The city-owned St. Petersburg, Fla., golf course has been closed for the last six months to transform the 18-hole golf course into a nine-hole facility with an expanded 18-station driving range with target greens, a three-hole practice course, and two practice greens.
Florida Golf Courses Reopen to Showcase Renovations
Twin Brooks Golf Course in St. Petersburg has reopened after investing $1.5 million in its 12-hole layout to create bigger greens and fairway mounds, expand the driving range, add golf cart paths and bring in 12 new electric carts. In Naples, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has reopened after six months, featuring 18 new greens and newly grassed tee boxes.
Probe of On-Course Gambling Puts Tarpon Springs GC in Viral Spotlight
After receiving a letter, reportedly from a disgruntled employee, that league players at the Florida municipal course were each putting $20 into a pot that would be divided among those shooting low rounds or winning other competitions, local police looked into possible violations of statutes that prohibit the “operation of a gambling house” and the “promotion of games in connection with the sale of a product or service.” After the investigation was forwarded to the Florida State’s Attorney Office, the club’s Course Manager/Director of Golf told league players they would have to stop the practice and retained an attorney to protect himself personally against possible felony charges.