Lake Jovita (South) - Florida - USA

Lake Jovita has two courses. The south consistently ranks better than the north, although the north course has more elevation changes. For Florida courses there is quite a bit of up and down. Also, there is a boatload of bunkers. I was told it was 125, all i know is that i spent way too much quality time in them. As with most Florida courses water is prevalent, affecting at least 12 holes.

The first hole is not welcoming. A long par 4 with a water hazard to contend with on your approach. The par 5 2nd is a little more user friendly bit as the number 3 and 5 handicap holes respectively, tough to get off to a good start. The short 3rd gives you a birdie oppty, be wary of the water left. The 4th is not quite the standard Florida par 3 wiuth carry over water, but it is close. A well protected green with bunkers left and right. The 6th is dogleg left and from the tips it is over 450 yards. As difficult as that may be the real teeth here is a severely undulating green. Three out of four three jacked. The par 5 9th is another birdie oppty. Dog leg right with a water hazard right, best plan on a 3 shot hole and select your best wedge yardage.

The back starts off with a dogleg right. To give yourself a chance favor the left side of the fairway. The par 5 11th is long and tight. Plan on three shots. The 200 plus yard par 3 12th is well protected by bunkers and water left. The short par 3 14th is a good birdie oppty but is well protected. The final four holes are good finishing holes. The 15th is a dogleg left with a bunker on the inner elbow. Favor the right side off the tee. Both the 16th and 17th go right, with 17 giving you the best birdie chance. The 18th is long par four dogleg left around a water hazard. The 17th and 18th have 25 bunkers combined.

Decent course, decent value

I had the pleasure of playing the south course three times last fall. The course was in very good condition, and has surprisingly much elevation change. There are some weak holes, and especially the first hole feels a bit awkward. Some long walks between certain holes, make a cart favorable. The greens are overall nicely contoured, which made them the highlight of the course. Hole six features the most extreme green, from which you are likely to putt of the green if being on the wrong tier. Bunkers are often well placed, but boringly shaped and very overused. The last two holes contain 25 bunkers themselves! Despite all aspects that may not be great, the south course is certainly above average, compared to other options in Florida