Florida Grapefruit League Beckons Golfers  

- Florida and golf have always had a symbiotic link – especially during the month of March when Major League Baseball visits the Sunshine State.

The Grapefruit League, as Spring Training in Florida is affectionately called, has been around for more than 100 years. Today, 13 cities along the west coast and east coast of the state host 15 major league teams for a month of pre-season baseball. When not cheering on your favorite team, there are plenty of golf courses to entertain.

In Bradenton, the River Strand Golf and Country Club features 27 holes designed by Arthur Hills. The three sets of nine include The Estuary at 3,640 yards, The Tributary at 3,214 yards and the newly opened Sanctuary at 3,473 yards. The course backs up to the Manatee River and the tidal area is often built into its holes. The grounds feature tropical palm trees, stately oaks and a fair amount of water throughout.

Located between Orlando and Tampa, ChampionsGate Golf Club provides golfers with the chance to play two beautiful courses: ChampionsGate National and ChampionsGate International. Since opening in 2000, the International course has been a favorite among golfers from the world over. Designed by Greg Norman, this par 72 covers 7,363 yards and features lots of lakes and ponds throughout.

Many who have played golf in Great Britain will appreciate the authentic feel of the International course, along with its rectangular tee boxes, dunes made of sand and pot bunkers. The course was listed by Golf Magazine and Golf World magazine as one of the top 10 upscale golf courses in the country.

For those wishing to play a quick nine holes, the Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott in Orlando is the perfect place. Opened in 1997, the par 32 course measures 2,308 yards and appeals to golfers from around the world. Golfers of any age and level of play will enjoy the beautiful Faldo course. The greens and fairways are kept to the highest standards; the bunkers are strategically placed; and large lakes and clusters of trees also create natural obstacles.

The Crown Colony Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers is a 403-acre gated community that features an 18-hole Ron Garl-designed course. The overall look and feel of the Crown Colony is reminiscent of old Scottish and Irish links-style courses. The fairways and greens are creatively routed around the site’s native wetlands, mature pines, and scrub oaks to produce a highly strategic layout. The semi-private country club offers a luxurious clubhouse that includes an informal grille room and terrace, social rooms, a fireplace and piano bar.

In Tampa, the Heritage Isle Golf & Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole, 6,976-yard course on 15 acres of native wetlands. Golfers will pass by elegant Cypress trees, stately oaks and peaceful ponds. But don’t be fooled by this serenity; there’s water on nearly every hole, coupled with deep bunkers.

Also located in Tampa is Westchase Golf Club, which opened in 1992. One of Tampa’s most popular courses, Westchase averages 58,000 rounds of golf annually. The course received the Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction award for maintaining beautiful greens and providing superb service while still preserving value. Golf Digest rated Westchase Golf Club with three and one-half stars. Lakes, wetlands, and a conservation area will bring golfers in tune with nature, as will the 5,000 trees located on the course.

Perfect weather, Spring Training and 1,200 golf courses to choose from; what more could you ask for? If you are visiting Florida in March make sure to take some time to hit the links.