Eagles Golf Club, Lakes Golf Course

Guest (cart included), played on Tuesday, April 2021 at 10:00 AM

The Eagles Golf Club in Odessa Florida is located about 20 minutes north of the Tampa International airport and is one of the best public access golf courses in the area. The Eagles Golf Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses, both located with the gated Eagles master-planned community. The community was growing by leaps and bounds when I lived there in 2001 and to this day, new homes are still going up.

Over the years these two courses have received numerous accolades including 3 1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play. Back in 2007 when the Tampa Bay Times put together a collection of the Best 18 Holes in Tampa Bay, two of the Eagle’s 36 holes were selected.

Between the two courses, there are over 30 ponds, lakes, and canals as well as an abundance of majestic oaks all creating two golf courses that are as much fun to look at as they are to play. The Eagles Golf Club has long been recognized for its well-manicured playing conditions on both courses.

The Lakes Course was designed first and opened for play in 1970. The Forest Course followed 25 years later in 1995. The Lakes Course dates back to 1970 and plays 7,005 yards from the Black Tees. I found that the White Tees (6,188/69.8/129) provided an ample challenge. With five sets of tees, there is a suitable distance for any level of golfer; just be sure to choose the one that best fits your game. Of the two courses, The Lakes plays more like what you’d expect from a Florida course.

As you can imagine with any course that is over 50 years old, The Lakes Course features massive mature oak trees that can come into play at various times as you make your way around the layout. Although there are only 39 bunkers, they seem to be strategically placed. As the name implies, water comes into play all but one hole with water framing the boundary on several fairways.

On the Lakes course, the stretch from Number 13 to 15 can make or break a good round. Thirteen is a 350-yard picturesque par 4 that requires a tee shot over water that travels not much further than the 150-yard marker, Anything short, too far left, or too far right can leave an approach shot that is blocked out by trees. Success off the tee will leave an open approach shot into a large, elevated green with no bunkers around it.

Handicapped as the most difficult hole on the inward nine, Number 14 is a long par 4 that plays 436 yards from the Blue Tees. It’s a straight, narrow hole with trees and out of bounds on either side. Even your best drive will leave a long approach shot into a green that slopes left to right and is protected by sand on the right. Make a par and consider this hole a success!

The back nine’s toughest hole is followed by the second toughest. The 377-yard par 4 15th is a dogleg left that is best played with a draw off the tee. Hit it through the fairway and you may well be wet. Once again, a good drive will leave a medium-length approach shot into another large green.

Number 18 is a par 5 that plays 496 yards. A slight draw off the tee that avoids the fairway bunker on the left. Because of the pond that sits about 150 yards out from the green, this is a 3-shot hole for most players. You’ll need to decide to either layup or go over the pond with your second shot. Your approach shot is to a slightly elevated green protected on either side by sand. This is one of the area’s best finishing holes.

Inside the clubhouse, the food is fantastic. The Eagles Golf Club makes one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had on or off a golf course. Start with your choice of bread, a bagel, or an English muffin and add either one or two eggs, cooked enough that they won’t be messy. Throw in your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage and cheese, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s a meal. After your round, you can’t go wrong with some of the best chicken wings in the area, available in a variety of sauces. Their burgers are delicious and the homemade meatball sandwich covered with marinara sauce and provolone cheese has to be tried by at least one person in the foursome. The Eagles Golf Club also has a full liquor bar and several domestic and craft beers on tap.

The clubhouse at the Eagles is also a great place for a wedding or other special event. Their talented and professional staff can help with everything from a small intimate affair to a banquet for 200 guests. Menu planning is one of their specialties.

The Eagles Golf Club offers several membership programs including their Golden Eagle Golf Membership. This includes unlimited golf with the payment of a member cart fee year-round, limited golf instruction, and complimentary range balls just to name a few. You can get the complete rundown of what’s included on their website under the Membership tab.

(cart included), played on Saturday, December 2007 at 6am

Excellent course

$31 (cart included), played on Saturday, November 2007 at 6am

Lakes course has many trees. Never overseeded