Innisbrook- Palm Harbor, FL

I am not a fan of privately owned units at resorts. There seems to be a wide range of acceptable decor and appliance age, and many times no way to preview individual units prior to booking. I generally avoid these properties like the plague, but sometimes they are your only option. For instance, if you want to play Copperhead, home of the PGA’s Valspar Championship, your best bet is to stay at Innisbrook.

At Innisbrook, the golf is guaranteed to be good; the room, not so much.  That is not to say you won’t be pleased, just that it is a bit of Russian Roulette. We, however, spun and won; our assigned unit was actually very nice. It had been recently updated, with nice appliances and newer furnishings. The dated 1970s mansard building itself had a horrible odor, but our suite was pleasant enough, complete with a balcony that overlooked the Copperhead course. All told, the golf is worth the gamble.

The time to visit the resort is right after the Valspar tournament in March. You are almost guaranteed excellent conditions on the Copperhead Course, a favorite of the pros. The weather is also perfect that time of year, with mild temperatures and little risk of afternoon thunderstorms. As expected, there are several pools at the resort, including a water park option for children. There is also a fancy Salamander Spa, so non-golfers will have plenty to do.

As for golf, the Copperhead course is the main attraction. At 7200 yards from the tips, it is a lengthy course, with a fair amount of water in play. While the pros may not have a problem playing from the back, you should probably move it up a tee box or two. I moved it all the way up, and still found the course more than challenging. Greens tend to be elevated, well protected by bunkers, and may require shots over water to reach. There are also a fair number of false fronts, so really, you don’t need to add monster distance into the mix.

The last three holes on the course are known as the “Snake Pit”- they are collectively guarded by a large hissing Copperhead statue. They are a fun collection of long holes, with narrow fairways and more than enough bunkers. Tough even for the pros, you’ll be surprised they are not the hardest holes on the course. They just feel that way.

Although tough, it is a beautiful course. Lined with pines and hardwoods, it doesn’t feel like Florida golf at all. At least not Southern Florida. Nary a palm or palmetto to be found, most compare it to a Carolina course. It even has a large number of resident Fox squirrels, which are absolutely adorable and amusing. The size of a small cat, they are curious creatures, who are very interested in what you are doing on the course; mini spectators of sorts.

The resort has 3 other golf courses, with the Island being the most comparable in condition to Copperhead. The South coursed played more like a muni, but was good for a practice round. The North course is fresh off a massive renovation, and is now tagged as Baby Copperhead, which certainly sounds interesting.

Despite the resort’s unsightly villas, the grounds are absolutely amazing. At over 900 acres, the sprawling resort blends well into the surrounding environment. Albeit ugly, the low slung villas are unobtrusive, and almost hidden by the oaks. There are several nature trails scattered around the property, including a boardwalk leading into a wildlife preserve. Here, you are reminded you are in Florida.

Wildlife is certainly abundant at Innisbrook. Raccoons can be seen at the water’s edge, while osprey dive below the surface in search of dinner. Delicate egrets stalk their pray, while cormorants dry their wings. It is truly a birders paradise, both on and off the course.

The restaurants were also excellent at the resort, which isn’t always the case. Packard’s Steakhouse is absolutely not to be missed. It is a bit of a throwback, very fitting for the property; as such, they make an excellent Manhattan. The Turnberry Pub at the Island course is an excellent place to grab lunch, with a lovely outdoor patio. The Osprey Bar has great food, live music, and a firepit. There are certainly enough dining options for a long weekend, delighting all who refuse to cook on vacation.

For those that like to get out and about, there are plenty of things to do in the Palm Harbor area. For beach lovers, there are the white sand beaches of Honeymoon Island State Park. Well worth the short drive from the resort, it is perfect for a swim, stroll or a wildlife walk. For those into history and Greek food, head over to Tarpon Springs. It was once the Sponge Capital of the World; today, it has the market cornered on Greek restaurants, many overlooking the water.

All around, Innisbrook was great for a long weekend. Copperhead is a fabulous course, and should be on any golfer’s short list. The retro buildings may always be ugly, but they are all slated for renovation this year. Although somewhat dated, it is a solid inland resort choice on Florida’s Gulf Coast.