“Why do we all want to play the best course? Because golf is a game that engages not only our bodies, but our imaginations and affections.” - Ron Garl
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TEE UP
riginally created by the legendary John R. Van Kleek, a well-known golf course and landscape architect, the championship Vinoy Golf Course was redesigned by Ron Garl, who believes that a course should, “. . . sit softly on the land.” The Vinoy’s beautifully manicured and scenic greens, a testament to his success, are home to a colorful variety of birds and wildlife. As stimulating to play as it is enjoyable to view, the 18-hole, par-71 course challenges serious golfers while providing an enjoyable round for casual players. A driving range, practice putting green, bunker and chipping area help you hone your game. A certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the course is a refuge for wildlife. Each hole is surrounded by diverse vegetation, including Live Oaks, pines and more than a dozen varieties of palms from around the world, such as Bismarck palms (Bismarckia nobilis), found in Madagascar, and Giant Fishtail palms (Caryota no) from Indonesia. The course is located on picturesque Snell Isle, just minutes from the resort via complimentary transportation. Its clubhouse is another historic treasure, an ornate collection of Spanish and Moorish Renaissance influences that was once a section of a European palace and was brought to St. Petersburg in 1925 by local developer Perry Snell. Designed as a replica of a mosque and open-air market, it features minarets, heavily bracketed cornices, horseshoe and keyhole arches and onion domes. Cool off after your round with a refreshing dip in the clubhouse pool, then enjoy cocktails and a casual meal at the bar and restaurant overlooking the front nine. The pro shop carries the latest golf equipment and accessories, along with fashionable apparel. And, if you’d like a lesson or two (either private or group), sign up with one of the club’s teaching professionals.
THE ORANGE TEES
The Vinoy Golf Course introduced the Orange tees, designed for beginner, junior and super senior players. The course length is just over 3,082 yards and covers the normal 18 holes. The next shortest length set of tees is over 4,925 yards. Today, many kids start playing sports at the ripe old age of 3 or 4 and usually fall in love with one of several options ranging from soccer, basketball, hockey, tennis and baseball, to a long list of other sports. If we don’t promote the pleasures and challenges of golf early enough, the game will be left behind and the next great golfer may end up playing baseball instead. Golf is a wonderful family game and the golf course associates do everything possible to contribute to members’ and guests’ continued growth and enjoyment, especially for the younger players. Ask about the golf rates for children. 50
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