Located about an hour north of Tampa Bay, Crystal River is particularly known for its manatee habitat. After all, the city is known as the “home of the manatee,” as it attracts thousands of visitors each year to snorkel and observe the mammals up close in their natural environment.
However, Crystal River is becoming increasingly popular for another key reason: the Crystal River Golf Club Plantation. Within walking distance of an adventure center offering manatee tours, the club has attracted golfers since 1958, when it was designed by Mark Mahannah, an architect who created several courses in Florida.
Offering golfers a challenging but also very scenic layout, the club is currently recovering from Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane that struck Crystal River in August 2023. Shortly after (approximately six weeks), the club also had to recover from extensive damage caused by a tornado. .
Yet despite all the challenges the club has faced in recent months, club staff members are focused on the future as they demonstrate the importance of patience, perseverance and hard work. Determined to ensure the club continues to offer championship golf, impeccable conditions and magnificent, natural views, its staff is preparing for a phased recovery.
“The course lost 263 trees in total,” said PGA of America golf professional Sean McCabe, the course’s director of golf. “Luckily nothing else was destroyed on the course, just a few fences and starting boards, mainly.”
In fact, while playing golf on the course, you will be more enchanted than ever by its beauty. Whether you take a moment to savor the course's lush green landscape or its wide array of wildlife, including more than 12 species of birds, you will cherish every second you spend on the pristine championship course.
Even though the challenges of the course have diminished due to significant tree loss, you will still be tested in many ways. Regardless of your skill levels and experiences, challenges emerge quickly. First, you will encounter narrow fairways that require precise driving. Second, you will face numerous bunkers (53 in total) and water hazards, which have collected thousands of balls over the years.
As a result, you won't be able to focus solely on the views of the course every moment of your journey. Instead, you'll also have to focus on its various challenges, including its iconic holes.
“Hole 1 definitely stands out as a highlight, due to its short length (279 yards from the back tees),” says McCabe. “Don’t underestimate it though, as its undulating green is surrounded by bunkers.”
Hole 9 is also relatively short. Measuring 381 yards from the back tees, the par-4 offers precise golfers the opportunity to make one last birdie on their first nine holes.
“Hole 18 also offers a birdie opportunity, as it is only 374 yards from the back tees,” he points out. “Golfers must, however, hit their shots between the trees on the right side of the hole and then they must avoid hitting their approach shots into the water hazard on the left side of the green.”
Measuring 6,496 yards from the back tees, the course has been designed to challenge all golfers who play it, while providing an enjoyable and memorable experience, complete with some birdie opportunities. Not to mention, it offers five sets of tees, ensuring that everyone can play and fully cherish the course.
To further increase the chances of good scores, the club also has a driving range and a short game area (for shots of 50 yards or less). Additionally, the club's three-hole course, known as The Loop Course, helps golfers further hone their game as it features two par-4s and one par-3. And finally, McCabe offers personalized instruction, allowing golfers to focus on the aspects of their game that they particularly want to improve.
“Simply put, there is something for everyone in Crystal River.”
Sean McCabe, PGA
When golfers are not practicing, playing, or receiving instruction, they are welcome to enjoy many popular attractions nearby. For example, they can eat and socialize at the Plantation Resort on West 82° Bar & Grill in Crystal River. They can also participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the aforementioned manatee tours. Finally, they can also stay at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River, which offers rooms, suites and villas, as well as a pool, hot tub and tiki bar.
“Simply put, there’s something for everyone in Crystal River besides golf,” McCabe points out. “We invite you to stay at the resort and experience its various amenities for yourself. You will definitely be glad you did! »
Other fun courses near Plantation on Crystal River Golf Club:
Citrus Springs Golf and Country Club: With five tees, everyone can enjoy this 18-hole course, whatever their level.
Twisted Oaks Golf Club: About 20 minutes from Crystal River, this 18-hole links-style course offers challenging golf and magnificent views.
