CRANDON PARK GOLF COURSE
(formerly Links at Key Biscayne) 305-361-9120
Florida Golf Course Review 12/10/05
OK - tell me again - this is a municipal golf course? Hard to believe! Crandon Park Golf Course is the only golf
facility on the bay at Key Biscayne, and is set in a spectacular location that features seven saltwater lakes and
plentiful mangrove thickets, which create an environment that hosts a plethora of indigenous wildlife. Three
crocodiles (not alligators) call this land home, and huge iguanas, blue and multi-colored herons, a variety of
egrets and other waterfowl are also in abundance. The property is designated as Audubon Sanctuary certified, with the only sub-tropical lagoon in all of North America.
Originally designed in 1972 by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, the Links of Key Biscayne was renovated
with new greens and bunker configurations in 1993, and re-named Crandon Park Golf Course. Wonderfully
manicured conditions, the presence of native wildlife plus the spectacular views of Biscayne Bay make this a
"must play" and one of the top golf experiences in SE Florida. The par four 7th hole has been named "One of the
Greatest Holes in Golf" and Golf Digest has recognized the course with four stars, and with a Top 75 courses in the country rating.
Amenities on property include a complete practice facility with grass range, multiple putting/chipping greens and
short game area with sand bunkers. In fact, golfers can practice pitches and wedges from up to 140 yards out!
The driving range is also lit for night practice. The beautiful clubhouse opened in 2004, and includes a nicely
stocked pro shop, restaurant/lounge with outdoor patio with seating for 212 guests, and locker rooms with
showers (towels are provided at a charge) for men and women. Banquet and outing facilities at this beautiful
property can host up to 225 guests. On course golfers are treated to the Par View GPS - standard on all carts -
that provides accurate information from tee to center of the green. Sprinkler heads about the layout are also marked.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7301 yards/145 slope, 6842 yards/143 slope, 6528
yards/139 slope and 5423 yards with a slope of 130. As these measurements indicate, Crandon Park is a
formidable challenge. Carries over and around lakes and mangrove swamps will test the skills of all levels of
golfers. There is significant mounding around many of the well bunkered green complexes, which feature traps
filled with soft white sand. Resort golfers and high handicappers will have their hands full, but solace can be taken in the spectacular surroundings and manicured playing conditions.
In total there are 86 sand bunkers located near the landing zones or greenside, and water comes into play on 13
holes. The par four seventh is a dogleg to the right over water that has been called one of the greatest holes in
golf! From the beautiful par five opener to the spectacular par 5 finishing hole which borders the bay, the senses
are treated to an exciting round of golf, that allows one to forget about civilization for a day. There are no residential developments on property!
We cannot recommend this course highly enough. The environment is unique - and the shot values outstanding.
Bring your "A" game, but do not let a lack of success spoil a good "drive". This is a wonderful experience that
should not be missed by golfers visiting the Miami area. The property has hosted the Senior PGA Caribbean
Classic, with legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Gary Player all testing the wonderful
design. The ten minute drive from downtown Miami over bridges and around beaches is a spectacular experience in itself. For more info, visit our page for the course with a link to their website by clicking here.
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