Now that the cooler months are here, what a beautiful time to enjoy some favorite outdoor activities without breaking a sweat! This month I decided to check out the recently reopened Palm Harbor Golf Course to see what this newly renovated gem has to offer.Originally opened on September 14, 1971, Palm Harbor was once the center of our planned community. As unfortunate circumstances would have it, the course was closed down in 2006 for renovations, and the project was abandoned in 2007. This left 150 acres of land desolate, and many feared the sound of swinging clubs would not be heard at Palm Harbor again.
Thankfully, Flagler County citizens banned together to create a grassroots organization called "The Friends of Golf". Through the Friends of Golf, the message about the value of the course, both monetarily and civically, was sent to the City of Palm Coast and the city, in turn, purchased the property. Clifton-Ezell-Clifton Design Company took over the redesign of Palm Harbor and on November 7, 2009 the course reopened.
For three years, this piece of Flagler history had piqued my curiousity. As a kayaker, I had paddled by the abandoned land on my way to Manatee Cove, and again after reconstruction on this treasure had started. When Palm Harbor reopened, I knew I had to get out there, tee up and see what the newest course in Flagler County had to offer - and I wasn't disappointed.Pulling up to the clubhouse I was promptly greeted by a cart attendant who strapped up the bags and helped my partner and I get ready for our adventure. Inside, the clubhouse was clean and organized. The restaurant boasts a delicious lunch menu, accomodating both guests wanting food on the fly and those wishing a more leisurely lunch at table seating inside. I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich "to go" which was made fresh to order and tasted spectacular.
As I headed out to the first tee, I got a knot in my stomach hoping that my play time wouldn't back anyone up and that my game would not prove to be as horrendous as I remember. To my surprise, I wasn't as bad as I had dreaded. I have to admit though, the course has some challenging fairways and I may have landed in a bunker ... or twelve. While some holes of this 18-hole beauty were forgiving, others gave me a run for my money and all-in-all, I had one heck of a good time.
The undulating greens, oak filled woodlands, and w
ater hazards all played into the exciting time I had expected and received. To top it off, I even saw a red shouldered hawk flying past the 5th tee and was told by passersby that they spotted a bald eagle on 11! No matter your skill set, I highly recommend this challenging and attractive course to golfers of all levels. With four par-3's, ten par-4's, and four par-5's Palm harbor is not too tough and it's not too easy ... it's just right. I'm already looking forward to my next visit - and this time I'll try harder to stay out of the woods and the sand!
ater hazards all played into the exciting time I had expected and received. To top it off, I even saw a red shouldered hawk flying past the 5th tee and was told by passersby that they spotted a bald eagle on 11! No matter your skill set, I highly recommend this challenging and attractive course to golfers of all levels. With four par-3's, ten par-4's, and four par-5's Palm harbor is not too tough and it's not too easy ... it's just right. I'm already looking forward to my next visit - and this time I'll try harder to stay out of the woods and the sand!Until next time -
The Flagler Insider
The Flagler Insider
