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Bay Palms Golf Complex
Bogey Bob’s BLUF
Bay Palms Golf Complex
MacDill AFB, FL
Bogey Bob’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Birdies
Top three things:
Tropical golf close to major attractions
The FOOD!
The wide range of practice options.
(813) 828-0046
1803 Golf Course Ave
MacDill AFB, FL 33621
https://macdillfss.com/bay-palms-golf-complex/
The Bay Palms courses are open to the public. Email macdillgc@gmail.com to request access.
Great Golf, Great Food
Great Golf, Great Food
Ferris Beuller once said, “If you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it!” Apply that to the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill AFB. If you’re ever in Tampa, stop and take a look. You’ll be glad you did.
Picture yourself among palm trees, gazing down a beautiful green fairway. A tropical breeze caresses your face as you take it all in. It’s sunny but not hot. You just know the next few hours are going to be great. So you take a deep breath of clean air and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility. Then you shatter that quiet as your big dog slams a tiny ball into the distance. Let the good times roll.
Golf under the Florida sunshine can make this grown man giggle. I’m not the best golfer around. I'm out for the experiences that only this wacky sport can offer. Let me tell you, I had a great time at Bay Palms Golf Complex on MacDill AFB. They’ve got two 18-hole courses to choose from. Both offer up tropical breezes, an awesome climate, wildlife sightings, and enough challenges to keep things interesting.
The North course has all the components for a good golf game. Water comes into play on about half of the holes. Fairways are sized to make you want to keep it in the short grass. Insider tip: sometimes the North course is less crowded and easier to get on without a tee time. The North course rolls 6422 yards. The South course measures 6,761 yards.
The South course is like the favorite sibling in a family that gets most of the attention. It’s the one with the beautiful views of Tampa Bay. It’s easy to become distracted. Hole four especially provides expansive views across the bay. You then round the tip of the peninsula to face more challenges. Most of the holes on the south course have a water element to be navigated, negotiated, or in my case, used as a depository for a few golf balls.
There’s abundant wildlife around both courses, yes, even alligators.
Practice Makes Better
My game needs work, so I practice when I can. One thing you cannot take for granted is a good practice facility. I found a great practice facility here at Bay Palms. After I dialed in my distances on the ample putting green, I spent some time working on my chipping and bunker shots. Time didn’t allow me to take advantage of the simulator in the clubhouse. How cool is that to have the option to practice inside when the weather is bad?
But wait, there’s more! Bay Palms is on the list to get Toptracer Range technology. There’s no date set yet, but it’s coming soon.
Let’s Talk About the Food
The food options at the 8 Iron Grill here are about the most extensive I’ve seen on any military golf course. They’ve got breakfast, lunch, and grab to go. You can get keto options or a veggie burger, Power Bowls, quinoa, Cubano sandwiches, and yes, basic hot dogs too.
The locals tell me that this is the best food on the base, and I believe them. It was also nice to see that the grill is open seven days a week, at times when people want to eat.
The food was so good, I ate there twice. The quesadilla bacon cheeseburger tapped a savory dance on my taste buds.. I’m no foodie, but I like good food. Add some sweet potato fries on the side with a beverage, and you’ll be happy too. The next day I treated myself to the Blue n’ Onion Burger. Whoever thought to put crumbled blue cheese with crispy onion rings on a burger is a genius. The menu held promise of more goodness to try next time.
Taking Care of Golfers
In addition to the extensive food offerings, there’s a plethora of programs for golfers. David Stewart, PGA, manages the complex and its offerings.
Active-duty Airmen and family members hone their skills with free golf lessons. The complex offers various clinics throughout the month. You can also take individual lessons from the teaching pro. Soccer people can play an 18-hole foot golf course. The Military Long Drive Qualifier has also been held here.
Then there’s the Triple 555. This is perfect for a quick golf fix. Five holes walking for just five bucks. Add another five for a cart. One more five will get you rental clubs. Seriously, where else can an adult play golf, on a real, actual course, IN FLORIDA, for five bucks? That’s an unbelievable deal.
Parting Thoughts
Oh yeah, remember to bring the bug spray. You don’t always need it, but when you do, you really do. It's just part of the experience.
Nearby Things To Do
When you’re not golfing, the Tampa Bay area is host to many family-friendly attractions. You can get your amusement at Busch Gardens, check out the Florida Aquarium, Adventure Island, investigate the American Victory Ship, explore Hyde Park Village, and the Glazer Children’s Museum.
Macdill AFB is about an hour-and-a-half from Orlando, and about two-and-a-half from Cape Canaveral.
When You Go
Bay Palms Golf Complex
(813) 828-0046
1803 Golf Course Ave
MacDill AFB, FL 33621
https://macdillfss.com/bay-palms-golf-complex/
The golf courses on MacDill AFB are open to the public. Email macdillgc@gmail.com to request access to play.
MacDill AFB Force Support Squadron
Tripadvisor - Things To Do In Tampa Florida
VisitTampaBay - Travel and Tourism Information
And as Ferris might say, "You're still here? It's over. Go play. Go!"
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