Banyan Creek Golf Club

Underwhelming from the start. Went for a birthday outing with hopes to play and firm fast private club. Barely a bag drop, unwelcoming staff. What looked like a mini golf facility driving up, wasn’t far off. Some of the worst artificial turf I’ve seen, felts and hit/putt off of EVER! Areas look like they were melted and seems don’t match. Up. Not sure what company they used but someone got one over on Banyan Creek. I remember when this place had a professional level practice/warm up area. It’s now a hokey, poorly designed and equipped short game area/putting green. Same low quality turf on the range though I chose to hit off of the grass. With that said practice putting greeen was dreadful SLOOOW. Was hoping the concourse experience would be different, IT WASN’T, they were actually SLOWER, GRAINER, AND INCONSISTENT. The course is lined with homes on either side for most of the holes. Since I last played here is not in great shape. Tee boxes need work and leveling, fairways have bare patches along with some greens. No on course amenities. Wish I had something nice to say but it was an overpriced disappointment from beginning to end. They must really be struggling for money and memberships because some tiny man from the “pro shop” kept trying to get me to join! Some crazy talk about 16 months for 12 month price?!? Lol like a bad used car salesman. I feel badly for the membership and can see why they’re offering public and reduced rate memberships. It’s a shame.

When I saw that a private course has a “preview” for $150 I was like sure why not let’s check it out. It just doesn’t have the look and feel like a private course. When I think of a private course I think of Admirals Cove or Cape Club. This place ain’t that. The greens roll good, but the fairways and rough / treed areas aren’t that pretty and good. To me not worth the $150. If you’re going to spend that go play PGA or Astor Creek or Florida Club (all probably less money and better play).

Banyan Creek Golf Club stunned me the second I drove in. Huge Banyan tree that is just breathtaking. Never seen one like it.

The course was absolutely stunning as well. Almost every green was elevated and they were very undulating. False fronts that really challenged me that day. Kinda felt like I was on TV since thats the only time I see things like that. They have "waste areas" with plants throughout the area that really make you feel like your not in Florida. I am extremely shocked that they don't have many members but maybe thats because no one knows about it yet. Kevin was a real gem, he was extremely helpful and knew how to treat me. I was allowed to walk the course which was also nice.

If I lived in Florida more than 2 months a year I would definitely become a member of this awesome course.

Last thing, no clubhouse yet but they do have drinks and snacks just in case.

Having read a bit over the last year about the revival of the former Crane Creek course at Martin Downs Country Club, which closed over a decade ago, I was eager to take the opportunity to check it out. I found the new-look, new-name Banyan Creek to be a solid addition to an already strong private course scene around South Florida.

With architects Harry Bowers and Tom Pearson each guiding the design, Banyan Creek is not long on eye candy but does offer an enjoyable test of golf. It plays decently firm and fast, and most greens accept run-up shots if the need or desire arises. The greens have a lot of subtle bumps and humps that make lag-putting and putt-reading a particular challenge. The course has only 37 members so head pro Kevin Nutt and I practically had the place to ourselves. The course is also one of the more walkable in the area, which I consider a significant plus.

If you're a member of a private club yourself, you can arrange to play Banyan Creek if you find yourself in the area. I recommend it.