 HERON CREEK GOLF CLUB (941-423-6955)
Florida Golf Course Review
Heron Creek in North Port, just south of Sarasota, is a 4 1/2 star (Golf Digest Places to Play) championship layout designed by famed architect Arthur Hills. With a topography
highlighted by rolling hills, large stands of oak, pine and palmetto, lush landscaping plus spectacular water features that are home to abundant native wildlife, Heron Creek
affords players one of the most memorable golf experiences in Southwest Florida.
Three finely maniucured nines present players with opportunities to play to yardages that measure from 4755 to 6869 yards. Five sets of tees that are fairly evenly interspersed,
allow golfers of all skill levels to choose a set that will fit their game. Slope ratings vary from 140 to 115 on the Oaks/Marsh configuration; 143 to 113 on the Marsh/Creek layout, and
141 to 114 on the Creek/Oaks design. Low handicappers will have all they can handle from the tips and blue tees, while average golfers will enjoy a fair round from the whites.
Much of the trouble is taken out of play for ladies playing from the forward tees.
The photos in this review are of the Oak and Creek nines. The Oaks features water in play on all but one hole, and 23 soft sand bunkers are strategically located greenside or
along the landing zones of the undulating fairways. There are some significant water carries, though bail out room is usually available for those seeking to play cautiously. As with
all great Arthur Hills designs, the risk-reward factor is present on many holes, particularly on the dogleg right 8th and dogleg left 9th, both of which invite players to cut off as much
as they choose, over daunting water hazards.
The Creek is the newest(2002) and also shortest (3365) nine and also has plentiful hazards in the form of rugged marshlands plus lakes and ponds. This layout also has
significantly more bunkering, with 47 sand traps spread out about the course. There is mounding on the sides of the some fairways, but the terrain is more level than that of the
Oaks. Both nines have raised, sloping green complexes with mounds and swales complementing the protective bunkers. The Marsh nine plays to 3451 yards with 25 sand traps
and with water in play on all 9 holes.
Heron Creek is first class all the way, with practice facilities that include a targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker, plus large putting green. The modern
clubhouse includes a spacious and well stocked pro shop, beautiful restaurant/lounge/outdoor patio, and banquet/outing capacities for up to 200 guests. There also are
beautifully appointed locker rooms with showers for men and women.
On course golfers will find color coded flags to indicate front, middle and back hole locations, 100, 150 and 200 yard markers on both the fairways and cart paths, and sprinkler
heads that are measured to the center of the green. Great course, wonderful facilities - Heron Creek is an experience that we highly recommend. The layout winds through a
residential community, but still offers seclusion - with abundant waterfowl and native wildlife. For more info, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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