Ardea Country Club - North Course

I was visiting from out of town and decided to play here since a lot of reviews bragged about the north course. It was nice but not overly impressed. Course was in very good condition. Tee boxes could use some love in places but fairways were in very good shape and greens rolled well. Course had some interesting holes. I was a single that could not join anyone unless I wanted to wait an hour, decided to go. Got stuck behind a group of kids with no etiquette what so ever. Cart girl ignored me the 3 times I saw her, was too busy flirting with the kids in front of me. I may give it another shot if in the area but did not leave a lasting impression.

The wife and I played the North course at 11:30 Sunday morning and had a great experience. The course was in fantastic shape with the greens rolling 10 plus on the stimp. Fairways were in decent shape for this early in the season. Nice blend of long and short holes as well as doglegs left and right. Lot of water on the course but much of it is lateral and not that many forced carries. If you like to hit a few drivers before your round,get there a little early. There is a “ short range” right near the pro shop which limits you to shots of 150 yards or less. The longer range is about a 5 minute cart ride away. I will definitely play this course again next trip to the Tampa area.

There are two courses at East Lake Woodlands GCC, South and North. We didn't play the South but staff mentioned it was more wide open and generally easier to score there if that is your intention. My buddy and I were down there from Toronto Canada to play golf for a few days while the snow flew in Ontario. My friend is a good golfer (HC 8-10), I'm overtly average (HC 16-17). We were looking for course beauty, layout and overall experience, which is why we chose the North course (score be damned). The course was simply spectacular. I've played a lot of courses in FLA and this was one of the most beautiful and memorable. Virtually impossible to walk, with long drives between each hole, through gorgeous FLA swamp and woodlands.Greens were in great shape and fairways as well. Yes, there were narrow and it's best to hit it straight but I'd suggest you play it regardless of your HC, simply for the natural beauty (some stunning homes back there too - wow).

First time on the course today.

Course was in perfect condition for an early April day and the greens were consistent through the entire round.

For a Western PA guy it always takes some time to get used to the lack of elevation changes and the slight lack of carry being at sea level but this course has bail out areas that take the sting out of the acclamation process.

If I lived down here I'd be a member.

Played the North Course on a warm and humid June morning, just a few days before they will aerify the greens. Course was in excellent shape - fairways, greens, bunkers, and everything. Not terribly long, but challenging. The biggest thing is you need to be able to hit it straight. I think 14 out of the 18 holes have water in play. even without the water, the fairways are pretty skinny due to the number and proximity of trees. It's probably not much fun to play if you're hitting it crooked. Good day, friendly staff, enjoyed the course. Recommend.

King for a day, or at least that is what it feels like golfing at East Lake Woodlands Country Club.  This country club has an aristocratic flair, a caring and personal staff with attention to detail, and amenities worthy of a King. This "Royal" atmosphere can easily be compare to a Kings' Court during the time of Camelot. The timeless elegance of East Lake Woodlands is experienced throughout the clubhouse, which includes a dedicated dining room with an executive chef, Pro shop, locker rooms, fitness center, banquet and meeting rooms, tennis courts, swimming pool, and a delightfully charming grille. It also has two championship golf courses (North and South), and the largest practice facilities in the Tampa area. East Lake Woodlands mission is to establish relationships, a passion for excellence, and a commitment to be the Best for its members and guest.
     The course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. Both are world renowned golf course designers having built courses like Doral Blue Monster, The White Witch in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and El Conquistador in Puerto Rico to name a few. Their successful design of East Lake Woodlands as visually pleasing as it is playable.
     I played the North course at the East Lake Woodlands and it's the more difficult of the two courses. The day I played was sunny but had rained the night before and the temperature was in the mid 60's. I played the Blue tees which has a slope rating of 71.0/141 and measures 6241 yards. There are 5 sets of tee boxes and the Championship tee measures 6616 yards, with a 73.0/147 slope rating. The pristine beauty of the course is enhanced by the abundant wildlife such as wild turkeys, exotic birds, and deer. The course's excitement level is raised by the narrow but playable fairways lined with palm, oak, and pine trees, and heavy vegetation throughout. Water canals and ponds run the length of the several fairways, and some cross in front of a few greens. Let's not forget the 80 well placed bunkers, and grassy mounds which add to the excitement level and maybe even your blood pressure. Yes, the course is visually pleasing, but don't let the smooth taste fool you. You get a eerie bewitching feeling or nightmare as if something is about to go wrong as you pay homage to this course. Grab that extra sleeve of balls before heading out just in case the course demons take a liking to you.
     Standing on the first tee box, the view is visually intimidating. This par 5 fairway is narrow off the tee, with water all the down the left side. The left rough slopes towards the water, and there are mounds that will accelerate the speed of your ball towards the hazard. The fairway snakes a little and just beyond the first cut of rough on the right side of the fairway are trees that line the rough and go the full distance of the hole. Grassy mounds are also on the right side of the fairway, just before the trees. You will also notice some well placed bunkers throughout the fairway and some protecting the green. Beyond the trees on the right is the cart path, more rough, and Out of Bound stakes. Overshoot the fairway on the left and there's a good chance you are in the water. Missing the fairway right and landing in the trees leaves you with very few options to advance the ball. You definitely do not want to go out of bounds on this hole, so select a club you can hit 200 to 240 yards straight. From there the hole opens up for a better look at the green. Once on the green you will notice that they are true and fast. Being honest about the use of your driver will save you strokes and increase your enjoyment for the day.
     The signature holes are 3, 10, and 13. The course is in excellent shape and a good value for the money. I have played this course a few times and I look forward to playing it again. I would recommend East Lake Woodlands Country Club to all golfers.

One Happy Golfer
H Bell  (Golf Enthusiast)

Finally received the opportunity to play this Tampa Bay Area course as a member's guest and I was not at all disappointed. While the restaurant was under renovation, the entire day was very comfortable and employees were simply there when you needed them. Practice facilities are well-maintained and the North course was also in very good condition. The layout is rather simple, but certainly has its share of challenges that can be penal on errant or aggressive shots. Most holes vary in length enough to allow for use of multiple clubs and there are definitely birdie putts out there for quality ball striking. The finish is a rather difficult combination of doglegs...one left, that is literally a 90 degree angle Par 4 with trouble everywhere and the other turns right almost 90 degrees as a Par 5 with water swallowing any approach shots that come up just short of the green. Not sure if I will become a member or not, but my experience was certainly worth inquiring about all my options to play here again.