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        I think of a “typical” Florida golf course as flat with lots of sand and water, most of those hazards ornamental rather than in play. Given the flat and sandy landscape of much of Florida, course designers have pretty much a blank canvas on which to route their holes. But, of course, they are artists for hire and, therefore, give their patrons what they want. Member-run golf courses in the Sunshine State are typically more challenging than the municipal layouts, ...
Read more: Sandridge Golf Club, Vero Beach, FL

Hole 3, courtesy of Perdido Bay While in Pensacola for a family wedding in November 2019, my two nephews and I headed north of downtown to play the reasonably priced Perdido Bay Golf & Lodging course, a par-72 layout designed by Bill Amick and Bill Bergin that opened in 1963. The course’s claim to fame is it was the site of the PGA Tour’s Pensacola Open from 1978 to 1987.  Sadly, this tour stop, which was held for more than 30 years at several area courses, is no longer in ...
Read more: Perdido Bay Golf Club

On a trip to Pensacola for a wedding last year, I played at Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key, FL, on Halloween, which proved to be a bit scary but a whole lot of treat. Located about a half hour along the Gulf Coast from downtown Pensacola, and less than that to the Alabama state line, this Arnold Palmer Signature course, with the design credited to the Great One and his long-time collaborator, Ed Seay, opened in 1997.  It underwent a major renovation in 2006 that included the addition ...
Read more: Lost Key Golf Club – Perdido Key, Florida

Hyde Park Golf Course is a link to America's golfing past that needs to be preserved. This is an older course, built just after World War I by Donald Ross, that was just outside of the city proper at the time. Over time, modest housing (by modern standards) was built surrounding the course but not ON the course so it retains that walk-in-the-park feel when you play there.  The clubhouse is an impressive brick and tile structure that with a little TLC could really ...
Read more: Hyde Park Golf Club, Jacksonville (FL)

Belleview Biltmore Golf Club is tucked in the upper class community of Belleair, Fla., away from the bustle of nearby Tampa and St. Pete. Belleair's neighborhoods are neatly maintained. Streets are lined with long, towering palm trees that create a peaceful, relaxed setting in which driving to the course is almost as much fun as playing it. Donald Ross, the legendary architect, crafted a superb design at the Belleview Biltmore in 1925. And a recent restoration has reclaimed its ...
Read more: Belleview Biltmore (FL)
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“The book is chocked full of information…applicable to anyone looking for a move to the Southeast regardless of whether they are looking for a golf community or not.” — John LaFoy, golf architect (Linville Ridge CC, CC of Charleston, The Neuse GC)

“Larry has done a tremendous amount of work and anyone — like me — who is looking to search for a golf home now or in a few years needs this book.” — Brad Chambers, golf blogger, ShootingYourAge.com

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GCR questionnaire
     Dreaming of a vacation home on a golf course?  How about a forever home a short walk to the first tee?  For 15 years, I have helped golfers find their perfect home on the course.  If you would like some recommendations that match your preferences for a golf home, please click here, fill out our Golf Home Questionnaire, and I will get back to you in a few days with some ideas.  By the way, it’s free.
Larry Gavrich,
Editor