Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

Rankings: 

 

The Takeaway:  The Ranch course is a typical residential routing where housing was more important than the golf course. The terrain isn't special, but Tom Fazio does what he can to deliver solid architecture but the Quarry is clearly the best course at the facility.  Grade C

Quick Facts

Designer:  Tom Fazio 1987

Cost:  Private

Phone Number:  352-234-8855

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Black Diamond Ranch (Ranch)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 3125 W. Black Diamond Circle, Lecanto, Florida  34461 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Black Diamond Ranch (Ranch)

What to Expect:  Clearly the second fiddle at Black Diamond Ranch, the Ranch course occupies the less inspiring property found at the 45 hole facility. The land doesn't feature as much movement as the Quarry course and certainly lacks the drama that the former rock quarry area affords. The routing is disconnected throughout as more emphasis was placed on the real estate sales potential than the greatness of the golf course. In fact, many of the fairways are lined by homes on both sides. The architecture isn't poor, but it isn't compelling either and you mostly feel like you are playing through a neighborhood the whole time.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Black	72	7004	75.8	141
Dark Gray	72	6547	73.6	138
Light Gray	72	6098	71.5	136
White	72	5519	68.1	131
White (Women)	72	5519	72.9	128
Silver (Women)	72	5017	70.4	126

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  12th Hole – 464 Yard Par 4 – A downhill par four that bends to the right, the 12th hole enjoys nice movement in the terrain that creates interest here. The downhill approach shot plays to a green that is protected by a lone bunker at the front left.

Best Par 3:  8th Hole – 223 Yards – A long par three over water, the 8th has a wider green than deep and will require deft distance control. Heavy bunkering is found on the left, but pins in the center and on the right can be attacked with more confidence.

Best Par 4:  7th Hole – 410 Yards – The 7th calls for a fade off the tee that moves right off the oak tree on the outside of the fairway. The approach shot plays uphill over deep bunkering and can stand as one of the more difficult greens to hit in regulation when getting out of position off the tee.

Best Par 5:  9th Hole – 530 Yards – The sentinel tree on the left side of the hole stands to contend with players on their second shot if going for the green in two. A large waste area begins left of the sentinel tree while the fairway bends left towards it.

Birdie Time:  13th Hole – 307 Yard Par 4 – Tipping out just over 300 yards, the 13th should be taken advantage of by hitting your drive as close to the green as possible before hitting a flip wedge towards the flag. The fairway slopes to the right where the bunkers are, so staying up the left side will produce the most distance and avoid the trouble; there is no reason to not take that line and hope to card a birdie.

Bogey Beware:  4th Hole – 435 Yard Par 4 – The long and straight 4th hole requires a carry over the waste area off the tee while staying out of the large bunker complex on the left side. Two large bunkers flank the left side of the putting surface while approaching the green from the right will open the angle up. The raised greensite can be difficult to hit in regulation.