St. James Bay Golf Club

I live in Tallahassee, and have played St James Bay many times in the past. But it has been since last year since I've been here, during an FSGA event, and I came again today for another FSGA one day event. I've played this course in every conceivable weather condition from hot and sticky, to cold and wet, to windy, etc. DIscounting it being a bit chilly when we teed off, the course is next to impossible to actually play and be honest with yourself about it being a true test of golf. We had 10 players in the FSGA event, and the field averaged 99 strokes. One guy just quit after five holes out of frustration it was so bad. Dirt for tee boxes, and the fairways were patchy at best, and because this was an FSGA event we had to play the ball down. I managed my way to a 78, but even with that this was just borderline torture forcing people to play the ball as it lies. I'd suggest preferred lies if you decide to play this course, but good luck finding any grass to put your ball on. The only positive is that the greens are puttable and have somewhat decent roll to them. But honestly, if you make it to the green to have a putt you should be given a medal. I honestly hate seeing this course deteriorate like this, as it's probably one of the most demanding and challenging golf courses in the area. But you need decent conditions to give the average golfer a fair chance here. And this is definitely not a fair fight. Save your money, and play somewhere else.

Sorry to report that the course is not up to its reputation nor capabilities . I have played this course since it’s opening. It was deeply challenging for the average golfer and a test for the best; good amenities, good food and a great get away for groups of golfers looking for fun.. About 5-6 years ago the maintenance program went south. Ironically Bob Walkers greens endured and I still give them a 10 rating, but traps only 6 or 7, tee boxes 5 or 6, and fairways are 3 to 5 at best. I cannot attest to the front 9. W/o any warning they closed and punched the front 9 on a beautiful Saturday, so we played the back 9 twice, as if once wasn’t enough. What golf course on the beach in Florida punches their greens on a weekend? I rest my case! Save your money, go to PC or Tallahassee and send SJBGC a message. Terrible!

Greens. Perfect

They really need more info on the tee of each hole

Unless you’ve been there some holes you don’t know where to go

Must think about every shot and where you need to hit it, buts it fun,OH by the way if you can't do this bring extra balls! I was able to only lose three balls,not bad for a 14 handicap.

Love playing here, visiting the area for 5 weeks have played here 4 times can’t wait to come back next year and play here again.

Played 3 times

Off line or poor lay up punishes you

3 birdies 3 doubles 3 three putts 81

Not for high handicap player unless you like punishment and bring lots of balls due to forced

Carryovers of marsh areas

Greens true and same from practice green thru course

Fairways a little sparse in spots but playable

Bunkers have a lot of sand and tough since deep around greens

As other reviews, marsh to carryover is tough unless you can figure distances

High handicap players will struggle, even from front tees unless you know the course.

The golf course employees are the best in pro shop and cart people

Course is in great shape staff was very friendly and helpful

For the average golfer this coarse is not for you. Every hole has tee off that must clear marshy areas to be in fairways and par 3s. I am a 17 handicap I left after the 15th hole. Found as many balls as I lost, go figure. No hole layout at tee boxes. Only on score card. No gps as advertised. Live and learn. Most holes were cart path only, real pain for old guy. I’m sure the conditions of the coarse improve with warmer weather.

Tough unforgiving layout, but a lot of fun! Course management a must and to score well the player has to plan ahead and execute.

Have played 20 plus times and always find it a challenge and well kept course. Take some extra balls! Enjoy.

Staying on St George’s Island bear Appalachicola, FL.

St James Bay Golf Club was the closest course near Carrabelle, FL. What a diamond in the rough. Challenging layout, great greens and on a Friday afternoon no delays. Golfer’s dream come true.

Friendly and helpful staff. Nice lounge and clubhouse.

Can’t wait to play the course again.

Played blue tee s. All you want even better players would have hard time from black. No miss areas. Overall had great time , Lot of carry over wetlands. Bring enough balls if you hit it sideways.

Course was great, maintained perfectly. Not sure how it’s empty all the time but that is part of what makes it so great, hidden gem. Staff was helpful and extra friendly which is alway a huge plus