For anyone who hasn't played here in the last year, there are some trees removed after falling during Irma, and some underbrush has been permanently removed, so the course is a little more open than before.
I throw thumbers off of 2 and 7 to avoid the lake, and at least one person always asks me "Why didn't I ever think to try that?"
Additional Thought - Because of the two ponds on the property and the fact that the property holds drainage from 62 Ave and has ditches running down two sides of the course, the fairways hold a TON of water after any substantial rain. The soft ground is making some tee pads crack and come apart and any area where there isn't grass will be slick mud. I played a recent round four days after any significant rain and every fairway was waterlogged. Even on a sunny day here, if it's summer, you'll probably want extra socks, lots of towels, and waterproof shoes.
Recently, the number of squids and other less desirable visitors has increased. Because of this, I'd like to see all the picnic tables removed until the pandemic is over.
The palm tree between #11, #12, and #13 needs to be removed. It's in the ideal line for all three holes.
Having been playing here for a long time, I can say this course is losing what little value it had. The tees are in very poor shape, #1, #2, and #7 are poorly designed (IMHO) and neither are beginner friendly at all - even the short pad for #2 doesn't help if you've got a noddle arm - and there's just not much play value. The recent softball and soccer crowds make playing on the weekends all but impossible and the only thing keeping me coming back here is the fact the course is only a few blocks from where I live.
I've heard PInellas Park is considering removing the course for more parking / athletic fields, and honestly, I think I'd be okay with this, as long as they replace it with another course (I've heard Pinebrook Park off Belcher Road might be getting a course put in). This place just needs too much work to be a regular play for me.
Yes, I rated Azalea higher than Youth. Azalea is better maintained and doesn't have standing water half the summer and the tees there aren't falling apart. This course needs some TLC.