Lake Jovita (South) - Florida - USA

When you come to the 1st hole on the South you have to be ready to play. A very demanding two-shot hole. The par-5 2nd that follows is a quality risk/reward hole for those who believe they have the game to get home in two blows. What follows is a mixture of engaging and ordinary holes.

The Florida theme in having housing engulfing a property is alive and well here so one has to have tunnel vision and put the clutter out of mind as best as you can.

The South has an array of bunkers to avoid and as per usual for Sunshine State designs the involvement of water is an issue on roughly a dozen holes.

The main issue that holds back the experience is the lack of compelling green sites. There are only a few beyond the level of pedestrian. Turf conditions were acceptable but for those hunkering for firm and fast you'll be underwhelmed.

The inward half has the better consistency of holes with two strong par-4's back-to-back at the 11th and 12th holes. The final hole -- a longish two-shot hole ends the day with a fitting finale.

Interestingly, I believe the North is the better overall test of golf and the terrain found there is more inspiring.

Overall, the South is worth a play when in the area but the bar for competition in this area of Florida is quite high.

Lake Jovita South is one course of two at Lake Jovita. It plays with some varied landscape. It doesn't feel like you are in Florida. Overall it's a good day out. Typically conditions are good. The greens are ok. At one time years ago this course fit the rating position it holds. It doesn't anymore.

Trifecta course. It is on this list of top 100 FL courses. It is a US Open qualifier course. It is also home of the St. Leo Lions golf team. The girls were practicing as I was playing. They were super nice and gave me a St Leo golf ball. I will now cheer for St.Leo. This course is a good deal for the money. I will be back, just like the terminator! Eagle chance on 18, GOT IT!!!!!!

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