of challenging play for serious golfers and options for beginners and kids makes Cheval a place for all. The club’s high standards and value makes it a local and visitor favorite.

Babe Zaharias Golf Course

Babe Zaharias Golf Course is a beloved public golf course in Tampa, Florida. Named after the legendary Babe Didrikson Zaharias, it’s a golfers’ paradise for all levels. Named after one of the greatest female athletes of all time, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, it’s a piece of history. She was a golfer and so much more.

Course Layout and Features

Classic layout with a mix of challenging holes for all levels. Mature trees and strategically placed bunkers. Well-maintained fairways.

Ambience and Accessibility

Babe Zaharias Golf Course is a friendly place. A local favourite with affordable golf and a warm atmosphere. Open to everyone. Perfect for locals and visitors.

Why Play Here?

Golfers like Babe Zaharias Golf Course for its history, smooth greens and balance of challenge and playability. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking for a casual round, it’s a good time. Babe Zaharias Golf Course is a Tampa treasure. History, challenge, community.

The Eagles Golf Club

The Eagles Golf Club in Tampa, Florida is for everyone. Here’s the lowdown. The Eagles Golf Club is located at 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa, FL just outside of downtown Tampa. Easy to find and plenty of parking. Book a tee time on The Eagles Golf Club’s website or call the pro shop. Book ahead of time on weekends and holidays to ensure availability.

Course Layout

The club has two 18-hole courses: The Lakes and The Forest.

• The Lakes Course has great views and water hazards on many holes. Beautiful and challenging.
• The Forest Course has tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. A different set of challenges.

Preparing for Your Round

Get to the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time to check in at the pro shop and warm up. The club has a great practice facility with a driving range and putting greens.

Playing the Course

• Hole 1: Start with a par-4 to get your swing warmed up.
• Mid-Round: As you play, you’ll see a mix of par-3s, 4s and 5s. Pay attention to the layout and use a rangefinder if you have one.
• Signature Holes: Don’t miss the signature holes on each course. They’re tough and have great views.

Course Features

The Eagles Golf Club has a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar to hang out after your round. Pro shop has all the latest golf gear and apparel.

Tips to Enjoy Your Round

• Stay Hydrated: It’s Florida so drink plenty of water.
• Course Etiquette: Follow golf etiquette by fixing divots, raking bunkers and keeping up with the group in front.
• Enjoy the View: Take a moment to enjoy the nature and wildlife on the course.

After Your Round

After your round grab a bite to eat or a drink at the clubhouse. Friendly staff and a great atmosphere to hang out and share your round with other golfers. Come play! 

Conclusion

Golf in Tampa has many styles and settings for all levels of golfers. From the championship courses at Innisbrook and TPC Tampa Bay to the public courses like Rocky Point Tampa is a golf destination for golfers worldwide. Each course has its character and challenges so Tampa is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the best golf.

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