Pensacola Country Club

I played this Florida panhandle course recently. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. The course condition was very good taking into consideration there has been no rain in a month. The cart girl was beautiful. She came around frequently to offer cold drinks. It was still very hot. 19th hole grill was friendly and nice overlooking the bay. I’m glad I had an opportunity to play here.

One of the bag room boys at Pensacola Country Club told me that Champions Tour player Joe Durant calls it “the toughest easy course anywhere.” Spot on, Joe.

Pensacola is a charming layout that lays burdens on the golfer patiently. It’s fairly wide open and not terribly long, but between the reliably breezy conditions, firm turf and just-right green undulations, it keeps the strong golfer off-kilter but is not that onerous on the higher handicapper. Holes like the short par-5 14th and drivable par-4 16th are tempting, but missing on the wrong side of either green is a great way to make a bogey. Pensacola, like any quality member’s course, bears some figuring out. I could play it every day.

This is to update my prior review of this course. The new greens have opened and they are excellent. I was surprised how well the greens would hold shots being brand new. The greens were stimping at 11, very smooth and true.
The washout of the ditch on hole #15 had been repaired.
It was a little more crowded than before but only had to wait once the whole round. There were no tee times but was able to tee off as soon as we were ready. The new superintendent had the course in excellent condition. The golf pro, the GM and the superintendent all visited with us to make sure everything was up to our expectations.
Extremely enjoyable round of golf and meal afterwards for our entire group. The red fox, bald eagle and ospreys were a surprise since this course was no more than 5 minutes from downtown Pensacola and about the same from Pensacola Naval Air Station. The Naval Air Museum is a great visit as well to compliment the golf and the beaches.

The course is by far the best course in the area but it is private. Try calling the pro or asking your pro to call to arrange play. No tee times, no wait, went straight to tee after warming up and never waited anytime during the round.

Be prepared though temporary greens until September 1st. Hired new superintendent and switched greens to tiff eagle. New greens looked ready to play but won't allow it until September. Remainder of course was excellent. Obvious this course is private. Much more is spent on course than other courses in area. Some washout on creek on hole 15 which doesn't effect play. Was told they had 27 inches of rain in 24 hour period several months ago creating the washout.

Practice area was really good but take a cart from clubhouse to range. They provide cart to range even if you plan to walk during play.

Staff was first rate and friendly. Try to arrange to eat there. You will not be disappointed.

The 18th is a par 3 which runs along Pensacola Bay looking out toward the island and the gulf. Beautiful way to finish, green is really long. Make sure you use a range finder.

I have played every course in the area and this is the only course I could give 5 stars. The hardest part (other than finding the road to turn on as there is no sign until reaching the entrance gate) was getting on the course. Don't be surprised if you see the course designer, Jerry Pate. He seems to be there often.

PCC is an great experience, starting at the staging area with a beautiful clubhouse greeting you. The layout of the course is great, nothing overly difficult but if you place your tee shot in the wrong area you will be challenged to save par. The course is not long, but dose'nt need to be as the course will challenge you off the tee. The #18 hole will be my favorite memory of this course, a Par 3 that over looks the Pensacola Bay, what a way to finish a great round. If you get a chance to play PCC make sure you do.