Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club
Tampa, Florida
North of Tampa in Dade City, Lake Jovita offers surprisingly hilly terrain for Florida golf. The Tom Lehman design winds through rolling sandhills and mature oaks, delivering an experience that feels more like the Carolina Sandhills than the Sunshine State.
History & Heritage
Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club opened its South Course in 1999 in Dade City, Florida, approximately 35 miles north of Tampa. PGA Tour star and 1996 Player of the Year Tom Lehman co-designed the layout with architect Kurt Sandness, creating a 36-hole facility on terrain that stunned visitors accustomed to flat Florida courses.
The South Course features 140 feet of elevation change — extraordinary by Florida standards — with the 11th hole famously dropping 94 feet from tee box to landing area, the largest single-hole elevation change of any hole in Florida. Lake Jovita earned Golf Digest's 4.5-star rating and a Top 10 ranking among Florida places to play.
Signature Holes
The most dramatic hole in Florida drops 94 feet from tee to landing area, creating a breathtaking roller-coaster ride down the hillside. The approach back uphill requires careful club selection to avoid running through the putting surface.
A strong finisher that plays from an elevated tee down a tree-lined fairway to a demanding approach uphill to the clubhouse green. The sweeping views of the rolling property make this a memorable conclusion.
What to Expect
Lake Jovita is Florida's great surprise — a hilly, tree-lined course that feels more like the Carolina Sandhills than the Sunshine State. Tom Lehman's design uses the natural topography to create distinct, memorable holes. Elevation changes affect both club selection and shot shape throughout the round.
Playing Tips
The dramatic elevation changes affect ball flight more than typical Florida courses — club up on uphill approaches and down on downhill shots. The 11th tee offers one of the best views in Florida golf. Morning tee times are preferred to beat afternoon heat. The South Course is the more acclaimed layout.
Highlights
- ✓ Unusually hilly Florida terrain
- ✓ Tom Lehman design
- ✓ Carolina Sandhills feel in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lake Jovita unique in Florida?
Who designed Lake Jovita?
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