Tampa, Florida
Old Memorial delivers pure, sandy-ground golf steeped in strategic shot demands and top-tier conditioning. Steve Smyers' design rewards patient, thoughtful play—a major draw for those seeking an elite Florida club experience.
Old Memorial Golf Club channels the sandy, strategic parkland tradition through a modern lens. Steve Smyers' routing wrings variety and latitude from gentle, sand-rich terrain, with bold bunkering and subtle angles confronting the bold. A 2020 renovation elevated the greens and playing corridors, offering runoffs, firmer approaches, and even greater incentive to play with forethought. Water, wind, and smart fairway movement ask for patience more than heroics—rendering the entire experience a symphony of quiet tension for the thinking golfer.
Steve Smyers’ vision infuses modern parkland with classic, ground-driven tactical choices.
At 650 yards, the third is a true three-shot monster, demanding precision placement to set up any hope at birdie. The corridor is generous but subtly pinched by bunkers, with an angled green that punishes loose layups.
Play as a three-shotter unless conditions favor a heroic second; ideal layup leaves a wedge in from the proper angle.
Straying left risks bunkers; miss right and a poor angle or rough complicates the wedge.
Pristine bentgrass-like bermuda, famously smooth greens, and meticulously trimmed surrounds.
Relaxed, with proper spacing and private-club speed—rarely feels rushed.
Ultra-private, tranquil, member-driven with quiet confidence—no rush or resort hustle.
Traditional golf attire required; jackets preferred in dining rooms.
Chipping and pitching around firm, elevated greens will serve you well here.
Long but narrow in places—fairways matter much more than pure distance.
Bring sun protection and account for afternoon wind patterns.
Site secured and club concept formed by Outback Steakhouse founders
Club officially opens; design by Steve Smyers
Ranked #185 on Golf Digest's Second 100 Greatest
Reaches #10 in Florida in Golf Digest's state ranking
Six-month renovation: rebuilt greens, reworked bunkers, new hybrid bermuda
Ranked #18 in Florida by Golf Digest
Old Memorial’s founders—restaurateurs with a taste for risk and excellence—imagined a Florida private club for friends and family with no compromises. Their pursuit of sand-rich land and a world-class design set a new Tampa standard.
In 2020, Steve Smyers returned for a sweeping renovation that rebuilt the putting surfaces and surrounds, bringing firmer, faster play and fresh strategic bite to nearly every hole. The club’s reputation for conditioning soared even higher.
With USGA presidents, NCAA coaches, and NFL quarterbacks as members, Old Memorial attracts more than just Tampa’s local golf elite. Its role in hosting U.S. Open qualifiers and the Gary Koch Pro-Am amplifies its region-wide prestige.
Founders were also Outback Steakhouse creators—ambition and hospitality run deep.
Course constructed on a sand-based site just 15 minutes from the airport.
Greens, bunkers, and turf overhauled in a major 2020 renovation.
Has counted USGA presidents and sports icons among its members.
Host to one of Tampa’s most prominent charity pro-ams—the Gary Koch event.
PGA Tour-tested, famous snake pit stretch
Modern architecture, world-ranked destination
Former Champions Tour host, strong design
Good-value local option with two 18s
Host of a top women's pro event; elite modern conditioning
Westshore/Tampa International Airport area for best access to Old Memorial and major golf/tourist points.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Atlanta Country Club is a natural next stop after Old Memorial Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: Sage Valley Golf Club is a natural next stop after Old Memorial Golf Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Grey Oaks Country Club (Pine Course) offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Old Memorial Golf Club.
Community Sentiment
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