Innisbrook Cooperhead - AWFUL.

[hammergolf]

On 4/29/2022 at 11:24 AM, seus777 said:

I can attest that the course was pure during the Valspar as a spectator. As others have stated probably a mix of the heavy use during the tournament and the bermuda not quite fully grown in yet. Once the bermuda is fully in it's as lush as it gets.

 

Why you paid $440 is a mystery. You could have stayed on property for a night and it would have cost less all in.

Cheapest stay & play package is $500 per night plus a $100 upcharge if you want to play Copperhead. 
 

https://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/specials-and-packages#/booking/step-2?promo=CLAWBF&arrive=05%2F12%2F2022&depart=05%2F14%2F2022

[Ryan19jwu]

3 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Cheapest stay & play package is $500 per night plus a $100 upcharge if you want to play Copperhead. 
 

https://www.innisbrookgolfresort.com/specials-and-packages#/booking/step-2?promo=CLAWBF&arrive=05%2F12%2F2022&depart=05%2F14%2F2022

That’s per person and ends up being over $700 per person with tax. The course is worth about $75 in the current condition. In good shape I would have been happy to pay $200 for it. 
 

Either way, next time I’ll skip it and go straight to Streamsong. 

[Robber6656]

8 hours ago, hammergolf said:

I agree with you, some places can just never deliver on the high price tag. Pebble, TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst #2 etc  are in no way worth the $500 - $700 ticket. However, I can say that Lahinch, Ballybunion, and Tralee were worth every penny of the $300 I paid imho. Even after our Irish friends told us how overpriced those courses were and that the likes of Carne, Enniscrone, County Sligo, are every bit as good at half the price. I’ve only seen pics and videos of the courses were playing in October, but based on that I agree with my Irish friends. We’re counting the days till we go.

If you don't think Pebble is worth $500, you must have never played it. It's worth every penny.

[hammergolf]

11 minutes ago, Robber6656 said:

If you don't think Pebble is worth $500, you must have never played it. It's worth every penny.

I’ve played it 4 times…… Payed half as much to play Ballybunion, Tralee, and Lahinch. There’s no comparison between them.

 

 

Edited May 4, 2022 by hammergolf

[me05501]

4 minutes ago, Robber6656 said:

If you don't think Pebble is worth $500, you must have never played it. It's worth every penny.

I’d pay $500 to play it once, though I don’t think that amount will get it done anymore.

 

As to whether or not it would be worth it, I’d say it depends on how things go down that particular day. 
 

I have a friend who planned a “once in a lifetime” father/son trip to play all the courses in Monterrey. On the day they played PB the temps were cold and the wind was blowing a steady 30-40 mph off the water. Rescheduling at Pebble is not an option so they did what they could, but he said it was nothing like good golf. 
 

I’ve heard plenty of stories from people who had to start in pea soup fog or failed to reach 17/18 before dark. I’ve heard the joys of getting paired up with hackers who play as a single and bring along an annoying non-playing spouse. And of course everyone mentions that the inland holes are nothing special. 
 

I understand they can’t control the weather. My point is that paying a premium price doesn’t necessarily provide a premium experience. 
 

It’s possible to buy a ticket to Hamilton on Broadway and show up to find three understudies in the cast. You can buy a first class seat on a long flight and have a neighboring passenger with terrible B.O.

 

When that kind of thing happens it’s impossible not to feel ripped off. Famous golf courses aren’t immune to this phenomenon. 

[ButterCutLefty]

Just played Copperhead for the 2nd time 2 weeks ago and paid less than half that… Regardless of that mystery, an extremely fun and interesting layout IMO. Overseed issues to be expected this time of year after the TOUR event.

Have played Avila, Old Mo, Streamsong, Concession, Pasadena - they are spoiled down there in Tampa! 

Edited May 4, 2022 by ButterCutLefty

[Ryan19jwu]

15 minutes ago, ButterCutLefty said:

Just played Copperhead for the 2nd time 2 weeks ago and paid less than half that… Regardless of that mystery, an extremely fun and interesting layout IMO. Overseed issues to be expected this time of year after the TOUR event.

Have played Avila, Old Mo, Streamsong, Concession, Pasadena - they are spoiled down there in Tampa! 

$200 wouldn’t have been as bad. But for $419++ you’d expect no issues. If they have terrible overseed issues then charge less. Just can’t believe that’s a $400 course anywhere in the world. Especially with streamsong discounting their fees 50% for courses in way better shape. Just not even comparable. 

[third-times-a-charm]

On 4/28/2022 at 11:30 AM, Warrior42111 said:

All I can think of is that some courses get in real bad shape for a couple weeks right after a PGA level event.

 

They usually push the course limits to get that firm fast FW and greens, which holds up just for a week or two until succumbing to being pushed.

Not here.

 

On 4/27/2022 at 8:25 AM, scottc25 said:

I'm guessing the overseed is dying out?

No excuse, especially with the conditions we've had this year.

[kwcsports]

I liked Copperhead. I played there years ago for 100 bucks.

[me05501]

55 minutes ago, kwcsports said:

I liked Copperhead. I played there years ago for 100 bucks.

See, there’s the difference. A course we love at $100 feels way different at $400. 

[jerebear21]

pebble and ireland are two different vibes though. I think this debate comes up so many times. Replace pebble with ireland/scotland/bandon/etc etc. 

 

Pebble is absolutely worth the asking price. .  You wouldn't take your wife to Ireland(mine would never go but she'll jump on a plane without asking if I was going to pebble)

Pebble is special. Take nothing away from it.  Ireland is great.  Both can be mutually exclusive.

 

Copperhead got slammed with the amount of rounds they've had since covid.  Florida being a "hot spot" for golf and activities the last 2 years.  They had initially layoff 300+ employees the summer of 2020 and I genuinely don't think they recovered from it.  They couldn't have seen how many rounds they would rack up and didn't have the maintenance crew to deal with such demands.  The conditions were much better a couple years back.  This isn't a knock on them. It's the reality of today's economics.  I believe they're tearing down the north course for more housing development and a short par3 course.  The vibe should be different in a couple years.  

[Robber6656]

3 hours ago, jerebear21 said:

pebble and ireland are two different vibes though. I think this debate comes up so many times. Replace pebble with ireland/scotland/bandon/etc etc. 

 

Pebble is absolutely worth the asking price. .  You wouldn't take your wife to Ireland(mine would never go but she'll jump on a plane without asking if I was going to pebble)

Pebble is special. Take nothing away from it.  Ireland is great.  Both can be mutually exclusive.

 

Copperhead got slammed with the amount of rounds they've had since covid.  Florida being a "hot spot" for golf and activities the last 2 years.  They had initially layoff 300+ employees the summer of 2020 and I genuinely don't think they recovered from it.  They couldn't have seen how many rounds they would rack up and didn't have the maintenance crew to deal with such demands.  The conditions were much better a couple years back.  This isn't a knock on them. It's the reality of today's economics.  I believe they're tearing down the north course for more housing development and a short par3 course.  The vibe should be different in a couple years.  

+1

 

The vibe at Pebble is magical. I loved Lahinch, It's my favorite course in Ireland. But Jerebear is correct, you can't compare the two. The history of Pebble, the players that have walked the fairways and the majors that have been won there. Nothing like it. 

 

I also agree with what he said about Innisbrook. I know a number of members and everything he said is spot on including the North course which was by far the worst on property. The Osprey is a great hangout at night if you are staying there and Packards is a great steakhouse.

[ButterCutLefty]

13 hours ago, Ryan19jwu said:

$200 wouldn’t have been as bad. But for $419++ you’d expect no issues. If they have terrible overseed issues then charge less. Just can’t believe that’s a $400 course anywhere in the world. Especially with streamsong discounting their fees 50% for courses in way better shape. Just not even comparable. 

Wanted to ask since I’m down there so

often: the news from everyone I’ve talked to (including the course itself) is Streamsong has a bad nematode infestation that’s torn up many greens and fairways. Is that not true? Curious the honest state of the course, cost aside. 

[CDM]

23 hours ago, me05501 said:

This is why I suspect I’ll never make it to Bandon Dunes. The UK would be less expensive and easier to get to. 

Maybe cheaper but Bamdon is worth it once at a minimum 

[hammergolf]

14 hours ago, jerebear21 said:

pebble and ireland are two different vibes though. I think this debate comes up so many times. Replace pebble with ireland/scotland/bandon/etc etc. 

 

Pebble is absolutely worth the asking price. .  You wouldn't take your wife to Ireland(mine would never go but she'll jump on a plane without asking if I was going to pebble)

Pebble is special. Take nothing away from it.  Ireland is great.  Both can be mutually exclusive.

 

Copperhead got slammed with the amount of rounds they've had since covid.  Florida being a "hot spot" for golf and activities the last 2 years.  They had initially layoff 300+ employees the summer of 2020 and I genuinely don't think they recovered from it.  They couldn't have seen how many rounds they would rack up and didn't have the maintenance crew to deal with such demands.  The conditions were much better a couple years back.  This isn't a knock on them. It's the reality of today's economics.  I believe they're tearing down the north course for more housing development and a short par3 course.  The vibe should be different in a couple years.  

Pebble is nice, but the beauty of Ireland is in a different class imho.

[jerebear21]

Ireland is definitely the great unknown… mesmerizing from beginning to the end.  Pebble is high on the social hierarchy… a walk of luxury.  Different vibes.  

 

We can all agree both are better than copperhead at it’s current state. =P

 

Back to the OP, I do think innisbrook like all other resorts will go thru more renovation in the coming years.  Especially with the amount of competition that’s coming, i.e. Cabot and streamsong.  For a couple decades, the innisbrook resort had pretty much zero competition and folks would flock there for good weather and a nice piece of steak.  Tampa Bay is hot right now.  Can’t keep being mediocre just to get by.  I do feel bad that you forked out as much; if you ever stop by again and we hope you will, just pm me and I’ll get you on at my reciprocal rate.  It’s not 400.

[Ryan19jwu]

9 hours ago, ButterCutLefty said:

Wanted to ask since I’m down there so

often: the news from everyone I’ve talked to (including the course itself) is Streamsong has a bad nematode infestation that’s torn up many greens and fairways. Is that not true? Curious the honest state of the course, cost aside. 

It was fine. I updated everyone in a streamsong thread when I got back.  With the discount they’re offerings it’s a steal. 
 

$100 for streamsong red was absolutely worth it even when the greens weren’t perfect. Everything was definitely in recovery mode as well. 

[me05501]

9 hours ago, CDM said:

Maybe cheaper but Bamdon is worth it once at a minimum 

 

I'm sure it's incredible.

 

When I compare the cost plus the logistics to get there it seems like it would be twice the hassle of getting to Ireland. I'm definitely not the kind of person who'd go there as a single, so I'd also need to convince a few other guys it was worth the spend and the travel issues.

 

I just can't see it happening in the near term for me, which I guess is good since they're booked out 18 months anyhow!

[hammergolf]

8 hours ago, me05501 said:

 

I'm sure it's incredible.

 

When I compare the cost plus the logistics to get there it seems like it would be twice the hassle of getting to Ireland. I'm definitely not the kind of person who'd go there as a single, so I'd also need to convince a few other guys it was worth the spend and the travel issues.

 

I just can't see it happening in the near term for me, which I guess is good since they're booked out 18 months anyhow!

Bandon is great, dont get me wrong and it is defintely worth a trip. The diversity and quality of golf and other services is top notch. If I was on the West coast I would be there often. However, for Midwest and East coast guys, being that it's a piece of cake clearing imiigration upon landing in Dublin and Shannon AND that you can clear US customs in Dublin or Shannon before your flight home makes it pretty seamless and much easier logistically than getting to Bandon. 

Edited May 5, 2022 by hammergolf

[Ryan19jwu]

58 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Bandon is great, dont get me wrong and it is defintely worth a trip. The diversity and quality of golf and other services is top notch. If I was on the West coast I would be there often. However, for Midwest and East coast guys, being that it's a piece of cake clearing imiigration upon landing in Dublin and Shannon AND that you can clear US customs in Dublin or Shannon before your flight home makes it pretty seamless and much easier logistically than getting to Bandon. 

I find Bandon to be a bit more reliable in the weather department. 
 

The one advantage Bandon has over every other place in the world is the 5 courses onsite. No driving. Just park there and enjoy. 
 

Better collection of golf in Ireland, but much more travel in the end(minus the flight). 

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, Ryan19jwu said:

I find Bandon to be a bit more reliable in the weather department. 
 

The one advantage Bandon has over every other place in the world is the 5 courses onsite. No driving. Just park there and enjoy. 
 

Better collection of golf in Ireland, but much more travel in the end(minus the flight). 

No doubt not having to drive to courses is a big plus, but it’s such a pita getting there. Our last trip to Ireland actually worked out pretty good. We stayed in Kilmihil for 3 nights. (20 mins from Doonbeg, 30 mins from Lahinch, 40 mins from Shannon airport) Then 4 nights in Listowel. ( 15 mins to Ballybunion, 30 mins to Tralee) I guess the driving kind of evens out, you’re just doing it in smaller parts in Ireland.

[cardia10]

On 5/3/2022 at 11:47 AM, jerebear21 said:

Insert any pga tour course, not just innisbrook.  Played sawgrass last friday.  720 not including caddies.  Could play any 10 courses in Ireland for the same money.  Same logic. 

 

Copperhead is great.  Played it a couple weeks before the tournament.  Paid 85.  It’s a 200 dollar course in this environment. Money is cheap right now. Maybe things will change in 10 years.  

That is crazy at Sawgrass! All but 3 holes are forgettable. 10 years ago, Sawgrass was regularly on golfnow for $199!

[cassel191919]

17 minutes ago, cardia10 said:

That is crazy at Sawgrass! All but 3 holes are forgettable. 10 years ago, Sawgrass was regularly on golfnow for $199!

That's how I played it, used a 50 percent off promo code and never saw the deal again. It was well worth $99, $750 for that course is just insane.

[jerebear21]

33 minutes ago, cardia10 said:

That is crazy at Sawgrass! All but 3 holes are forgettable. 10 years ago, Sawgrass was regularly on golfnow for $199!

 

I really enjoy every hole at sawgrass.   It gets better the more you play it.  But at current rate that's a tough pill for anyone to swallow. 

[DandyDon]

Sounds like OP and I had the same idea.  However, when I saw what the price for Copperhead was, I said no thanks.  Even though my game does not deserve it, I have treated myself to some of the best resorts that the US and Scotland has.  And while those resorts have been pricey, with the exception of Torrey Pines, I have never really felt horribly disgusted by the price I paid.  Luckily, instead of playing Copperhead, I played World Woods instead, the course's greens were in better shape than anything Streamsong had and it was a nice layout, not to mention 95 bucks.  

 

I thought Streamsong did it right in discounting the Red and Black courses, the Red's greens were atrocious.  

[wy3134]

reviving a dead thread, but i was there the last week of april and noticed the same with copperhead. the island course was in a lot better shape, felt like a waste of money though even with staying on the resort playing copperhead. im a fan of the course, but only when its in great condition....otherwise i wish i had played the island twice more vs 1 round on copperhead. 

 

luckily end of april the rates did go down from peak season so it wasnt a huge sum being paid to play copperhead. 

 

i also heard the rumors they were tearing down the north course to turn it into a 12 hole course and par 3 course to focus on attracting the younger folks who dont wanna spend 4-5 hours playing a round of golf. such a shame because i enjoy the north course the most really....has the most shot making requirements of both left to right and right to left despite being short. 

[Robber6656]

North Course is awful and it’s not a rumor. Funny when I played in mid October Coppehead was in great shape and the Island wasn’t. South Course has some really good holes , fun to play, just not hard. IMO

[kwcsports]

I've played Copperhead a couple of times and it was perfect. Sucks it wasn't up to par on your visit. 

[wy3134]

17 minutes ago, kwcsports said:

I've played Copperhead a couple of times and it was perfect. Sucks it wasn't up to par on your visit. 

played it in 2021 the week before the valspar so ive seen it both ways. totally different course when they have it in great shape for sure.

 

wasnt a fan of the south course, too easy and no real shot making required. but since its the main resort course makes sense for the daily play it sees. 

 

hopefully they get around to upgrading the 70s style apartments sometime soon, overall for the weeklong cost both years, i was happy and will return most likely in the future...since i have friends in the area and outside streamsong theres not much else to stay and play in tampa...the location isnt the best but its also not that bad....just a quick 20 min drive to the sponge docks and lots of good seafood dining options. 

Edited August 31, 2022 by wy3134

[golfortennis]

On 5/4/2022 at 12:51 PM, Robber6656 said:

+1

 

The vibe at Pebble is magical. I loved Lahinch, It's my favorite course in Ireland. But Jerebear is correct, you can't compare the two. The history of Pebble, the players that have walked the fairways and the majors that have been won there. Nothing like it. 

 

I also agree with what he said about Innisbrook. I know a number of members and everything he said is spot on including the North course which was by far the worst on property. The Osprey is a great hangout at night if you are staying there and Packards is a great steakhouse.

 

So one of my buddies who can afford to play anything anywhere anytime said that , while PB was worth what they paid, he said it's very much a place that is designed and operated to get every single cent out of every single person they can.  From the food to the caddies to merchandise to the fact they are sending out groups as quickly together as possible, you can tell they are really pushing the idea of spending money there(all at convenient low, low prices of course).  

 

As bad as St Andrews has gotten, it's still far cheaper than PB, and has all the things you say make PB great.  To each their own, and as a capitalist I have no problem with PB operating the way they are if they can get the prices. I'm just going to think long and hard before splurging, because at some point, the cost exceeds the benefit, and being able to "knock it off the bucket list" is not enough justification for it.

 

Now, would I put extra effort into qualifying for a championship being held there?  Quite possibly.  But that is different from just handing over the credit card and hope they at least provide some vaseline.