Old Memorial Golf Club

Old Memorial Golf Club occupies a distinctive site in Tampa, designed by Steve Smyers and opened in the late 1990s. Smyers, known for his naturalistic approach and strategic design philosophy, routed the course through varied Florida terrain that includes elevation changes uncommon for the region, along with native vegetation, wetlands, and mature tree corridors. The layout emphasizes ground game options and rewards thoughtful course management over pure distance, reflecting Smyers' admiration for Golden Age design principles adapted to a modern Florida context. The course features wide fairways with internal contours that create preferred angles of approach, and greens with substantial movement that demand precision in both distance and placement. Bunkers are shaped with irregular, natural edges and positioned to frame strategic decisions rather than simply penalize wayward shots. Several holes play along or across wetland areas, integrating the native landscape into the routing without relying on forced carries. The property's relatively rolling topography provides sightlines and shot variety less common in Florida golf. Old Memorial operates as a private club and maintains a reputation for firm, fast playing conditions that accentuate the strategic elements of Smyers' design. The course has hosted regional amateur competitions and remains well-regarded among players familiar with Smyers' portfolio, which includes other notable Florida designs. The club emphasizes a golf-focused environment with attention to course conditioning and playability across different skill levels.