DIPLOMAT COUNTRY CLUB & SPA (954-602-6000)
Florida Golf Course Review 12/10/05
The Diplomat is a Joe Lee Design and is the only course in South Florida to be honored with 5 stars (2002 Best
Golf Network), and was also rated the # 1 course in America in 2002 by World Travel Awards! Nestled amongst
3,000 Coconut Palms, Royal Palm Trees, 50-year old Shady Banyans and with water hazards on 16 holes, the Diplomat offers a challenge to all levels of players. This is one gorgeous golf course!
The Troon managed golf facility is the centerpiece of the Diplomat Country Club and Spa, an exclusive member
of the Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Sixty richly appointed guestrooms adorn the west side
of the Intracoastal Waterway, providing lavish accommodations and amenities, with the sister property 1000
room Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa just a shuttle ride away. On property at this exclusive resort is a large
swimming pool with Jacuzzi, multiple tennis courts, a 30,000 square foot world class spa (open to the public),
fine and casual dining, a 7500 square foot luxury ballroom, meeting/conference facilities, and a 24-hour Westin
Workout fitness center. For more information or to book stay and play golf packages, visit our page for the resort with direct link to their website by clicking here. Also check out Sparky's "day in a life" entry at the bottom of this review.
The Golf facilities include a targeted grass range, a spacious putting green and short game area with sand
bunker. Callaway clubs and Footjoy shoes are available for rental. The clubhouse features a full service pro shop
, with club fitting available by Precision Fit Golf Solutions - affording Master Club Builders to develop clubs with
high quality components within 24 hours! On-site PGA instruction is also available on this meticulously groomed property.
The golf course earned the resort the only spot in Southern Florida on Conde Nast Traveler's 2003 list of the top
100 golf resorts worldwide! The greens are outfitted with Tif Eagle, providing some of the most true-rolling
putting surfaces in Florida, and 419 Bermuda covers the tees, fairways and rough. Par View GPS is standard on
all carts - and not only provides exact yardages from tee to pin, but also allows golfers to order food and
beverages that are delivered from the clubhouse directly to the carts! On course markers are provided at 100,
150 and 200 yards (250 on par fives), and sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the large,
undulating greens. Covers on the back of each cart provide protection for clubs during inclement weather.
Four sets of tees afford players with the opportunity to play from distances and slopes measuring 6728 yards
with a slope of 136, 6393 yards/129 slope, 6038 yards/127 slope and 5354 yards from the forward sets with a
slope rating of 119. Sixteen holes have water in play - though mostly on the perimeters, and 76 bunkers filled with
high quality sand are scattered near the landing zones along the fairways or greenside. Wood retaining walls are a recurring theme, on many of the green complexes that are fronted by lakes and ponds.
We were told on our early December (05) visit that the course had suffered the loss of many Fica trees from
seasonal hurricanes - but to our eyes the property seemed lush and wonderfully landscaped. Golfers will be
pleased with manicured conditioning and the wonderful hole designs that include raised green complexes
featuring mounds, white sand bunkers, abundant palms and other tropical foliage. Landing areas are often
generous, and there is generally plentiful room greenside for recoveries from slightly offline approaches. This
course with its natural beauty will suit resort duffers, while sand, water and challenging putting complexes will
satisfy the cravings of those seeking an invigorating golf experience. For more info on the course, visit our page for the Diplomat by clicking here.
"A day in the life"
Those staying at this exclusive resort (not to be confused with the far larger Westin Diplomat Resort - which is
also gorgeous) can expect top notch service and an array of amenities worthy of a private club experience. We
especially appreciated the fact that everything was is such close proximity...The accommodations (with the
signature "Heavenly Bed"), pro shop, restaurants and meeting facilities are all in the same building - adjacent to
the tropically landscaped swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Just across from the lobby is the full service spa and
workout facility - and the practice facilities and golf course are right outside the door! Here could be your typical day at the Diplomat Country Club & Spa:
After an incredibly relaxing night of sleep in the ultra-comfortable sleeping arrangements, guests can saunter to
the workout facility which features the latest in cardio and weight equipment - open from 6 am to 9 pm daily.
Fresh fruit and high-energy bars are complimentary at the spa. After some brisk exercise, a visit to the adjacent
spa is a great way to begin the day. All toiletries (even razors and brushes) are provided, along with towels, a
robe and sandals. A visit to the sauna, steam and hot tub can be capped off with time spent at the lushly
landscaped spa outdoor pool area. From there a healthy breakfast at the Links Grill next to the pro shop (try the
homemade granola with yogurt and fresh berries) can be followed by a trip to the range for some practice or a
lesson. A round of golf will be the highlight of the day - and the course is right outside the door! Dinner on
property is also recommended. Both the lunch and dinner menus present a great variety of culinary options. A
perfect end to the day is a return visit to the spa (all guests have complimentary use) or a trip to the tropically
landscaped pool area - followed by drinks at the bar. If you seek a memorable round of golf and a relaxing resort experience - the Diplomat Country Club & Spa is your ticket!
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