Colony West Golf Club

For many, the mere mention of Greater Fort Lauderdale conjures up images of the beach, sandy shores, and spring break. And rightfully so; after all, there are 24 miles of beach with sparkling turquoise water, sun-kissed white sand, and tall palm trees waving gently in the ocean breeze.

Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that the Greater Fort Lauderdale area is also packed with a plethora of golf courses that are accessible to the public. Ever since its opening in 1971, Colony West in Tamarac has been one of the most popular public access golf facilities in South Florida. Originally designed by Devlin and Von Hagge, the Championship Course opened for the Jackie Gleason Classic – since renamed the Honda Classic - as a monstrous 7,553-yard, par-72 track. Colony West has been rated by Golf Digest to be among the 50 top courses in the United States. Shortly after the tournament’s completion, Jack Nicklaus and the Tournament Committee said the course was too tough, so the maintenance crew set about removing 52 of the 137 bunkers. The course was shortened, the nines were flipped, and the Championship Course became a 6,648-yard, par 70. In 2018, Colony West underwent some big changes including renovation of all 18 greens on the Championship Course and the practice green, as well as the renovation of all greenside bunkers.

Strategically placed bunkers protect small, well-manicured greens, requiring players to think their way around the course to take advantage of scoring opportunities. The difference between the Blue Tees and Gold Tees is almost 1,000 yards but even from the shorter distance (5,462 yards) you just can’t bomb away. Water and sand hazards force you to think about your shot or pay the penalty.

Off course renovations continue. The Clubhouse has been torn down and replaced with a 107 room Fairfield Inn and Suites that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021. The old cart barn has been replaced with an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art clubhouse with banquet and meeting facilities for 250 people. The new restaurant – The View at Colony West - is open to the public, golfers, and hotel guests alike. The new pro shop recently opened and has all of your favorite logoed apparel and everything else you need for a great round of golf.

Oceanic at Pompano Beach Pier is dedicated to capturing the energy of the Pompano Beach revitalization. Oceanic is owned by LM Restaurants who also own the Beach House next door. Oceanic offers indoor and outdoor seating and the ocean liner-inspired design provides an open interior with expansive and uninterrupted ocean views. Oceanic offers superior steak and seafood dishes. Their Brussels Sprouts appetizer with a horseradish and maple sauce is a must-try. After your main course, be sure to try one of Oceanic’s fabulous desserts including Key Lime Crème Brulee or Fat Elvis Pie, an interesting selection that combines all of the King’s favorites: peanut butter (ganache), banana (cream filling), and chocolate, all on a graham cracker crust.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani now has his own restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Riviera by Fabio Viviani is located in Hotel Maren on A1A and is part of Hilton’s Curio Hotel Collection. The food is considered coastal Italian cuisine; to me, it was simply delicious, probably the best meal I have ever had in almost 20 years of writing about golf travel. The signature meatball appetizer (Polpetti Di Fabio) was incredible, the Salt Spring Mussels were plump and delectable and my wife’s Mishima Reserve Wagyu Steak was the best I’ve ever tasted. I’m surprised she let me have a bite! If you’re there for Sunday brunch be sure to try their new Tootsie Roll drink. It’s the perfect breakfast drink.

While in the area, you’ll need a place to lay your head at night. I strongly suggest Cottages By The Ocean on SE 3rd St. in Pompano Beach. Not only are they centrally located to several public-accessible golf courses, but they’re also a block and a half from the beach and all kinds of restaurants and nightlife. These 1940s-era cottages and one-bedroom bungalows offer full kitchens with range, refrigerator, and microwave, a complete living room, and a king-size bed. They’ve also got you covered if you're headed to the beach with beach chairs, wakeboards, and beach toys. Owner Elaine Fitzgerald likes to greet each guest personally and when you see her ask her for some restaurant recommendations. She’s been in the area a long time and is well-connected. She has several similar properties in the area so if the Cottages By The Ocean are booked, check out her other locations.

Played this course because of a Groupon coupon with 4 co-workers from Miami Tunnel Project.....Glad we did. If you are looking for a brand new Favio course go elsewhere but if you are looking for a seasoned nostalgic course that has a flavor of the past....Please do ! It is as long as you want it to be with plenty of dog legs ( I call them shortcuts ). Challenging yet playable without a club slamming frustration.Greens are in nice shape and putt in the direction where you read them, not alot of grain. The restarant and bar were fantastic( cold beer and a Prime Rib that melted in my mouth ) If you are a Steelers fan it is THE STEELERS BAR; even if you are not, the hospitality and friendliness by staff and just other patrons was superb ! The pro and other staff members have no problem joining you for a friendly beer or two at the end of the day. Not only was the beverage cart very nice, but also the lovely lady ( Suzie ) who was even nicer. We Shall Return !!