The Resort Course at the Boca Raton Resort & Club is exactly what you would expect, expensive and beautiful. Located on the grounds of the resort, the well designed course weaves you through countless water hazards and some of the most beautiful homes you will ever see on a golf course. Staying true to the Boca Raton Resort & Club theme, I received top notch service and paid for it!
(The 2nd hole at the Boca Resort & Club Resort Course)
Those of you who know me, know I'm cheap. When I had to pay $205 for a round of golf, it took everything in my body not to fall to my knees and cry. But it was vacation so I sucked it up, paid the $205, and was rewarded with a beautiful course.
Boca Resort & Club: The Resort Course
I was surprised at the length of the course. From the tips it played only 6,253 yards and had a rating/slope of 69.3/128. Although it's not an overly challenging course, playing new course alone is always tough. There were several shots I hit into the Bermuda Rough just off the fairway which I never found. I recorded five penalty strokes, something I'm embarrassed to admit.
The layout itself is that of a championship course. At times I was reminded of the Bayside Resort in Selbyville, Delaware and others I felt like I was playing Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. The course has water on 15 of 18 holes which makes club selection all the more important. I will say this, for a course with water all over the place, I felt I was offered a "safe" play on most of the holes. I didn't need to go over the water (par 3's excluded) if I didn't want to. There are plenty of risk/reward opportunities on the course and if you're feeling adventurous, go for it.
(A view of my approach shot on the 16th hole. The layup area on the right is not a bad play.)
The par 71 course offers four par 5's and five par 3's. The 528 yard 16th hole is really something special. A tee shot over a small pond into the fairway allows you the opportunity to attack a the green in two with another "all-carry" shot. I was reminded of Myrtle Beach National "Gambler" on the Kings North Course. Since I was in the rough, I decided to layup and was rewarded with a par.
The 2nd hole (pictured above) is a 327 yard, par 4 with water along the left side of the fairway. Using the GPA in my cart, I figured out it was about 255 yards to carry the water and put it on the green in one. It was the shot of my life. As the ball carried over the trees on the left and came back in landing on the green about 30 feet from the pin. Golf is a game of highs and lows and after driving the green, I felt like I was king of the world. I lined up my eagle putt only to leave it short.... I eventually three-putted and hung my head walking away.
The Par 3's
What the par 3's lack in length, they makeup for in water. EVERY par 3 uses water as protection whether it's all carry or by the green.
(The 17th hole is a 186 yard par 3 with close to 160 yards of carry over the pond.)
The 17th hole is the longest playing 186 yards and slightly up hill. The long forced carry can be intimidating especially after playing the water filled 16th. The shortest is the 6th hole, a 129 yard wedge over the water to a fairly unprotected green. Just put it on the green here.
(The 8th hole is a 165 yard par 3 with carry over water. Notice the reflection in the glass-like water.)
What to Look For
The 9th and 16th holes are truly impressive. The 9th hole is the #4 handicap hole with water along the right hand side. Cut off as much as you can with your drive to carry the water but it's important to be on the left side of the fairway if you want to try and make it home in two on this 510 yard par 5.
The 16th hole must be their signature hole. I don't know if the picture above does it justice but this 528 yard par 5 is fun, challenging, and well designed. It's the ultimate test of golf and I was pleased to walk away with par. Carry the water off the tee and you may have a shot at the green in two. If not, you'll need a good shot to the layup area which is also surrounded by water.
Overall
I really enjoyed this course. Once I overcame the sticker shock (I think it happened on hole 11), I enjoyed the beauty of the course as well as the layout. If you're going to be in Boca Raton, Florida, are looking to golf, and have $205 to spend, you will not be disappointed playing here.
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Cost: $205 on a Saturday in October
Rating/Slope: 69.3/128
Proshop: Yes, they have everything you need.
Range: Yes and practice green
My Score: 90 (48-42)
Play Again: Yes, I would like to play here again
Website: Boca Raton Resort & Club Golf
The shared tee box for the 3rd and 12th holes. The 12th is on the right side.)
Comments