Destination Golf: Innisbrook Resort

Innisbrook Resort, set on nine hundred acres in Palm Harbor, FL, is the home of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. The Valspar is played on Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course, which is one of the favorite courses among the best players in the game.

Innisbrook also offers three other fine golf courses, as well as many other amenities sure to be enjoyed by anyone who visits.

In addition to seventy-two holes of great golf, Innisbrook is home to a luxurious spa, four restaurants, six swimming pools, eleven tennis courts, and accommodations to suit all your needs.

Golf

The Copperhead Course is the most well-known of the four courses at Innisbrook. The 7,200-yard, Par-71 course has hosted the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship since 2000. Past Champions include US Open Champions Jim Furyk, Gary Woodland and Jordan Spieth. Paul Casey won back-to-back Valspar’s in 2018 and 2019. Sam Burns, one of the game’s most promising young players is the defending champion.

Copperhead offers tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain not expected on a Florida golf course. There are plenty of lakes and ponds that provide challenges along the way. You’ll also have a chance to see lots of wildlife.

The closing three holes on the Copperhead Course are known as the Snake Pit. The par-4 16^th, par-4 17^th, and par-4 18^th are among the toughest closing stretch of holes on the PGA Tour.

Copperhead remains one of the most popular among PGA Tour players because it is challenging but fair. That’s the case for average golfers, also. There is nothing tricky on the Copperhead Course. It’s a fun and fair test for players of all abilities.

The Island Course, which opened in 1970, was the first built at Innisbrook. You’ll be challenged by tight fairways, frequent water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and frequent elevation changes. Without question, The Island Course demands more “target golf” than Copperhead.

The first six holes are situated alongside Lake Innisbrook and its lateral tributaries. Accuracy is at a premium on the opening holes.

Holes 7-12 are known for their tree-lined fairways and rolling hills.

The closing six holes offer a mixture of it all and are some of the most picturesque in all of Florida.

The Island Course is thoroughly enjoyable both for the golf and for the natural setting in which it takes place. If you enjoy nature, then The Island Course at Innisbrook is an absolute must!

The North Course is known as “Baby Copperhead.” Playing at just 6,300 yards from the back tees, the challenge is more about keeping it on the tight fairways than bombing big drives.

The South Course is a link-style design with rolling terrain and treacherous fairway and waste bunkers. A total of ten water hazards are sure to test your skills on the South Course at Innisbrook.

Instruction

I had a terrific opportunity to spend some time with Dawn Mercer, the Director of Instruction at Innisbrook Golf Institute. Dawn is a Class-A PGA Professional with over 30 years of experience and numerous accolades to her credit.

Dawn is very engaged with her students and uses a blend of “back-to-basics” philosophy with video and a positive mental approach which is sure to help any golfer.

The Innisbrook Golf Institute offers private and group instruction options for players of all skill levels.

Dining

The dining options at Innisbrook are plentiful and delicious!

If you’re looking for a great steak or local, fresh seafood, then Packard’s Steakhouse leads the way. You’ll find a delightful selection of creative options on the menu. The upscale cuisine is accompanied by numerous wine and cocktail options.

Market Salamander Grille & Bar offers traditional American cuisine in a relaxed environment. Guests have breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available in the dining room on the patio.

Turnberry Pub is located in the Island Course clubhouse and is open daily from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm. Enjoy a cocktail or a casual meal inside or on the Garden Patio overlooking the course.

If a poolside meal is to your liking, then the Grill at Loch Ness is the place to be. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wine, cocktails, and drink specials are all available for enjoyment next to the amazing Loch Ness Pool.

Spa

The Salamander Spa at Innisbrook is all about luxuriating and pampering yourself. Enjoy the one-on-one attention focusing on holistic, therapeutic procedures in a peaceful atmosphere.

The 12,000 square foot facility consists of twelve beautifully appointed treatment rooms and a 4,000 square foot fitness center.

Treatments include massages and facials, as well as nail services, waxing, haircuts and shampoos, makeup services, and much more!

Let all your cares melt away as you enter the relaxation grotto. The calming music and the soothing sound of the water cascading down the fountain will calm your mind and prepare you for the pampering that awaits.

Accommodations

Condo-style lodges hosting guest rooms and suites are spread throughout the nine hundred acres of Innisbrook. Many feature multiple bedrooms, living rooms, full kitchens, and private patios offering views of the naturally beautiful landscapes abundant throughout Innisbrook.

All accommodations have recently been renovated and are very well appointed, comfortable, and spacious.

Pools & Activities

Innisbrook is home to six swimming pools. The signature pool is Loch Ness, featuring two water slides, a waterfall grotto, and plenty of room for lounging poolside.

Is tennis your game? Innisbrook has eleven Har-Tru courts that provide for a fun time on the court.

Other fun activities include bike riding (rentals available), yoga, live music, fishing, fitness classes, and so much more. If you can’t find something fun and entertaining to do at Innisbrook Resort, then you just aren’t trying!

Innisbrook Resort is located just minutes from many of the exciting adventure opportunities in the Tampa Bay area such as: Ybor City, Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and the Pinellas Trail.

Innisbrook Resort is known for its world-class golf, especially the Copperhead Course where we see the best golfers in the world play each spring. But Innisbrook is so much more than golf.

Play as much golf as you can when visiting Innisbrook. You will not be disappointed. But don’t miss out on the recreational and leisure activities that the resort offers.

We look forward to visiting again soon!

For more information about Innisbrook Resort visit innisbrookgolfresort.com.