Detailed description of Babe Zaharias Golf Course
Babe Zaharias Golf Course is an 18 hole public golf course located in Tampa, Florida.
The course first opened for play in 1926. At that time it was known as Forest Hills Golf and Country Club. The last redesign of he course was in 2004. The redesign was done by Ron Garl.
When first opened as a country Club, there were riding stables located on the south end of the property and a magnificent two-story clubhouse that included a ballroom. The original course layout had only 10 homes scattered around it. Unlike today the golf course meanders its way through a tree lined neighborhood
In 1949 Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias purchased the golf course. It's been said that "Babe's" actually lived on the second floor of the clubhouse. In 1954 Babe moved into a residence not far from the present clubhouse location. In September of 1956 "Babe" died of cancer in a hospital in Galveston, Texas. Following "Babes" death the golf course closed. In 1962 the once magnificent clubhouse burned.
Keeping "Babe's" name, the City of Tampa re-opened the golf course as Babe Zaharias in 1974. 30 years later, "The Babe" had a makeover. All 18 greens were be re-built and a new irrigation system was installed. The work was completed in late 2004.
This par 70 course plays to just over 6,o00 yards from the men's tees. This short course is tight because of all the out-of-bounds stakes lining many holes. The average golfer will find the design to be a real test of golf.
The signature hole is #16, a 453-yard, par 4, requiring a tee shot up a tree-lined fairway with out-of-bounds stakes threatening both sides, then an approach shot as the fairway doglegs left to the green. You are going to need to be able to work the ball from right to left if your going to want a good chance at a birdie.
Back tees: 6,020 yards, course rating 69.0, slope rating 115.
Middle tees: 5,531 yards, course rating 66.4, slope rating 112.
Forward tees: 4,808 yards, course rating 65.1, slope rating 109.
Middle tees(W): 5,531 yards, course rating 71.1, slope rating 125.
Forward tees(W): 4,808 yards, course rating 67.9, slope rating 117.
$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, August 2011 at 10am
Worst greens,Tee boxes and fairways I have seen in a long while. The maintenance is terrible.
$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, August 2011 at 10am
Worst greens,Tee boxes and fairways I have seen in a long while. The maintenance is terrible.
$21 (cart included), played on Tuesday, August 2011 at 10am
Worst greens,Tee boxes and fairways I have seen in a long while. The maintenance is terrible.
$10 (cart included), played on Monday, October 2011 at 8am
Not very long but, very narrow with out of bounds all over the place. Usually in very good shape and the best price bargain on the west coast of Florida.
$26 (cart included), played on Tuesday, June 2011 at 6am
It's a short course, but a lot of fun to play.
$31 (cart included), played on Saturday, July 2007 at noon
When Greens are in bad shape, need to provide discount to players until the problem is fixed.
$16 (cart included), played on Thursday, May 2007 at 6am
A little short, but very fun to play. Long drivers can drive the green on more than a few holes.
$16 (cart not included), played on Thursday, July 2007 at 4pm
Babe Zaharias Golf Course is a hidden gem. Actually it is not that hidden. It is less than a mile off the 2-75 Interstate. This is an old fashioned, mature, neighborhood course. A par 70, the course presents a nice blend of challenges with the added bonus of a pretty layout. I walked this course with a twilight rate of $16. Great value for great golf. I would recommend this course if you are visiting Tampa and want great golf at a bargain price.
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$16 (cart not included), played on Monday, May 2014 at 8am
Used to be in much worse condition than it is now. I play here weekly, love it and will continue to play it. Over 6k yds from the tips, so no long and not a par 72. But challenging, and difficult green movements. Never have seen any crab grass or bs on the green. Cons that are not listed: if you're a walker, you don't have any way to repair divots or rake sand traps as all of that is supplied on the carts. Cart paths and random sand/gravel in play, so don't go there with a full PGA mentality.