Palm Harbor Golf Club

Palm Harbor Golf Club in Palm Coast FL is a semi-private facility, so it's accessible to anyone who wants to play it. It's a municipal facility, but don't let that deter you from playing here. I realize that munis typically get a bad rap, but Palm Harbor Golf Club is truly an exception. It's not the longest course by any means, but it will definitely provide a challenge for golfers of all level.

From the back (Black) tees, Palm Harbor plays 6,609 yards to a par of 72. From back here, the course rating is 72.6 with a slope of 143. The Green tees at 6,160 (70.0/131) provide an ample challenge and good experience for most golfers. Ladies can play from either 5,636 or 4,722 yards.

The course originally opened in 1971 when Bill Amick was commissioned by then telecommunications giant ITT to build what at the time was, only the 2nd golf course in the Palm Coast. And with Nancy Lopez as the "resident" pro, the course flourished. In time, the course began having hardships and eventually closed. It was purchased by the city who commissioned the Cliften, Ezell and Clifton Golf Design Group near Orlando to do a redesign and in 2009, the course reopened as The Palm Harbor Golf Club. KemperSports Management, Inc. manages this facility. In 2011, Palm Harbor Golf Club was voted the People's Choice for the "Best Golf Course in Flagler County."

As part of the redesign, many of the bunkers and hazards were updated, adding some intrigue to the course as does the water that comes into play on about 9 holes including a couple of short carries. The course winds its way through strands of old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and requires accuracy and creativity if you want to score well. It's definitely not a grip it and rip it course, although a couple of the par 5s allow for it. Golfers of all skill levels while have a memorable experience.

Most Memorable Hole: Number 3, Par 5, 474 yards (Green Tees). Trees line both sides of the fairway on this narrow par 5, so keeping your ball in play is a must if you want to score well on this hole. Getting on in two requires carrying the green because water creeps in on the right and there's sand on the left. A layup is no sure bet either as the fairway gets really narrow up by the green with a bunker strategically placed short and right. There's nothing wrong with getting on in three and taking a two-putt.

Favorite Par 3: Number 8, 145 yards (Green Tees). A short carry over water and sand on the right creates a little bit of drama on this medium length par 3. The green is elevated so bump-and-run is not an option. Your best bet for a good score is to simply pick the right club and make good contact.

Favorite Par 4: Number 18, 362 yards (Green Tees). Hopefully, you took a peak at this hole while you were standing on the 11th tee. It's a slight dogleg left that demands accuracy off the tee. Be wary of the fairway bunkers on either side., although they are out of range for most golfers. A good drive will leave a short pitch shot over a creek to an elevated green that slopes back towards the water and is protected by a couple of bunkers short and left. Par is a good finishing score, although birdie is better!

Favorite Par 5: Number 15, 480 yards (Green Tees). Lots of sand and water make up the landscape along the way on the number 1 handicapped hole on the course. Favoring the left side of the fairway off the tee takes the water out of play and makes for an easy decision to go for the green in two. The fairway gets very narrow up by the green and water darts in from the right side. There's also sand left and short right, so you'll need a fair amount of accuracy on your approach shot.

Palm Harbor Golf Club features a complete practice facility with a driving range as well as chipping and putting greens. There's also a bunker so you can practice your sand game. The fully-stocked pro shop carries both men's and women's name brand apparel and equipment. There's also a restaurant - Canfield's - that offers up quality food and adult beverages.

Palm Coast Golf Club is located between Daytona Beach and the St. Augustine in Flagler County, just minutes off Interstate 95 in Palm Coast, FL. For more information or to book a round, give them a call at (386) 986-GOLF or visit their website at www.palmharborgolfclub.com.