DON SHULA'S GOLF CLUB - Senator Course (305-820-8106)
Florida Golf Course Review 12/10/05
Don Shula's Golf Club is the centerpiece of a full resort (Don Shula"s Hotel & Golf Club) that features a variety of
accommodations in 205 guest rooms, a spa, a 44,000 square foot athletic Club, swimming pool and Jacuzzi,
and the famous Shula's Steakhouse. Located between downtown Ft.Lauderdale and Miami, the property is near
most South Florida attractions and nightlife, with upscale shopping, dining and even a theatre complex within
walking distance. On property, the Golf Club also provides an 84 room boutique hotel - perfect for the business
traveler or golfer! Each room has a microwave and refrigerator, and a swimming pool and other amenities are on property.
Rated 3 1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, the golf course is a par 72 Bill Watts championship design with
full service practice facilities. There is a range with grass and mat tee stations that is open daily until 11 pm, as
well as a short game area. An executive 18-hole course is adjacent, featuring holes from 60 to 150 yards in length. The property was awarded the Audubon Society Certificate for preservation of wildlife.
Tree lined fairways lead to medium to small sloping greens, with dense tropical foliage and plentiful wildlife along
the way. Plenty of water and marsh traps are home to indigenous waterfowl - helping the property to be certified
by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System for environmental planning. The front nine more resembles a
northern layout with long narrow fairways, while the back features an environment for which South Florida is known.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 6982 yards/129 slope, 6447 yards/123 slope, 5954
yards/117 slope for men and 131 for women, and 5259 yards with a slope of 121 for women playing from the
forward sets. On course yardage markers are posted on the cart paths and fairways at 100, 150 and 200 yards
and pin placement locations are indicated through info provided on the scorecards. Each cart is equipped with a rear cover, to protect clubs during inclement weather.
Many of the green complexes are open in front, allowing for low running pitches and chips. Sand bunkering is
strategic but understated with a little more than a couple dozen traps located along the fairways or greenside.
Water comes into play on nine holes, with some forced carries. The par five seventh is a gorgeous golf hole -
with an island green ready to challenge the best of players. Most golfers will have to lay up to the 100 yard area
and attempt to approach in three. Don Shula's Golf Club is open for public play, with prime season rates in the
$100 range. Dinner at one of the country's best steak houses is recommended for those who visit. For more info
on the Golf Club abd Hotel, visit our page for the property, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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