Babe Zaharias Golf Course
Babe Zaharias Golf Course is an 18 hole public golf course located in Tampa, Florida.
The course first opened for play in 1926. At that time it was known as Forest Hills Golf and Country Club. The last redesign of he course was in 2004. The redesign was done by Ron Garl.
When first opened as a country Club, there were riding stables located on the south end of the property and a magnificent two-story clubhouse that included a ballroom. The original course layout had only 10 homes scattered around it. Unlike today the golf course meanders its way through a tree lined neighborhood
In 1949 Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias purchased the golf course. It's been said that "Babe's" actually lived on the second floor of the clubhouse. In 1954 Babe moved into a residence not far from the present clubhouse location. In September of 1956 "Babe" died of cancer in a hospital in Galveston, Texas. Following "Babes" death the golf course closed. In 1962 the once magnificent clubhouse burned.
Keeping "Babe's" name, the City of Tampa re-opened the golf course as Babe Zaharias in 1974. 30 years later, "The Babe" had a makeover. All 18 greens were be re-built and a new irrigation system was installed. The work was completed in late 2004.
This par 70 course plays to just over 6,o00 yards from the men's tees. This short course is tight because of all the out-of-bounds stakes lining many holes. The average golfer will find the design to be a real test of golf.
The signature hole is #16, a 453-yard, par 4, requiring a tee shot up a tree-lined fairway with out-of-bounds stakes threatening both sides, then an approach shot as the fairway doglegs left to the green. You are going to need to be able to work the ball from right to left if your going to want a good chance at a birdie.
Back tees: 6,020 yards, course rating 69.0, slope rating 115.
Middle tees: 5,531 yards, course rating 66.4, slope rating 112.
Forward tees: 4,808 yards, course rating 65.1, slope rating 109.
Middle tees(W): 5,531 yards, course rating 71.1, slope rating 125.
Forward tees(W): 4,808 yards, course rating 67.9, slope rating 117.
