The Groves Golf and Country Club sits in Land O Lakes, Florida, and has an 18-hole course designed by Gary Koch that opened in 2000. The course stretches 4,026 yards with a par of 67, so you get the challenges of a bigger course in a shorter round, which takes about three and a half hours for most players. The fairways use Bermuda grass and the true-rolling greens are Diamond Zoysia, and you'll see plenty of bunkers, winding fairways, water hazards, and views of the 200 acres of natural conservation wetlands that surround the place, so there's always some wildlife or nature to see while playing. The course has a slope of 105 and a rating of 61.7, which means it works for beginners and more skilled golfers alike, and there are multiple sets of tees that offer yardages from 2,918 to 4,026 yards, so you can choose based on how much of a challenge you want.
Practice facilities include an aqua driving range, a full-size putting green, and areas for chipping and pitching, with a teaching pro on site for anyone interested in lessons. Carts and clubs are available to rent, although the course doesn't allow metal spikes and asks people to wear proper golf clothes. The course is open all year, seven days a week, usually from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the pro shop runs daily until 6:00 PM. Social golf leagues run in two-person teams and individual games for nine holes, and there are end-of-league championships, so players who like relaxed competition can join in. The Groves also has programs like the Adopt-a-Hole Program to keep things looking nice and the Hole in One Club for anyone who lands the rare shot.
For eating, the clubhouse has a few options. The Back9Bistro is under new management and serves breakfast from 8 to 11 in the morning, plus lunch, starters, sides, soups, salads, and weekly dinner specials. The Turn Bar & Grill and Vesh at The Groves Grill also offer food and drinks, so there's something to eat or drink before or after a game. There's a pro shop in the clubhouse for gear and a front desk to help members and guests. The Groves provides a championship-style golf experience but on a smaller scale, with shorter holes but many of the same challenges as a big course. With its natural setting, the course is calm and scenic, and it's well-suited for people of all ages and skill levels who want to enjoy outdoor activities with a social feel.
