Innisbrook is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Innisbrook is a golf and spa resort featuring four championship golf courses. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is one of the best golf courses in the state. Copperhead is known for its challenging layout, pristine conditions, and exciting tournament history.
Course History
The Copperhead Course was designed by legendary golf course architect Larry Packard and opened for play in 1974. Packard’s design style heavily features natural elements such as water and bunkers. Over the years, the course has undergone several renovations and improvements, but it has remained true to its roots as a challenging and demanding test of golf.
PGA Tour/Tournament History
Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is best known for its role as the host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. The tournament has been played at Innisbrook since 2000 and has attracted some of the world’s best golfers, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy. Some of the tournament’s notable winners include Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, and Jordan Spieth. The Copperhead Course is widely considered to be one of the best venues on the PGA Tour, thanks to its challenging layout and excellent conditions.
Notable/Famous Holes
The Copperhead Course features 18 unique holes, each offering its own set of challenges and opportunities for birdies and bogeys. Some of the course’s most famous holes include the challenging par-4 10th, which features a narrow fairway and a treacherous approach shot over water, and the par-5 13th, which is considered one of the most demanding par-5s in golf.
However, the hole that truly defines the Copperhead Course is “The Snake Pit.” The three-hole stretch, consisting of the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes, is considered one of the toughest finishing stretches in golf. The 16th is a short par-4 that requires a precise approach shot to a narrow green guarded by bunkers. Next up, the 17th is a lengthy par-3 that plays over water to a large, undulating green. Finally, the 18th is a challenging par-4 that features a narrow fairway, a difficult approach shot, and a green surrounded by bunkers. The Snake Pit has proven to be the deciding factor in many tournaments.
Course Style
The Copperhead Course is known for its rolling hills, undulating fairways, and challenging greens. Water comes into play on several holes, adding to the course’s difficulty and beauty. The course features a mix of Bermuda grass on the fairways and greens, with roughs of a coarser grass blend. Packard’s design is characterized by strategic use of bunkers, elevation changes, and water hazards to create a challenging and memorable golf experience.
Approximate Cost to Play
There are only two ways to get a tee time on the Copperhead Course, be a resort guest or course member. The easiest way to take on the snake pit is with the platinum package (2 night stay minimum). Cost for the package varies depending on the time of year, but can be as low as $400. This fee includes access to the course, a golf cart, and use of the driving range and practice facilities. If you want to play the course more frequently Innisbrook does offer membership options for its 4 courses. Membership prices vary based on package but entail initiation ($10,000-$30,000) and a monthly membership fee.
Conclusion
The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook is a must-play for any golfer visiting the Florida Gulf Coast. With its challenging layout, pristine conditions, and exciting tournament history, the Copperhead Course is a true test of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend hacker, this course is sure to provide a memorable round of golf. However, if you’re not ready to pay big money to play Copperhead in person you can enjoy it on X-Golf’s simulators for as little as $40!