By David Theoret
In 1974, when award-winning golf course designer Ron Garl built Cypresswood Country Club, it was the talk of the town. Golfers from all over Florida would converge on the course in Winter Haven, Florida and tee times were at a premium.
The course has always been in great shape and over the years only required routine maintenance. Bob Schade, who started working at Cypresswood as a golf cart attendant in 1986, along with the board of directors decided to give the course a makeover in 2017. They started with a new irrigation system in 2018, plus completed a major facelift and greens renovation in 2020.
Schade and his team spent a much of their effort shaping of the greens to make Cypresswood the most golfer friendly course in the area. Plus, the original designer, Ron Garl occasionally offered advice and suggestions. 
During the pandemic shut down in March and April they were able to get the work done in a shorter period of time, but the course still closed in May to finish it. All 18 greens were rebuilt and replanted with TifEagle. Tee boxes were leveled, and bunkers were expanded and flattened. Everything was geared to making the course more player friendly. In November of 2020, Cypresswood Country Club held a grand reopening. Comparing the course then and now, is like night and day. The course is a more green and the fairways are much more plush than before.
The 17th and 18th are still two holes that can make or break your round. At Number 17 push your tee shot too far right and you will find the road, plus fairway bunkers also come into play. A good drive will leave a short iron or wedge into an elevated green that features quite a bit of undulation and is well protected by bunkers.
At the dogleg 18th, hit your drive too far or push it right and you will find the water; the fairway bunker on the left has been known to ruin some good scores as well. The best drive is over the bunkers to be left with a 150-yard approach into a long narrow green protected by bunkers on either side.
After your round, stop in the Cypresswood Pub for your favorite adult beverages. They offer the best chicken wings and burgers to be found.
Membership at Cypresswood is easy and affordable. There’s no initiation fee and you don’t have to live within the gated community. You are either a resident of the community, or you’re not. Non-residents pay a flat fee of $300 per month for an individual, or $450 for a family. Residents pay $250 individual, or $375 for a family that includes unlimited cart fees, greens fees, and range balls. Tee times can be made 14 days in advance and if you prefer to use your own cart, there is an additional trail fee. With no food, beverage, or pro shop minimums, it’s the best golf value in Central Florida.
With recent improvements, a wonderful selection of golf apparel and equipment in the pro shop, as well as, Cobra Demo Days on the range Cypresswood has a lot to offer golfers. Plus, Bob Schade is available to fix your swing.
For more information visit, www.cypresswoodcc.com.
