LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Calusa Pines GC
LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of Calusa Pines GC
Overview
Calusa’s developer, Gary Chensoff, a Chicago venture capitalist, survived a rare form of cancer despite long odds, and his recovery strongly influenced how Calusa Pines was designed and built. Chensoff decided to gamble, instructing Hurdzan-Fry to design the most unique course in south Florida despite a dead flat site. They responded by piling up fill from ponds to form ridge lines up to 58 feet, then planted them with mature oaks, pines and sabal palms. Calusa Pines sports perhaps the firmest, fastest Bermuda fairways and greens in Florida, rivaled only by the turf at Streamsong. Recent removal of overgrown vegetation between holes has returned beautiful long-range views to the course and made it more playable.
About
Awards
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2007.
2023-'24 ranking: 69th (highest).
Previous ranking: 74th.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2011-'24. Ranked inside the top 5, 2007-'10. Ranked inside the top 10, 2005. Ranked inside the top 15, 2003.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Very firm and fast conditioning but fair at the same time...amazing a hurricane went through 2 months prior to date played. Grain has little to no affect on putting even though greens are Bermuda surfaces. The head pro mentioned they lost 750 trees that opened up vistas and sight lines. Very walkable course that is somewhat forgiving off the tee yet very challenging with approach shots and green complexes. Some really unique features that include the lions mouth bunker at 17 green, water features that seemingly go to infinity(designers purposely made appearance of lakes to where it is difficult to tell where lakes begin or end), and the elevation change that was created to come into play on 7 of the holes (a rarity for the area). The only structures visible while playing the course are the clubhouse and cottages, a rarity for Florida."
Read More2022
Review
“Outstanding! Property was completely flat, the 16th tee is now the highest in the county. Very unique, tough greens."
Read More2022
Review
“Tough, well-conditioned Hurdzan-Fry design in south Florida. Lots of room off the tee but the course really bares its teeth on and around the greens. They are elevated with run offs on most sides. Only the most precise iron shots will hold these greens. Very beautiful course with abundance of sand and water."
Read More2022
Review
“True top 100 course. Very elite with amazing stories behind the design on a non-descript sand pit. In the middle of suburbia--if you didn't golf, you wouldn't know its there. Played two days after the club championship and it was absolutely diabolical. Not sure I could play it every day."
Read More2022
Review
“As good as Florida golf gets"
Read More2021
Review
“More elevation change than most Florida courses. Great layout with caddies available."
Read More2021
Review
“Top marks across the board. Great clubhouse, fabulous course, conditioning, caddies, practice area, challenge. Only small knock is high degree of difficulty around the greens for most golfers. Absolute must play if you get a chance!"
Read More2021
Review
“This is one of the most unique and elite golf courses in Florida. The conditions are always top-notch, along with everything else at this club. The course offers a good variety of shot options, varying lengths par 3s, 4s, 5s, and great movement. I consider this one of the absolute best courses in our state."
Read More2021
Review
“Great play, variety, design, very challenging.......very fair but difficult greens to hit in regulation......perhaps best in Florida"
Read More2020
Review
“Special place! Wide off the tee but the approach shots are key. If you can get there get the gator gumbo soup."
Read More2018
Review
“Calusa Pines is a top notch, but somewhat exclusive, golf experience that should not be missed if you have the chance. When I played I last year, I wondered to myself if it would overtake the Stadium Course as my favorite course in Florida. My recent visit to the Stadium Course reaffirmed its spot as my favorite Florida course, but CP is a real gem that has some attributes that cannot be matched by the higher volume/less personal experience at TPC. So, considering the total experience, I’m going to call it a tie!"
Read More2018
Review
“Great course that does not have the usual flat Florida topography. Really cool small club."
Read More2018
Review
“Exclusive course with elevation changes, rare for south Florida. Very fast greens and a firm course."
Read More2018
Review
“One of the best in Florida. Best course designed by Hurzdan/Fry"
Read More2018
Review
“It's amazing what you can do with an unlimited budget. They haven't missed the mark on anything here."
Read More2018
Review
“Fantastic experience, the greens are among the fastest I have ever played."
Read More2018
Review
“Wonderful routing with exceptional landscaping. A delight to experience. Demanding course with outstanding green complexes. A first-rate experience all around if you're lucky enough to know a member -- this is a very tough get."
Read More2018
Review
“This could possibly be the best golf course in Florida. Amazing golf course, clubhouse and a friendly staff. This course is completely man made and may be one of the seven wonders of the golf world- taking a piece of land with only 6 inches in elevation changes and building a course with 63 feet of elevation changes."
Read More2018
Review
“Great layout. Generous off the tee but very challenging on the approaches and fast, firm greens which have severe roll-offs. Incredible conditioning. Classic clubhouse and locker room and overall feel. Pretty much walking only. The type of place anyone would want to be a member."
Read More2018
Readers
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