Not even a battering from Mother Nature’s fury could destroy a great 
golf vacation destination. Well, almost. Not that it was left unscathed, but the Tiger Point Golf Club in Gulf Breeze, Fl rose up from the debris of successive Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis. The aftermath of the hurricanes were devastating, reducing a once-36 hole golf facility into a 27-hole course. But not just any 27-hole course – it is still one of the most beautiful, most interesting courses on Florida’s Emerald Coast, hurricane or no hurricane.
The Tiger Point Golf Club has two courses – the 18-hole East Course 
and the West Course nine. Half of the former West Course got the worst end of the hurricanes and is on its way to reconstruction. Thankfully, the remaining 27 were salvaged by one of its original designers, the legendary Jerry Pate. The East Course measures 7,041 yards from the longest tees, par 72, and has a Scottish links layout design. The West Course plays par 36 and measures 3,414 yards. Both courses have four sets of tees , and features stunning views of the bay, a sprinkling of southern pines, and some interesting undulation – a rarity of sorts in the mostly flat terrain hereabouts. Its championship layouts are not only golf vacation-savvy; they are also tournament ready.
In fact, the Tiger Point Golf Club was host to several PGA Tour Events then and now. That, plus excellent practice facilities have merited it some huge awards, including being voted “Best of the Bay” (Pensacola News Journal, 2007). With huge reconstruction projects along the way, this golf trip haven is well on its way not only to a full recovery but becoming one of the best in the state. Not that it’s any less better now.
standout among Florida courses for a number of things. For one, it bears some very dramatic elevation changes that are mostly unheard of in this flat side of the golfing country. The fairways are lined with trees, and water plays on six of the 18 holes but there are no forced carries to hurdle. This makes playing here truly fun and enjoyable; golfers are saved from the heartbreak. From too much heartbreak, that is. This course naturally does not go without challenge. The well bunkered greens will take care of that. 
What could be better than a Rees Jones masterpiece in Florida? A Rees Jones masterpiece that sits next to a Robert Trent Jones Sr masterpiece – in a Northwestern Florida paradise, backdropped by the stunning Choctawhatchee Bay. This impossible dream, thankfully, comes to reality at the 
from being consistent on Florida Golf News’ list on the best in the area and best in the state, Golfweek and Golf Digest unanimously say this ranks among the top 30 in the State. In fact, it has also made it to Golfweek’s Top 150 in the country (2003). The list could go on and on and on – because it definitely could. But what could be better than knowing all the merits of the 
and the Baytowne Marina in the background; not the least bit a foreshadowing of the challenging layout ahead. Five of its 18 holes run along the bay, giving it a links feel; the rest meander through natural Florida wetlands following the natural contours of the land. The layout requires some accuracy in shots and excellent club selection skills; the persistent wind requires a lot of patience. But deciding on taking a 
the major golf publications may agree. Golf Digest gave it a four star rating multiple times in its Places to Play list; Florida Golf News included it in the Top 15 in Northwestern Florida – that is out of hundreds of courses in the area – and amongst the Top 100 in the State – out of the thousands. Perhaps, the only risk here is not getting to experience a mediocre 
Originally, the 
of hazards that would try to block their every attempt at a low score. Its four sets of tees only vary in yardage, not in the level of difficulty. When the situation calls for professional intervention, the Golf Academy at 
longest tees, playing for a par of 72. As is characteristic of a Florida 
If there is anything that makes one realize that this is not at all purely organic, it could be the 11 little bridges strewn all over the course. But that is not saying they are unwanted and out of place. On the contrary, these bridges are a most perfect accessory to the nature-themed golf course. To say the least, 
considered to be among the most beautiful courses in the greater Tampa area. It is backdropped by the hues and views of Tampa Bay, and is laden with natural wildlife that is more than comfortable with sharing the course with the golfers. But not to be mistaken as a wildlife park, the golf course is a true blue 
from the longest tees and plays for a par of 72. It has a dominantly rolling terrain, accentuated by creeks and lakes and an overgrowth of native vegetation. The 
A classic and understated golf course, the 
eighteen holes have water making its presence felt. And as with most anything in this paradise state of Florida, the course has a stunning scenery of the natural environment. It is a perfect and striking contrast to the course’s challenging layout, thereby making 
It should not be surprising if a Tom Fazio creation is stunning. The layout is consistently beautiful, carved out of Mother Nature’s own hands, and so excellently challenging it always has to go to the books. 
environment. It is surrounded by oaks, pines, and natural wildlife. A first look at the golf course instantly gives an assuring feeling to the golfer of having made the right decision: this is indeed the best place to spend a 
and water on practically almost every hole. The 
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