Southern Hills Plantation Club
, www.hamptongolfclubs.com Phone: (352) 277-5000 Phone: (888) SO-HILLY Visit website

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Unique. An online dictionary (what else are there these days?) defines it a couple of ways you might expect. One-of-a-kind, unusual. Then there's the definition that also passes for the description of the first Pete Dye-designed course in the Tampa area, Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville. Without equal, unparalleled. When Dye hit the ceremonial first shot at the course's opening January 21, he was playing something unique, even for his unconventional style.

There aren't any railroad ties or waste areas at Southern Hills, but its length (over 7,500 yards from the tips), its small greens (just 3,500-4,500 square feet), devilishly deep and small bunkers and extensive mounding still make this new Hernando County layout vintage Dye. And the $24,000 raised by Southern Hills Plantation developer LandMar Group for the Monique Burr Foundation on that opening day will hopefully become a staple of the Club's commitment to Tampa-area charities.

Located just over a half-hour north of Tampa on the new Suncoast Expressway, Southern Hills is more than a name. The terrain is unlike that of any other course in the area with elevation changes of nearly 200 feet over the course. The 18 named holes are carved out of native oaks and magnolias of a former nursery and play around scenic conservation areas, ravines and lakes with other natural buffers keeping the feeling of solitude for both golfers and residents. The par-5 seventh hole (named "A Fair Test") rises 40 feet from tee to landing area, then offers a stunning view down 40 feet in elevation to the green. Other aptly-named holes like "Devil's Bathtub" and "Grace Under Pressure" give Southern Hills instant character.The incredible practice facility has its own 6-hole short-course and a large practice putting green and chipping area adjacent to the first tee. The Spa and Fitness Center, a 7,850 square-foot facility

featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment as well as private steam and massage rooms is open and staffed, and the spectacular antebellum-style Golf Clubhouse with full locker rooms, golf shop and four separate dining areas is just being completed.

Invitational Memberships for non-residents of Southern Hills Plantation are still available for a limited time. For more on the Southern Hills Plantation Club, visit www.hamptongolfclubs.com or for membership information, call Keri Jaros at (352) 277-5000. For real estate information, call (352) 799-9898 or visit www.sohilly.com.