Tampa, with its sunny skies and lush landscapes, is a golfer’s paradise, boasting an array of courses that cater to all skill levels. From championship layouts to more forgiving short courses, the region offers a diversity of golfing experiences. In this article, we explore the top ten golf courses in Tampa, each providing unique challenges and exquisite scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, these courses promise to deliver memorable rounds and exceptional golfing adventures.
Key Takeaways
- TPC Tampa Bay is not only a top course in Tampa but also one of the top five in Florida, offering a challenging championship layout through natural landscapes.
- Rogers Park Golf Course – Short Course and Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club are accessible public courses that provide a high-quality golfing experience.
- Carrollwood Country Club features three different course configurations, each offering its own unique challenges and pristine conditions.
- University of South Florida Golf Course – The Claw is known for its distinct character and the natural beauty that surrounds it, making for a unique golfing experience.
- Plantation Palms Golf Club rounds out the top ten with its well-maintained fairways and greens, offering a satisfying round for golfers of all levels.
1. TPC Tampa Bay
TPC Tampa Bay is a testament to the confluence of challenge and beauty. Located just a 20-minute ride from Tampa International Airport, this course is not only accessible but also a part of the prestigious PGA Tour Golf Course Properties. Designed by Bobby Weed, with Chi Chi Rodriguez as a consultant, the course meanders through natural wetlands and lagoons, offering an experience that is as visually stunning as it is testing for golfers of all levels.
TPC Tampa Bay has been named one of the Top Five Courses in Florida. It’s a par 71, 18-hole championship course that has hosted numerous Champions Tour events, reflecting its high caliber.
The course offers a variety of tees to suit different skill levels:
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPC | 71 | 6898 yd | 73.9 | 139 |
| Blue | 71 | 6610 yd | 72.6 | 136 |
| Green | 71 | 6332 yd | 70.8 | 133 |
| White | 71 | 6008 yd | 68.8 | 129 |
| Silver | 71 | 5519 yd | 66.8 | 123 |
| Red (W) | 71 | 4990 yd | 68.8 | 118 |
While some have expressed disappointment with the course’s management and conditions, many others praise its layout, conditions, and amenities. It’s clear that TPC Tampa Bay offers a diverse experience, much like the top golf courses in New Orleans.
2. Rogers Park Golf Course – Short Course
Rogers Park Golf Course, a public gem established in 1952, is not only steeped in history but also offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. Designed by Ron Garl, the course features a par of 72 and stretches over 6802 yards, providing a perfect blend of difficulty and playability.
With a course rating of 72.2 and a slope rating of 121, Rogers Park is well-regarded for its excellent conditions and layout. Golfers frequently praise the course for its well-maintained greens and fairways, ensuring a high-quality golfing experience.
Rogers Park is celebrated for its fine driving range and a three-hole course that is ideal for honing your short game.
Here’s a quick glance at the tee options available:
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6802 yards | 72.2 | 121 |
| Blue | 72 | 6318 yards | 69.9 | 115 |
| White | 72 | 5820 yards | 66.8 | 108 |
| Gold | 72 | 5111 yards | 64.5 | 102 |
Located at 7911 N 30th St, Tampa, Florida, Rogers Park is a convenient and accessible choice for local and visiting golfers alike.
3. Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club
The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club offers a unique blend of challenge and accessibility, making it a favorite among Tampa golfers. With its well-maintained fairways and greens, players can enjoy a round of golf in a serene environment that is both rewarding and demanding.
While the course may not boast the extensive amenities of some other clubs, it compensates with the quality of the golfing experience. The layout is designed to be player-friendly yet provides enough complexity to keep even the most seasoned golfers engaged.
The Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club is a testament to the tradition of the game, providing a golfing experience that is steeped in history yet vibrant and alive today.
For those looking to improve their game, the club also offers various instructional programs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always room to refine your skills and strategy on this historic course.
4. Babe Zaharias Golf Course
The Babe Zaharias Golf Course stands out as a historical gem in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1952 and designed by Ron Garl, it offers a year-round golfing experience with a classic layout that challenges golfers of all levels.
With its well-maintained Bermuda grass fairways and greens, the course provides a consistent playing surface that both novices and seasoned players can enjoy.
The course is public, allowing golfers easy access to its amenities, which include a driving range, golf school academy, and a putting green. The clubhouse serves as a welcoming space for relaxation and refreshment after a round of golf.
Here’s a quick glance at the course ratings:
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value | 3.8 |
| Layout | 4.0 |
| Pace | 3.6 |
| Amenities | 3.5 |
| Staff Friendliness | 4.2 |
Golfers have consistently praised the course for its friendly staff and the overall value it offers. With a recommendation rate of 79.0%, it’s clear that the Babe Zaharias Golf Course holds a special place in the hearts of those who play it.
5. Carrollwood Country Club – Pines/Cypress Course
The Carrollwood Country Club – Pines/Cypress Course is a private resort that offers an exceptional golfing experience. With a rating of 4.9, it stands out as one of Tampa’s finest. The course is well-maintained and provides a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
The serene atmosphere and meticulously groomed fairways make for a memorable round of golf.
Members have access to a variety of amenities and the club’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operation. The course has received positive reviews for its layout and the quality of the greens, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Here’s a quick glance at the course details:
- Rating: 4.9
- Number of Reviews: 9
- Course Type: Private/Resort
- Location: Tampa, Florida
6. Carrollwood Country Club – Cypress/Meadows Course
The Carrollwood Country Club – Cypress/Meadows Course stands out as a premier golfing destination in Tampa, Florida. With a high rating of 4.9 from golf enthusiasts, it’s clear that this private/resort course offers an exceptional experience.
The course is known for its meticulous maintenance and management, a testament to the capable hands that ensure its pristine condition. The attention to detail is evident across the emerald greens, providing a visually stunning and enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.
The Carrollwood Country Club – Cypress/Meadows Course is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier golfing experience in Tampa.
While the course is private, the high praise it receives makes it a coveted spot for golfers looking to challenge themselves on well-manicured fairways and greens. Whether you’re a local member or a visitor with access, this course is sure to leave a lasting impression.
7. Carrollwood Country Club – Meadows/Pines Course
Nestled in the heart of Tampa, the Carrollwood Country Club – Meadows/Pines Course stands out as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. With its meticulously maintained fairways and challenging layout, it offers a golfing experience that is both rewarding and enjoyable.
The Meadows/Pines Course is known for its exceptional conditions and has received a high rating from golfers. Here’s a quick glance at the course’s key details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Type | Private/Resort |
| Course Rating | 4.9 |
| Number of Reviews | 9 |
This course is a testament to Florida’s top golf courses, which offer diverse challenges and scenic beauty.
Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy a day out on the greens, the Meadows/Pines Course at Carrollwood Country Club is a must-visit. Its serene environment and well-thought-out design ensure a memorable golfing experience.
8. University of South Florida Golf Course – The Claw
Nestled in the heart of Tampa, the University of South Florida Golf Course, affectionately known as ‘The Claw’, offers a unique challenge to golfers of all levels. With a rating of 2.4128235294 from 835 reviews, it’s a course that demands precision and strategy.
The Claw is a public course that provides an affordable yet quality golfing experience. Its distinctive layout, characterized by natural terrain and wildlife, sets it apart from the typical Florida golf course.
The Claw’s reputation among local and visiting golfers is a testament to its engaging design and the quality of its fairways and greens.
Whether you’re a student, alumni, or a golf enthusiast looking for a new challenge, The Claw is a course that should not be missed when exploring the best courses you can play in Florida.
9. Northdale Golf Club
Northdale Golf Club, established in 1976 and designed by Ron Garl, is a semi-private golf course that offers a blend of traditional design and modern challenges. With a 3.7 rating from 492 reviews, it’s clear that golfers appreciate the course’s features.
Northdale Golf Club is known for its well-maintained fairways and greens, providing a satisfying experience for golfers of all levels.
The course is conveniently located near the city, making it easily accessible for a quick round or a leisurely day on the links. Golfers highlight the course’s challenges, including bunkers and water hazards, which require strategic play and careful shot selection.
Facilities at Northdale include a clubhouse and a driving range, among others. The course also offers a golf school academy and teaching professionals to help improve your game. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Northdale Golf Club is a great choice for your next golf outing.
10. Plantation Palms Golf Club
Wrapping up our list is the Plantation Palms Golf Club, a public course known for its excellent value and challenging layout. With a rating of 4.0651 from over 700 reviews, it’s clear that golfers appreciate the well-maintained greens and the friendly staff that make a round here a pleasant experience.
The course’s conditions and pace of play consistently receive high marks, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
Here’s what golfers are saying about Plantation Palms Golf Club:
- Great course for the money
- Challenging with fast greens
- Continues to improve
- Excellent value for the experience
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Tampa, Plantation Palms Golf Club is a must-play for any golfer looking for a great round without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Exploring the top golf courses in Tampa has been a journey through lush fairways, challenging greens, and breathtaking landscapes. From the championship-caliber TPC Tampa Bay with its natural wetlands and cypress heads to the variety of public and private courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels, Tampa offers a diverse golfing experience. Whether you’re seeking the prestige of private clubs like Old Memorial Golf Club or the accessibility of public courses such as Rogers Park, there’s a course in Tampa to satisfy every golfer’s preference. As we wrap up our tour of the top ten golf courses in Tampa, it’s clear that the city’s golf scene is as vibrant and inviting as its sunny skies. So grab your clubs, book your tee times, and enjoy the exceptional golfing adventures that Tampa has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes TPC Tampa Bay one of the top golf courses in Tampa?
TPC Tampa Bay is recognized as one of the top golf courses due to its championship layout designed by Bobby Weed with Chi Chi Rodriguez as a consultant, its beautiful setting winding through natural wetlands and lagoons, and its history of hosting 21 consecutive Champions Tour events.
What type of grass is used on the greens and fairways at TPC Tampa Bay?
TPC Tampa Bay features Bermuda Grass on both its greens and fairways, which is well-suited for the Florida climate and provides excellent playing conditions year-round.
Is TPC Tampa Bay open to the public?
Yes, TPC Tampa Bay is open to the public, allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy this top-rated championship course.
What are the yardage and par for TPC Tampa Bay?
TPC Tampa Bay is a par 71 golf course that can be played from 4,990 yards from the forward tees to just under 7,000 yards from the tips, catering to a wide range of golfers.
Can beginners play at TPC Tampa Bay?
Yes, beginners can play at TPC Tampa Bay. The course offers a variety of teeing areas to accommodate different skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all players.
How can I book a tee time at TPC Tampa Bay?
Tee times at TPC Tampa Bay can be booked by calling the course directly at (866) 752-8872 or (813) 949-0090, or by visiting their website or a golf booking platform.