The Claw At USF

Greens were in very good shape but overall maintenance was average. Fairways dried out, though that's expected in dead of winter, and grass very lush but almost too fluffy. Definitely a good value and plenty challenging.

The "Claw" is a great course to play with the challenge of hitting irons into small greens. That being said, I found the course well maintained and fairways, greens, tees, and rough in good shape. Some holes are difficult so it is a "shot maker course". I liked the design of it and there is not a huge area to make it a long course but well designed and worthwhile to play as it also is affordable. The staff are extremely friendly and the food in the small dining room is good with daily specials.I play this course as a resident frequently.

Played for the first time on Feb. 27, 2012. Course conditions were much better than I expected. Fairways were overseeded and very lush – almost too shaggy. Traps were well maintained and the greens were incredible. They were the fastest, truest Bermuda greens I have ever putted on. They had to stimp at 11 or 12. They are reasonably flat though, so you never faced an impossible downhill putt.

Many greens are elevated; some are 8-10 feet above the fairway. Some also slope away from you and you can only hold them with a high shot.

It’s a very strange layout with a mix of great and terrible holes, some very easy and some very difficult. Several really good risk-reward holes, especially the par-5 6th, par-4 7th and par-4 13th. Signature hole is the par-5 14th – The Claw; absolute jungle on both sides until you get to the 150 marker and one of the most intimidating tee shots I’ve ever seen. Some really bad holes around the turn with hazards and trees in the landing area.

All in all it was a fun course to play and a great value for $36 or $32 for seniors.

Difficult course to navigate off the tee. Check out the back tee box on hole 2 and you will know what I am talking about. Love the course layout, forces you to think your way around the course. Greens can be firm and roll at a medium-fast pace. I consider this course one of the most challenging courses I have played. Only other course I can think of that is just as narrow off the tee is tpc sawgrass. The price is great for the quality of the course. Be careful when you go near the lakes, there are Gators all over the place!

Played here twice in June 2010. Good course and friendly staff. Bare minimum ammenities, which doesn't bother me at all. Being a college facility be prepared for some beginners on the course, but usually not a problem. Greens are in good shape 8 of 10 condition putting wise, however, 6 of 10 approach wise. I say this as they are the firmest greens I've played on since playing in England. And they are all elevated some up to 10-12 feet. My wedge hits and rolls 20-30 feet. Forget a front pin placement, impossible, as anything hit short won't roll up the approach, and anything on won't stop. #7 is the hardest par 4 in town, 430 yds to a low lying fairway with no roll, to a green elevated 12 feet that's the size of a postage stamp, hard as a rock and better suited for a 3 shot par 5. That being said, it is still a decent course for the price of $20 after 2pm in Tampa city limits. I'll be back but only if it rains alot and softens the greens.