Beating The Winter Golf Blues

It's January in Pittsburgh and every snowflake is a grim reminder to golfers that it will be months before we get to chase that little white ball across the rolling green blankets of Western Pennsylvania grass. We hit up the indoor simulators, the climate-controlled driving ranges, and the occasional trip to Top Golf. It's not truly golf though and we know golf season officially ended months ago. Did it really though?

In a land not so far away, golf is still alive and well in January, and for Pittsburghers the call to the fairways couldn't be any louder. For the last seven years I have circled January on the calendar for one specific reason - GOLF. The sunshine state of Florida has ample quality choices for golfers to pick from. While a trip to some of the bucket list courses such as TPC Sawgrass and Bay Hill may attract the likes of many, my winter location of choice has always been the Tampa/Clearwater area. The area is home to some really great golf that gets overlooked and should be on the must play lists for all golfers.

So why should Pittsburghers care about golf in Tampa/Clearwater? The answer is really quite simple - accessibility! Pittsburgh International Airport has a large quantity of affordable flights that arrive and depart from Tampa International and St. Pete/Clearwater airports on a daily basis. Out of all the Florida cities it might be the most accessible from the Burgh that I have found. Another reason is the massive amount of quality golf at an affordable rate. There's a little bit of something for everyone in the area as well as an abundance of sunshine and warmer weather. Not to mention an hour drive south will land you at the spring training home of our beloved Pittsburgh Pirates. Another must do item for any Bucco fan in the Burgh.

The picture above (January 2023) is of Cove Cay Golf Club, one of my favorite golf courses in the area, and one of the few courses you will ever play with picturesque waterfront views that doesn't require breaking the hundred-dollar mark. If you are looking for higher caliber golf - Saddlebrook Resort, Fox Hollow Golf Club, and TPC Tampa Bay are a public access golfer's dream come true. These high caliber courses come with some of the best conditions I have ever seen, and the latter (TPC Tampa Bay) recently just underwent a massive course renovation that has restored it back to its former glory as a tour worthy stop.

If affordability is your goal, then the likes of Babe Zaharis Golf Course, the Chi Chi Rodriguez course, and others such as Rocky Point will be sure to please as top-quality stops without the higher price tag. If bucket list golf is your flavor, don't forget about the Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course. Home of the PGA Valspar Classic, and popular stop among PGA players. It is fully accessible to the general public if you book an overnight stay at the resort. Not cheaply I might add, but means anyone can have a chance to play where the pros play. Lastly you have a set of courses located an hour East of Tampa at a new up and comer place called Streamsong Resort, and of which is officially on my personal must play list for the near future. The red and black courses continue to pop up on the top 100 courses you can play list with both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.

As you can see, Tampa and Clearwater have a little bit to offer for every golfer of every level. Did I forget to mention Clearwater Beach? If you have never visited the sugary white sand beaches of Clearwater or gazed at the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, then you owe it to yourself to pay the bay area a visit this winter. Beyond the golf and beaches, you will not find a shortage of things to do. So beat the winter golf blues this season and book your trip to Tampa/Clearwater.

Some pro tips if you do consider a golf trip to Tampa/Clearwater: Utilize the Golf Now (NBC) app/site to book your tee times. They are usually up to date and provides a one stop shop for viewing availability. However, do be aware that some courses have their own tee time booking portals on their websites. So, if you don't see a tee time you are looking for on the golf now app, always check the courses site. With regards to hotels, the further inland you stay the lower the cost. Remember, many flock to Florida during the winter months and the hotel prices along the coast will go up. Water views come with a price. Lastly, if booking a rental car, save yourself some cash and book a car away from the airport. There's a ton of rental car locations within a couple miles of TPA International Airport. Hail an Uber to and from the rental car locations to save nearly half the cost.

Til the next time - Yinz get out there, hit em straight, and keep on hacking!

-The Pittsburgh Golf Hack