Western Florida

Camp Creek Golf Club
(1-866-521-2331)

Camp Creek opened in 2001 in the serene town of Seagrove. Just a little more than a quarter mile from the beaches of the gulf, 550 acres of lush vegetation set the stage for architect Tom Fazio, who spent over $18 million moving land and adding nine water hazards (which come into play on ten holes). Camp Creek captures the native western Florida atmosphere which is still home to scrub vegetation, weedy pines and sandy forests. As for the design, offset greens on many holes rewards drive placement over length. The greens are vintage Fazio: big and complex, many of them slightly elevated but with an open front. Camp Creek plays a daring 7,159 yards but has five sets of tees reducing length by 2,000 yards.
Fast fact: Camp Creek has a second course in preliminary stages of development.

SouthWood Golf Club (1-866-521-2331)

Tallahassee has always been a step behind the booming golf scene in Florida. But the opening of Southwood Golf Club in late 2002 gave Tallahassee natives and visitors something to get excited about. The magnificent aged oaks lining many of the holes give SouthWood an authentic southern flavor. The design team of Gene Bates and Fred Couples had the opportunity to work with some of the most coveted land they've ever crafted. In turn, no two holes are remotely alike. Rather than moving land, the restrained design allows the original landscape do the work, routing through low country, high country, open fields and secluded forest. SouthWood plays 7,172 yards from the "Boom Boom" tees and a mere 2,696 yards from the "Wee" tees.
Fast fact: SouthWood allows walking only for members. Non-members must ride.

Edgewater Beach Resort (1-866-521-2331)

Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City is not for the rowdy, college spring breaker. It's arguably the classiest, most upscale resort right on the beach in Panama City. Two miles down the road from the beachside hotel is the resort's 27-hole golf course, The Hombre. Resort owner Wes Burham designed each nine, The Bad and Ugly nines in 1989 and The Good in 2000. The Hombre is unique. It has a certain quirkiness to it only a course designed by a businessman and not an architect could possess -- but it works. The green complexes are challenging and original. The land, while flat contains plenty of variance in its hole designs. The Ugly is the longest nine at 3,427 yards, followed by The Bad (3,393) and the Good (3,170).
Fast fact: The clubhouse at the Hombre contains an authentic 10-by-8 portrait of Ben Hogan swinging his famed one iron on the 18th during the 1950 US Open at Merion.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (1-866-521-2331)

Boasting 73 holes, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the largest golf resort in Western Florida. But the growth hasn't stopped at Sandestin. In 2003, the town opened 42 retail shops and restaurants on a strip known as the Village of Baytowne Dwarf. The Links course, built in 1973, two years after the resort opened, is the original course. While 30 years old, the course is still visually striking with three holes along the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Baytowne Course, built in 1986, is a 27-hole stretch from the northern edge of the property down to the southern beaches. Both the beach and several views of the bay are seen during play. Baytowne also receives the highest volume of rounds out of all the Sandestin courses. The newest courses, The Raven built by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Burnt Pine, built by his brother Rees, once again took the resort to a new level. Covering flat and natural terrain, Burnt Pine came first in 1994 and is a semi-private course but allows tee times for guests. Opened in 2000, The Raven is a long, brawny course with wide fairways that often have hazards bordering both sides. The massive, undulating greens are also a highlight of the Raven. As expected at any resort this large, the service and amenities from parking lot to hotel room are top notch.
Fast fact: This land was originally sought by Disney before it bought its Orlando property.

Don Veller Seminole Golf Club (1-866-521-2331)

Don Veller Seminole Golf Club is conveniently located just minutes south of downtown Tallahassee and the Florida State University campus. Opened in 1962, it was originally home to the Florida State golf teams before SouthWood opened in 2002. Once known as a local course without much pizzazz, a recent $7 million boost to the course and facilities has upgraded its status to a respectable course, able to rival the big-time private club in Tallahassee, Golden Eagle. The layout is straightforward and welcoming to all skill levels. While the course may appear easy to skilled players, shooting low is still a difficult task.
Fast fact: Greens fees are a steal at the Seminole, ranging from $10-$32.

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