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Tampa Airport (TPA) is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
A major business area, Tampa is known for museums, theme parks such as Busch Gardens, and its magnificent beaches.
Not to get overlooked is the stellar golf course that is a must-play for the avid golfer. Let’s take a look at the top three public golf courses near the Tampa airport.
1. Rocky Point Golf Course
One of the first golf courses in Florida, the Tampa Automobile Club opened the course in 1911.
It remained open until 1942 when the United States entered World War II. The course was reopened in 1954 and in 1965 the Tampa Sports Authority began to manage the course.
In addition to Rocky Point Golf Course, it also manages the Babe Zaharias Golf Course and Raymond James Stadium.
How Much Does it Cost at Rocky Point Golf Course?
Rates are dependent on the time of year, day of the week, whether public rates or discounts for TSA cardholders and TSA senior cardholders.
Tee times may be booked for groups of 2 to 4 and rates are as follows:
From Monday through Thursday, rates range from $32 to $43 from 7 am to 3 pm and from $25 to $30 3PM and later.
On the weekends, rates are $36 to $48 from 7 am until noon, $31 to $43 from noon until 3:30, and $33 dollars after 3PM.
Players may also rent a set of Callaway clubs for their round for $40.
You can download a scorecard for Rocky Point Golf Course, FL here.
Facilities
A driving range is available from 7 am to 4 pm on Monday, 7AM to 5PM from Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5PM on Saturday, and 7AM to 5PM on Sunday.
A small bucket of approximately 30 balls costs $5 and a large bucket of approximately 60 balls is $8.
Lessons are also available with the director of golf Jim Garrison, who has been teaching students of various skill levels for two decades.
Rates are $50 for a single lesson or a five-lesson package for $200.
The Point Grill – If you wish to enjoy a pre-round breakfast, post-round lunch, or simple snack, head to the Point Grill.
Offerings include full breakfast, bar bites, salads, burgers, sandwiches, beer, soft drinks, and happy hour specials.
Rocky Point Golf Course FL: Contact Information & Directions
Rocky Point Golf Course, 4151 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa, FL 33634
Tel: (813) 631-4374
You can also contact Jim Garrison (Director of Golf), Jim Hanks (Operations Manager), Kennie Sims (Vice President of Golf Operations), and Eric D. Hart (President/CEO of Tampa Sports Authority) at the same number.
Website: www.rockypointgolf.net
Hours: 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Click here For directions to Rocky Point Golf Course, FL.
2. Babe Zaharias Golf Course
Originally the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in 1926, Babe Zaharias purchased the course in 1949.
She not only managed the club but played there and held clinics and exhibitions for the locals. After she passed away in 1956, the course closed and in 1962 the overgrown clubhouse burned down.
The City of Tampa re-opened the course in 1974 under the management of the Tampa Sports Authority.
In addition to still managing the Babe Zaharias Golf Course, it also manages the Rocky Point Golf Course, Rogers Park Golf Course, and Raymond James Stadium.
How Much Does it Cost at the Babe Zaharias Golf Course?
The three pricing options are public, TSA Cardholders, and TSA Senior Card.
Rates per person for 18 holes range from $30 to $38 Monday through Friday from 7 am to noon, $28 to $32 from noon to 2:30 pm, and $22 to $27 after 2:30 pm.
Rates for Saturday and Sunday are $32 to $40 from 7 am to noon, $29 to $34 from noon until 2:30 pm, and $22 to $27 after 2:30 pm.
For those that wish to rent clubs, the fee is $15 for 18 holes.
You can download a scorecard for Babe Zaharias Golf Course, FL here.
Facilities
There is no driving range available on site, but there is a complimentary warm-up net available.
Lessons are offered for $50 per hour or a five-lesson package for $200.
The Babe Zaharias pro shop has everything a golfer needs to get the most out of your game. If you are unsure what equipment best suits your game, ask the courteous and knowledgeable staff for assistance.
The top name brands in golf apparel and equipment are available. Whether your preferred brand is Foot-Joy, Nike, Titleist, Adidas or others, the pro shop has you covered.
Need to grab a bite to eat before your round, at the turn, or post-round?
Head to the Fairway Café from 6:45 am to 5 pm for breakfast, hearty meals, and drinks.
Babe Zaharias Golf Course FL: Contact Information & Directions
Babe Zaharias Golf Course, 11412 Forest Hills Dr, Tampa, FL 33612.
Tel: (813) 631-4374
Website: www.babezahariasgolf.net
Hours: 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Click here For directions to Babe Zaharias Golf Course, FL.
3. Countryway Golf Club
This short executive course plays to a par 61 at 3503 yards from the blue tees, 3118 yards from the white tees, and 2690 yards from the red tees.
Don’t let the size of the course fool you. With undulating greens and water on 14 holes, there is a challenge for even the better players.
Countryway Golf Club was rated by readers of the Daily Planet as the “Best Value Golf Course in Tampa Bay”.
Dually owned by the Sherlock and Creighton families, Dave Creighton and his son Adam, played for a combined nine teams in their NHL careerss, Tampa Bay and St. Louis.
How Much Does it Cost at the Countryway Golf Club?
From 7 am to 11 am, rates for 18 holes are $18 and $22 with a riding cart.
From 11 am to 1 pm, the rates are $15 to walk and $18 to ride. Tee times after 1 pm cost $12 to walk and $15 to ride.
If you wish to play only 9 holes, the rates are $16 and $18 from 7 am to 11 am, $13 and $15 from 11 am to 1 pm, and $12 and $13 after 1 pm.
Memberships are also available. The associate membership card rate is $18.
The annual membership fee is $725 for an individual and $325 for a junior. They both include unlimited greens fees and $8 cart rate per round.
A husband & wife membership fee is $1035 annually plus $100 per child.
You can download a scorecard for Countryway Golf Club, FL here.
Facilities
There is no driving range on-site, but there is a bar and grill available for those that want a pre-round snack or post-round meal.
Breakfast omelets, lunch plates, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and entrees are all available.
Men’s and women’s summer and year-round leagues are available. In the summer, men’s begin at 4 pm on Mondays and women’s league tee off Wednesdays at 4:30 PM. Couple’s leagues are Fridays at 4:30 pm.
Interested in playing year-round? These leagues are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 am for men and Thursdays at 9:30 am for ladies. Men can also enjoy a skin’s game Thursdays at noon.
Countryway Golf Club FL: Contact Information & Directions
Countryway Golf Club, 11111 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33635.
Tel: (813) 854-1182
Website: www.countrywaygc.com
Hours: 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Restautant Hours: 7:00AM to 8:00PM
Click here For directions to Countryway Golf Club Course, FL.
Tampa Airport Golf Courses Near Me?
There’s no secret that the Florida Gulf Coast is known for its culture and great beaches.
One thing not to forget is the ample opportunities for quality golf at affordable rates – which is important when answering the question of looking for the best golf courses near me? – when close to Tampa Airport.
Additional public golf courses in Florida: Daytona Beach, Clearwater, Hollywood, Port St. Lucie, Disney World, Ocala, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, Venice, FL, Panama City Beach, Cape Coral.
Some of the best in the Tampa Airport area is the full-length Rocky Point Golf Course and the Babe Zaharias Golf Course.
For those that want a shorter, yet challenging and fun golf experience, the Countryway Golf Club is for you.
Take time to play one, two, or all three great courses. You won’t be disappointed!