After numerous name changes and a slow decline in the course’s maintenance, the Palm Harbor, Fla., club, which was originally named Tarpon Woods Country Club, is being managed by Hampton Golf and is under new ownership. Some of the biggest changes to the property are being made to the golf course, which will see a makeover of putting surfaces, a renovation of all 18 tee boxes, and the installation of a new irrigation system.
Tarpon Woods Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Fla., was once one of the top draws in the area and it’s on its way back up, the Port Richey (Fla.) Suncoast News reported.
After numerous name changes and a slow decline of the course’s maintenance, Tarpon Woods’ new leadership group has begun turning things around at the facility, the News reported.
The course is now owned by Bobby Jacobsen, CEO of Safety Harbor-based Jacobsen Homes, and managed by Hampton Golf Management, the News reported.
“Our job is to restore its name,” said Tom McKone, General Manager and Director of Golf. “Back in the ’90s this was one of the courses to play. We just have to keep letting people know it’s not Brooker Creek [Golf Club] anymore.”
One of the latest—and most sorely needed—renovations to Tarpon Woods focused on its greens. With 100 percent coverage on all 18, McKone said their collective consistency provides golfers a confidence on and around the greens that hasn’t existed in years, the News reported.
Along with the putting surface makeover, management and grounds crews are now in the midst of redoing all 18 tee boxes. A new irrigation system will help maintain the course’s play throughout the year, the News reported.
Since Hampton Golf assumed control, McKone said, area residents familiar with Tarpon Woods over the years are pleased with the new direction. The course initially opened in 1971 as Tarpon Woods Country Club, the News reported.
“The response has been phenomenal,” McKone said. “They know the history of the course and they’re excited about what we’re doing here.”
Adding to the attraction of Tarpon Woods is an atypical feature, a national restaurant chain connected to its clubhouse, the News reported.
“We’re the only course we know of with a major chain restaurant on site,” McKone said of the course’s partnership with Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, which sets up well for larger golf outings, the News reported.
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