World Woods Golf Club

Opened in April 1993, World Woods Golf Club has since firmly established itself as one of North America’s finest golf facilities. World Woods offers two championship layouts, both consistently rated among the top 100 courses in the U.S.A. For good measure, World Woods also boasts the top-ranked practice facility in America.

Golf Digest awarded the Pine Barrens Course at World Woods its highest rating of five stars for 2004/2005, which is defined as “Golf at its absolute best. Pay any price at least once in your life.” This is the second time that Pine Barrens has earned this coveted award. Courses were rated in the categories of course condition, pace of play, service, value for the money and overall golf experience.

Of the 3,500 public courses in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean that were rated, only 16 received the coveted five stars. Included in the exclusive group are Bethpage State Park (Black Course), The Homestead Resort, Kiawah Island (Ocean Course), Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pinehurst Resort & CC (No. 2 Course), and Whistling Straits (Straits Course). Among Florida’s 1,200-plus golf courses, Pine Barrens was the only one to receive a five-star rating.

World-renowned architect Tom Fazio carved two distinctly different courses out of ancient live oak groves and pine tree forests along Florida’s Nature Coast in northwest Hernando County. “We didn’t start by designing golf holes,” said Fazio. “We began by viewing the big picture, the land mass, the scale, the concept. We allowed the land to tell us what to do.”

Pine Barrens is an intimidating layout named for its large number of pine trees and barren waste areas. It’s terrain is reminiscent of the sand hills of North Carolina. Over 6,900 yards long, this par-71 course has impressed all players, both amateurs and professionals, who have challenged it. Requiring long carries as well as delicate placement, Pine Barrens resembles Pine Valley in New Jersey, perennially ranked the best golf course in America.

Rolling Oaks (6,985 yards, par-72) is a traditional course with rolling hills and aesthetic beauty rarely seen in Florida. Fairways lined with live oaks, dogwoods and magnolias complement large greens, which feature multiple tiers and cavernous bunkers. The presence of azaleas and closely manicured fairways and greens has helped Rolling Oaks draw comparisons to Augusta National, home of The Masters.

Prior to challenging World Woods’ championship tracks, players are invited to experience its top-ranked practice facility. The circular practice park, occupying over 22 acres, features eight separate teeing areas, target greens, bunkers, and trees. Fazio created a rare opportunity for golfers to practice in a variety of wind and sun conditions.

The practice facilities also include three challenging practice holes; a 9-hole short course featuring seven par-3s and two par-4s; and a two-acre putting course that has tremendous undulations guaranteed to challenge even the game’s best putters.

“This is my best work,” said Fazio. “It’s like having Pine Valley and Augusta plus the best practice facility in the world all in the same location.”

Course condition is a top priority at World Woods. “Conditions are the best I’ve seen in the last ten years,” said Vice President/Director of Golf Stan Cooke. “A higher maintenance budget, removal of shade from around greens (with an assist from last year’s hurricanes), and the tireless efforts of Superintendent Jimbo Rawlings and his staff have all contributed to the outstanding condition of the golf courses and practice facilities.”

If you have never experienced golf at World Woods, you have missed a little bit of golf paradise. For most golfers, it’s as close as they’ll ever get to Pine Valley or Augusta National.

For rate information, see page 54 of this issue. See details of World Woods’ “Free Lunch Special” on facing page. World Woods also offers a variety of golf packages featuring area hotels within a short drive of the facility. See page 55 of this issue for details.

For those local golfer’s wishing to play World Woods more frequently, the Premier Woods Card is an excellent value. Card members are entitled to VIP-priced golf at World Woods for a full year, from May 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006. Rates include 18 holes of golf, including cart fee, greens fee and tax, on either Pine Barrens or Rolling Oaks.

Premier Woods Card members are able to make tee times up to four days in advance. The Premier Woods Card is available in limited quantity to Florida residents only (proof of residency required). Cost of the 2005 Premier Woods Card is $110. Applications are available at the World Woods pro shop and on their web site, www.worldwoods.com.

The Suncoast Parkway brings World Woods closer to Tampa Bay than ever. Traveling the toll road, World Woods is a comfortable 50-minute drive from Tampa International Airport.

You are invited to explore the World Woods website at www.worldwoods.com where you can view each hole of both championship courses in virtual reality.

Tee time reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance. To book a tee time; receive more information about the Premier Woods Card or Stay & Play packages; or to schedule an event, call (352) 796-5500, ext. 4.