Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Crandon enjoys a prime piece of property on Key Biscayne with nothing but ocean separating the island from Miami's coast. However the foliage overgrowth and lack of maintenance deters from an otherwise strong layout. Removing the mangrove along the 18th would expose stunning views across the water to Miami. Grade C-
Quick Facts
Designer: Bruce Devlin & Robert von Hagge 1972
Cost: $70 - $200 Click for current rates
Phone Number: 305-361-9129
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 6700 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne
Similar Course:
What to Expect: The county owned Crandon Golf Course on the island of Key Biscayne is a story of untapped potential. The plot of land it occupies represents prime real estate within a park devoid of distractions from the outside world and inviting to a wide range of wildlife. The lack of housing around the course is a welcome site, especially in Florida where the norm is to be routed through a neighborhood. Not only isn't there housing distracting from the setting, the entire western boundary of the course borders Biscayne Bay which is the salty body of water separating the island from Miami. Instead of expansive views across the water and throughout the course, Crandon is cramped by overgrown foliage that often inhibits tee shots and restricts the health of the turf. Rather than the 18th hole being a dramatic finisher along the bay with uninhibited views of downtown Miami, a mangrove forest flanks the entire length of the fairway and prevents exposure to the water and wind; sans a 50' swath. From a challenge standpoint, Crandon is one of the most difficult courses in Southern Florida with a rating that exceeds 75 and over 7000 yards to cover. Crandon is certainly a great choice for golf among government operated courses in the Sunshine State, but it is more of an experience of what could be rather than what is.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 72 | 7182 | 75.1 | 146 |
| Blue | 72 | 6866 | 73.7 | 142 |
| White | 72 | 6424 | 71.8 | 135 |
| Green | 72 | 5788 | 69.0 | 126 |
| Yellow (Ladies) | 72 | 5342 | 71.8 | 131 |
| Orange (Junior) | 72 | 3786 | 61.0 | 107 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 6th Hole – 185 Yard Par 4 – With some skyscrapers from Miami peaking above the tree line in the distance, the 6th hole provides a unique setting with this one-shotter that plays over a pond to a well guarded green. Missing to the left will send your ball for a swim while misses short and right will likely find the bunkering protecting the green. The swell in the center of the green can be your friend or foe depending on the day's pin location.
Best Par 3: 12th Hole – 179 Yards – Another par three over water, the 12th is all carry to the green with bunkering and mounding found behind the putting surface. Bailing out to the right will afford some grass to land on, but most every other miss will result in a very challenging scenario to save par from.
Best Par 4: 7th Hole – 445 Yards – The 7th hole is a quality two-shotter that will reward the player that can hide a fade off the tee and follow the fairway as it bends right. The approach shot must carry a water hazard enroute to the green that is fronted by a bunker while additional sand rests behind the putting surface. There are plenty of bogies to be had at Crandon, but this is one where they are most often experienced.
Best Par 5: 10th Hole – 554 Yards – The 10th is characterized by the water framing the right side of the fairway while additional water comes into play on the left during the second shot. A good drive will offer an opportunity to go for the green in two, but if your driver has been sporadic so far then laying up off the tee and with the second shot is a good strategy.
Birdie Time: 8th Hole – 136 Yard Par 3 – The short anthill 8th is a perfect time to take a stroke back if you've coughed up some bogies thus far. The raised green begs for a high shot that will land softly on the putting surface rather than flirting with the sloping edges. Once on board, the green offers some easier reads and a chance to roll your birdie putt with confidence.
Bogey Beware: 11th Hole – 447 Yard Par 4 – There are so many bogies to be made at Crandon, especially from the tips and with the foliage overgrowth, but the 11th is the hole featured here. Water flanks the right side of the fairway while a large bunker is found on the left side of the fairway. The lengthy approach shot plays over high-faced bunkers to an undulated green with a steep falloff towards the water on the right. With gators often on the bank looking on to provide some extra intimidation, pars aren't coughed up easily by the 11th.
