Golf wasn’t the top priority for me this Florida trip, but I did manage to squeeze in a couple eighteen-hole courses with a friend during a spring break trip. We stayed in Palm Coast so Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club was convenient – only about a 15-minute drive for us.

We had an afternoon tee time on what started out as a busy day. My friend and I paired up with another twosome who play out here regularly. From what they shared, they seem to enjoy the course. They dropped off after nine holes while my friend and I continued on to play the back nine. Overall, it took us about 4 hours to get around the course. Not too bad considering there are a number of difficult golf holes here.

The most notable feature about Cypress Knoll is probably its designer. The course is a Gary Player Signature Course that opened in 1989. Originally, the course was called the Cypress Course at The Grand Club. One of the courses at The Grand Club closed and the Cypress Course was sold – in 2016, I believe – to one of the local homeowners. So, the course seems to have a good story.

Our green fee was $45 and that cash goes pretty far. This time of year in Florida you can expect to pay $75 to $100 just to get something decent. Well, you get a solid design and above average conditions for a significant discount here compared to what you’d find in Orlando or South Florida. I was impressed on multiple levels, even though I found the course to be quite difficult.

Regarding the conditions, everything was well maintained for the price. Lies were tight and the ground was firm. Not too uncommon during Florida’s dry season, though. There was enough turf coverage for things to be playable and not to cost me any strokes. Trying to get the ball on the ground as quickly as possible when chipping is likely the best strategy. The greens were very fast and rolled well.

While Cypress Knoll is a residential course, the homes are set back from the holes and many trees separate the course from the houses. I played the blue tees which are 72.4/135/6532 and while all those trees allow the course to present well visually, they also make it tough to play. Cypress Knoll features plenty of target golf which leads to the high slope. There are difficult angles, tricky doglegs, and visually intimidating shots. Also, the greens are very small which makes it difficult to get an approach shot close.

I found the front nine the easier of the two nines. The 1st hole is a short par-5 (451 yards) that gives someone a chance to get off to a good start before two tough holes (the 2nd and 3rd). All the par-4’s on the front nine are under 400 yards so if someone is driving the ball well, they can take advantage of the lack of the length.

I thought the back nine presented better and preferred it compared to the front. While there isn’t really a signature hole, I thought the 10th, 12th and 17th holes had a great look. The 10th is a long par-5 with water on both sides and lined by pine trees. The 12th has what looks to be a narrow tee shot – it opens up to the right – and a green complex that is perched into a small hillside. The 17th is another hole with water to the right.

As far as public courses go in the immediate area, Cypress Knoll appears to be one of the best and I’m glad I played here. Personally, I’d like to see some updates that make the course more playable but you’ve heard that line before from me. If you are in the area and looking to golf I’d recommend a round here.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):