Saddlebrook Resort - Cypress/Pine

Before we played, they called us and they called me letting me know due to weather play as suspended so do I get my $10 back?

Well done Saddlebrook, after the course renovation the course is playing pure. The layout is very fun to play with some long par 5’s and some gettable par 4s and challenging par 3’s. Views are amazing playing through the cypress trees, food at the club house was top tier. Anyone complaining about the valet for your car or getting to the pro shop or signage. Get there with minimum 20 mins before your tee time and it’s fine. Yes traveling in between holes is long but pay attention to the signs and some common sense and it’s not rocket science. Great experience, I will be back

There was no water available on the course!!! It was 107 feels like temperature. Only saw the cart girl on the second hole. No time after.

I miss the 36 holes they used to have. New layout doesn’t make as much sense. Par threes aren’t nearly as good as they were before. One hole on the oak course was listed as a 380 yard par four. In actuality it was closer to 500 yards.

Played Pine/Oak. Was cart path only due to heavy rain week before but solid conditions. Deal on GolfNow was worth it. Pace of play was average. Staff very friendly.

Overall Rating: 3 / 5 Stars

Pros:

I had the opportunity to play this course on August 1, 2026, and there is certainly plenty to appreciate about the facility itself. The course design is outstanding, offering a fantastic layout, stunning views, and an enjoyable challenge suitable for multiple skill levels. The grounds are meticulously maintained, and from a pure course standpoint, the experience on the fairways was great.

Cons:

Unfortunately, the operational side fell drastically short of expectations especially for a facility that recently underwent a reported $92 million upgrade.

Wayfinding & Signage: Navigating the property for the first time is surprisingly confusing. The lack of clear directional signage makes basic movement around the course and facilities far more frustrating than it should be.

Arrival Experience & Valet: Guests are required to use valet parking, but the staff was noticeably disorganized, resulting in a completely unacceptable 40-minute wait to retrieve our vehicle at the end of the day. Additionally, the staff in general were not particularly helpful with basic inquiries, and the long walk required from the valet drop-off point to the pro shop adds unnecessary friction upon arrival.

Cart Policy Communication: It was cart-path-only across the entire course during our round. While turf conditions sometimes necessitate this policy, it was not communicated until we arrived on-site. If you have mobility limitations or are unable to walk extended distances, I strongly advise calling ahead to confirm course conditions prior to making the trip.

Final Impression:

Given the level of investment in this property and the abundance of exceptional golf options in the area, the current service standard and operational logistics leave a lot to be desired. Until management streamlines arrival procedures and improves staff coordination, I would hesitate to return. Do your research before booking.

Tight little course. Bring lots of balls. Be patient. That's the key to success here. It is a bit crowded but the team does a great job to keep everybody moving. Great value for the money

Staff and ammenities were great... cold water on every cart, Hole by hole info on overhead screen, free valet parking, very friendly.. the course i played was in excellent condition (9 holes). Play a little slow, but okay. Despite hot weather everything went well. Will play again!

This is the most difficult course I have ever played just to get checked in and get a cart. Valet parking ONLY which is very far from check in at Pro shop and then to get a cart. The course was fun and most employees were very nice but because of the procedure to check in and get a cart, I will NEVER play there again!!!

The course was in great condition. Had a strong, 10 minute downpour on the 2nd hole. Course handled the rain very well. The redesign to 3, 9-hole courses is fantastic. Have not played the Cypress yet but will be back!

Played Oak/Cypress, for first time since the re-design. The course is in excellent condition, other than most sand traps had not been worked on since the last rains. Of 5 bunker shots in our group, only 1 trap had a sandy texture; the rest were like playing on concrete. Greens were a little slower than expected, but very well maintained. Fairways and tee boxes were very good. A good golf outing!

Honestly, gave up on this course two years ago and had taken it off our regular course considerations. The transformation is extensive and very impressive. Course layout and condition is on par with Lake Jovita. Driving paths between holes are long and confusing, but worth the drive for the new hole layouts. Hats off to the Saddlebrook team for the time, effort and money restoring this course.

This course has so much potential. Great practice facility. The guys running it make you feel very uncomfortable if you’re not a member.

First time playing after reconstruction. Beautiful work!