Bent Creek Golf Course (0)

“Jacksonville’s Best Kept Secret”

            Bent Creek Golf Course, located in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida, will surely not be a secret very long. Exceptionally groomed and managed by Billy Casper Golf, the facility also offers a practice area that will get golfers ready to take on the 6,620 yard, par 71 course. The practice area consists of a short game section, two putting greens (one equipped with a bunker), and a contemporary driving range that is all grass, no mats, and has lights that are kept on every night. The modern feel of the facilities and course can be attributed to its fairly recent (in golf terms) 1989 opening. This course matches up with any other in the areas a golfer would deem most important. Bent Creek offers memberships, but is still open to the public. Price, playability and hospitality are paramount, at what has established itself as Jacksonville’s premiere course.

            Golf can be an expensive game for those who make a frequent hobby of it, but Bent Creek Golf Course provides rates that match those of courses with half of its appeal. Not only can a player get a round of golf and a cart for under $40 during the week (after tax and subject to change), they can also take advantage of numerous deals the club provides. This is refreshing considering how rare golf discounts can be. Purchasing a Player’s Pass or a Player Development Program card could also be a money saver for those who play often. Subscriptions to these cards allow players through-the-floor rates and unlimited practice facility use.

            Upon playing Bent Creek Golf Course, one will finally realize the bang they are getting for their buck. The length and attention to detail could warrant playing an established event on this gorgeous piece of land. As it is now, the clubs does hold events of their own, but maybe look for an event of more notability making the course home in the near future. Originally designed by well-known architect Bobby Weed, the course has all that a golfer could want in terms of scenery and wildlife. The course is on a certified Audubon sanctuary and rich in pine trees, whose color is complimented by the vibrant Bermuda grass greens.

            First-time visitors to the course will have a hard time finding a reason not to come back. It is truly an atmosphere of Southern hospitality. There are numerous reasons why a visitor ends up feeling more like a welcomed guest upon arrival. The staff is exceedingly courteous and invites you to enjoy the game of golf as they do. This is evident by the fun ways they have thought of to bring their golfers together. Two of these creations are the Ladies’ Golf Association and the Westside Senior Men’s Golf Association. The women meet once a week to play various golf-related games, and the men meet three times a week to golf and enjoy each other’s company. Another fun golf event is the “Friday Night Fix”, where for $20 a golfer can get range balls and a 90-minute golf lesson from an instructor.

The course’s website writes, “We look forward to welcoming you to Bent Creek!” This is the enthusiastic personality you will enjoy when playing there. Their website is also especially helpful and professionally run. There is definitely something for everyone at Bent Creek Golf Course.

Leonard Crowther

MyLocalGolfer.com Staff-writer