One of the more charming places for golf I experience is the Temple Terrace Country Club in the eponymous northeastern suburb of Tampa. Not until a year ago did I get the chance to play the course, despite having previous lived within two miles in 2008. The course is quite historic, with Jim Barnes listed as the first golf professional. Tom Bendelow is responsible for the layout.
The course lies on terrain just west of the winding Hillsborough River. Local knowledge suggests that all the greens subtly break toward the river. The course is generally flattish, but the greens are tilted just enough to cause headaches on short putts and place some premium on correct placement from the fairway.
I find the closing stretch particularly keen, and even somewhat surprising in both difficulty and sophistication. Scoring on the course is generally difficult with little possibility for outright disaster. The shot demands increase on the 15th hole, however.
A photo peregrination to follow:
15th Hole: Par 3, 165 Yards
The bunker toplines are well considered and hide the putting green dimensions, as well as the severity of the front portion of the green.
Alternate views, showing the green contours.
I am particularly proud of this view. Every high point of the hole is reflected in this image. Whomever manages the bunker lines did a wonderful job here. Note the front left hole location.
Not my best, but shows the severity of the back to front tilt.
17th Hole: Par 3 195 Yards
Not much shown in this view. The putting green is narrow with rather stark fall-aways to the right and back.
Sarge is excited over his deftly carved approach from the tee.
18th Hole: Par 5 510 Yards
This excellent finish hole doglegs up and over the ridge toward the old clubhouse (now owned by neighboring Florida College) A tee shot placed near the bunkers offers a view of the top of the flagstick
A well placed drive offers this view. Note the flag peaking over the ridge contrasted in the background of the former clubhouse building.
The attractive finishing view at Temple Terrace. The building in the background served as the clubhouse until purchased by Florida College.
Just left of the last image, along the shore of the Hillsborough River:
