Located in the heart of South Florida, the Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, FL has long been a popular destination for both local golfers and tourists alike. With its lush greenery, challenging layout, and a range of facilities, it has become a favorite spot for many. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into various aspects of the Biltmore Golf Course, using feedback from golfers who have experienced it firsthand. Let’s begin by discussing the course condition and maintenance.
Course Condition and Maintenance:
The Biltmore Golf Course is generally praised for its well-maintained greens and fairways. Many golfers are particularly impressed with the bunkers and find the course to be in fantastic condition. While some reviews mention that the fairways are not in the best shape, the majority of golfers seem to appreciate the overall condition of the course.
The staff at the Biltmore Golf Course receive high marks for their friendliness and professionalism. Golfers appreciate the excellent service they receive from the course’s team, contributing to a positive overall experience. Some reviews mention staff members being in a sour mood or unhelpful, but these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Pace of Play:
For most golfers, the pace of play at the Biltmore Golf Course is satisfactory. Some mention that it is better than other courses in the Miami area, with only a few reviews reporting slow play or long waits at the tee box. Golfers recommend having a marshal on the course to ensure a smooth pace, especially during peak hours.
Pricing and Value for Money:
The Biltmore Golf Course is considered slightly on the expensive side. Some golfers believe that the course’s condition, layout, and amenities justify the higher price. However, others feel that there are better options in the area for a more affordable price. Booking through platforms like GolfNow or TeeOff can help golfers save on green fees.
Rental Clubs and Equipment:
Golfers who have rented clubs from the Biltmore Golf Course praise the quality of the equipment provided. The rental clubs are said to be excellent, adding to the overall positive experience.
Course Layout and Design:
The Biltmore Golf Course is known for its challenging layout, featuring a mix of doglegs, long par 3s, and strategically placed bunkers. Golfers appreciate the variety in the hole layout, as well as the inclusion of interesting holes like #7 and #17. The course is not considered overly difficult, but the elevated fairway bunkers and blind spots add an element of challenge and intrigue.
Golf Carts and GPS:
The golf carts at the Biltmore Golf Course are enabled with GPS, which golfers find helpful and convenient. This feature enhances the overall playing experience by assisting with yardage and course navigation.
Many golfers praise the Biltmore Golf Course for its stunning beauty and picturesque views. The big, old oak trees, often referred to as “mushroom hammock” trees, add to the course’s charm and allure. The iconic resort building is visible from many holes, further contributing to the course’s visual appeal.
On-site Restaurants and Food Quality:
The Biltmore Golf Course offers a variety of dining options, with golfers enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the 19th Hole and other on-site restaurants. The food is generally well-reviewed, with a few reports of slow service. Golfers appreciate the excellent service provided by waiters and the quality of the food, including seasonal fruits for breakfast.
Booking and Availability of Tee Times:
Golfers report that booking tee times at the Biltmore Golf Course is generally straightforward and hassle-free. The course is known for its availability, especially for those who book in advance. Some golfers mention that it can get busy during peak hours and weekends, which is typical for a popular golf course. Booking through third-party platforms, such as GolfNow and TeeOff, can help golfers secure their desired tee times and potentially save on green fees.
Marshals and Course Management at Biltmore Golf Course:
Course marshals play a critical role in ensuring that the golf course runs smoothly and that the pace of play is maintained. At the Biltmore Golf Course, marshals are generally responsible for monitoring the golf course, addressing any issues, and ensuring that golfers adhere to the rules and etiquettes of the game.
However, reviews of the Biltmore Golf Course reveal mixed experiences regarding marshals and course management. While some golfers have praised the staff for their professionalism and attentiveness, others have reported incidents where they felt the marshals were lacking or inefficient in managing the pace of play.
Pace of play is an important aspect of golf, as slow play can lead to frustration and a less enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. In some cases, golfers have mentioned waiting for extended periods of time at tee boxes due to slow groups ahead, with no intervention from the marshals.
Driving Range at Biltmore Golf Course
At the Biltmore Golf Course, the driving range provides golfers with an opportunity to hone their skills in a beautiful and well-maintained setting.
However, reviews on the driving range at the Biltmore Golf Course are mixed. While some golfers have praised the driving range for being well-maintained and offering a great practice area, others have reported issues with ball availability and inaccurate information regarding opening hours.
Hotel Facilities and Services at the Biltmore Golf Course:
The Biltmore Golf Course is part of the Biltmore Hotel, a historic and luxurious property offering an array of facilities and services that cater to the needs of golfers and non-golfers alike. The hotel’s impressive architecture, world-class amenities, and renowned hospitality make it an exceptional destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Accommodations:
The Biltmore Hotel offers a range of elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for its guests. The hotel’s accommodations feature upscale furnishings, modern amenities, and stunning views of the golf course and surrounding Coral Gables area.
Dining:
Guests at the Biltmore Hotel have a variety of dining options to choose from, including upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and bars. The hotel’s culinary offerings cater to diverse tastes, featuring local and international cuisine, as well as a range of dietary preferences. The 19th Hole, for instance, has been praised for its excellent food, with some guests specifically mentioning their delicious onion rings. Additionally, the hotel’s breakfast offerings and seasonal fruits have also received positive reviews.
Spa and Wellness:
The Biltmore Hotel boasts a luxurious spa and wellness center, providing guests with a serene environment to relax and rejuvenate. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies, as well as wellness programs and fitness facilities.
Pool:
The Biltmore Hotel features a magnificent pool surrounded by columns, offering guests a perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. The pool area is complemented by comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a poolside bar, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation.
Events and Meetings:
The Biltmore Hotel is well-equipped to host a variety of events, from weddings and social gatherings to corporate meetings and conferences. The hotel offers elegant event spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and professional event planning services to ensure a successful and memorable occasion.
Golf Instruction:
Golfers seeking to improve their skills can take advantage of the Biltmore Golf Course’s professional instruction. The golf course has skilled instructors, such as Robert Campbell, who has been highly recommended for his effective coaching methods.
Despite the numerous positive reviews of the hotel’s facilities and services, some guests have reported negative experiences, particularly during busy events like the Christmas brunch. Overbooking, understaffing, and subpar food quality were cited as issues during this particular event.
Customer Service and Staff Organization:
The customer service and staff organization at the Biltmore Golf Course play a significant role in shaping the overall experience for golfers and guests. Many reviews have praised the friendly and professional staff members, who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. However, some guests have reported encounters with staff members who were in sour moods or were unhelpful when assistance was needed. To maintain a high standard of customer service, the Biltmore Golf Course should invest in regular staff training, effective communication, and a strong organizational structure that ensures a consistently positive experience for all visitors.
Wildlife and Nature:
The Biltmore Golf Course is surrounded by lush vegetation and natural beauty, which contributes to its appeal as a premier golfing destination. Guests have reported sightings of wildlife, including manatees and various bird species, which add to the unique charm of the course. The course’s preservation of its natural surroundings not only provides an enjoyable experience for golfers but also supports the local ecosystem and promotes environmental sustainability.
Pro Shop:
The Biltmore Golf Course features a well-stocked pro shop, offering a wide range of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories. The pro shop caters to the needs of golfers of all skill levels, providing quality products and knowledgeable staff to assist with any inquiries. However, no specific information about the pro shop was mentioned in the reviews. To enhance the pro shop experience, the Biltmore Golf Course could offer exclusive deals, personalized fittings, or special events for its patrons.
Course Difficulty and Challenge:
The Biltmore Golf Course offers a well-designed layout that presents a fair challenge for golfers of various skill levels. Some reviewers have mentioned that the course is not overly difficult but features interesting and strategic holes that require thoughtful play. The presence of elevated fairway bunkers, long par 3s, and doglegs add to the challenge and intrigue of the course. While the course may not be the most challenging in the area, its combination of enjoyable play and strategic elements make it a popular choice for golfers seeking a balanced experience.
Course Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Well-maintained greens and fairways
- Scenic surroundings and wildlife sightings
- Friendly and professional staff
- Diverse hole layout and interesting course features
- Quality rental clubs
- Golf instruction available
- Part of a luxurious hotel with numerous amenities
Cons:
- Some inconsistency in course maintenance, particularly in the fairways and bunkers
- High green fees, especially for non-Florida residents
- Slow pace of play during peak times, with occasional lack of marshals to manage the pace
- Driving range occasionally unavailable due to tournaments or ball shortages
- Some dissatisfaction with hotel facilities and services during busy events
- Limited challenge for highly skilled golfers
The Biltmore Golf Course offers a well-rounded golfing experience with its scenic surroundings, engaging course layout, and friendly staff. While the course has a few areas that could be improved, such as course maintenance consistency and customer service during peak times, the overall experience remains highly enjoyable for a wide range of golfers.