Pros:
Landscape, design, flora and fauna, water, water, water.
Cons:
Some people would say water, water, water.
Other Thoughts:
Although this course is not as challenging as DeLaveaga or Patapsco, and lacks any elevation change at all, it's definitely one of my favorites - every time I play it is great. The water and accompanying bird and animal life, the great collection of live oak trees, the layout and space, the fact that it's very well maintained, the variety of challenges, and the nice long teepads all make this course one I can't wait to play again.
Cliff Stephens features well-marked pro and amateur teepads. In a complete reversal from the local custom here in Richmond, locals seemed to play almost exclusively from the pro tees here, making the course much longer. I first played from the amateur tees, however, making the course a solid par-3 course. Playing from the pro tees makes this a somewhat long, tough course, though not extraordinarily so.
This course is easy to follow and plays mostly in the open, though trees factor on nearly every hole. Most holes feature multiple basket placements that vary the course just a bit, but not extensively. This course is laid out much like a ball golf course, with a front nine coming back to the parking lot and the back nine on the opposite side of the road, but also ending up back near the parking lot. This course is also laid out over a fair amount of space, considering the three lakes/canals that are within the park, but is not particularly long.
But the big thing about Cliff Stephens is the water. Water comes directly into play on at least eight holes (and can take a severely errant drive or unlucky putt on a few others), and it's easy to lose your disc. A couple of holes require drives of good length to stay out of the water (though the amateur tees offer more forgiving options), and a few others require you to hold your line to stay out of the water. I think playing among the lakes is beautiful and challenging, but not everybody likes the water obstacles, and it makes Cliff Stephens a tough course for beginning players (but the area offers several courses perfect for beginners, so...). I believe the water makes this course one of the most interesting and beautiful I've played, and the lost discs are well worth the price of admission (though I have lost some good ones out there).
Cliff Stephens is a great course, definitely the best in the Tampa Bay area. The setting should dazzle anyone and playing from the pro tees will challenge anyone.
Favorite Hole - #10 - 90% of fairway is over a beautiful lake, with basket just on the other side.