central west Notable Mentions Black Diamond, Ranch Course Lecanto A stand-out course in its own right, the Ranch suffers only in comparison to its Black Diamond compatriot, the Quarry. It's not as extreme but it's just as gorgeous thanks to stands of pines and oaks rising above the verdant landscape. Bring your precision game, command of approach shots will help in taking on the exacting greens. PAR: 72, YARDS: 6,932 Cheval Golf Club, Championship Course Lutz Management at the semi-private course–designed by Steve Smyers– has worked to recapture a once-positive reputation that had begun to wane. The footprint of the course rests inside a cypress forest, so trees populate your sightlines and wildlife spotting is always a possibility. Water is in play on nearly every hole, and hitting targets will be at a premium. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,021 The Vinoy Club, St. Petersburg greens will test you at this certifi ed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. PAR 71, YARDS: 6,626 Vinoy Club St. Petersburg This slightly hidden gem is located on Snell Isle, just north of the Old Northeast neighborhood that abuts the Vinoy Resort and downtown St. Petersburg. Tucked in as it is, the Ron Garl redesign of a Donald Ross layout still manages to feel expansive, with scattered lofty palms rising over water-dominated vistas no matter which way you turn. Quick, contoured World Woods, Rolling Oaks Course Brooksville Spanish moss-draped oak trees help distinguish this genteel-looking track from its more dramatic Fazio-designed sibling, Pine Barrens. Water only makes an appearance on the latter holes of both the front and back nines; otherwise it's flowing fairways that work their way into bunker-guarded greens. No easy touch, however; Rolling Oaks demands precision and creativity from its visitors. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,333 36 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA GOLF GUIDE
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