University of South Florida Golf Course - The Claw

We have not played this course in while. We were early for our tee time, but there was a group of 30? Golfers ahead of us. 30 golfers...how is that possible or practical? We ended up starting on the back nine with a wait because others had the same idea. Course is in good shape ....difficult as usual. The clubhouse is in total disrepair. We were shocked! I know we have Covid restrictions, but this building looks like it has been going down for longer than than 12 months of pandemic. Hope they have plans to fix it. We will have to think twice before booking again.

Greens were pretty good but the course itself, although not bad layout, could do with some TLC.. There were no serviced carts available at 11.52am...had to use an unserviced cart on its return....no attendant in sight.

The course is good. The carts were filthy. No amenities. Buildings falling in. USF must have something else in mind for the use of this land use.

Great course. Wet and windy. Never a good combo for golf. Played long and tough. Reviews are justified. Tough layout for the average joe. A couple grrens need love but overall in great shape. Greens hold and putt good. Will be back to test The Claw again.

The claw is a challenging course off the tee and is fun to play. Compared to the last time I played here last year, the course is in better shape. Course was soggy from some rain. Greens were rolling pure and looked good for the price you pay. Only played the front 9, once the course dries up a bit it should be in good shape.

The course was in better than average shape. Greens were nice. The course was fun to play, but it’s like a ghost town for amenities. The Pro Shop is is in a “temporary” mobile shack. The clubhouse has been closed for over a year. My guess is that USF put money into renovating the clubhouse. Guessing the last hurricane to hit the Tampa area did too much damage to warrant rebuilding! Nice footprint if a private management firm wanted to make some money. Steady play for a good price!

I played today with a friend (2 players) on the 2nd hold we caught up to the group ahead of us. There were 3 young men in ! cart with ! golf bag playing. Each young man was playing sharing clubs, to say the least it was very slow. After 2 holes we called the pro-shop and they sent out a marshall.

The marshall just brought them one more cart and let them play out of ! golf bag. The play continued to be very slow with 3 people playing out of 1 golf bag. 3 people putting sharing one putter. At the turn we complained again and the staff said that they did not care if they played out on 1 bag.

I have never played on a golf course that would allow 3 players to play out of one bag. We went around the group at the turn and finished at a normal pace. I will never play the Claw again. Very unprofessional staff.

We had to wait for a golf cart, 20 minutes. Pace of play was very bad.

This is a challenging course! The fairways were so wet the ball just stopped on landing. There was absolutely no roll. oddly though, The greens were running so fast. The players behind us were extremely rude and hitting before we were clear, many times coming very close to us. No ranger on the course. Frustrating play.

The clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant, (was told by staff) have been closed/condemned for last 18 months. only a shipping container available for pro shop. porta jons
Driving range for public, ball machine not working, heard the ball picker was broke, they have to hand pick.

positives: The greens are in good shape, Teeing area acceptable, pace of play good, 4hr round. Pro Shop Staff very nice and helpful.
some of the bunkers on back 9 had been refurbished.

Negatives: fairways poor, area around greens, hardly playable, For a D1 program home course, embarrassing

It was my first time playing this course. I really enjoyed it. Moderate difficulty. It took me 4 hours playing 4 people. I recommended.

I've got to say, whether it's the weather or the work on the course...the Claw looks great. Fairways were green and well maintained. Greens were fast and pure. Tee boxes were a bit less cared for, but that's ok.
All in all...it's a great value for golf in Tampa Bay.