Granada Golf Course - Public Review

Course Review and Comments

Granada is located smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood in historic Coral Gables, and they try to get the most out of the course footprint.

PROS: Holes are stretched out as long as possible, and fairways are wide and hittable. Course players almost always let you join their group if there's room. Chipping/putting green is rarely full. Staff is reasonably helpful and friendly, and they've been known to cut regulars a break from time to time. Decent diner for pre- or post-round breakfast or lunch (cash only).

CONS: Greens are in decent condition, but not great (then again, rounds only cost between $14-25, so what more can you ask for?). Course traffic is hit-or-miss-- sometimes it's wide open, sometimes you're stuck behind two septuagenarian foursomes, and a high school team. No real place to warm-up. Because you're dealing with a lot of beginners, course etiquette sometimes suffers. Pro Shop is a little pricey. And it's a pretty upscale neighborhood, so try not to hit any houses or cars.

SIGNATURE HOLE(S): No.s 6 and 7. Hole number six is a long par five (about 490 yards) with a massive grouping of Banyan Trees straight off the tee. Lay up or draw off the tee, then play the fairway as it bends back right. Green is reachable for really good players, but the prudent golfer can hit the green in regulation with solid course management. Fade or slice of the tee, however, and you'll lose or stroke or two in the Banyans.

As for hole No. 7, it's a short par-3 (125-ish from the blue tees) on the west end of the course, protected by a bunker on the front right and a slope on the left. Wind cuts south-southwest, so it pushes your ball short and left. After the par-5 6th hole, the short 7th can be tricky.

VERDICT: A great little public course for beginners, high-handicappers or those just looking to walk nine holes after work.