South Course at Big Cypress Golf & Country Club

Big Cypress Golf & Country Club is located within the 55+ gated community of Cypress Lakes on Route 98 in Lakeland, Florida, and is one of the most active adult communities in Florida. As you drive from the guard shack at the front gate to the clubhouse, you’ll pass crowded pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts. And there is always something going on at the clubhouse; both pools are very active, as you’ll discover as you make your way to the range.

The two golf courses are the centerpiece of the community. The clubhouse is well-decorated, and the pro shop is well-stocked. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

Both golf courses at Cypress Lakes are built on a swamp so the surrounding terrain is perfectly flat. Florida golf is characterized by water, sand, and palm trees and Big Cypress is no different. Water comes into play on at least 11 holes on the South Course and 16 on the North Course so you may want to take a few extra golf balls.

The South Course was designed by renowned golf course architect and Lakeland, Florida native, Ron Garl and has been recognized by Golf Digest, Florida Golfer, and Senior Golfer magazines for its par-72 championship-caliber layout. It is also ranked the #3 Best Golf Course in Florida by Golfers’ Choice in 2023.

From the Black Tees, the South Course plays 6,588 yards with a course rating of 72.1 and a slope of 134. Move up to the Green Tees (5,998/69.4/125) and you’ll save considerable yardage on a couple of holes and still have a great time. The South Course features Bermuda tee boxes and fairways, and Diamond Zoysia greens. Diamond Zoysia has excellent tolerance to low light conditions and does well in salty soils and high traffic. It also holds shots very well!

To create a little character for the South Course, Garl trucked in a lot of dirt and created mounding on a few of the fairways and along the peripheries. Not only does this add to the aesthetics of the course, but it also creates the odd uneven lie! And it helps to shield a few holes from the outside traffic on Route 98.

Several holes on the South course are tight and require a certain amount of driving accuracy off the tee. It may not be the longest course in the area, but if you don't keep the ball in play, the length doesn't matter.

Two very memorable holes on the South Course are par 5s. Number 3 plays 507 yards from the back tees, and from back here it’s a legitimate par 5. Move up to the Green Tees (438 yards) and it’s a chance to pick up a shot or two. From up here, the trees on the left are reachable off the tee. With that in mind, play down the right side of the fairway; another good aiming point is the billboard in the distance. A good drive will leave the option to go for the green in two; if that’s not a possibility, play your layup shot toward the right side. This will take the water on the left out of play. Hit your approach shot over the green and you’ll most likely find that water. This hole is a good test of both control and accuracy.

Number 12 is a 590-yard, par 5. It plays every bit of its length because most players won't be able to hit driver off the tee. If you have great control of your driver, it’s possible to play down the right side around the lake but beware of the woods to the right. Even with a good tee shot and a layup shot, you will still be faced with a fairly long approach shot into an elevated green which slopes back to front and is guarded front right by a large bunker.

Big Cypress has some good practice facilities, too. There’s a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. There’s also a massive practice green that can accommodate any size outing. And, if your game’s not up to par, Big Cypress has on-staff resident golf professionals who can help with individual lessons or group clinics. They can also help arrange tournaments and leagues. Inside the pro shop, you’ll find all of the necessary golf accessories from golf clubs to logoed clothing.

Regardless of which course you play, you’ll encounter superb conditions. Golf Course Superintendent Gary Newcomb says “At Big Cypress, maintenance is a top priority. We try to provide well-manicured fairways and greens that are consistently in good shape.” His biggest challenge is finding staff that is willing to work. “Any superintendent that tells you staffing is not their #1 challenge probably isn’t telling you the truth.”

Big Cypress Golf Course General Manager Allan Tener wants golfers to know that both Big Cypress courses are open to the public. “ A lot of people in the area think that just because we are in a gated community, we are not open to the public,” says Tener. “Once golfers realize that they can play here and give us a try, we’re sure they’ll come back. And with rates that are lower than most courses in the area, you can save a few dollars at the same time.”

Cypress Lakes and the Big Cypress Golf Club are less than an hour’s drive from both Orlando and Tampa. If you're in the Lakeland area, Big Cypress is worth checking out.

A VERY NICE COURSE WITH FAST TRUE GREENS. WORTH A BOOKING FOR SURE

Great course in great condition. Greens were very fast but true. Course is challenging especially playing it for the first time. Highly recommended..

It was obvious the pro shop doesn’t like outsides or younger people playing. I’ve course, it pro shop was rude when checking in. Felt more like a retirement home and outsiders not welcomed. At least this was the feeling out party of three felt.

Great course for the price. That’s why I’ve went twice in the last 30 days. Tee boxes are alright by fairways and especially the greens are in nice condition. Greens are a good fast roll.

A variety of birds and also baby to large gators all around the South course.

I booked north course until I realized it’s half the yardage with over 10 par 3’s. Keep that in mind.

Clubhouse is nice and Philly flatbread is pretty good as well.

If the price remains this way for winter it would keep me coming back. It beats Huntington hills and other courses in Lakeland for the price.

Most of the south course is narrow and somewhat challenging depending what you compare to.

I’d recommend this course to avid golfers.

From start to finish everything was fantastic. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. The course was in great shape and the greens rolled as expected or seen. There are some holes where target golf is needed to help you stay away from trouble and get to the green.

The residents do t let you play through, at least not the ones that I ran into at about hole 14. They knew we were there but didn’t offer to let us through.

Overall this course was amazing. I highly recommend playing here

Enjoyed the course and layout. Course was in great shape including tees, fairways, and greens that rolled true. Ended up playing the round in @4.5 hrs which was the only downside. There was a little waiting on the first several holes, but then it became better as the round went on. Lots of wildlife and gators which added to the beauty of the course. The course is in a community but the houses were not right on top of the course and the fairawys were plenty wide so if your tee shots leaked a little you weren't overly punished. Definitely will play it again.