Plantation on Crystal River Golf Club Review

We are finishing up our time in South and Central Florida with a stop in Crystal River. This charming coastal city is the nucleus of Florida’s Nature coast sitting along the spring-fed Kings Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. Crystal River is famously known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.” The constant 72 degree spring-fed waters attract hundreds of migrating West Indian Manatees and it is the only place you can legally swim with the Manatees.

Of course we swam with the Manatee – it was on our “Bucket List”!

And it was AMAZING!!

I am lost for words to describe the “awe” I felt while sharing the water space with these incredible sea cows!

The constant 72 degree weather is also perfect for golfing. Of course we played golf!! (Come on….did you have any doubt?!)

We were able to get a tee time at Plantation on Crystal River Golf Club. I guess you could say we went from the gulf to the golf course! This course was built in 1958 by architect Mark Mahannah. The golf course has a choice of five tee boxes and measures 6496 yards from the back tees.

When we arrived, John met us at our car with a golf cart set up and ready to go. We received a very thorough run-down of the course layout from Dale, the starter. Both gentlemen were great and welcoming.

Rolling up to the first tee box, I could see the lush landscape of huge Oak Trees covered in Spanish Moss. It gave me a feel of the “Old Florida” charm. Several of the fairways were lined with these trees.

The overall course layout was inviting and had just enough challenges to keep me interested, yet not overwhelmed, but still needing my attention to play each hole.

Some of the greens are elevated with a bunker usually right in the middle or just off center of the flag. I was in the sand more than I wanted – perhaps it was supposed to be a beach day?

Water came into play enough times to keep me cautious and playing my “old used golf ball” was a must to ensure I clear it – because every golfer knows “new golf balls” ALWAYS find the water.

Several of the fairways and greens were being aerated and at times did impact my quality of play. But understanding that aeration is important in the maintenance and upkeep of any course, we decided to play “lift-clean-and place”.

I was impressed with the overall condition of the course, considering they had just hosted a 3-day amateur tournament, with over 80 players. That’s alot of divots, pitch marks and cleats to work out. The crews were in full-force repairing the weekend folly.

If you are in the Crystal River area and want to play some golf, I recommend you play Plantation on Crystal River Golf Club. (And swim with the Manatee.)

Based on our score card rating – I would rate this a Par Course.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written By Kathy Festa

COURSE REVIEW SCORE CARD

Course: Plantation on Crystal River Golf Course

Type: Public Course

Date Played:  24 April 2023