By Filippa Malmström
The passion for golf is big in Greater Tampa Bay. For some, it is a way to spend their free time between work and family, while others play professionally. The community is full of golf lovers and afficionados.
GTB golfers can play on one of the 20 local courses, with 60 more found within a 20-mile radius. GTB is golf heaven for passionate players. The sunny weather, the breeze of sea air and great swings define a perfect day.
As it was once said by golf legend Arnold Palmer, “Life is better when you’re golfing.”
Many of GTB’s famous courses can be seen on the PGA Tour. Although countless golfing legends and upcoming pros use GTB’s courses as their home base, there is still room and love for amateur players.
Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh have both been hosted by GTB’s famous Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor. It has four incredible courses to play on, including the copperhead, the north course and south course, with more challenging plays.
St Petersburg offers nine and 18-hole courses by the water at Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links Golf Course. Players will also find The Vinoy Golf Club, which has 18 holes and an incredible course design by architect Ron Garl. Be sure to head to Clearwater and The Cove Cay Golf Club down the shores of old Tampa Bay. Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, designed by professional golfer Gary Player, has three nine-hole courses.
The Tarpon Springs Club is perfect for golfing and has a great history. The golf course was one of the first to open in the state. Today, it is a participating member of the Florida Historic Golf Trail.
