Big Cypress Golf Club - Lakeland, Florida

Garry S.

For your first round you will have no idea where the proper shot lines are - so we played a forward set of tees with one or two less clubs just to find the right lines and angles to the greens. Course is in really really good shape for late February. It was the most 'jungle-like' environment I have played in - ever (wild bird sounds, alligators, water and cypress, etc.). Definitely worth it if you enjoy an interesting golf experience. Great value for the money!

Taylor L.

This was a great course with challenges for all levels of golfers. My family had a great time. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because the greens need to be cut more often and some tee boxes need some TLC. But other than that, great course with a nice range. I shot a 76.

Adam S.

Course was nice, clubhouse was nice and wild life was a plus. Passive aggressive attitude towards non members unprovoked was weird and one should be able to get a beer for the back nine regardless of the time they started. Restraunt opens at 11, have another option.

David T.

Big Cypress Golf & Country Club is located within the 55+ gated community of Cypress Lakes on Route 98 in Lakeland, Florida, and is one of the most active adult communities in Florida.

Both golf courses at Cypress Lakes are built on a swamp so the surrounding terrain is perfectly flat. Florida golf is characterized by water, sand, and palm trees and Big Cypress is no different. Water comes into play on at least 11 holes on the South Course and 16 on the North Course so you may want to take a few extra golf balls.

The South Course was designed by renowned golf course architect and Lakeland, Florida native, Ron Garl. From the Black Tees, the South Course plays 6,588 yards with a course rating of 72.1 and a slope of 134. and features Bermuda tee boxes and fairways, and Diamond Zoysia greens.

Two very memorable holes on the South Course are par 5s. Number 3 plays 507 yards from the back tees, and from back here it’s a legitimate par 5. Move up to the Green Tees (438 yards) and it’s a chance to pick up a shot or two. From up here, the trees on the left are reachable off the tee. With that in mind, play down the right side of the fairway; another good aiming point is the billboard in the distance. A good drive will leave the option to go for the green in two; if that’s not a possibility, play your layup shot toward the right side. This will take the water on the left out of play. Hit your approach shot over the green and you’ll most likely find that water.

Number 12 is a 590-yard, par 5. It plays every bit of its length because most players won't be able to hit driver off the tee.
Even with a good tee shot and a layup shot, you will still be faced with a fairly long approach shot into an elevated green which slopes back to front and is guarded front right by a large bunker.

Although the South Course gets the majority of play at Cypress Lake, the North Course should not be taken lightly. The North Course was designed by noted course architect Chip Powell and offers golfers two sets of tees.

Don’t let the yardage fool you, it’s not a walk in the park. With six par 4s and three par 3s that measure over 170 yards, it can be a major challenge. For the most part, it’s a gentler version of the South Course and for that reason, more enjoyable for beginners with several risk/reward opportunities for seasoned players. The layout is fairly narrow with several tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers. You’ll also encounter water hazards on at least 12 holes.

This “executive” course starts with a par 4 that plays nearly 300 yards with trees on the right side in the landing area. Anything that lands on the right side will require an approach shot over trees into a green with a bunker on the right. Favoring the left side off the tee leaves an unobstructed shot into the green.

Things don’t get much easier on the 2nd hole, a 184-yard, par 3 with a lake and sand on the right side. There’s a bit of reprieve on the 3rd and 4th holes which are almost identical with water left of the green.

The back nine starts with one of the shortest holes on the golf course followed by the longest, a 302-yard par 4 that is one big dogleg left. That’s followed by the risk/reward 12th hole, a 260-yard par 4 with little danger (the pond on the right side is easy to carry). Hit a solid tee shot and you’re in business. The 15th hole is a challenging 179-yarder with a small green and a large bunker on the left. The round ends with another challenging 170-yard par 3 that’s very similar to Number 15.

Regardless of which course you play, you’ll encounter superb conditions. Golf Course Superintendent Gary Newcomb says “At Big Cypress, maintenance is a top priority. We try to provide well-manicured fairways and greens that are consistently in good shape.”

Big Cypress Golf Course General Manager Allan Tener wants golfers to know that both Big Cypress courses are open to the public. “ A lot of people in the area think that just because we are in a gated community, we are not open to the public,” says Tener.

Mark S.

3/2025 greens are in really great shape. Fairways great. tee boxes could use a little love... probably be fine with a little rain. over all great experience.

Don W.

Unbelievable, this golf course is in beautiful condition.
The putting greens are perfect.
The tees and fairways are great with thick grass.
Excellently maintained.
Good job guys.

Sabino -. C.

I really liked playing here! The greens were excellent for my standards. Although, we only played the front nine and the highest PAR is a four; my son and I and Marty still had a great time.
PROS:
* Inexpensive to play there, $64 for the three of us to play (9 holes only); electric golf cart was included in the price.
* I got to see an alligator bathing in the sun (You won’t see that at Chambers Bay!). We also seen a gaggle of wild turkeys.
* The course is easy but challenging. A lot of water ways and ponds!
* Their ball washer was functional.
* The weather was great
CONS:
* The cart’s power was way too slow for me (LOL) “Please take the governor off!”
* The front desk attendant could be a little more cheerful
* NO GOLF CLUB LOGO GOLF BALL FOR SALE😡😡😡😡😡😡

OVERALL:
I will return and I will be coming back with a vengeance “Please have your logo ball for sale, I would like to put your logo in my display case!”

Zachary N.

Our group played the south course and it was in great shape. 5/5. The only reason I am rating it a 3 star is the rude service in the pro shop.