RESORT AMENITIES

“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

TEE UP

Originally 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.

For those drawn by the irresistible pull of the water and the desire to travel by current, not causeway, The Vinoy’s full-service marina offers new horizons and adventures. Just steps from the resort, it features 74 fixed concrete slips and can accommodate vessels up to 130 feet length overall. Guests can sail or motor in, then stay onboard while enjoying all The Vinoy’s amenities, including room service.

If you left your yacht at home, a licensed captain from the Sailing Florida Charters & Sailing School can navigate your course aboard one of their Hunter yachts. Skim along the water while sighting dolphins, pelicans and St. Petersburg’s skyline.

Relax as a passenger or help hoist the sails as an apprentice sailor. Half-day cruises, sunset cruises and ASA (American Sailing Association) sailing school packages are available.

HEAD COURTSIDE

Each game, set or match is a memorable experience for tennis enthusiasts at The Vinoy. The Tennis Club’s 12 championship HarTru® green clay surface courts are complemented by lush, tropical surroundings and lit for shadowfree night play. Daily morning or evening clinics are geared to all levels and tailored to those who sign up.

Find the latest equipment and the finest names in tennis fashions at the pro shop, where helpful staff will also match you up with a suitable partner. Private or group lessons are available, as well.

Foregoing your fitness regimen is not your only option—The Vinoy’s state-of-the-art fitness center makes it easy to stay in step with your routine. The 5,000 square foot facility includes top-of-the-line equipment like Nautilus® stations, Life Fitness treadmills, Lifecycles® and Stairmasters®, free weights, Elliptical Crosstrainers and a Concept II Rower, plus an aerobics room.

Knowledgeable trainers offer workout consultations and supervision, or you can opt for a personalized fitness evaluation, exercise “prescription,” and one-on-one training session. All personal trainers are certified, experienced and dedicated to helping people create positive behavior changes through exercise.

Prefer walking or jogging for your cardio workout? Check out the nearby scenic, paved trail, which winds around the marina. Bike rentals are also available from the City of St. Petersburg and The Vinoy's Navigator has a map showing area bike paths.

We can customize activities to meet your individual needs. Check out our unique monthly events, including yoga retreats, wellness seminars and guided tours.

For more information, please stop by The Vinoy Fitness Center or call us at extension 2857.