Pros:
(2.279 Rating) (REVISED - replayed February 2024) A south Florida park style course with elite level professional landscaping.
- TEE UPGRADE - My biggest complaint here initially was the natural tees. They were miserably bad in 2019. The new pads are a fantastic upgrade. I think they were a hair shy of 5 x 12, but I didn't measure. This is the main reason I decided to up my review score across the 2.25 threshold for a 2.5.
- IMPORTED BEAUTY - The landscaping brought into this park is unreal. Several newly planted large palms and native trees species line most fairways. There are over a 1000 newly planted small bushes and native grasses as well. If I had to guess, I'd say well over 100,000 dollars was spent on imported vegetation... just along the course area. I could see how some may love this aspect and it definitely has some curb appeal. Although I liked it very much, I still prefer the natural randomness created by courses carved into the forest. I personally scored this aspect a 3.25 out of 5 and I think it will improve even more over the next 5 to 10 years as the landscaping blossoms out. The backdrop view of neighborhood houses are constantly in view, but this is only a minor drawback as this is an up-scale neighborhood. I will also add that this park appears to be well maintained.
- SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION - A beautiful course map is located at the shelter and also a second one near tee (1). Unique and effective tee signs in the shape of a rectangular prism. The hole layout is shown on all four sides and it includes distance, par and hole number. Unfortunately no next tee direction, so I had to pull up my photo of the map at the one tricky transition. This gap occurs between holes (4) and (5). The course is very cart friendly.
- FACILITIES - Great shelter with picnic tables and a restroom near tee (1). Next to the restrooms are working drinking fountains. There are also restrooms 300 feet southwest of basket (5). There is also a dog park and a nice biking trail.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Seems perfect for a first time player. The landscaping is not overbearing yet as of early 2024. However, if it ever fills out, it will become a little less forgiving. Although even then, still a decent course for newer players.
- QUICK PLAY - I played 2 rounds in 40 minutes on first appearance and then a 50 minute 5 person family round 5 years later. Solos will be able to rack-up rounds and get in lots of care-free practice.
Cons:
Too simplistic for some players is the only meaningful drawback.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - I had fun, but I personally did not feel challenged as an MA2 level player with a weak arm. I have a feeling that I could birdie them all in about 5 or 6 rounds. MA1s will get bored out here throwing putters on every hole. I think even par would net an 860 to 870 rated round.
- SPACING - I found adjacent fairways and sidewalks several times in my rounds here. The rough between fairways is often less the twenty feet wide and paralleling sidewalks are often a similar distance. Having to wait several times for walkers and bikers will not be uncommon.
- EXTRAS - Other than nice signage and decent Chainstar baskets, the rest of the basics and extras are not here. No multi-tees or alternate basket locations. No practice basket and only one tee has seating. Tee shading is horrible, but perhaps it will fill in as the trees get bigger.
- HOLE VARIETY - The professional landscaping is definitely unique, but is oddly monotonous. Every shot plays between the low 200s to low 300s. All par 3s and no elevation. Water is seen, but not really used. a few holes fade right and a few fade left, a trait most courses can claim. The only curveball is hole (7) with its U-shape or over-the-top risk reward option.
Other Thoughts:
Bob Gardner is a high quality niner in my opinion and I'd put this course in the top quarter among all of the nine-hole courses I've scored. It's plenty long enough and technical enough for MA3s and also friendly enough for beginners. My mom has thrown it and so has my 6-year-old niece. I'd even play it regularly if I lived within 5 miles. However, if I still lived in the St. Petersburg area, I doubt I'd play here again. I'd rather travel to nearby Showmen's, Tom Bennett, Lakeview or Water Tower again before here. Anyways a 2.25 tweener course to me due to the upgraded pads. With over 650 courses played as of this revision, I can't think of a good comparison. Not a destination course, but a worthy quick add for those in the area.