Friendly staff

Greens, clubhouse, practice area.

I played this course during a visit to Palm Coast in July 2003. To be honest, I was expecting quite a bit more. Through no fault of the management, the course lost most of its luster in 1998 when a terrible forrest fire destroyed its main feature, the woods. Because of this, many of the holes are played along a barren track of land where lush trees and homes once stood, that provides a sad view of what once was I'm sure a spectacular scenery. Aside from this, however, I thought the clubhouse facility and the practice areas where sub-standard for a course that claims such a distinct pedigree. The course itself was is decent shape, although the greens were in poor condition. The layout is uninspired, except for a few holes on the back nine. Maybe in a few years, and with some serious upgrades to the clubhouse and practice areas, this course can return to claim a status among the top echelon courses in Florida.

Customer Service

Very good

Must keep tee shots on close-cropped fairways for easier approach shots into greens. Greens are large, smooth and sloped - most back to front - and inaccurate approach shots can make for lenthy putts. Many fairways have fairly narrow landing areas, putting a premium on straight tee shots.

Course laid out in residential area and there is no way to walk because of the distances from the greens to the next tees. Personally I noticed no other weaknesses and my only complaints are those of many old-time golfers...rates have been raised to the point where it is nearly cost prohibitive for most seniors; and most of the time it takes w-a-y too long to play 18 holes! Too many people must think they're playing on the PGA Tour! They need to get the lead out and MOVE!

First class resort course. Excellent maintenance on entire layout, especially greens and tees. Course seeded with Bermuda and is sometimes difficult to advance the ball with a lot of control. There are six pin positions used on the greens and golfers are advised as to the position (#1-6) as they drive to the first tee. Many of the greens are well guarded with sand and because it's "flat Florida," there were a lot of mounds, drainage ditches and lakes added to the layout which can gobble up errant golf balls.

Staff, food and other amenities are first rate. Plenty of free parking in huge lot and first rate practice areas and putting green. First thing most will notice: the "cathedral-like" atmosphere is gone on all of the first nine holes. We lost nearly all our pine and other trees in the wildfires in 1998.

Good test for lower handicap players; a bit long and tougher for higher handicappers. Course was used by PGA Tour for qualifying event in 1999 and rates were raised which seemed to cause somewhat of a drop in local play. However, discount coupons are printed in Daytona Beach newspapers for the local resort courses at $25 (with cart).

Warning for anyone wanting to play Matansas Woods or any other course in the area during hot summer months: Always wear sun screen; drink lots of water; stay clear of the larger lakes on the property (12' alligators) and high rough around drainage canals (numerous poisonous snakes).

Customer Service

Anyone visiting this area will be pleased with the customer service and tee times on all five area courses are relatively easy to make - with the exception of the busy times when the "snow bunnies" arrive.

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Since I have the privilege of living on the first fairway, I've also enjoyed everything the course has to offer. All I can add is that "They're great!"