Summerfield Crossings Golf Club is a premier public golf facility located at 13050 Summerfield Boulevard in Riverview, Florida. Established in 1987 and designed by the renowned golf course architect Ron Garl, this facility stands out in the Tampa Bay area for its distinct Scottish links-style layout. Unlike many flat, water-dominated Florida courses, Summerfield Crossings features rolling terrain, undulating greens, and numerous pot bunkers that challenge both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

The Vision of Ron Garl and the Links Philosophy

To understand the appeal of Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, one must first look at the design philosophy of Ron Garl. Known for creating courses that feel organic to their surroundings while maintaining a high level of playability, Garl took a bold step with Summerfield. He sought to transport a piece of the Scottish coastline to the heart of Central Florida.

In traditional Scottish golf, a "links" course is situated on coastal land, characterized by sandy soil, few trees, and a constant battle with the wind. While Riverview is inland, Garl utilized the natural topography to simulate this experience. The course is largely open, allowing the Florida breeze to become a major factor in club selection. The rolling fairways are not just for aesthetic appeal; they create uneven lies that force players to think carefully about their stance and ball flight.

The use of pot bunkers is perhaps the most visible nod to overseas traditions. These small, deep, and often steep-walled hazards are strategically placed to penalize errant shots. At Summerfield Crossings, landing in a pot bunker often means a mandatory "sideways" or "backwards" shot just to get back onto the grass, turning what looked like a par opportunity into a scramble for bogey.

Technical Specifications and Difficulty Ratings

Summerfield Crossings Golf Club is a par-71 championship course that offers a significant challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The technical data reflects its demanding nature:

  • Total Yardage: From the back (Green) tees, the course stretches to 6,903 yards.
  • Course Rating: 73.0 (indicating the expected score for a scratch golfer).
  • Slope Rating: 137.

A slope rating of 137 places Summerfield Crossings in the upper tier of Florida golf courses in terms of difficulty. For context, the national average slope is approximately 113. This higher rating is a direct result of the undulating greens and the strategic hazards.

The club provides six sets of tees, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The Gold tees play at 6,375 yards, the Black at 5,779 yards, and the Silver at 5,139 yards. This variety ensures that seniors, juniors, and high-handicap players can enjoy the layout without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer length of the holes.

Navigating the Front Nine: Strategy and Terrain

The opening holes at Summerfield Crossings immediately introduce the player to the rolling terrain. The fairways are wide, but the undulations can be deceptive. A drive that looks perfect from the tee box might catch a slope and roll into a waste area or a strategically placed palm tree.

The greens on the front nine are relatively small compared to modern stadium-style courses. They are topped with Tifdwarf grass, known for providing a smooth and fast surface. However, the real challenge is the "undulation." Very few putts at Summerfield are straight. Our experience during recent rounds suggests that players often underestimate the break near the hole, especially on the 4th and 5th holes.

Hole 6 is an early highlight. It is a par 3 that requires a carry over water to a peninsula green. While the 15th hole gets much of the fame, the 6th is often where a good round can start to slip if the wind is coming off the pond. Staying left is the safe play, but the slope of the green often feeds balls toward the water on the right.

The Back Nine and the Signature 15th Hole

The back nine increases the pressure, culminating in a series of holes that require precision over power. The fairways tighten slightly, and the presence of water becomes more pronounced.

The 15th hole is the undisputed signature of Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. It is a par 3 featuring a true island green. Unlike some island greens that offer a generous "apron" or bail-out area, the 15th demands a committed shot.

  • The Experience: Standing on the 15th tee, the visual of the water surrounding the green can be intimidating. In our testing, the wind usually blows from the front-right, meaning a high-arcing 7 or 8 iron can easily drift long or left into the hazard.
  • The Strategy: Aiming for the center of the green is the only logical play, regardless of where the pin is tucked. The green itself is larger than it looks from the tee, but the psychological pressure makes the target feel like a postage stamp.

Following the thrill of the 15th, the finishing holes (17 and 18) offer a chance to recover or cement a great score. The 18th is a challenging par 5 that requires a strategic approach. Long hitters might try to reach the green in two, but the rolling approach and the greenside pot bunkers make a "layup and wedge" strategy much more reliable for the average golfer.

Practice Facilities: A Hub for Improvement

One area where Summerfield Crossings truly excels is its practice facility. It is frequently cited as one of the best in the South Tampa area.

The facility includes:

  1. Two-Tiered Driving Range: The range is spacious and features actual grass hitting areas rather than just mats. This is crucial for golfers who want to feel the interaction between the club and the turf, simulating real course conditions.
  2. Short Game Area: There is a dedicated chipping green and a separate putting green.
  3. Practice Bunker: Given the prevalence of pot bunkers on the course, the practice sand trap is an essential stop before heading to the first tee.

The "Inner Circle Golf Academy" operates on-site, offering lessons from professional staff. Whether you are looking to fix a slice or improve your lag putting on undulating surfaces, the instructors here are well-versed in the specific demands of the Summerfield layout.

Dining and Social Atmosphere: Doc’s Grille

After a round at Summerfield Crossings, the social hub is Doc’s Grille. This full-service restaurant and bar offers a relaxed atmosphere that overlooks the course. The menu typically features classic American clubhouse fare, including breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and wings.

Based on player feedback and our observations, Doc’s Grille serves as a community gathering spot for Riverview locals, not just golfers. The banquet facilities are also capable of hosting tournaments and outings for up to 160 people, making it a popular choice for charity events and corporate golf days.

Real-World Player Perspectives: Conditions and Pace

In the spirit of providing an honest and experienced-based review, it is important to discuss the practical aspects of playing at Summerfield Crossings.

Course Conditions The conditions are generally rated as good to excellent for a public facility. The greens are the highlight, often described as "immaculate" and "fast" during the peak season (November through March). The fairways are maintained with winter rye during the colder months to keep them lush. Some players have noted that the bunkers can occasionally be inconsistent—some have deep, fluffy sand while others may feel a bit firm or muddy after a heavy Florida rain.

Pace of Play This is the most common point of contention among regulars. Because the course is challenging and popular, the pace of play can slow down significantly, especially on weekend mornings. It is not uncommon for a round to take 4.5 to 5 hours. The club does not always employ a ranger to move groups along, so players should arrive with a patient mindset. If you prefer a faster round, we recommend booking a tee time on a weekday afternoon or during the off-peak summer months.

Value for Money Despite the occasional slow play, Summerfield Crossings is widely regarded as one of the best values in the area. The "PDP" (Player Development Program) membership offers unlimited range use and discounted golf, which is a significant draw for local residents who play multiple times a week.

Planning Your Visit to Summerfield Crossings

If you are planning to play at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, there are a few logistical details to keep in mind:

  • Location: The club is easily accessible from I-75 and Highway 301, making it a convenient drive from Tampa, Brandon, or Sun City Center.
  • Dress Code: The club maintains a standard golf dress code. Collared shirts are required. Denim and jeans are generally prohibited on the course.
  • Booking Tee Times: It is highly recommended to book your tee time in advance. This can be done via their official website or by calling the clubhouse. Calling the course directly can sometimes yield better pricing or more flexible times than third-party booking sites.
  • Equipment Rentals: The pro shop offers club rentals for visitors who didn't bring their own gear. They also stock a variety of apparel and golf essentials.

Why the Links Style Matters in Florida

Most Florida courses are "parkland" or "resort" style, featuring flat fairways lined by thick rough and heavy tropical vegetation. Summerfield Crossings offers a refreshing alternative. The lack of dense trees on many holes means that "shot-shaping"—the ability to intentionally curve the ball—is rewarded.

The links style also changes the way you play around the green. Instead of always reaching for a high-lofted wedge to clear an obstacle, the rolling terrain at Summerfield allows for the "bump and run" shot. This lower-risk maneuver, where the ball spends more time rolling on the ground than flying through the air, is often the smartest play on the undulating fringes.

Summary of the Summerfield Crossings Experience

Summerfield Crossings Golf Club successfully blends the rugged aesthetic of a Scottish links course with the warm climate of Florida. It is a course that demands respect, particularly on its undulating greens and within its deep pot bunkers. While the pace of play can be a challenge during peak hours, the quality of the layout and the excellence of the practice facilities make it a top-tier choice for public golf in the Riverview area.

Whether you are testing your nerves on the 15th island green or enjoying a post-round meal at Doc's Grille, the club provides a comprehensive golf experience that feels more expensive than the actual greens fees suggest. It remains a "must-play" for any golfer in the Tampa Bay region looking for a layout that breaks the traditional Florida mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Summerfield Crossings Golf Club open to the public? Yes, Summerfield Crossings is a public/semi-private course. It is open to the public seven days a week, though members may have priority for certain tee times.

What is the signature hole at Summerfield Crossings? The signature hole is the 15th, a par 3 that features a challenging island green surrounded by water.

Does the course have a driving range? Yes, the facility boasts a highly-rated two-tiered driving range, along with chipping and putting greens and a practice bunker.

What are the typical operating hours for the driving range? The driving range generally operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours can vary based on maintenance schedules and season.

Is there a dress code? Yes. Golfers are expected to wear collared shirts. Denim is not permitted on the course.

Who designed Summerfield Crossings Golf Club? The course was designed by Ron Garl and opened in 1987.

How long does a round usually take? Expect a round to take between 4 and 5 hours. Weekend rounds tend to be slower due to high demand.

What grass is used on the greens? The greens at Summerfield Crossings use Tifdwarf grass, which is known for its durability and smooth putting surface in southern climates.

Can I host a tournament or event at the club? Yes, Summerfield Crossings has full banquet facilities and can accommodate tournaments or outings for up to 160 people.

How do I get the best rate for a tee time? While online booking is convenient, calling the pro shop directly at (813) 671-3311 often provides the most accurate pricing and availability.