Doing My Own Version of the "Florida Swing"

[HitTheStick]

Been an exciting few weeks for this golfer. Hitting 6 great resorts around Florida, 3 of which host the tour. So far I've hit Sandestin, Reunion, and Bay Hill. Innisbrook, Waldorf Astoria, and PGA National still to come. I'm calling it Deej's Florida Swing .

Any tips for the upcoming courses?

[zipazoid]

Take plenty of balls for PGA National! I've played all the courses there a bunch of times.

[TourSpoon]

[LIST=1] [*] [*] [*] [/LIST] You could spend a month in Palm Beach Gardens in between the PGA National courses (hosted Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, Sr PGA, Honda) and BallenIsles (the original PGA National which hosted the PGA championship and Sr PGA) which is just on the other side of the TurnPike. Across PGA Blvd you have Mirasol (Honda) and Old Palm (Ray Floyd). Not a bad corner for world class golf!

[zipazoid]

Ain't that great, those four corners of the turnpike & PGA Boulevard, TourSpoon?

Back when I lived there, from 1982-1995, You had PGA National that was only (heh) three courses - Champion, Squire & The Haig. The added the General when I lived there. BallenIsles was called JDM when I lived there & I played the 1986 (I think) Palm Beach County Amateur there - site of the 1971 PGA Championship, won by Jack. But there was nothing on the north side of PGA Boulevard. Mirasol & Ray Floyd's place were added after I left.

Man, you also got the nice tracks up the road in Jupiter, Frenchman's Creek in Juno, North Palm Beach CC redone by Jack over on U.S. 1, Palm Beach Gardens Municipal, Ibis, the old Stonewall on Northlake, Ironhorse on the Beeline....

[Mr3Wiggle]

If you are going to play all the courses at PGA National, don't forget the Estate course.  It's off the property a few miles away, but it's always empty.

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by Mr3Wiggle

If you are going to play all the courses at PGA National, don't forget the Estate course.  It's off the property a few miles away, but it's always empty.

Yeah, that's the old Stonewall course, on Northlake. Good course.

[Mr3Wiggle]

Originally Posted by zipazoid

Yeah, that's the old Stonewall course, on Northlake. Good course.

There is a par 5 on the front nine there that is just an absolute bear.  Plays into the wind.  550ish.  Water in front of the green that forces a layup.  Very tough.

[TourSpoon]

There is a par 5 on the front nine there that is just an absolute bear.  Plays into the wind.  550ish.  Water in front of the green that forces a layup.  Very tough.

Yes, it is the one with all the rocks...plays into the prevailing east wind. If you go there you should also check out Ibis (Martin Hall) and their three Nicklaus Family designed courses. There goes another week!

[TourSpoon]

Ain't that great, those four corners of the turnpike & PGA Boulevard, TourSpoon? Back when I lived there, from 1982-1995, You had PGA National that was only (heh) three courses - Champion, Squire & The Haig. The added the General when I lived there. BallenIsles was called JDM when I lived there & I played the 1986 (I think) Palm Beach County Amateur there - site of the 1971 PGA Championship, won by Jack. But there was nothing on the north side of PGA Boulevard. Mirasol & Ray Floyd's place were added after I left. Man, you also got the nice tracks up the road in Jupiter, Frenchman's Creek in Juno, North Palm Beach CC redone by Jack over on U.S. 1, Palm Beach Gardens Municipal, Ibis, the old Stonewall on Northlake, Ironhorse on the Beeline....

We could add Jonathon's Landing, Seminole, Loxahatchee, Bear's Club, Lost Tree, Eastpointe...so much golf in that corner of the world...so little time.

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

We could add Jonathon's Landing, Seminole, Loxahatchee, Bear's Club, Lost Tree, Eastpointe...so much golf in that corner of the world...so little time.

Yeah, but he ain't playing Seminole or Lost Tree.

Point is still valid - that area is loaded with great courses. We could go 10 miles to the south & add Emerald Dunes, Mayacoo, Breakers West, Presidents, WPB CC...

[cliffj]

Golden Bear at Keenes Point and Celebration,

[HitTheStick]

Thanks for the input all...I used to visit PGA National quite often as a kid, as my granddad competed in the Sr PGA every year. It has been well over a decade since I've been there, so I look forward to seeing how much the area has changed, and of course, the great golf...I'll keep you posted!

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by HitTheStick

Thanks for the input all...I used to visit PGA National quite often as a kid, as my granddad competed in the Sr PGA every year. It has been well over a decade since I've been there, so I look forward to seeing how much the area has changed, and of course, the great golf...I'll keep you posted!

Who's your granddad?

[HitTheStick]

His name is Joe Lopez...He and his dad (Joe Lopez Sr) were lifelong club pros in South Florida (Doral, Key West Country Club).

[jetsknicks1]

Originally Posted by HitTheStick

His name is Joe Lopez...He and his dad (Joe Lopez Sr) were lifelong club pros in South Florida (Doral, Key West Country Club).

I took lessons from a Joe Lopez in Ocala many tears ago, any connection? Btw, the Waldorf Astoria course is really nice and the service is awesome. The engraved bag tag when you finish your round is a nice touch too.

[HitTheStick]

Yup...same guy:) Small world... I've heard service at WA is great...looking forward to that round...

[jetsknicks1]

Originally Posted by HitTheStick

Yup...same guy:) Small world... I've heard service at WA is great...looking forward to that round...

That's awesome. I hadn't been playing very long when I took lessons from him (I believe it was Joe Sr). He took 8-10 strokes off my score. I remember him as being very patient and a very nice guy.

[HitTheStick]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing that story. I'll be seeing my granddad tomorrow an will be sure to share. If it was in Ocala it would have been Joe Jr..