The Claw At USF

Eighteen months after extensive renovations, The University of South Florida golf course – better known as The Claw – has rounded into peak condition. The new greens have had time to mature and the new state-of-the-art irrigation system is working manificently.

“The overall condition of the golf course has never been better,” said Jim Fee, USF Director of Golf Operations and USF Men’s Golf Coach. “Our new superintendent, Malvin Hallford, is doing an outstanding job.”

Ten greens were reconstructed, with seven of the greens enlarged by up to 25 percent. The new greens offer a greater variety of pin placements and all of The Claw’s greens now feature TifDwarf Bermuda grass, a hybrid turf known for its speed.

The most obvious change to the course is to the green on number 14, The Claw’s signature hole. The green has been moved 30 feet to the right and enlarged. The bunker on the right has been removed, creating a grass slope down to the water’s edge.

“The renovations are part of an effort to revitalize one of the area’s best layouts,” said Fee. “The Claw is now one of the finest daily fee courses in the Tampa Bay area. I think golfers will be pleased. The golf course now better reflects the growth in stature that USF has experienced over the last 25 years.”

Additional projects accomplished during the $1 million renovation project include painting the clubhouse, the planting of nearly 1,000 new trees, the upgrading of all tee surfaces, and the addition of a new cart fleet.

Featuring long, narrow fairways lined with majestic oaks, towering cypress and pines, The Claw is one of the most scenic courses in all of Florida. Home to alligators, deer, spoonbills and a multitude of other wildlife, it feels like you are playing in the heart of a nature preserve.

The Claw is also home to the nationally-ranked USF Men’s and Women’s golf teams. The golf programs will join the Big East Conference in Fall 2005 and host the Big East Conference Golf Championship in 2006.

Leagues, tournaments and alumni groups are welcome. Last fall, The Claw hosted the inaugural College Alumni Challenge Championship. Local alumni groups and college boosters competed in four-person teams in the names of their alma maters in a double net best ball event. The event was a big success and will return next fall.

A weekly Skins Game is in full swing every Thursday morning with registration at 7:30 a.m. and tee off at 8 a.m. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in this gross score event. Cost for golf and entry is just $29.

The clubhouse features a fully stocked golf shop with the latest in USF apparel. Rocky’s Sports Grill offers a full bar and great food, along with a huge big-screen TV perfect for watching your favorite sports events. Rocky’s offers catering services for events of all sizes.

The Claw at USF is open to the public. For tee times up to 7 days in advance, call the Pro Shop at (813) 632-6893. Please visit www.theclawatusf.org for hole-by-hole views of the golf course. If you haven’t played The Claw lately, you’re in for a very pleasant surprise.