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Manatee Cove GC
Bogey Bob’s BLUF
Manatee Cove GC
Patrick SFB, FL
Bogey Bob’s rating: 4.8 out of 5 Birdies
Top three things:
Unbelievable total experience
Fantastic course conditions
Awesome staff
321-494-7856
861 Marina Rd,
Patrick Space Force Base, FL 32925
https://www.gopatrickfl.com/golf-course.htmlwww.gopatrickfl.com/golf-course.html
Manatee Cove GC is open to the public with a pass.Call Pro Shop for info.
My Top Florida Golf Experience
My Top Florida Golf Experience
Is it possible to drown a sleeve and a half of Pro V1s and still have one of the best rounds of your life? You can, if you’re playing the home of the 2024 Armed Forces Golf Championships at Manatee Cove GC at Patrick SFB on the Florida Space Coast.
The golf experience here is in a class of its own. Picture yourself in the Florida sunshine. You’ve got the ocean to the east and the Banana River to the west. Your drive landed in the middle of the pristine paspalum fairway. As you gauge how much the tropical breeze might affect your ball flight, a rumble comes from off over your shoulder. You look over and pause for a few seconds to watch a satellite launch and are amazed at how fast that thing took flight before turning your attention back to hitting the dance floor.
This course was designed in 1961 by famed architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. From the tips, it measures 6,947 yards. It’s an easy course to walk since there are no major elevation changes. You can play from four different tee boxes to match your skill level. It’s a par 72 track with a slope rating of 122. The greens are elevated, some large and rolling, allowing several pin positions.
Take a look at their signature hole. Number 7 is a picturesque par three. Distance is between 121 and 174 yards, depending on your tee box. It’s a short par three, unassuming until you take a closer look. The canal along the fairway cuts sharply in front of the green and wraps around the left side. The elevated green is wider than long, with bunkers in front and behind. If you’re not dialed in, you’re either in the sand or in the water. Or, you could be on the green and looking at a 70-foot putt. It’s one of those great holes that might be easy-peasy, or totally frustrating, and I love it.
Water Here, Water There, Water Everywhere
By my estimation, I sent five to seven balls to a watery grave. Maybe even more. But I”m not mad. I’m overjoyed because there’s water on 17 of the 18 holes. I still had a blast and made many great memories.
Abundant Wildlife
I was pleased to see that the course is also home to lots of different wildlife. I saw rabbits, an alligator, and lots of different birds. I saw blue herons and egrets, and other things I couldn’t name. I’m told ospreys have been seen and a bald eagle even landed on the driving range to take a drink.
And yes, I did see the manatee!
Spoil Me with These Course Conditions
Did I mention how nice the conditions are here? I could really get used to this. I’m told it’s largely due to a re-grassing project a couple years ago. The fairways and greens are now paspalum grass. It’s a beautiful grass that doesn’t have grain. That’s a refreshing change if you’re used to trying to read Bermuda grass greens. I spoke to a few locals who also praised the course conditions. They said I’d be hard pressed to find a better course in the county no matter the price, and I believe them.
That’s probably the reason the course was chosen to host the 2024 Armed Forces Golf Championships.
Super Friendly and Helpful Staff
Everybody I interacted with at Manatee Cove was enthusiastic and helpful. They were especially welcoming to me as a newcomer. Steve Waggoner, the manager, took time to give me some hints and tips. He pointed out that wind can be a factor due to their location on the coast. Winds from the north can help carry your ball off the elevated greens if you don’t watch out for that. He pointed out the importance of cautious club selection and playing to the weather conditions.
Speaking of weather, this is one of the great all-year courses. Come down from the frozen northeast and enjoy this gem.
The Food
My thoughts on Manatee Cove GC would not be complete without a mention of the food at the Hackers Grill. Tina in the kitchen serves up some awesome food. I highly recommend the Buffalo Chicken Wrap/Sandwich. That alone makes four birdies on my scorecard.
The Facility
Everything on this property is first rate. The clubhouse is possibly the nicest I’ve seen on a military course. The pro shop is fully stocked with all the shirts, hats, golf balls, and anything else you need for your adventure. Before your round, fine tune your game on the huge putting green and covered tee line on the range.
After your round, take your foursome across the street to the beautiful marina. I recommend stopping at Grills Riverside Tiki Bar to enjoy a beverage as you relive your round and craft your stories. Bonus, if you’re there in the evening, it’s a great place to watch a beautiful Florida sunset.
The Whole Experience
The whole experience adds up to more than your average day of golf on the Florida coast. The weather is nice most of the year. You're out in nature, yet you've got helicopters and planes running maneuvers nearby. And you’re on the Space Coast, with a chance of watching a satellite launch. You’re playing probably the best course in the area, surrounded by great people in a fantastic facility. The vibe here is off the charts!
Nearby Things To Do
When you visit Patrick Space Force Base, you’re surrounded by a plethora of things to see and do. You can kick back on the beach, take a guided tour looking for alligators, and explore the history of spaceflight. You're about an hour away from the Disney place in Orlando. It's central Florida, it's got darn near everything under that magical Florida sun.
When You Go
Manatee Cove Golf Course
321-494-7856
861 Marina Rd,
Patrick Space Force Base, FL 32925
https://www.gopatrickfl.com/golf-course.htmlwww.gopatrickfl.com/golf-course.html
Manatee Cove GC is open to the public with a pass. Call the Pro Shop for more information.
Patrick Space Force Base 45th Force Support Squadron
Visit Space Coast - Official Travel and Tourism Guide
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