Discovering Golf at Innisbrook

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As I had never played golf, the most appealing part of a suggestion to visit Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club was seeing its touted scenery, and I was not disappointed. With 900 wooded acres resembling more Georgia foothills than Florida flats, and manicured lawns punctuated by small ponds as far as you can see, the beauty of this resort just 15 minutes from Clearwater cannot be overstated.

But to my surprise, I discovered the fun of golfing. On the resort's new nine-hole family walking course, even an uncoordinated sport like me can pull off a decent game (although I didn't match the inexperienced kids in front of me). The Fox Squirrel course is a par-32 and requires no previous golf skills. And at just 850 yards, it leaves you with enough energy for a stroll along the resort's raised Nature Walk.

I also found that you don't have to play golf to be entertained at Innisbrook. The resort has six pools (including one with a beach, waterfalls and two waterslides), four restaurants, ponds where you can fish from the banks, 11 Har-Tru tennis courts and shuffleboard, volleyball and basketball courts.

Of course, more experienced golfers can still tee off on the resort's four championship courses, including the famed Copperhead Course, which is home to a PGA tournament each March. Juniors play free with adults on the courses all summer. The resort is also offering a special three-day Golf/Cruise package June 27-29, which includes golfing on three of its courses as well as meals and a side trip to the historic Greek town of Tarpon Springs.

In addition to adding the family course, the resort has made other changes under the ownership of Shelia Johnson, the only woman to have a stake in three professional sports teams. Its Island Course has undergone a $1.7 million renovation, including reseeding, and now matches the standards of Copperhead. Johnson is also adding a world-class spa, which is scheduled to open next spring. Now there I will be a natural pro.
If you go
727-942-2000; www.innisbrookgolfresort.com