Sports

Buckhorn Golf Club Undergoes Improvements

The private club is under new ownership and management.

The game's the same but there's some changes under way at one of Brandon's oldest golf clubs.

The Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club at 2721 S. Miller Road, Valrico, now under new ownership and management, is undergoing some improvements.

Faced with financial woes due to a flagging economy and diminished membership, the private club was considering opening up to the public when entrepreneur and longtime member William Harper stepped in.

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Harper, 73, a member since 1979, purchased the club Dec. 27, and brought back Randy O'Linger to serve as general manager, thus guaranteeing that the club remains private.

"Mr. Harper has a deep appreciation for this club and wanted it to continue operating as a private club," said O'Linger.

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O'Linger had been general manager of the club but left eight years ago to manage a club in Hernando County.

"It's like coming home again," he said. "I love this place. It has the best people in the world."

The club was founded in 1968 when the area was dominated by citrus trees and there were no subdivisions to be found.

Tampa resident Mark Nash said he grew up playing golf at Buckhorn as well as playing tennis and serving as a lifeguard at the club's pool.

"I have a lot of fond memories of this place," said Nash, who returned Saturday to play in the eighth annual B. Lee Elam Community Roundtable of Greater Brandon Golf Tournament. "This is where I learned to play tennis and went on to play on the Brandon High School tennis team. Back then, the tennis courts were where the clubhouse is today. The clubhouse was closer to the road."

"It's a great course," agreed O'Linger. "We have a lot of tournaments and events here."

As part of the country club's new lease on life, Harper has instituted a number of improvements including adding a new fleet of golf carts, repainting the clubhouse inside and out, repaving the parking lot and insulating the attic.

In addition, the management plans to improve the Bermuda grass turf on the course and redo the landscaping.

In addition to its scenic undulating hills and tree-lined fairways, the Buckhorn course is known for its difficult. Designed by Harris Green, the 18-hole course features 6,888 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 72.7 and it has a slope rating of 125 on Bermuda grass. 

Water hazards come into play on six holes, and the small greens are fast. The course also features 41 to 50 sand bunkers.

The signature hole is #4, a par 3, requiring a tee shot over water and past a large oak tree to the green.

But, according to O'Linger, the most challenging hole is #15. "It takes a good, demanding drive," he said.

In addition to the golf course, the club features tennis courts, a swimming pool, pro shop, restaurant and bar, as well as banquet facilities.

"It's a nice and functional private club," said O'Linger. "We have a lot of fun out here."

For information on becoming a member, call 813-689-8411.

 

 


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