MYAKKA PINES GOLF CLUB (941-474-3296)
Florida Golf Course Review 10/17/05
Myakka Pines in Englewood - south of Sarasota and north of Port Charlotte, is a Lane Marshall championship
design that is member owned, semi private - but open for public play. Uniquely, this course is isolated from
residential properties, affording golfers the quite and seclusion that attracts abundant waterfowl and native
wildlife, including eagles and heron. Finely manicured tees, fairways and greens and well kept rough make this
an enjoyable experience for all levels of players. Superb landscaping and an excellent practice facility are special bonuses for members and guests.
The course features three distinctive nines, each with generous landing zones and slightly raised green
complexes with mildly undulating putting surfaces. There is often ample recovery areas greenside, making this a
player-friendly layout. Water comes into play in some shape or form on 21 holes - seven on each nine. Sixty six
white sand bunkers can be found near the greens or along the wide fairways, but these traps are relatively flat, of high quality sand, and provide a decent chance for recoveries.
The photos in this review are of the Red and White nines, which both present some wonderfully sculpted golf
holes. The Red course becomes increasingly interesting from the 5th hole on, with water everywhere...creating
some nice shot values. Course knowledge comes in handy on the short par four sixth - which can yield some
good scores with accurate lay-ups and approaches. The second shot on eight also is quite daunting - with water
hazards on both sides of the green. The ponds and lakes on all three nines add challenge and aesthetic beauty.
The property features a targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker plus putting green, and a
clubhouse with pro shop plus restaurant/lounge serving breakfast, lunch and bar items. There are spacious
outing capacities both inside and on the outdoor patio. On course sprinkler heads are measured to the center of
the green, and yardage markers are posted on the fairways and cart paths at 100, 150 and 200 yards (250 on
par fives). Color coded flags indicate front, middle and back hole locations cut into medium sized, mildly undulating putting surfaces.
Great landscaping and conditioning, a naturally serene environment, friendly service and a player friendly layout
make this a popular golf destination. Four sets of tees play to distances measuring between 6499 and 5085
yards, with slope ratings between 130 and 114. Rates for the golfing public are very reasonable, with tee times
available year round. I spoke with a variety of members and regulars and each spoke with pride of their golf
course and facilities. A round of golf here is a day well spent. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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