By Barb Palmgren
Shalimar Pointe Golf Club recently announced the re-opening of its award-winning, 18-hole, 6,767-yard, par 72 golf course to the public. Located adjacent to the shores of the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Shalimar, the course opened after extensive renovation on Father’s Day weekend, June 16. Of course, fathers weren’t the only ones who showed up to play on Father’s Day. Golfers booked tee times wanting to be among the first to experience the exciting restoration that makes Shalimar Pointe one of the area’s premier golf meccas.
Golfers now play this challenging Finger-Dye layout with all new TifEagle Bermuda greens, updated irrigation system, bunker renovations, restored cart paths, added tee boxes and a new fleet of golf carts. Did a visitor forget to bring clubs? No problem. New Calloway golf rentals are available in the fully staffed pro shop. With a driving range, putting and chipping green, a golfer can practice and prepare for a memorable golf round. Hungry after a round of golf? Stop in the bar and grille for a sandwich and beverage of choice. If you are with a group of golfers, sharing stories of the long putt you almost missed is a secret that can stay on the golf course.
New daily rates and memberships make this hidden treasure a golf experience that can be played again and again. Membership is offered with no initiation fee. The course lives up to its motto: “At Shalimar Pointe you are always treated like a champion.”
General Manager and Head Professional Jacob Hill commented, “This renovation has been an extensive process. It’s fantastic seeing the results of this renovation come to fruition with incredible greens and great turf conditions. I believe we’ve taken the first step toward making Shalimar Pointe Golf club on of the top courses in the Florida Panhandle. Club members and the golfing public have eagerly anticipated this re-opening and will be pleased with the great golf experience when they play.”
This author, now golf reporter, has played the new course and can tell lady golfers who have played Shalimar Pointe, that the new renovation is user-friendly to ladies. The Shalimar Pointe Ladies Golf Association has both nine and 18-hole groups who meet on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Ladies golf groups all around the area are well organized. The Emerald Coast Ladies Interclub League hosts friendly competitions followed by luncheons at the host club.
So, if you are at the beginning stages of knowing how to swing a club or a semi-professional who still has big dreams of joining the PGA tour, schedule a round at Shalimar Pointe Golf Course, nestled on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay in the heart of Okaloosa County. Remember, this is a golf club where everyone is treated like a champion.
