Cypress Creek Country Club, Boynton Beach, Fla.

I recently played at Cypress Creek Country Club, a best ball tournament sponsored by the Boynton Beach Fire Department, a charity event. A great turnout as 6 foursomes had to be turned away.
Despite the harsh economic times, the course was in great shape and very playable.


From the website:

Cypress Creek Country Club, rich with southern hospitality offers a host of amenities that will make your round of golf an especially enjoyable experience. But we believe our Robert von Hagge-designed golf course is the main reason golfers continually return to Cypress Creek every year.

And if you enjoy playing at Cypress Creek Country Club as much as we do, then a golf membership may be your best option for saving money on golf this year. Please review the membership options to find one taylored to your unique preferences or needs.

But don't forget that Cypress Creek Country Club is also a favorite among area event coordinators and tournament planners. Since our course opened for play in 1964, we've hosted countless golf outings and events. Visit our tournaments page for more information about our tournament services.

A glance at the scorecard shows that there is a risk-reward oppurtunity on almost every hole if you want.. The water and sand placement is a challenge there for the taking.



The clubhouse, pro shop and staff are up to par(pardon the pun).
Come one, come all, for a great day on the links.

Hickory Hills Country Club, Hickory Hills, Illinois

Opiniion
Note:
I first golfed at this course in the 70's and was a bartender at this club in 1980.

At the time it was a bustling golf course, consisting of two- 18 hole golf courses, the championship course still exists today. There remains a nine hole executive course.

The courses were always busy during the day, twilight leagues for the after work crowd and a full bar until closing. A game or two of cards after hours rounded out the night in the locked clubhouse, a one way exit.

One claim to fame, Bob Hope had played there, his signed scorecard for 9 holes adorned one of the walls.

But somewhere along the way, they lost focus on the golfing part of the deal. Their bread and butter has always been catering and weddings and banquets and it continues to this day. At one point, part of the small course was sold, to make room for the residential buildup that was ongoing at the time.









This course established in 1915, a golden era for golfing, has a picturesque view on the first hole, many elevated greens, tees, and sometimes both on the same hole. In my youth, we walked this course, nowadays, thankful for the gas carts to get around. Electric carts wouldn't make it up the hills.

There are only 4 sand traps on the whole course, the 3rd, 5th, 15th, and 17th holes. They look like they have never seen a rake, almost mud like. A definite penalty if you get in them. Beware!

The greens are very small in almost all cases. The main problem is the cutting of the greens seem to be an after thought> Your putts will go slow and slower.

Last time I was there, the tee boxes had not been mowed, they were in much better shape this time.

The fairways were in good shape, well watered, and had recently been mowed, and played fairly.

Water is not a problem on this course, laying up to avoid water not needed, because there is none.

There is no bag drop when you pull into the parking lot. When you go to pay, stay to the right as the signs where to go are a mite confusing. This time, you could pay green fees, check in with the starter, get your cart and drive around the outskirts of the 18th fairway, around to the parking lot, to your car, load up, drive around again, and back to the starter. Allow extra time for this convenience.

There is not a pro shop. Some balls and tees are all that seemed to be available.

The bar area had been re tiled. The previous time, the carpet was wrinkled and was a definite tripping hazard. Upkeep in the bar area was minimal. If it was broke, but not completely broken, it was ignored.

Course upkeep as a whole is minimal. The snack bar stand was in disrepair. The signs signifying what the number for which hole, looked like it had never been painted since they were put in place.

There is a hidden beauty to this course, with tree lined faiways on almost every hole. Sometimes shooting up, sometimes shooting down. A slice will catch the sides of the fairways and spin into the woods. Play a nice draw and you will be ok. Most fairways allow you to grip it and rip it. Stay out of the 4 bunkers and you have a chance for a great day.

The course web site is not helpful on getting a feel for the course.

3 out of 5 stars

St. Andrews Country Golf & Country Club, West Chicago, Illinois

Opinion
I visited St Andrews Country Club the week of August 13, 2009.

St. Andrews was established back in 1926. As a result, it has the old time, vintage feel of what a golf course was back in the day. Very refreshing.





Parking
Large parking lot, close to the action.

Bag drop
You have a option with your bag. There is a bag drop area or you can park you car, go in an pay, grab a cart, go back to your car, load up, and drive up to the starter. That is what we did. After the round we drove back to the car, dropped of our bags and then brought back the cart.

Be ready for the joke lady, a nice woman that has been there forever.

Pro shop
The only thing average for this course is the pro shop, but the staff moves quickly to get you on your way.

The dining room is large, a long bar, and a beautiful view of the first hole of course #1. The wait staff is friendly, beer is cold, and the food is good. What more could you ask for?


The course was wonderful. We played the second course, Lakewood #2. Nicely layed out , with challenges on every hole. A course with large slick greens that makes you pay attention on every stroke. A smattering of sandtraps, some rough and trees thrown in, and you will have fun on everyhole.

You will feel like you have gone back in time on this course, with all the modern twists thrown in. Bathrooms, snack bar nicely placed, water everywhere, makes for a nice day.

Come on down, you will enjoy yourself.

Four out of Five stars






From the St. Andrews web site
9 Reasons to Have Your Next Golf Outing at St. Andrews

At. St. Andrews, we recognize that each golf outing is unique and will have different needs. We will never try to fit you into a "cookie cutter" outing package. We will design your day and organize our staff around your needs.

1. Tradition

St. Andrews, originally built in 1926 as a private course, was purchased in 1939 by the "Grandfather of Public Golf", Joe Jemsek. Now over 80 years old, St. Andrews carries on the Jemsek tradition of providing a "private club" atmosphere for the public golfer.

2. Experience

St. Andrews is one of the most experienced golf clubs in the Chicagoland area: we've been serving golfers and golf outings of all sizes since 1939.

3. Service

St. Andrews's goal is to serve the needs of our customers. This is why we have a 90%+ retention rate of all of our outings.

4. Quality

St. Andrews was voted top 3 "Favorite Golf Course for an Outing" by Chicagoland Golf readers. Both Golf Digest "Places to Play" & Chicagoland Golf give it 4 stars. Our practice center was voted "Best Practice Facility at a Course" by Chicagoland Golf readers.

5. Professionalism

St. Andrews believes the only way to host a professional golf outing is to provide a professional, on-site support staff throughout the planning process as well as the day of the outing.

6. Specialists

St. Andrews' commitment to professionalism includes your banquet needs which are under the direction of our Executive Chef and Catering Manager. Their vast experience with weddings, luncheons, dinners, etc. enables them to take care of all of your banquet requirements.

7. Organization

St. Andrews believes that the key to success is our organizational support. Our 7 page Golf Outing Interview form will organize and customize your event down to the very last detail.

8. Relationships

St. Andrews knows the importance of forming long term relationships with our customers. What we do today affects if our customers will come back tomorrow.

9. Desire

St. Andrews doesn't just want to host your event; we want to host your event and provide your customers with a great experience.

Winston Trails Country Club, Palm Beach County, Florida

Click on the picture for a better view.

click on the title for link

Opinion

Always check on line for any discounts or packages during the summer time.

Checking in you will find the staff courteous and swift in an effort to get you in and out of the clubhouse and to the starter.

The bag drop crew moved quickly to get you set up with your cart, trying to get your day off to a good start.

The starter takes his job seriously and ensures your payment and time is correct and that you start on time. He will stop by later to make sure you are on pace to finish on time.

The greens are large and well maintained and let me tell you, slick. Much concentration is needed on every putt.

The pin location is shown on the cart visor, a handy reference for someone new to the course.

Playing off the back tees seemed to enhance the feel of the course.
The trick with any course is to keep it in the short grass. But with wide fairways, there is always the chance to grip it and rip it, Cup.

The fairways are in great shape and have a private course feel to them.

Stop off and get something to eat afterwards. A nice dining area with a bar if one prefers. The food was good and fast for our hungry foursome.
Service was courteous and the food served with a smile.

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars

From their site:
Four sets of tees are provided to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The Championship Tees measure 6988 yards and play to a 131 slope, while the White Tees measure 6443 yards/125 slope. The Black (Senior) Tees measure 6142 yards/122 slope. Ladies play from 5323 yards/119 slope. There are 66 bunkers situated on the course, and water comes into play on 11 holes, with just a couple of forced carries.
Unlike most Florida courses Winston Trails G.C. has many different changes of elevation. It gives you a northern feel on a southern golf course.

Wide, mildly rolling fairways lined with palm trees and tropical landscaping play through an upscale residential community, with ponds and waterways located along the perimeters.
The well maintained "Champion" greens are sloping and are large in size, and well protected by bunkers and greenside mounding. The bunkers themselves are often penal in nature, with high lips and intricate shaping.

I agree with their assessment.

The following is a copy of the scorecard.
Click on it to enlarge.



The course itself is inside the community of Winston Trails, but go up to the guard gate and let them know you
that you are here to play and they wave you right in. Go straight and it will take to the club, bag drop is on the right. Your golf cart will be waiting.

Enjoy!

Okeeheelee Golf Course , Palm Beach County, Florida

Opinion

This is an above average course that is well laid out. There are three 9 hole courses that will more then challenge the average golfer. You have The Heron, The Eagle, and The Osprey.

The Heron plays
Black--3369
Gold---3215
Blue---2976
White--2656
Red----2351

The Osprey plays
Black--3279
Gold---3052
Blue---2851
White--2601
Red----2240

The Heron plays
Black--3547
Gold---3341
Blue---3089
White--2797
Red----2491

Course Ratings/Slope
Blue to White (Eagle to Osprey)
Black 72.2/137
Gold 70.3/128
Blue 68.5/119
White 65.7/11
Red

White to Red (Osprey to Heron)
Black 73.2/131
Gold 70.9/124
Blue 68.8/120
White 66.4/112
Red

Red to Blue (Heron to Eagle)
Black 73.6/130
Gold 71.8/126
Blue 69.7/120
White 66.7/113
Red

Many doglegs make up the course. There is always an opportunity to go for it on any hole, guess wrong and there is always water waiting for you.

Sand traps are scarce, average and always doable for the average duffer.

Greens are average, not always in the best of shape, but they are making progress and have been doing some renovation as of late.

The always present ranger will make sure your day goes smoothly.

The Staff is pleasant and helpful, happy that you have stopped by.

The Pro Shop is well stocked, about average size and you are able to make the usual last minute purchases at reasonable prices.

The Snack Bar located near the putting green as you make the turn from your first nine, is nicely stocked, the service is fast, priced fairly, and the serving staff does have a sense of humour.

Green fees are nicely priced during the off season for your local Floridians. The prices will go up in season as is the norm. Always call for tee times and fees. You can call up to four days ahead of time.

***** Course management is key on this course. The fairways are not very wide, pay attention big boomers. You will have your chance. A suggestion, hit from the blues instead of the whites, the ball will play better. A very enjoyable time will be had by all.
3 out of 5 stars.


The following information is from the golf course website.
Please click on title for link.

Okeeheelee Golf Course, a municipal facility managed by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, offers 27 holes of championship golf at competitive rates. Extensive practice facilities include; driving range, 30,000-square foot putting green, chipping, pitching and bunker practice areas. Rates are set by season. Tee-times may be made up to 4 days in advance.

Call Monday for Friday
tee-time
Call Tuesday for Saturday
tee-time
Call Wednesday for Sunday
tee-time
Call Thursday for Monday
tee-time
Call Friday for Tuesday
tee-time
Call Saturday for Wednesday
tee-time
Call Sunday for Thursday
tee-time



Adult Programs
Golf Professional Services, Inc. offers an Adult Player Development Program. Our goal is to develop a complete golfer. Our students learn and enhance their skills based on a 5 level program ranging from introduction to the golf swing to on course learning and video analysis. Performance evaluations will also be part of the curriculum. As a graduate of the Player Development Program, our students will receive golf, merchandise and range ball discounts!

Junior Programs
The mission of the Okeeheelee Junior Golf Program is to provide all youth the opportunity to learn and play the game of golf and embrace the core value associated with everyday life. Instruction includes tee-line swing training to on-course individual and team competitive opportunities.

Private Lessons
Our award winning PGA & LPGA professional staff and assistants have many years of experience and success. Multiple private lesson packages are available that include:

Swing Coaching
On Course Strategies
Computer/Video Analysis

Golf Professional Services, Inc. owned and operated by Donna H. White, was awarded the professional contract at Okeeheelee Golf Course in 1995, Park Ridge Golf Course and John Prince Golf Leaning Center in 2007. Our mission is to provide all customers of Palm Beach County quality and affordable golf instruction programs, activities, merchandise and food and beverage operation. Our professional staff is eager to make your golfing venture a pleasurable experience!

Contact Us

Phone
(561) 964-GOLF (4653)
E-mail
contact@golfproservices.org
Address
Golf Professional Services, Inc.
c/o Okeeheelee Golf Course
7715 Forest Hill Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33413


http://golfproservices.org/index.htm