Tiger’s Spring Training Has Golf Options Too
By Dave Daubert
Note: at the time of publishing, it had not yet been determined when baseball Spring Training would begin due to the initial MLB lockout.
Central Florida is always abuzz when Spring Training is in session for the Detroit Tigers and the Tiger faithful fill Joker Marchant Stadium. The lovely weather that accompanies the end of winter is perfect for outdoor activities, and what better way to enjoy the cool mornings and sunny afternoons than on a golf course, unless the Tigers are playing at Publix Field-home of course.
Within the city limits of Lakeland, there are reasonable and playable tracks open to the public:
Wedgewood Golf Club in north Lakeland is probably the closest in proximity to Joker Marchant and is a regulation 18-hole, par 70 layout that stretches to 6,400 yards. It is open for public play with competitive pricing, three sets of tees, and 122/70.1 slope/rating. Call for tee times at 863-858-4451 or visit www.GolfWedgewood.com.
Links of Sandpiper is located in a residential retirement community just off I-4, and was reimagined by the new owner Dave Tavlin. This well-manicured 6,000+ yard beauty is a fun track to enjoy an 18-hole round for the young-at-heart. While walking or riding the comfortable rolling terrain of Sandpiper, take a few moments to view the interesting trickling streams, water features and tree carvings Tarvin placed throughout his remodel. The par 70 course has four sets of tees so everyone can have a good time capped off by some tasty offerings at the Sandpiper restaurant and bar. Visit www.LinksofSandpiper.com or call 863-858-4451.
Huntington Hills Golf Club is the northernmost venue and a Ron Garl-designed par 71 with a slope/rating of 126/73 situated in a residential community full of challenging holes. The 6,788 yard layout with 5 sets of tees will definitely test your mettle and mental abilities. The course has large TifEagle greens, newly reworked bunkers and lush fairways. The clubhouse was recently remodeled and is a great place to enjoy a beverage and light fare. With a large driving range and sizable practice putting green, I recommend this spot to work on your game. Give them a call to book your tee time at 863-859-3689.
Schalamar Creek Golf & Country Club is east off of Highway 92 and another club located in an active adult residential complex. The 6,200-yard par 72 layout sits among giant live oaks and ponds that come into play. The friendly staff and members do make playing here a fun day on the links. There are four sets of tees to make your game fit the appropriate distance and a great mix of risk/reward shots to tantalize your thoughts. Cold libations and tasty morsels await you in the downstairs restaurant with more friendly faces. Visit www.Schalamar.com or call 863-666-1623.
Lakeland's municipal golf offering is a 27 hole complex, Cleveland Heights Golf Club, a member of the Florida Historic Golf Trail with a mix of three nines that will challenge even the best of the bunch. Get your tee time reservation in asap because "the Heights" is always busy in season. Reasonable and delicious food, a full bar and plenty of seating allow locals who don't golf to visit for lunch and specialty dinners. Call 863-834-2377 or visit www.ClevelandHeightsGolf.com.
Just a few minutes from "the Heights" is the Sanlan Golf & RV Resort with another 27 holes of pristine golf bordered by the Banana Lake and the Sanlan Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary on over 765 acres. For those Wolverine RVers, this is the perfect stay & play place during spring training. The three distinctive nines are Alligator, Bobcat and Cougar at an average of 3,000 yards apiece, with a huge driving range, pitching and chipping area, practice putting green and bunker work. Visit www.Sanlan.com or call 863-665-1726.
Last but not least, The Club at Eaglebrooke is the premier semiprivate golf course and southernmost in Lakeland. This classic links-style 6,900- yard beauty with 100 feet of elevation change will challenge the best Tiger fan with its ever-present lakes and length. There are 5 sets of tees so all players can enjoy their round. The staff is welcoming and ready to help with some instruction on their well-maintained practice facilities. After the round you can enjoy a cold one and great fare in their lovely clubhouse. Call 863-701-0101 or visit www.Eaglebrooke.com.
There you have it. You can choose your challenge amongst these Lakeland golf venues and still enjoy Tigertown any day.
Besides golf, Michiganders can enjoy a visit to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Legoland in Winter Haven, the Florida Strawberry Festival March 3-13th in Plant City, Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center with 13 architectural buildings, Polk Museum of Art, or enjoy a stroll around Lake Mirror Park and Hollis Botanical Gardens near downtown Lakeland.
