HERITAGE ISLES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (813-907-7447)
Florida Golf Course Review 8/26/06
Heritage Isles has recently been purchased (early 2006) by Crown Golf - long known for quality and substance
with affordable pricing scales in West Florida. The natural terrain is cut through native cypress heads and
meandering wetlands, which provide a bountiful habitat for native wildlife. This Lewis/Azinger design has water in
play in some shape or form on all 18 holes, and the course is also known for its large, meticulously maintained putting surfaces.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes that measure 6996 yards/137 slope, 6236 yards/133 slope, 5615
yards/119 slope for men and 134 for women, and 4832 yards, with slope ranging from 117 for ladies hitting from
the forward tees. 150 yard stakes are visible on all par fours and fives, yardage blocks are posted at 100, 150
and 200 yards, and color coded flags indicate front, middle or back hole locations on the medium to large, mildly undulating greens.
Water comes into play on 13 of the holes, with some forced carries called for. There are 65 sand bunkers
positioned greenside or along the gently rolling fairways - some high lipped and penal in nature. The back nine is
longer from all but the forward tee areas, with several carries over water or marsh areas from the tee.
There is a variety of green complexes, but most have bunkers on the sides and are open in front. Golfers will be
able to execute a number of varying approach tactics, from low running pitches and chips to high arcing lobs.
Some risk/reward opportunities are apparent in the design, including the short dogleg left par four ninth over a
lake, which entices players to cut off as much as they dare in order to have a simple wedge to the green.
Heritage Isles is conveniently located off Cross Creek Road just minutes east of I-75 and northeast of Tampa.
Prices are extremely reasonable ($43 including cart weekdays in 2006). For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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