TPC Tampa Bay

Course was excellent!! Sarah on the cart was fantastic and provided excellent service

Greens are fast, course is immaculate even in early winter, and the course staff is friendly - this track makes for a great day of golf. From the blues, we were surprised how long the course played. Some par 4s were a solid wood or more away even after a strong tee shot. Par 3s were long and challenging but wide near the greens that allowed me to recover a few misguided shots. This place is absolutely one of the best courses in Florida.

Last time I visited TPC Tampa Bay, it looked much different as it was the last year for the Champions Tour event. Like all courses that build grandstands, corporate hospitality tents and other temporary structures for a tournament, there just seems to be a more wide-open feel when those are not in place. While it is unfortunate that this property no longer hosts what was one of the most enjoyable spectator events on the 50 and over professional tour, there is still quite a bit to praise. Both the practice areas and the golf course are in top condition and the greens play very firm, fast and true. Make no mistake, this course plays long from the blue tees...especially the closing stretch to get to the clubhouse. Fairway metals, hybrids and long irons will get plenty of action unless you have significant length with the driver. Honestly, the design of this particular TPC is much simpler than some of the others that host annual PGA Tour events at Louisiana, San Antonio, and Sawgrass. There's more of a resemblance to the layouts of Dye's Valley or Southwind as many holes will challenge you without "wowing" you. Employees here seem very laid back, but certainly attentive enough to make sure nothing is taken for granted. The TPC brand really does mean quality across the board and is never a negative experience for the above average player.

From start to finish this course offers challenges on almost every shot. Almost literally, miss the dead center of the fairway and you'll have a non-level lie. A few wide fairways off the tee, but second shots almost all have a very narrow target area. Miss the green and there's deep rough, mounds and traps.

Greens were in great condition and very fast. Most are large and have a ridge or tier. A few greens and depending on the pin position, might be on the green but have no line to the pin. And there are a few "false fronts" and elevated greens.

A tough course for me but I always enjoy playing a course where the pros have played a tournament.

Excellent practice areas and usually easy to get a tee time.