
South Course
Bay Palm Golf Complex


About this course
The South Course at Bay Palm Golf Complex serves the military community at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Designed by Elton Moore, the course reflects the practical, accessible approach common to military golf facilities built during the mid-twentieth century expansion of base recreational amenities. Moore, who worked on several military and municipal projects across Florida, created layouts that balanced playability for golfers of varying abilities with efficient maintenance and operation. The course occupies relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Tampa Bay area, with routing that incorporates the native pine and palmetto vegetation typical of west-central Florida. Water features and strategically placed bunkers provide definition and challenge without excessive difficulty, making the course suitable for both recreational play and informal military competitions. The layout serves active duty personnel, retirees, and their families, functioning as an important recreational resource within the base community. Bay Palm Golf Complex operates as part of MacDill's Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, maintaining the tradition of military golf facilities that offer affordable access to the game. The South Course complements the facility's other amenities and reflects the military's longstanding commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for service members. The course remains an integral part of daily life at MacDill, hosting regular play and occasional base tournaments throughout the year.
Quick facts
- Location
- MacDill AFB, FL, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1946
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Elton Moore
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,768 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.4/124
- Course Vaults score
- 5.8
Getting there
Bay Palm Golf Complex sits within the secure perimeter of MacDill Air Force Base on the southern tip of the Tampa peninsula, accessible only to active-duty military, retirees, and their authorized guests. Most visitors arrive via Tampa International Airport, a straightforward twenty-minute drive north across the bay-laced lowlands of South Tampa. The final approach requires base credentials and a pass through the main gate, where the urban sprawl of the city gives way abruptly to the quiet, palm-shaded grounds of one of Florida's most discreetly positioned military golf facilities - a hidden retreat where the Gulf breeze and operational tempo coexist in rare harmony.

FAQ
Common questions about South at Bay Palm Golf Complex
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
South at Bay Palm Golf Complex has a Course Vaults score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 5 logged golfers.
South was designed by Elton Moore.
South at Bay Palm Golf Complex is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at South is 72.
South plays 6,768 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at South is 124.



