You could set the world record for most 18 hole golf courses played in a single year in the state of Florida alone. With over 1300 golf courses in the state, you don’t have to go far to find your next golf course. The RGV Tour played 33 of those 1300 which is just a measly 2.5%. That small percentage did include some mighty fine Florida courses and I photographed em good and hard.
The one thing about Florida golf that a photographer must be aware of is that the terrain is mostly flat. Therefore, it looks much better from the sky. Here are my favorite 14 drone images from the RGV Tour’s visit to Florida.
Photograph #14 - TPC Sawgrass
Any decent Florida photo list should include Pete Dye’s masterpiece TPC Sawgrass. The 1st hole is often overlooked but it is one of my favorites on the golf course. Dye’s design work here is a wonderful mix of two different eras. The lines and bunker edging recalls features of the golden age and the grass swale pot bunkers are a Dye classic. This all makes for an excellent photograph to start off our list.
Photograph #13 - Shingle Creek
I wasn’t expecting much from my visit to Shingle Creek in Orlando, but when I took the drone up for a quick peak I found something special on the back nine. The grass mounding along the left edge of #10 turns what would be another normal golf hole into something a little special.
Photograph #12 - San Jose Country Club
When I first started taking photographs at San Jose Country Club, I was concerned that the temporary construction crane was going to ruin the view. Quite the opposite was true. As you can tell from the photo, the crane was necessary to hold the setting sun in place for this photograph.
Photograph #11 - Country Club of Orlando
Out of all the Donald Ross tracks on the tour, the Country Club of Orlando was one of my favorites. I captured this beauty as the last of the day’s sun spilled across the fairway.
Photograph #10 - Breakers West
There is an obscene amount of golf to be played in West Palm Beach and this image stands out as one of my favorites. The railroad ties, the perfect lighting, the swampy vibes. to me this is Florida.
Photograph #9 - Jupiter Country Club
I made lots of new friends on The RGV Tour. One of those friends was Nicky Romero. We went head to head in one of the least viewed videos on YouTube. The match was essentially over on 17 after I made a smooth little sandy here.
Photograph #8 - Ballenisles Golf Club
The lightning delay had been in effect for about 2 hours and I was on my way back to the RGV to call it quits, when the horn went off signaling the resumption of play. A golf miracle. As I scrambled to get in the final few holes as darkness fell, a very rare double rainbow appeared to let me know that I was going to finish in time.
Photograph #7 - Old Corkscrew Golf Club
There was plenty of screwing around at Old Corkscrew on April 17th, 2023. The highlight came as the sun was going down and the high fives were going up.
Photograph #6 - Juliette Falls Golf Course
Juliette Falls was not on my radar until a few days before I played it. The round is special to me as it marked my final round of golf in Florida for the RGV Tour. This was my final Floria sunset.
Photograph #5 - Plantation Palms Golf Course
Plantation Palms is not a particularly notable golf course which is part of the reason that I enjoy this photo so much. On a day that was filled with clouds and rain, the sunlight broke through in the afternoon to display the undulations that PPGC offers.
Photograph #4 - Doral Golf Club
April 14th was a special day on the RRGV Tour. It was the only day when 4 different 18 hole golf courses were played in a single day. The skies were moody that day. Rain, lightning and plenty of sunshine made for a roller coast of emotions. The completion of all 72 holes was in doubt until the very final moments. Please enjoy this special 4 drone shot bonanza of Doral.
Photograph #3 - The Club at Ibis
The Club at Ibis was never officially part of the RGV Tour, but I took this beauty of a photography while staying at a nearby friend’s place. I couldn’t help but sneak it into the list.
Photograph #2 - Atlantic Beach Country Club
ABCC is a true Florida sleeper. I certainly had not heard of the golf course before I started digging around Jacksonville. After just a few holes, it was obvious that I was dealing with something special. The holes are well thought out and does an excellent job of taking advantage of its given land. Bonus Points: The turtle logo is also awesome.
Photograph #1 - TPC Sawgrass
Bookend Sawgrass ALERT! Any experienced Florida golf blogger knows that all “Florida Fourteen” drone posts shall began and end with a picture of TPC Sawgrass. The 4th hole is one of my favorites. Plenty of options off of the tee and a green that is filled with options for play as well. I am particularly fond of the pot bunker on the right that challenges those looking for an easy bail out.
