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Frank Sullivan

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The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« on: November 21, 2011, 03:11:21 PM »
I had the great fortune to play Calusa Pines last week.  Calusa Pines is an amazing club.  The amenities are first class.  The members and staff were more than friendly and accommodating.  The conditioning of the course is outstanding, especially considering the record amount of rainfall (20 + inches) that recently flooded the area.  A playing partner took these pictures and I offered to post them.  Needless to say, if you have the opportunity to play at Calusa Pines, it is not to be missed.  As a side note, the caddie program was the best and most consistent I have experienced to date.





















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Terry Lavin

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2011, 03:45:26 PM »
Calusa Pines is one of the best golf experiences I've had in Florida.  I put it a notch below TPC Sawgrass, but above other very good Florida golf venues like Doral, Innisbrook, Lake Nona, Loblolly, Pine Tree, Sugarloaf and Country Club of Orlando.  It's sort of the Shadow Creek of Florida, because the entire landscape looks absolutely natural, but it was created by a lot of dynamite and earthmoving.  As a construction project, it is simply amazing and the golf is very, very good as well.
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Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.  H.L. Mencken

Steve_ Shaffer

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2011, 04:14:22 PM »
I understand CP is a spinoff from Naples National. How do the 2 courses compare?
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"Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses ... "  Adlai Stevenson
Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone: "We're bigger than US Steel."
Ben Hogan “The most important shot in golf is the next one”

Michael George

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2011, 04:25:42 PM »
Calusa Pines is considerably better than Naples National.  Also, for the walkers on the site, it is an all walking facility (you may be able to get a cart, but I have never seen anyone with one).

Calusa is the best course that I have played in Florida - I have not played Seminole.  Terry is exactly right - it looks entirely natural but they brought in a ton of dirt and it now is the highest point in Southwest Florida.  As I have said before on this board, the greens are really exceptional and have false fronts, sides and backs.  I have not played devils' Paintbrush and Pulpit, but it is by far the best Hurzdan and Fry course that I have played.  Can't wait to get back in April.

I actually have a Larry Lambrecht photo of #11 in my office.  It is one of the great Redans that I have played.  Holes 1-4, 8-12 and 15-18 are really good, even though there are no weak holes (5 & 6 are my least favorite).  The greenside bunker at #18 might be the deepest I have ever seen, including all Bandon bunkers.
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"First come my wife and children.  Next comes my profession--the law. Finally, and never as a life in itself, comes golf" - Bob Jones

PThomas

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2011, 04:40:39 PM »
tis very good...can there be a better course By Mike H and Dana??  none that i am aware of
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199 played, only Augusta National left to play!

David Hendler

Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2011, 04:54:16 PM »
Incredible experience and a treat to play with Frank last week.  Calusa Pines is the best course I've played in Florida (still waiting to play Seminole) and the best total experience away from my home course. After speaking people who have played both Seminole and Calusa Pines, the results were split fairly evenly as to which course was favored.  

The clubhouse amenities were beyond excellent as were the caddies and on-site lodges.

After our round, we sat behind the 18th green with an incredible view of the 9th and 18th fairways along with the par 3 16th hole.  The landscape was so natural looking despite having such a great elevation change.  Each hole was fair if you hit good shots and the greens all had great contouring.  I cannot wait to get back there although I will need to have Frank as my teammate as his putting and short game were the definition of lethal!

If you ever have the chance to play, I would move my schedule around to make it fit!  
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Sam Morrow

Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #6 on: November 21, 2011, 08:32:57 PM »
It looks like fun but does anyone else think it looks unnatural? It reminds me of the kind of courses that you throw the name Fazio or Jones on they will get blasted on this site.
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Mark Saltzman

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2011, 08:38:32 PM »
Quote from: Paul Thomas on November 21, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
tis very good...can there be a better course By Mike H and Dana??  none that i am aware of

Devil's Paintbrush -- In my mind the best modern course in Canada.
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Terry Lavin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #8 on: November 21, 2011, 09:52:58 PM »
Quote from: Sam Morrow on November 21, 2011, 08:32:57 PM
It looks like fun but does anyone else think it looks unnatural? It reminds me of the kind of courses that you throw the name Fazio or Jones on they will get blasted on this site.

I can't account for the Fazio bashers hereabouts but the unnatural elevations and water hazards at Calusa are very well done. The elevation creation is gradual and subtle enough that it feels right. On top of that the holes on an individual basis are varied, solid and enjoyable. Very few if any negatives here.
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Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.  H.L. Mencken

PThomas

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2011, 10:38:19 PM »
Quote from: Mark Saltzman on November 21, 2011, 08:38:32 PM
Quote from: Paul Thomas on November 21, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
tis very good...can there be a better course By Mike H and Dana??  none that i am aware of

Devil's Paintbrush -- In my mind the best modern course in Canada.

very possible (I havent played there)..sorry I forgot about our friends to the North!
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199 played, only Augusta National left to play!

PThomas

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2011, 10:39:21 PM »
Quote from: Terry Lavin on November 21, 2011, 09:52:58 PM
Quote from: Sam Morrow on November 21, 2011, 08:32:57 PM
It looks like fun but does anyone else think it looks unnatural? It reminds me of the kind of courses that you throw the name Fazio or Jones on they will get blasted on this site.

I can't account for the Fazio bashers hereabouts but the unnatural elevations and water hazards at Calusa are very well done. The elevation creation is gradual and subtle enough that it feels right. On top of that the holes on an individual basis are varied, solid and enjoyable. Very few if any negatives here.

+1....terrific set of greens there too
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199 played, only Augusta National left to play!

Tiger_Bernhardt

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2011, 10:40:50 PM »
Did you meet the owner?
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Tim Gavrich

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2011, 10:46:37 PM »
Shelter Harbor is pretty goshdarned good too, for Hurdzan and Fry.
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Scott Pettingell

Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #13 on: November 22, 2011, 06:48:56 AM »
CP is fantastic, as is The Concession a couple of hours up the road in Bradenton.  The courses are very different, but of equal quality IMHO.  The Concession is extremely challenging, especially around the greens, and CP is also a strong course from start to finish.
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Kris Shreiner

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Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #14 on: November 22, 2011, 08:26:06 AM »
Thanks for the photos and observations gang! Notice the marked difference a QUALITY caddie program registers in the minds of those who experience it at a facility on a consistent basis. Kudos to CP for nailing their presentation in ALL areas. Sounds like an ideal club that really gets it right!

Cheers,
Kris 8)
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"I said in a talk at the Dunhill Tournament in St. Andrews a few years back that I thought any of the caddies I'd had that week would probably make a good golf course architect. We all want to ask golfers of all abilities to get more out of their games -caddies do that for a living." T.Doak

Ben Kodadek

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #15 on: November 22, 2011, 09:02:17 AM »
I hate golf in Florida.

I hate golf courses with houses.

I hate bermuda grass.


Happy Thanksgiving,

Matt Ward
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John Mayhugh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #16 on: November 22, 2011, 09:07:31 AM »
Quote from: Michael George on November 21, 2011, 04:25:42 PM
Also, for the walkers on the site, it is an all walking facility (you may be able to get a cart, but I have never seen anyone with one).

There are definitely carts as I have ridden there.  Walking with a caddie is required (I think) at certain times.
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Patrick Hodgdon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #17 on: November 22, 2011, 09:36:15 AM »
Quote from: Steve_ Shaffer on November 21, 2011, 04:14:22 PM
I understand CP is a spinoff from Naples National. How do the 2 courses compare?

Same architects and they hired away the GM (one of the best in the biz) from NN but not a spinoff.

NN is basically a flat version of Calusa Pines. A lot of great strategy and some really great but tough greens. Calusa wins with the elevation and the openness of the site imo.

NN is also a really excellent club that is well run with an excellent caddie program.
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Did you know World Woods has the best burger I've ever had in my entire life? I'm planning a trip back just for another one between rounds.

"I would love to be a woman golfer." -JC Jones

Patrick Hodgdon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #18 on: November 22, 2011, 09:37:39 AM »
Quote from: Ben Kodadek on November 22, 2011, 09:02:17 AM
I hate golf in Florida.

I hate golf courses with houses.

I hate bermuda grass.


Happy Thanksgiving,

Matt Ward

Great post!
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Did you know World Woods has the best burger I've ever had in my entire life? I'm planning a trip back just for another one between rounds.

"I would love to be a woman golfer." -JC Jones

Howard Riefs

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #19 on: November 22, 2011, 09:55:33 AM »
Quote from: Paul Thomas on November 21, 2011, 10:38:19 PM
Quote from: Mark Saltzman on November 21, 2011, 08:38:32 PM
Quote from: Paul Thomas on November 21, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
tis very good...can there be a better course By Mike H and Dana??  none that i am aware of

Devil's Paintbrush -- In my mind the best modern course in Canada.

very possible (I havent played there)..sorry I forgot about our friends to the North!

Often, debated but Erin Hills is worthy of discussion. Perhaps Wisconsin is considered in the North, too.
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"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick."  ~P.J. O'Rourke

Patrick Hodgdon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #20 on: November 22, 2011, 10:03:10 AM »
Quote from: Sam Morrow on November 21, 2011, 08:32:57 PM
It looks like fun but does anyone else think it looks unnatural? It reminds me of the kind of courses that you throw the name Fazio or Jones on they will get blasted on this site.

Having caddied there, I can attest that 8 or 9 out of 10 that hadn't heard the construction story are shocked to find it was man made when told halfway through the round.
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Did you know World Woods has the best burger I've ever had in my entire life? I'm planning a trip back just for another one between rounds.

"I would love to be a woman golfer." -JC Jones

Carl Nichols

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #21 on: November 22, 2011, 10:27:38 AM »
Not trying to start an inquiry or debate about the club's finances or related issues, just a simple question:  do they have national memberships?
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Patrick Hodgdon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #22 on: November 22, 2011, 10:32:46 AM »
Quote from: Carl Nichols on November 22, 2011, 10:27:38 AM
Not trying to start an inquiry or debate about the club's finances or related issues, just a simple question:  do they have national memberships?

There is only one type of membership, in a sense it is all "national" as it is closed during the summer. I'd say 25-30 or so are locals (Naples full-time) of the 250~ members.
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Did you know World Woods has the best burger I've ever had in my entire life? I'm planning a trip back just for another one between rounds.

"I would love to be a woman golfer." -JC Jones

David Hendler

Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #23 on: November 22, 2011, 10:36:08 AM »
Quote from: Tiger_Bernhardt on November 21, 2011, 10:40:50 PM
Did you meet the owner?

Yes, we were lucky enough to meet Gary - he was a great guy and an excellent host!
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Patrick Hodgdon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The Calusa Pines Experience (pics)
« Reply #24 on: November 22, 2011, 11:29:41 AM »
Questions for those that have played it:

1) What's your favorite hole at CP and why?
2) What's your least favorite hole at CP and why?
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Did you know World Woods has the best burger I've ever had in my entire life? I'm planning a trip back just for another one between rounds.

"I would love to be a woman golfer." -JC Jones
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