Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club - Image 1
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Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club

4.4
·570 reviews·Dade City, United States

Experience challenging golf with unique elevation changes on two beautiful courses, featuring fast, undulating greens in Florida's rolling hills.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better conditions

CrowdLow
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Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club - Image 1

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better conditions

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience challenging golf with unique elevation changes on two beautiful courses, featuring fast, undulating greens in Florida's rolling hills.

4.4
(570 reviews)

"Fantastic 36 hole club! 2 beautiful courses that are challenging and have some great risk and reward holes."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot on the North or South course well in advance, especially for weekend play.

Check Course Conditions

Inquire about recent overseeding or maintenance before booking to ensure optimal playing conditions.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Challenging North Course

The Challenging North Course

North Course

A semi-links style course with wide fairways and exciting elevation changes. Offers a unique challenge in Florida.

The Strategic South Course

The Strategic South Course

South Course

Tighter fairways and more tree-lined holes, presenting a classic Florida golf experience with demanding approach shots.

Fast, Undulating Greens

Fast, Undulating Greens

Both Courses

Prepare for greens with significant slope and tiers, demanding precise putting and careful approach shots to avoid rolling off.

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Planning Your Visit

Tee Off with Confidence: Booking Your Round

Planning your visit to Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club? Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular North and South courses. Consider checking GolfNow for potential deals, but be aware of course conditions before committing to a higher price point. Reddit

Course Conditions & Value

While Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club boasts beautiful layouts and challenging greens, reviews suggest conditions can vary. Some visitors report excellent upkeep, while others have experienced issues like overseeding or waterlogged fairways, leading to questions about value at the $100 price point. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better conditions
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Potentially better rates
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Spa day for the clubs before a round tomorrow! Anyone played lake Jovita in Dade City, Fl?

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot on the North or South course well in advance, especially for weekend play. Reddit

Check Course Conditions

Inquire about recent overseeding or maintenance before booking to ensure optimal playing conditions. Reddit

reddit.com

No. 3. Lake Jovita Country Club, North Course - Tampa, FL(not really)

reddit.com

Favorite public golf course?

Master the Greens

Practice your putting on fast, sloped greens; balls can roll significantly. Reddit

Consider Stay & Play

Lake Jovita offers villas for rent, perfect for a golf getaway. Reddit

reddit.com

Tampa Golf - (specific course questions)

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tee Times Early

Secure your spot on the North or South course well in advance, especially for weekend play. Reddit

Check Course Conditions

Inquire about recent overseeding or maintenance before booking to ensure optimal playing conditions. Reddit

Master the Greens

Practice your putting on fast, sloped greens; balls can roll significantly. Reddit

Consider Stay & Play

Lake Jovita offers villas for rent, perfect for a golf getaway. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(570 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is praised for its beautiful, challenging 36-hole layout with significant elevation changes and fast, undulating greens. Many consider it a favorite course in the area. However, some visitors find it overpriced, citing inconsistent course conditions like overseeding or waterlogged fairways, and a lack of GPS on carts as drawbacks for the premium fee.

"Fantastic 36 hole club! 2 beautiful courses that are challenging and have some great risk and reward holes. Nice elevation changes, water carries, and very fun fast greens with lots of slope and tiers. Also great villas you can stay and play as well."

Chris Druschel

"Overpriced and oversold. I was charged full price without being informed that the course was overseeded and restricted to cart-path-only. Many holes were running sprinklers during play, leaving the fairways waterlogged and messy, and overall the course conditions were disappointing. The carts don’t have GPS—not a big deal at a $50 course, but hard to justify at $100. I’m not sure how this place earns such high ratings, but my experience was far from great."

Sudo Nihm

"Our favorite course of our golf trip. I rather play both courses here than most other ones in the area. We did the north, links style. Nice range and staff and clubhouse. Great condition."

Jonathan Dominguez

What People Like

Beautiful layouts
Challenging greens
Elevation changes

What People Dislike

Overpriced for conditions
Inconsistent upkeep
No GPS on carts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is located in Dade City, Florida. It's accessible by car, with major highways leading to the area. Consider using GPS for precise directions to the club entrance. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club. Reddit

The closest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), approximately an hour's drive away. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Lake Jovita are limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is generally recommended for easier access. Reddit

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is situated in the scenic rolling hills of Dade City, Florida, offering a departure from the typical flat Florida landscape. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can book tee times directly through the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club website or by calling their pro shop. Checking platforms like GolfNow can also reveal available tee times and potential discounts. Reddit

Green fees can vary, but reviews indicate rounds can cost around $100. It's advisable to check their official website or GolfNow for current rates and any package deals. Reddit

While both courses are part of the club, rates may fluctuate based on demand and time of day. It's best to confirm specific pricing for each course when booking. Reddit

Look for deals on GolfNow or inquire about any seasonal promotions. Some visitors suggest that the value proposition can be questionable at full price if course conditions aren't optimal. Reddit

Cart-path-only rules may be implemented, especially after rain or during overseeding. It's important to ask about this when booking, as it can affect the pace of play and overall experience. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

Conditions can be mixed. While many praise the beautiful layouts and challenging greens, some reviews mention issues like overseeding, waterlogged fairways, and average conditions, particularly on the North course. Reddit

The greens are a standout feature, known for being fast, undulating, and having significant tiers. Landing your approach shots well before the hole is often advised to prevent balls from rolling off. Reddit

The North course is described as more open and semi-links style, while the South course is tighter with more tree-lined fairways, offering a more traditional Florida golf feel. Reddit

Based on some reviews, the carts may not be equipped with GPS, which can be a drawback for a course with higher green fees. Reddit

The clubhouse typically offers a pro shop, and likely dining facilities. It's a good place to grab a bite or pick up any last-minute golf essentials. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the clubhouse usually offers dining options. It's a convenient place to grab breakfast, lunch, or snacks before or after your round. Reddit

While specific menus can change, expect typical clubhouse fare, likely including sandwiches, salads, and other casual dining options suitable for golfers. Reddit

Beverage cart service may be available on the course, especially during peak times. You can also purchase drinks at the clubhouse. Reddit

Dade City offers various local restaurants and cafes if you prefer to dine off-site after your golf game. Reddit

Many country clubs offer event hosting services. It's best to contact Lake Jovita directly to inquire about their banquet and event capabilities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rolling hills and elevation changes offer unique photographic opportunities not often found in Florida. Capture the scenic fairways, challenging green complexes, and the overall landscape. Reddit

Both the North and South courses have holes with dramatic elevation changes and water features that make for striking photos. Look for elevated tee boxes and challenging approach shots. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hour' will provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty of the courses. Reddit

Generally, you can take photos from the fairways and around the greens. Be mindful of other golfers and ensure your photography doesn't impede play. Reddit

Elevated tee boxes often provide panoramic views of the holes and surrounding landscape, making them excellent spots for capturing memorable shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is primarily geared towards adult golfers. While families might enjoy the scenic beauty, the challenging nature of the golf courses and the focus on a serious golfing experience may not be ideal for young children. If you're looking for a family outing, consider activities outside of playing a full round of golf. Reddit

However, if your family includes avid golfers, the stay-and-play villas offer a convenient option for a golf-focused family vacation. Ensure that any children accompanying golfers are supervised and understand golf course etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is generally considered a higher-end golf destination, with green fees often around $100. This may not align with a strict budget travel plan. However, savvy travelers can look for deals on GolfNow or inquire about off-season rates. Reddit

It's also crucial to check course conditions before booking. If the course is undergoing overseeding or has other issues, the value for money might be significantly reduced. For more budget-friendly golf experiences in the Tampa Bay area, exploring other public courses might be a better option. Reddit

couples

For couples who enjoy golf, Lake Jovita offers a beautiful and challenging setting for a romantic getaway. The scenic rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for a round of golf together. Consider booking a stay-and-play package in one of the villas for a more immersive experience. Reddit

After a day on the links, you can enjoy the clubhouse dining or explore the charming town of Dade City. The unique terrain and well-designed courses offer a memorable golfing experience that couples can share and discuss. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Lake Jovita Courses

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club features two distinct 18-hole courses: the North and the South. The North Course is often described as having a semi-links style, characterized by wider fairways and significant elevation changes that add a unique dimension to the game. This course offers a more open feel, providing a different kind of challenge compared to typical Florida layouts. Reddit

The South Course, on the other hand, presents a more traditional Florida golf experience. It features tighter fairways and is bordered by more tree lines, demanding accuracy from the tee and strategic shot-making. Both courses are known for their challenging greens, which are fast, heavily undulated, and often multi-tiered. Players are advised to land their approach shots well before the hole, as balls can easily roll off the steep slopes. Reddit

While both courses are praised for their layouts and beauty, reviews on course conditions can be mixed. Some visitors report excellent upkeep, while others have noted issues like overseeding or waterlogged fairways, particularly on the North Course. It's recommended to inquire about current conditions when booking your tee time to manage expectations. Reddit

Understanding the Greens: A Golfer's Challenge

The greens at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club are a defining feature and a significant part of the challenge for golfers. They are consistently described as fast and heavily sloped, with multiple tiers that can dramatically alter the path of your putt. This means that even a seemingly simple putt can become a test of skill and nerve. Reddit

Many golfers recommend a strategy of landing their approach shots well short of the hole. This is because the steep undulations can cause the ball to roll a considerable distance, sometimes 20 yards or more, away from its intended target. Mastering these greens requires patience, a delicate touch, and a good understanding of how the slopes will affect the ball's roll. Reddit

While the speed and slope of the greens are a consistent talking point, their overall condition can vary. Some reviews indicate they are in good shape, contributing to the premium experience, while others suggest they are merely average. Regardless, preparing for a demanding putting experience is key to enjoying your round at Lake Jovita. Reddit

Value and Expectations at Lake Jovita

Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is often positioned as a premium golf destination, with green fees typically around the $100 mark. This price point sets a certain expectation for course conditions, amenities, and overall experience. While many visitors find the challenging layouts and scenic beauty worth the cost, some reviews suggest that the value proposition can be questionable at times. Reddit

Concerns have been raised about paying full price when courses are undergoing overseeding or are restricted to cart-path-only due to wet conditions. Issues like waterlogged fairways and the absence of GPS on carts have also been mentioned as detracting from the experience, especially when compared to other courses in a similar price range. It's important for potential visitors to manage their expectations and perhaps inquire about current course conditions before booking. Reddit

Despite these criticisms, many golfers still consider Lake Jovita a favorite and prefer playing its courses over others in the area. The unique elevation changes and strategic hole designs are significant draws. Ultimately, the perceived value often depends on individual priorities and the specific conditions encountered on the day of play. Reddit

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