Crystal River at Crystal River Golf Course

Crystal River Golf Course is a public facility located in the small coastal city of Crystal River on Florida's Nature Coast, approximately 75 miles north of Tampa. Designed by Bill Amick and opened in the 1970s, the course serves both local residents and visitors drawn to the area's natural springs and manatee populations. The layout reflects Amick's straightforward design approach common to many Florida municipal courses of that era, emphasizing playability for a wide range of skill levels.

The course occupies relatively flat terrain typical of this part of Florida's Gulf Coast, with routing that incorporates native vegetation including palms, pines, and oak trees. Water features appear on several holes, consistent with the region's abundant wetlands and proximity to the Crystal River and Kings Bay. The design offers a traditional parkland character without dramatic elevation changes, allowing golfers to focus on accuracy and course management rather than navigating severe topography.

Crystal River Golf Course functions primarily as an accessible daily-fee option for area golfers and tourists visiting the Nature Coast. The facility maintains a casual atmosphere appropriate to its setting in a small Florida community known more for its ecological attractions than resort golf. While not a championship venue or nationally ranked design, the course provides a straightforward test of golf in a region where outdoor recreation centers on the area's unique spring-fed waterways and wildlife viewing opportunities.