Rosedale Golf & Country Club

Bradenton’s Hidden Golf Treasure


When renowned golf architect Ted McAnlis, formerly a member of the Fazio staff, was offered the opportunity to create an 18-hole championship golf course at Rosedale, he had several goals in mind. Among these was to keep the natural surroundings intact, weave fairways and greens through the existing Florida forest and add in water and sand on many holes. Ultimately, the answer to the question “Did he succeed?” is a resounding yes! Rosedale is not your typical flat, boring, Florida course. Unlike most golf courses in the area, Rosedale features holes that have mounding and undulation in the fairways. It’s very likely that during your round at Rosedale you will face…an uneven lie!

This is definitely not the longest course you will ever play. Rosedale measures 6,714 from the back tees, with a course rating of 72.8 and a slope rating of 138. There’s an 8-acre driving range to put in the necessary practice time. There is also a chipping area and putting green for fine tuning the lesser practiced aspects of the game.

Memorable Holes:

Number 1: Par 4, 380 yards. As you step up to the first tee, you are immediately faced with a choice; driver or three wood off the tee? Should you choose to bomb it, you will need to carry some trees on the right to cut off the corner of the dogleg. Not that it can’t be done but the safe play here is a three wood, hybrid, or long iron. A strategically placed tee shot (by that I mean the left side of the fairway) will leave about 150 yards to a two tiered green. This hole can provide a jump start to a good round.

Number 2: Par 4, 422 yards. This dogleg right requires a somewhat lengthy tee shot over water. A good drive will leave about 140 yards to a large, slightly elevated green that features a lot of undulation. Par here is a good score.

Number 3: Par 4, 353 yards. Don’t let the length of this hole fool you; hit a bad tee shot and you can expect a high number. Your tee shot is everything on this hole. It’s a slight dogleg right that features out of bounds (houses) to the left and water the entire length of the fairway on the right. If that’s not enough, a fairly deep fairway bunker awaits on the left side for errant tee shots. Mounding in the fairways can also leave some uneven, not-so-typical Florida type lies. The green is slightly elevated and depending upon pin placement can be a tough two putt.

Number 12: Par 5, 523 yards. Depending on which set of tees you are playing, this is either one of the longest holes on the course or one of the shortest. From the white tees, it plays only 467 yards making it shorter than par 4s I have played! Emphasis here is on straightness, it’s a fairly narrow hole with only a couple of bunkers. If you are playing from the up tees, this is a great birdie opportunity; if you can hit it straight.

Number 17: Par 3, 210 yards. Water on this hole should not come into play, yet for so many, it does. This long par 3 plays uphill and has sand traps guarding both the front left and front right side of the green. The green slopes right to left and features a lot of undulation. Anything on the left side of the green is going to roll down and quite possibly off the green.

The Last Word: Although Rosedale is a semi-private club and is available in the “off peak” months through many of the Sarasota/Bradenton online tee sheets. The mounding and undulations in the fairway is something you don’t often find in Florida and is reminiscent of northern courses. If you have the chance to play Rosedale, my advice is to take it. You can visit them online at www.rosedalegcc.com or give them a call at 941-753-6200.

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Skyview Golf and Country Club at Terra Vista

Worth the Trip


Skyview Golf & Country Club, located in the community of Terra Vista in Hernando, Florida, opened in 1999. This 18-hole, par 72 layout was designed by Terry LaGree. The course plays 7072 yards from the Gold tees with a rating of 73.4. It is a semi-private facility and offers a driving range, a large practice area and practice putting green. Skyview is just one course at Terra Vista; Citrus Hills (18-hole, Par 70, 6323 yards) and the Meadows (18-hole, Par 70, 5885 yards) make up the rest of the community’s 54 holes.

Memorable Holes

Number 3, Par 5 553 yards. Carry the bunker on the left side off the tee to shorten the hole; tee shots that fade right are susceptible to the large waste area (the waste bunker goes the entire length of the fairway). Watch out for the fairway bunker that hides along the left side on your layup shot. Your approach is to a small green that is surrounded by large mounds; mounds that affect the break of your putt. These mounds can also lead to unusual lies, especially for Floridians.

Number 5, Par 3 208 yards. Your tee shot is a long carry over a marsh area with bunkers on the left and right. The green is long and narrow and slopes back to front. Par is a great score here.

Number 9, Par 4 442 yards. The preferred tee shot on this dogleg left is a draw around the trees, but beware of the water you can’t see from the tee. Water guards the right side so your bailout is to the left. The green has a ridge running through it and makes for some lengthy, uphill putts from the front with a rear pin placement.

Number 14, Par 5 543 yards. Carry the bunkers on left side off of the tee to shorten the dogleg. Long ball hitters beware; too far off of tee can leave you stymied behind the trees. The large waste area and trees down the left side make for a somewhat difficult approach shot to a large, undulating green.

Number 18, Par 4 364 yards. Although not the longest hole on the course, this somewhat short par 4 plays uphill. Carry the trees on the right side off the tee to shorten the hole. The fairway gets real narrow up by the green and has a nasty pot bunker in the front left. The green is fairly large and pretty flat. Finish with a par and be happy.

Last Word: This is not your typical Florida course; as a matter of fact I found it every bit as memorable as its more exclusive neighbor, Black Diamond. It may not have the quarry to play around, but it still has a lot of character with all of the large waste areas. Fairway bunkers come into play no matter which set of tees you are playing from. Large waste areas and narrow fairways on some holes place a necessity on precision tee shots and iron shots. Greens are large on most holes and roll very true; not too fast. Although somewhat of a drive from Tampa, it is definitely worth it. Greens fees are quite reasonable. You can reach the pro shop at (352) 746-3664 or email Peter Summers, the Director of Golf at golf@citrushills.com.

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Silverthorn Country Club

Hernando Golf Done Right

The golf course at Silverthorn Country Club opened in 1994. Since then it has earned its challenging slope rating utilizing a combination of rolling terrain, unpredictable Florida winds, some beautiful ponds and a lot of well placed bunkers.

Joe Lee designed this Hernando County gem. Silverthorn plays 6900 yards from the back tees, has a course rating of 73.1 and a slope rating of 136 with a par of 72. As is the case at most Florida golf venues, the course is built on Bermuda grass.

Silverthorn offers a blend of wide open links-style holes as well as tight, tree-lined fairways. For the most part, the landing area for your tee shot is generally wide open and water hazards only come into play on four holes. As a rule, the greens are slightly elevated and protected on most sides by sand bunkers. The club also has a driving range on site; if your game is not up to par, Silverthorn provides group and private lessons and club-fitting services from its PGA professionals.

The impressive 25,000 square foot clubhouse offers a scenic view of Silverthorn's championship golf course, surrounding lakes and splendid Florida sunsets. The pro shop at Silverthorn is well stocked, and the prices are competitive with the larger golf chains. The Traditions Bar & Grill offers fine dining in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. The banquet facilities can accommodate small business seminars and large receptions for up to 350 people.

Memorable Holes:

Number 3: Par 5, 572 yards. The first of four par fives at Silverthorn demands both length and accuracy off the tee. Placement is very important; you will need to navigate the large fairway bunker on the left as well as water on the right. The water is more in play on your layup and approach shots. By continually playing down the left side of the fairway, you can take the water out of play, however you risk going in one of two pot bunkers up by the green. This green slopes towards the water, so be careful.

Number 5: Par 3, 169 yards. This par 3 is the signature hole at Silverthorn, so don’t let the length fool you. Club selection is crucial on this hole; you’ll need to take into account the Florida Gulf breeze that is continually blowing across the course. The back third of the green slopes toward the water so be wary of the pin placement.

Number 9: Par 4, 424 yards. Favor the left side off the tee; this will take the fairway bunkers on the right out of play and leave you a mid-iron approach to a green guarded by sand on the right and water on he left.

Number 10: Par 4, 430 yards. This may not be the easiest start to a back nine, especially if things have not gone well thus far. The scorecard reads 430 yards but a good tee shot that carries the bunkers on the left can shorten the hole quite a bit. A huge drive will set up a short iron into a very well-guarded green.

Number 14: Par 4, 402 yards. This is one of the best par 4s at Silverthorn! The hole plays uphill and you must hit your tee shot to a fairly narrow landing area framed by three large bunkers. From there a mid to long iron will be needed to reach this small green that is surrounded by sand traps.

Number 17: Par 5, 457 yards. Although handicapped number 2, to many this is the toughest hole on the course. Not only is it very long from the back tees, it plays uphill and requires a sizeable carry from the tee. A well executed tee shot will still leave at best a long iron in order to reach the large, slightly elevated putting surface. Par or better and you’ve got it made!

Last Word: Although the course might not provide some of the aesthetics of other Hernando County courses, such as the Dunes, Brooksville Country Club and World Woods, I would still recommend that you give it a try. The staff is very personable and the course will definitely give golfers of all skill levels a challenge. Don’t think you are just going to go out there and bring the course to its knees, it won’t happen. Another thing – the price is right! Through the end of October, a prime time weekend round will only set you back $35.00. They can be found on many Tampa area online tee sheets and take most discount cards. For more information, visit Silverthorn online at www.silverthornclub.net or give them a call at 352 799-4653 (GOLF)

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Silverado Golf and Country Club

Silverado Golf and Country Club- A Challenge Awaits in Zephyrhills.

Silverado Golf and Country Club (formerly Silver Oaks) is an 18 hole, Par 71 golf course; for most. Should you decide that you really want to be challenged it can be extended to a Par 72. To do this you will play number 10 as a 442 yard par 4 instead of a 167 yard par 3. Four different tee boxes make the course both playable and challenging for all skill levels. From the back tees, Silverado plays 6,671 yards with a course rating of 70.9 and a slope of 113. Silverado Golf and Country Club was built in 1986 by Brantley E. Smith (Smith Cattle and Grove) and designed by Robert Simons.

As you play the course you will notice large oak trees, many over 100 years old that lend shade to the clubhouse and fairways. You will also find a wide variety of wildlife, such as sand hill cranes, red-tail hawks, egrets, squirrels, and ducks. The occasional fox has been spotted on the course as well.

Silverado Golf and Country Club also offers a full practice facility including: grass driving range; chipping and bunker areas, and a 3000 sq. foot practice putting green.

Memorable Holes

Number 1: Par 4, 361 yards. Leave driver in the bag off the tee; a fairway wood, hybrid or long iron is all you will need as there as a pond that fronts the green. A successful tee shot will leave an approach shot of about 150 yards over water to a small green that slopes slightly from back to front. This is a good starting hole and can get your round off on the right foot.

Number 6: Par 5, 507 yards. A good drive and this is definitely reachable in two. Beware of the fairway bunker that lurks on the right side of the fairway. Any errant tee shots left will go out of bounds and bring you shame. A good drive will leave an easy three wood or hybrid to a very long, narrow green that is well guarded by bunkers. Birdie is definitely a possibility here

Number 7: Par 3, 186 yards. This slight downhill par 3 plays every bit of its yardage. The green has a ridge on the right side and funnels balls towards the water; out of bounds looms slightly left of the green. Par here is a good score.

Number 9: Par 4, 302 yards. This hole can get you pumped up for the back nine. From the white tees the hole plays a mere 273 yards and begs “grip it and rip it” off the tee; it is definitely drivable. Two bunkers on the left side can easily be carried off the tee; however a fairly large tree prevents you from aiming straight at the green. The preferred shot off the tee is a slight draw for righties. You can bailout to the right of the green and leave yourself a slight uphill pitch shot to the green.

Number 12: Par 5, 477 yards. No matter which set of tees you are playing, this is a short par 5. From the tips it plays a mere 477 yards; from the senior tees, 351 yards. And it’s still a par 5. Someone needs to look at changing that! Trees line both sides of the fairway so I can’t stress enough the need for a straight tee shot. A good drive will leave less than two hundred yards to a somewhat small green that is fronted all the way across the fairway by a pond. Don’t be discouraged if you dump your second shot in the pond, you can still make par with a good chip shot.

Number 14: Par 4, 360 yards. Not the longest of holes but it requires a good tee shot as there is a very narrow landing area. A well executed tee shot will leave a short chip shot to a small green that features several undulations. Beware of water long and left off the tee.

Number 18: Par 5, 565 yards. Your best bet is to leave the driver in the bag on this hole; it’s over a 260 yard carry to clear the pond in the middle of the fairway. The layup shot opens up and leaves a short pitch to a long narrow green. Birdie is a definite possibility to close out your round.

Last Word: As Florida courses go, Silverado is worth taking a look at. Some holes are a little tricky and will take a couple of rounds before you can figure out some short cuts. The greens are fairly slow, but that is not always a bad thing. My only knock on the place is that you can only hit irons on the range. If given the opportunity, I would play Silverado again; if I lived in the area, I might even consider joining; you can get a full membership for less that $1300/yr. and minimal cart fees. Do the math; there is also a membership that includes cart fees all year. For more information give them a call at (813)-788-1225 or visit them online at www.golfsilverado.com.

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Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club

Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club – The Lap of Luxury in St. Pete.

As the story of the Vinoy Hotel goes, in 1923 legendary golf “bad boy” Walter Hagen made a bet with several of his more affluent friends that he could hit a golf ball off of his friend’s pocket watch without breaking the crystal. If successful then his wealthy friends would build a grand resort on the property on Tampa Bay. Needless to say, he was successful and the Vinoy Hotel was born.

The original Vinoy Club course was designed by Donald Ross and, in 1992 redesigned by Ron Garl. The course plays only 6590 yards from the back tees (land is scarce in downtown St. Petersburg), so Mr. Garl had his work cut out for him.

At the Vinoy Club, you will find pine valleys, narrow fairways, beach bunkers (a Garl specialty), nine lakes, two double greens and an island green on the signature hole. You will find that Mr. Garl has created a beautifully manicured and mentally stimulating course - one that challenges the skills of the most accomplished golfer. Six sets of tees make the Vinoy Club manageable for golfers of all skill levels. From the back tees, the course plays 6590 yards for a par of 72. The course rating is 71.7 with a slope of 130. Amenities abound at the Vinoy Club. Aside from the standard driving range and practice putting green, you can expect iced, scented towels and ice water waiting for you in your cart.

Memorable Holes

Number 1: Par 4, 320 yards. You will probably be best served to leave driver in the bag on this hole. Forget that this hole is short; it will still provide quite a challenge. The fairway is narrow and the preferred landing area is not real easy to hit. Water flanks both sides of the fairway as well as a fairway bunker on the left off the tee. Should you successfully navigate your tee shot to safety, you will have a somewhat short approach shot to the green which has water on both sides, and bunkers behind the green. The green is fairly large with not a whole lot of undulation.

Number 7: Par 5, 525 yards. This hole offers a great view of downtown St. Petersburg. The best line off the tee is toward the long fairway bunker on the right side. Be careful not to hit over the bunker or you are likely to find the water. From there the hole opens up; long ball hitters stand a good chance of getting home in two. For the rest of us a mid-iron layup shot will leave a little more than a 100 yard pitch shot. Be sure to keep it right as a massive bunker guards the left side; there is a small bunker on the right as well. The green is very elevated and features two tiers; separated by about 5 feet of vertical drop (or rise depending upon your situation). If your approach shot is not on the correct tier, you are most likely staring at a three putt.

Number 9: Par 5, 465 yards. If you are playing from the longest tees (bronze), this hole is a long par 4. From anything BUT the back tees), then it’s a short par 5. The only chance you have at getting on the green in two is to hit down the right side of the fairway; anything on the left will be blocked out by trees and force a lay up shot. The tee shot in itself is a daunting task as you are playing down a chute that is no wider than a shopping store aisle. Should you be fortunate to put your tee shot in the correct position, you will be faced with a long approach shot to a large green that slopes back to front. Oh, did I mention the large lake that guards the left side and the deep bunkers on the back and right side of the green? Be happy with a par.

Number 16: Par 5, 568 yards. For most, this is a three-shot par 5. Keep your drive out to the right so as to take the trees on the left out of play. Nowhere is the emphasis on accuracy more so than on this hole. Water flanks both sides almost from tee to green. Club selection is the key to the layup shot as well as the approach shot. Number 16 features an island green that is fairly small and has a large bunker front left. Par is ideal here.

Number 17: Par 3, 145 yards. This is another hole where club selection is the key off the tee. Water guards the left side of the hole as you shoot over a mangrove swamp. A large bunker fronts this slightly elevated green that features modest undulations.

Number 18: Par 5, 525 yards. Your tee shot is critical on number 18 as well as the line off the tee. You will need to decide how much of the lake you want to cut off from the tee box but be careful in making your decision. Err on the conservative side and you will likely drive through the fairway and out of bounds; choose an overly aggressive path and your tee shot will meet a watery death. Your layup shot will have a narrow landing area between the water and the out of bounds on the left; you will also need to avoid the single fairway bunker on the right side of the fairway. Any wild shots left will find two bunkers that really shouldn’t come into play. From there, you will have a short approach shot to a large green fronted on the right by bunkers and water. Take your par and run.

Last Word

Despite the fact that homes line many of the fairways, the Renaissance Vinoy is still a very classy layout, in a very classy part of town. The greens may be the best part of the course. They are in near-perfect condition and play very fast. Breaks are subtle and don't overwhelm you with slope except for the seventh hole. All in all the Vinoy Club poses an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information, visit their website at www.vinoyclub.com/golf or give them a call at (727) 896-8000.

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Stoneybrook Golf Club

The Stoneybrook Golf Club / Bradenton – Arthur Hills Does It Again

The Arthur Hills designed Stoneybrook Golf Club at Heritage Harbour in Bradenton, Florida features 18 holes of golf and plays 7,134 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 74.8 and has a slope rating of 142 on Bermuda grass. Three additional sets of tees allow the course to be played by players of all abilities. The Stoneybrook golf course opened in 2002 and has been delighting golfers ever since.

Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour is truly a memorable test of championship caliber golf. The course plays through a landscape highlighted by mature woods and water hazards of all types including wetlands, ponds, and lakes. Like most Arthur Hills’ works there is always a risk/reward element to the game; at this particular venue the greater the risk, the bigger the reward.

Amenities abound at Heritage Harbour. The practice facility offers an aqua range, 2 greens to practice your putting, and an area for short game practice. You will also find a 7,700 square foot clubhouse, home to the Grandstand Sports Lounge and Restaurant, as well as a fully stocked pro shop, and a staff of knowledgeable PGA instructors.

Memorable Holes

Number 3: Par 5, 510 yards. From the back tees this hole is not overly intimidating; two good shots will get you home in two. However this hole is not without its share of trouble. From the tee, you will find water on the right and a bunker left. The landing area for the layup shot is very narrow; a pond gets any ball hit to the left and a large bunker eats up anything hit to the right. The green slopes towards the water, and has plenty of undulation. This is your best chance at birdie on any of the par 5 holes.

Number 4: Par 3, 150 yards. At 150 yards, this is by no means the longest par 3 on the course. The green is small and well protected by both water and sand short of the green and by steep slopes away from the green on all sides. Miss the green and you will have a very testy chip shot back to the hole. Par is a good score here.

Number 5: Par 4, 416 yards. The 5th fairway bends in a gentle “S” shape between two lakes, the second of which runs right up to the left edge of the green. You will need a well placed tee shot to score well on this hole; anything off line will most likely meet a watery death. Successfully navigate your tee shot through the water and you will still be left with a long approach shot. Good luck with this one.

Number 11: Par 5, 600 yards. This is the longest hole on the course and surely a top five on any course. This is the only tee shot you will hit on the back nine at Stoneybrook where water doesn't come into play – or at least shouldn’t. Finally, you can “grip it and rip it”; just be sure to avoid the huge fairway bunker on the left. Your second shot must be hit between a large bunker on the right and a pond surrounded by mature trees. After navigating this menagerie you can hit your short approach shot to a picturesque green guarded on the right by a beautiful lake. In case you put up a large number, you can always enjoy the scenery.

Number 13: Par 4, 482 yards. From the back tees, this hole is a monster; the par 5 number three is about 30 yards longer Par here is a welcome treat. The right side of the fairway has water running down it from tee to green. The bunkers seem to be placed strategically down the fairway so as to catch drives that steer too far left. There is also a large bunker sitting in the middle of the fairway, making you wonder about where you want the ball to land. Good luck – you’ll need it.

Number 17: Par 3, 224 yards. Far and away the toughest par 3 on the course. It plays entirely over water although the large green does provide an inviting target. The water wraps round the back of the green on the left while the green is protected on the right by two large bunkers. Take a deep breath, pray, hit your tee shot, and hope for the best. Then pray some more. Should you make par, take it and run!

Number 18: Par 4, 336 yards. A really nice finishing hole which offers a birdie opportunity to end your round. The hole is protected by water that runs all the way down the right. Your approach shot is to a small, elevated green that is guarded both left and right by deep bunkers.

Last Word: Although length off the tee is important on some holes, this course demands accuracy if you want to score well; many of the holes require brains over brawn. The course is always impeccably manicured, especially around sand traps and water hazards; something you don’t see as much in these tough economic times. The greens are considered by many to be some of the best on the West Coast of Florida. No matter what you shoot, I’m sure you will enjoy the course enough to come back and play it all over again.

For more information on Stoneybrook Golf Club at Heritage Harbour, visit them online at www.stoneybrookgolfbradenton.com or give them a call at (941) 746-2696.

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Raptor Bay – One of Bonita Bay’s Finest

The Hyatt Coconut Pointe in Bonita Springs is a hotel like no other. Situated on 26 acres overlooking the breathtaking Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, The Hyatt Coconut Pointe was awarded Three Palm Certification as a Florida Green Lodge. The resort offers limitless recreational opportunities, attention to detail and personalized service everywhere on the property. This includes access to the world class Raptor Bay Golf Club, massage and spa treatments at Stillwater Spa, a 140 foot waterslide for kids (and the young at heart) as well as a vast array of water sports which are available nearby. To tempt your palettes, Hyatt Coconut Point offers up a Four Diamond restaurant, which has helped this property earn a spot in Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels.

Raptor Bay Golf Club

As you pull in to the Raptor Bay Golf Club, you are greeted by an attendant who will take your bags and direct you where to park. Upon your return, you will find you bags on a cart ready to go. After a quick visit to the pro shop to settle up and browse the sale racks (I admit it, I’m thrifty) it’s off to the range to hit a few balls and then on to bring the Raptor to it’s knees (it could happen).

This 18-hole, par 71 championship golf club was designed by PGA Tour great Ray Floyd. The course opened in 2001 and plays 6,702 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 71.9 and a slope rating of 129. Like most Florida courses it plays on Bermuda grass. Raptor Bay offers five sets of tees making it a challenge for players of all skill levels.

One of the first things you will notice about the course is that there are no houses on it. No distractions like kids screaming in the pool or honking horns. In fact, Raptor Bay was the first resort course in the world to receive the Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification. If you happen to pick up a yardage book, you will find a detailed description of the wildlife that can be found on each hole.

Fairways are generous and feature one height of cut throughout the course (i.e. no rough to speak of). Surrounding the course are 22 acres of lakes and more than 200 acres of native vegetation and nature preserves: it’s not uncommon to spot a bald eagle or gopher tortoise. Tree-lined fairways and well-guarded greens give the course a tournament feel. Unique to Raptor Bay is the use of native sand and palmetto areas, which are incorporated into the design of the waste areas. You will not find any sand bunkers at Raptor Bay; instead you will find native sand areas adjacent to greens and fairways.

Raptor Bay has a driving range as well as a short game area and practice putting green; all in all an excellent practice area. After a round, enjoy casual cocktails and cuisine at Braxton's, which offers magnificent golf course views.

Tees Yardage Rating Slope
Black 6702 71.9 129
Blue 6362 69.9 122
White 5906 67.7 114
Gold 5445 66.3 110
Gold (W) 5445 71.6 124
Red (W) 5030 69.2 114


Memorable Holes – Hawk Course

Number 1: Par 5, 585 yards. This slight dogleg left par 5 plays every bit of its 585 yards. The ideal tee shot is down the left center of the fairway. You will find a lot of mounding in the fairway which can lead to uneven lies (remember those lies from your days up north?). On your layup shot, take note of the water on the right which will come into play a lot quicker than you think. Your approach shot is to a large deep green that is flanked on the left by a large bunker. The rolling green is definitely a two putt green; par is a good start.
 Number 5: Par 4, 370 yards. This short par 4 is a very narrow driving hole with woods and scrub brush on either side. Hit your approach shot to another large green that slopes right to left and features several subtle undulations.

Number 7: Par 5 564 yards. There is a generous landing area off the tee but you will need to be careful on your layup shot. The water on the left side of the fairway – which may not be visible from the tee -cuts into the fairway about 175 yards from the green. There is ample landing area past the water; a good layup shot will leave an approach shot in the neighborhood of 100 yards to a green that features a huge crown on the right side. Long ball hitters can play down the right side if the fairway, take the water out of play and go for the green in two.


Memorable Holes – Osprey Course

Number 1: Par 5, 521 yards. Off the tee you are faced with a forced carry of about 200 yards over water; more water awaits on the right side on your layup shot. The left side is no bargain either as thick brush and marsh area stretches from tee to green. Once you clear the pond on the right you will be looking at an approach shot of about 100 yards to a kidney shaped green that seems to funnel balls to the right middle side.

Number 4: Par 3, 190 yards. Although this is a par 3, I say it is one of the toughest holes on the course. No matter which tee box you play from, your tee shot is over water, LOTS of water! There is a small bailout area front and left of the green but for the most part your only shot off the tee is on the green. The green itself is well elevated and well sculptured. Best of luck here.

Number 7: Par 4, 411 yards. This long dogleg right is easily reachable in two with the proper tee shot. If you can find it in your shot repertoire to hit the ball about 275 up the right side and, at the same time avoid the humongous waste bunker, you will be left with little more than a 100 yard pitch shot to an odd shaped green. Birdie awaits if you can pull it off.
Number 9: Par 5, 639 yards. They saved the best (and longest for last). Accuracy is the key off the tee on this hole. Push your drive left and you are in the water; slice it right and you are in the woods. Not only that, but it takes a pretty good poke to get it over the waste area off the tee. Once you retrieve your tee shot – or pull out a second ball – you will be faced with a layup shot to perhaps the narrowest part of the fairway. From there a short iron into the green and a two putt for par; nothing to it.


Last Word: If you happen to take your wife or girlfriend (husband or boyfriend too if I want to be politically correct) along for the ride, be sure to pick up the yardage book available in the pro shop. Not only does it provide valuable yardage information, it has all kinds of Audubon information on flora and fauna along the way. This is especially helpful if you are in the woods looking for your ball and get bit; they can tell you what kind of snake got you!


All kidding aside, Raptor Bay is one of my favorite courses in the Naples area. There is ample area off the tees for drives that are a little on the wild side. But what I like most is that you need to hit the greens or pay the price. There are a few holes where being just a few feet off the green can mean a lost ball. A planned third nine, the Eagle, is currently on hold. To experience this for yourself visit Raptor Bay online at http://www.raptorbaygolfclub.com/ or give them a call at (239) 390-4600.Number 8: Par 4, 381 yards. Number 8 offers another good opportunity for birdie. There is plenty of room out left off the tee; that will give you an unobstructed mid-iron shot to another large undulating green.

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