Babe Zaharias Golf Course, Tampa

We have a place in Sarasota and drive to Tampa 4 or 5 times during our stay just to play the Babe. The length suit our game and there is an interesting mix of holes. Everybody is friendly and we can't wait togo back. Jim & Mary New Hamburg Ont.

the babe zaharias golf course is a time machine that takes you back to the 1950s & 1960s when persimmons woods and balatta balls were the rage and jack nicklaus, arnold palmer, gary player and babe zaharias were the pro's. This track winds through the city streets of north tampa where most of the homes are unique, different, on large lots and ultra - modern ....err ultra mid century modern - nothing like the cookie-cutter homes on today's new courses! At approximately 6000 yards from the tips it is considered short by modern standards yet can be a challenge at every level; heck, there's out of bound on every hole and plenty of water to boot! To date the course record is only 62 and is shared by 4 usga pro's to include woody austin who was raised on this golf course. A great variety of mature trees line the fairways, and they host flocks of birds to add to your experience. In the evenings after a competitive round you can join in on the good cheer and spirit of the "forest hills men"s association (and ladies too!) in the club house - this group really love to compete and enjoy the goodness of life. after a round - they welcome strangers with a good natured toast. I was surprised how relaxed and cheerful everyone was, including staff!

Staff is very friendly and accomodating. Head pro Laura Beuhring is doing a great job. The overall condition of the course is very good considering the amount of play every day. The Babe's greens are in excellant shape. Don't let the short length of the course fool you. Tee shots better not stray too far left or right or you're out of bounds. The other two city-owned golf courses are also very good, but the Babe is my favorite.

The Babe is a wonderful hidden gem among the modern golf offerings in the Tampa area. Driving past older residential neighborhoods along Armenia Avenue, one was not sure what kind of muni-course awaits. But when you get there, you can sense the history of this course. Unlike most FL golf courses in new subdivision that go past behind new 2000-sf houses, the Babe winds through a working class neighborhood IN FRONT of houses, cutting through real city streets several times. The grounds are well kept with generous greens that putt true, and some stunning settings. On a quiet early Wednesday morning, alone on the back-9, I had an experience unlike others I had on over-designed and developed tracks from Tampa to Naples. This is muni-golf at its best.

This is an exceptional muni course with a very friendly staff and far better conditions than one might expect. A great value at $20-30 walking. An added plus - brand new Cobra-style rental clubs for a very reasonable $15. IMHO much better than Rocky Point.

this is a friendly little course just north of downtown tampa, and with the recent remodel it is a better round @ $20 (summer afternoon rates) than almost any golf course in the area at three times the price! the staff is friendly and helpful. the course is a great blend of very difficult and extremely easy holes, with the final result of a moderately challenging, fun, 18 holes. few adjoining fairways make for a beautiful course, right in the middle of town.