WRXers:

In January, I'm headed to Tampa for a three-day golf trip with two friends ($102 total round trip airfare from Virginia, incidentally). One lives just north of Tampa, and the other will be flying down with me.

We'll likely play World Woods, as we have before, on one day. I have two questions for those of you familiar with the area.

1. What other nearby course would you recommend for the second day?
2. Is there a decent track near the St. Pete airport that we could play early on the third day? We leave at 1:00, which means we need to be at the airport at noon. We're looking for a place that could take us at about 7:00 a.m. or so, and which has close proximity to the plane.

Question #2 is the real important one here, because we don't want to miss an opportunity to play that morning.

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

WW

It all depends where you are staying at.

I lived in Clearwater my whole life until a recent move. There are many great courses in the area. Of course, it will depend on how much you want to spend.

I would suggest a few courses in the area to look at. Fox Hollow in Trinity is a great course. Hernando Oaks is close to World Woods and that is a fun course. Also, look at Lake Jovita they have two courses there and they are usually in great condition.

If you are looking to play in Pinellas Couty(Clearwater/St. Pete) you definately have to look at Innisbrook. The Copperhead and Island courses are top notch. You can't go wrong with either one. Make sure to bring your best game because they are no joke.

To answer your question on the last day, the best course closest to the airport would be Bardmoor or if you can somehow get on Feather Sound(private) those are you best bets.

Thanks, Lefty, for the helpful info.

We're staying north of Tampa, but we'll drive if we need to.

We played Fox Hollow last year and enjoyed it (incredible 18th hole).

Our primary concern is the last day, when we have to be checking in at the St. Pete airport at noon. I'll check Bardmoor, and will ask around re: Feather Sound.

Any other opinions are much appreciated.

WW

I live a little bit outside of Tampa currently...
1. Gotta play Innisbrook on that 2nd day I would reccomend Copperhead its the pro course ya gotta do it..
2. On the last day I will 2nd Feather Sounds great course there...

I've played the Islands and Copperhead courses at Innisbrook. While they are both top notch courses, I think it was something like $220 a round on the Copperhead. It really is a spectacular course, but nowhere near worth the money. The Islands course was $190 if I remember correctly. Anyway, their both very tricky courses, and chances are, unless you're a good player (don't know what your hcp is???) you're not going to enjoy losing balls all the time. But i'd say if you don't mind the cost, and you're a good player, then go for the Copperhead.

lake jovita has 2 first class courses that are really the best in town. bardmoor is a nice course in good condition for that 3rd day.

I know it's a little north but look at World Woods (Brookville). The Pine Barrens course is always ranked one of the best (nationally). I've played it but its been some years. But still one of the best you can find. In my opinion its one of those places that you try to play at all costs. Have Fun.

St Petersburg itself is a good course. A friend is a member there and I have played there many times and always enjoy it. Not overly-long, but still a decent challenge.

Pine Barrens is a no brainer on this trip. We played Rolling Oaks as well last year, and really enjoyed it. I can't imagine making the jaunt and not heading to World Woods (if only to hit balls on that driving range).

WW

How far (in driving time) is Feather Sound from the St. Pete airport?

Thanks.

WW

Feathersound is private. Not bad, but certainly better options. Being your here for a short time and dont want to drive all over the world (yet your making the trek up to World Woods, and well worth it I might add)

I would suggest 3 other courses. By far the best choices, trust me

1. Copperhead at Innisbrook. Used to be a regular Tour stop (JC Penney Classic), and will be again in the future I can guarantee it. Islands course is nice as well.

2. Lake Jovita. If you dont mind driving to World Woods, go check out Lake Jovita. Tom Lehman designed and it is awesome. It really is.

3. TPC of Tampa Bay. Another tour stop, all be it the Champions Tour, but it is a staple here in Tampa no doubt.

World Woods is great, I personally prefer the Rolling Oaks over the Pine Barrens, and I know im not alone, but Pine Barrens is Top 100.

If you need a fourth, hit me up!

Pinellas County (Clearwater, St Petersburg) has decent public courses, nothing great except Innisbrook. Bardmoor is pretty good also, but its a stretch after that. Tampa on the other hand has a lot.

If you can get someone to get you on some private courses, try -

1. Old Memorial *(owned by the Outback Steakhouse Founders. Ultra private. Caddies also)
2. Palma Ceia. South Tampa's only Golf Course. Lot of history there.
3. Black Diamond. On a rock quarry. Pretty cool. Private as well
4. Avila. Home to the rich and famous of Tampa (Derek Jeter, Warren Sapp, Tony Dungy, Jorge Posada, and many many more)