6 minute read

Seminole Lake Country Club

Family-Owned, Old-Florida Golf

In 1911 William Cunningham moved his family from Fletcher, North Carolina to St Petersburg, Florida and opened a hardware and grocery store on Central Avenue. From the onset they enjoyed success with their business venture. In the early 1930’s, as a result the family’s successful business, William’s son Howard Cunningham, Sr. was able to purchase a 300-acre piece of property west of St. Petersburg. He named it Pine Ridge Farm. Pine Ridge Farm was a working cattle ranch with all of the family members contributing to its operation. For many years the Cunningham family –including Howard’s three sons Gene, Book and Doc Cunningham – enjoyed the farm, which at that time was a long way from their home in the city. While not working on the property, the family members used the farm as a getaway. The remnants of the family cabin remain on the property just west of today’s clubhouse.

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In the early 1960’s, the brothers were approached by a local real estate developer. He convinced them to turn the property into a housing development and country club. So in 1962 Seminole Lake Country Club Estates was born. Shortly after the start of the project, the developer was no longer involved and the Cunningham brothers obtained control of the property.

As time went by, the community flourished and the club acquired an excellent reputation as one of the premier country clubs in Florida, boasting a full membership and an active social events calendar. Arnold Palmer played an exhibition round at Seminole Lake Country Club shortly after the course opened. The club hosted several of the premier events in the Tampa Bay area during this time.

Over the next four decades the club remained a successful private club, adding tennis courts, and a swimming pool to enhance its amenities. In 2007, golf course renovations were initiated including the resurfacing of all greens, refurbishing the bunkers and adding a complete practice facility. These improvements were very well received by the members. However, membership started to decline in the wake of the historic 2008 economic downturn and the club converted to semi-private status. Since then, Seminole Lake Country Club has become one of the favorites of golfers throughout the Tampa Bay area. Its excellent location, consistently good condition, playability and service level bring golfers back again and again. Coincidentally, memberships have grown and are near capacity in all categories.

To this day, the club is still owned by the Cunningham family and maintains a very warm feel just as the three brothers originally intended when the club opened in 1962.

Playing from 6501 yards from the back tees, Seminole Lake offers five tee stations, ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. The greens feature Sea Dwarf Paspalum grass, providing smooth and true putting surfaces. The championship layout features native Florida landscaping, making players feel like they’re back in “Old Florida”. Golfers will be amazed at the unrivaled natural habitat and abundance of wildlife that Seminole Lake has to offer, including its own family of American bald eagles.

Current Programs and Special Offers: Member for the Day

Come be a member for the day and enjoy greens fee, cart fee, a small bag of range balls and lunch — which entitles you to anything from their extensive menu and a non-alcoholic beverage all included in one great rate. Lunch is available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

Twilight Rate

Reduced afternoon twilight rate includes greens fee and cart fee.

Kids Play Free Program

One child plays free with each paying adult. Available every day after 12:00 PM. Program is limited to children 15 years old or younger.

Tennis and Pickleball

Golf isn’t all Seminole Lake has to offer. The Seminole Lake Tennis facility offers 13 lighted Har-Tru courts and eight pickleball courts. There are instructional programs nearly every day of the week from their Doubles Academy clinics to active junior programs for beginners to elite junior players. Private instruction is always available from one of their USTA professionals. Seminole Lake also hosts a full schedule of events with monthly USTA events and their Club Championship Series coinciding with the four tennis Grand Slam events.

Memberships

Seminole Lake Country Club specializes in affordable quality golf and tennis, offering the best value for your membership dollar. Seminole Lake features an 18-hole championship golf course, complete practice facilities, pickleball courts, a full-service food & beverage operation, swimming pool, tennis courts, kayak launch, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, club storage and service that is consistent with the finest country clubs in the Tampa Bay area.

Memberships carry No Initiation Fee, No Food & Beverage Minimums and include unlimited use of the golf course, practice facilities, pool, kayak launch, restaurant, all social functions and walking privileges. Monthly dues for golf start as low as $239.

If you have ever considered joining a country club but were afraid that you could not afford it, Seminole Lake’s Membership Program features some of the lowest monthly dues in this area.

If you are interested in learning more about Seminole Lake Country Club membership programs, call Stacy at (727) 391-6255 to learn just how easy it is to start enjoying all of the benefits associated with a family-owned, OldFlorida golf club.

Reservations

For tee times up to seven days in advance, call the Pro Shop at (727) 391-6255 or book online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at SeminoleLake.net.

• St. Petersburg’s Premier Name Brand Golf Shop

• Huge Selection of Famous Brand Equipment

• TaylorMade, Callaway, Adams, Mizuno, Wilson, Bridgestone, Cleveland, Honma and more

• Custom Fitted Clubs by Our Professional Staff

• Indoor Launch Monitor

• Lessons Available by Our PGA Professional Staff

• Full Repair Center

• Large Selection of Shoes, Apparel and Accessories

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The President’s Report

The 2022 season is coming to an end, and it has been another excellent year for the West Central Chapter of the North Florida PGA. I would first like to thank our outgoing President, Mr. Tim Baker, from Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. In his 6-year term, Tim has taken our chapter to new heights. During Tim’s tenure, he enhanced and streamlined our event processes, continued relationships with chapter sponsors, and improved educational opportunities.

I would like to recognize a few of our chapter members and their accomplishments.

Keith Kulzer from Golf Grove driving range won our major championships by playing some amazing golf! Keith won our 2022 Chapter Championship at Avilia Golf & Country Club in May. Keith also won the 2022 Senior Chapter Championship in August at Southern Hills Plantation Club. The women’s winner in the 2022 Chapter Championship for the second year in a row was Emily Motta, from Mountain Lake Golf Club, and the Assistant Champion was Dalton Gore from The Vinoy Golf Club.

The West Central Chapter would also like to congratulate John Mansfield from Clearwater Golf Club on qualifying and competing in the Senior PGA Championship, which was held at Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor, MI. The West Central Chapter would also like to welcome Rich Unger from Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club as the new

Chapter Secretary; we look forward to having him as part of the leadership team.

The West Central Chapter held the Assistant Association Series again in 2022 and it continues to flourish. This series helps new assistants navigate through the PGA Apprenticeship Program. Gary Koch and his foundation have been instrumental in keeping this program going by providing scholarships to worthy assistants to continue throughout the program. This program will award $3,000 in scholarships in the next few weeks. Thank you, Zoran Ilic of Grasslands Golf & Country Club, for leading this committee.

The West Central Chapter would also like to thank our chapter sponsors for the 2022 season. Our sponsors have allowed professionals to enhance their events and amateur experiences. Thank you, Century Buick GMC Tampa, Breakthru Beverage Florida, Golf Coast Magazine, Jan Pro, and Horus Construction.

In closing, thank you to all members of the West Central Chapter for continuing to participate and allowing the West Central Chapter to host events at your facilities. I would also like to welcome our new board members consisting of Mike Glenn (Vice President) Rich Unger (Secretary), and Mike West (Tournament Director). The 2023 year looks promising, with great event venues and exciting educational opportunities.

– Bryan Moran, President GCM

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Public Course MAP #14

TEE INFORMATION

Yardage/Rating/Slope:

Blue: 4540/62.3/96

White: 4490/61.8/93

Red: 3556/63.7/107

COURSE FACTS

Holes/Par: 18 holes, Par 67

General Manager: Tyson Duane

Assistant General Manager: Mike Monteleone

Director of Golf:

Joel Jaress

Superintendent: Aaron May

COURSE AMENITIES

• Clubhouse

• Snack Bar with beer

• Pro Shop

• Practice Green

• Rental Clubs

• Walking Allowed Anytime

• Putting & Chipping Green

• Practice Cage

• Daily Hole-In-One Contest

Pinellas Park

Mainlands Golf Club

Family owned and operated for over 50 years

Family owned and operated for over 50 years, The Mainlands Golf Club is the destination for both discriminating locals and savvy snowbirds. The course is conveniently located in the heart of Pinellas County about 1 mile north of US 19 and Park Boulevard. Great conditions and friendly service are cherished traditions here.

A par 67, nine par 4’s, seven par 3’s, and two par 5’s comprise a walkerfriendly, links-style course. A completely stocked pro shop is on site to cater to any and all golfer’s needs before your round. We are happy to welcome our new director of golf Joel Jaress. Joel has been a teaching pro for over two decades. Lessons are available Inquire at the pro shop.

After your round, visit the snack bar, grab a bite to eat and a cold beer and tally up your score on the patio. Come play The Mainlands Golf Club. We look forward to seeing you. 9445

(727)

(727)

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT mainlandsgolf.com/golf-course-news/