COLONY WEST COUNTRY CLUB (954-726-8430)
Florida Golf Course Review 12/10/05 - photos updated March, 2008
Colony West is a beautiful traditional style Florida layout designed by the team of Robert Von Hagge/Bruce
Devlin in 1971. Originally developed to host a PGA event (the Jackie Gleason Classic - now the Honda Classic),
the course has gone through various renovations with the end result being a facility that has garnered 4 stars and a Top 50 in the U.S. rating from Golf Digest Places to Play.
Golfers will encounter country club conditioning and outstanding shot values along a lush, tree lined terrain that
winds through an upscale residential community. The course was rated as one of the four toughest in the country
upon opening - and is still quite a challenge from the two back tees. Golfers can choose from four sets that
measure in distance and slope - 7312 yards/146 slope, 6875 yards/142 slope, 6420 yards/135 slope, 5462
yards/127 slope and 4451 yards with a slope of 122. The rating for the ladies is 139 from the blues and 137 from
the whites. As these slopes indicate, golfers need to bring their "A" game to score well here!
On property is a full service clubhouse with locker rooms/showers, pro shop, Sand Trap Restaurant & Lounge,
plus an upscale banquet/outing facility (The Blue Heron Room) that can accommodate up to 250 guests for
weddings, parties and special events. Breakfast, lunch and dinners are served in the clubhouse restaurant.
There is a grass range and practice green as well. On course the Kirby Marking system is in place, with yardage
blocks posted every 25 yards from 75 - 200 (225 and 250 on par fives), and color coded flags indicate front, middle and back hole locations.
Golfers will have to maneuver around 85 sand bunkers that are situated greenside or located along the landing
zones on the manicured fairways. The green complexes demand some accurate approach shots, and the putting
surfaces are sloped and true rolling. The design presents some interesting doglegs that are often defined by
thick strands of trees, and water is a factor in some shape or form on all but three holes, with a few forced carries.
A round at Colony West is highly recommended by the two guys who golf. This is a mature and beautiful parkland
layout! High handicappers may want to display some humility by playing from the forward sets, which at 5500
yards and 127 slope presents a good test. The white tees play tough for the average golfer, and those utilizing
the two back tees will have their mettle put to test. The rates here are very reasonable (under $100 including cart
prime time in 2006) for such a high quality experience. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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