Hunter's Green Country Club, Tampa, FL

The Hunter's Green community in New Tampa is a gated development with a lot to offer; It’s where city life meets nature. Within the guarded gates are 23 unique neighborhood enclaves with 43 lakes on 65 acres of protected wetlands. The community is a recreational oasis with designated bike lanes, playgrounds, lighted tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and baseball facilities, a jogging trail with a 15-station exercise circuit, and an off-leash dog park. The Flatwoods Nature Park and its 7-mile loop of hiking, biking, and bird-watching trails are located next to the community.

At the center of the community is Hunter's Green Country Club, home to an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, private tennis courts, a fitness center, and a resort-style pool. Surprisingly, Hunter’s Green is not a bundled community; membership to the Country Club is optional.

Hunter's Green Country Club is a scenic, Tom Fazio design that showcases his imagination without compromising environmental integrity. This unique and picturesque track was carved from native wetlands and pine forests and takes full advantage of the lush Florida landscape. Manicured tees and fairways lead to challenging, gently sloping TifEagle greens, creating a golf experience that is unparalleled in the Tampa area.

The crown jewel of the club is its golf course. The course is challenging, but not brutal or intimidating. From the Gold Tees, Hunter’s Green measures 7,059 yards with a course rating of 73.3 and a slope of 133. Move up to the Blue Tees and the course plays 6,622 yards (69.9/129). In all, 5 sets of tee boxes provide suitable yardages for golfers of all ages and abilities. As you play your way around the layout, you’ll see a set of Green Tee markers. This represents The Future’s Course at Hunter’s Green, a 2,674-yard, par 63 golf course designed for both juniors and players looking to hone their short shot or shot game skills.

Unlike most Florida courses, there isn’t a lot of water out here, but what there is comes into play in a big way. Sand is the more prevalent hazard with strategically placed bunkers along the fairways and around the greens. A case in point is the par-4 18th hole which incorporates both elements and is probably the most demanding hole on the entire layout. More on Number 18 later.

The golf course has several memorable holes. The 4th hole at Hunters Green is the first par 3 you encounter on the layout with a lot of trouble around the green. There’s water on either side, and bunkers front right and in back. The large kidney-shaped green that is a lot wider than it is deep and a right pin placement requires an accurate tee shot. It’s a fair but challenging hole.

Number 6 is the course’s number one handicapped hole. it's a dead straight par 4 that plays 394 yards from the White Tees. The rough infringes on either side into the landing area which can make it a tough driving hole. There are many trees on either side of the fairway and green is tucked into the right side along the wetlands. To make things a little more interesting, the green slopes left to right toward the hazard.

The 12th hole is a very scenic par 5 dog leg right with a risk/reward opportunity. The safe play is to play short of the large bunker straight in front of the tee, which is going to make it a three-shot hole for most players. A more aggressive line over the pot bunker near the edge of the lake will leave a makeable distance into the green and the chance to get on in two. Once you make the dogleg, you’ll find the fairway sloes gently toward the water towards a multi-tiered green. There is a fair amount of mounding in the fairways which can lead to some interesting lies.

The finishing hole is one of the best in the area, and undoubtedly Hunter’s Green’s signature hole! It’s a challenging, 376-yard, par 4 with water all down the right side of the fairway that forms a lake in front of the green. You can be conservative and play down the left side, virtually taking the water out of play, or you can be aggressive, and challenge the lake. If you decide on the conservative approach, beware of the dense trees left of the cart path. Your approach shot is going to be over water into the green which slopes left to right and is surrounded by both water and sand. After your putt out on the final hole. Check out the beautiful view of the clubhouse from the 18th green. Par is a great way to end your round at Hunter’s Green.

Hunter’s Green has developed a special program for junior golfers to experience firsthand the special relationships that the game of golf can help build. Their Crush It! program is a fun and simple way for kids and teens to learn new skills and attain a deeper understanding of the sportsmanship and camaraderie that golfers of all ages share.

The clubhouse at Hunter's Green Country Club is best described as inviting, plush, and full of excitement and is where members meet up and enjoy each other’s company. Inside, you’ll find the pro shop which is well-stocked with the latest logoed apparel, and two chef-inspired restaurants, each with incredible views and mouth-watering cuisine. As a member, you can participate in themed dinners, quick bites to refuel after a workout, and delicious drinks to sip by the pool. Samples of their menus are available on the website.

Hunter’s Green offers a variety of Membership programs. As a Full Golf Member, you, your spouse, and dependent children under the age of 23 will have full access to the golf course and practice facilities, tennis complex, fitness center, swimming pool, and restaurants. Members also enjoy 7-day advance tee times, access to the USGA handicap system, and the opportunity to compete in men's and ladies' golf tournaments hosted by the Club.

A Tennis Membership includes everything above that is not golf-related as well as tennis leagues, lessons, and clinics while a Social Membership gets you full access to all fitness, swimming, dining, and social facilities at the Club.

Regardless of which membership you choose, they all include XLife benefits in Tampa Bay and nationwide. As an Invited Club member, you’ll enjoy XLife benefits in Tampa Bay and nationwide. In addition to their vast portfolio of owned and/or operated golf clubs, country clubs, city clubs, and stadium clubs, Invited Club’s network includes special offerings at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues. Together, these alliances provide Members with unprecedented access to a world of private clubs and premium benefits. And, if you’re the competitive type, you can participate in annual national ClubLife golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments.

Hunter's Green Country Club strives to enrich the lifestyle of each member in a traditional private club environment. Here you’re bound to meet people that share the same interests and make friendships that will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for an active country club with the quiet beauty of open spaces and nature preserves, you owe it to yourself to visit Hunter’s Green.