
Evan Schiller
Overview
The history of Belleair in the resort community of the same name, 25 miles west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico, mirrors that of many historic clubs that trace their ancestry to the turn of the last century. Its first rudimentary holes were laid down by amateurs in the waning years of the 19th century and then gradually added onto over the next decade, crudely, before an expert was brought in to straighten everything out. In this case, Donald Ross, who revamped the by-then 18 and added another course to the east. Ross returned in the 1920s to take second turn at revisions based on another decade of experience designing courses across the U.S. Others visited through the years to put their own tweaks on the West Course, and by 2020 Belleair had little distinguishing pedigree.
The club hired Jason Straka and Dana Fry to revamp the course using original Ross sketches to rebuild the holes. While the architects, Straka in particular, adhered to the historic source material as closely as possible, it’s more accurate to describe Belleair as a new course built in the style of the old. Large portions of the site were re-graded and several large irrigation ponds were filled. The majority of trees were removed to enhance views out to Clearwater Harbor, and the rugged streams that once laced through the course were reconstructed. The first three holes were re-routed and a new par-3 seventh was added with a green on a peninsula jutting into the bay. To accommodate the extra hole, the old par-3 12th was eliminated leaving space for what are now the 10th, 11th and 12th to be extended to the east. Among the radical changes, views and provocative bunkering, the most impressive move might be the subtle shifting of the sixth fairway to the right so it runs hard against the length of the seawall, creating a straight-line and frightening strategic hazard.
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Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
Reviews
Review
“Belleair Country Club West course, a Fry Straka restoration/rebuild is one of the few course in Florida with the Ocean (Intercoastal) is in play as an actual hazard. Well thought out and reimagined, some of the high points of the BCCW restoration are the exposing of what can only be miscalled a Barranca wandering through multiple holes on both sides. Certainly a tale of two 9's, the front shorter, more interesting due to the best hole on the course (#3) and the ocean features on 6 and 7 as well as the 'barranca' being more in play. The back 9 is more inland, SIGNIFICANTLY longer with 3 par 5s. For a Florida course there is a great deal of land movement and every aspect of it seems to be put to great use up, over and along the various contours. Like many redesigns/restorations greens were expanded, and redone. The turf conditions on the greens was some of the best I've seen in Florida. Wonderful change of pace with some restorations in that the greens are interesting yet playable. Some of the greenside bunkers have almost a 'Sand Belt' feel, pushed up against the edges of the greens with very little room between putting surfaces and the edges of the bunkers."
Read More2025
Review
“The Straka/Fry renovation and restoration to original drawings created an intriguing, challenging and joyful golf course. The stretch of holes from 3 to 8 provide wonderful variety and visual intrigue."
Read More2024
Review
“The renovation is fantastic, definitely worth a play if you get the opportunity!"
Read More2024
Review
“The recent Jason Straka restoration of this historic course was very successful. He recovered much of the 1924 Donald Ross design and incorporated some well-considered improvements. Shot Options are particularly outstanding. Most holes can be played with different risk/reward strategies. The course will play very differently as wind direction changes. The oceanfront site on Clearwater Bay is attractive and unusual in this densely populated part of Florida. You can see the water from 17 holes. The rough has been planted with a variety of grasses and flowering plants which add another appealing visual element. (These features don’t come into play unless you hit a really poor shot.) The significant elevation change is unexpected on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Greens have fairly large contours leading to multiple pin locations, though weren't individually distinctive. Fairway and greenside bunkers are well placed and not overdone. There are unique sand “cop mounds” found especially on the flatter holes, which force the golfer to play to a better side of the fairway to maintain an unobstructed line of sight. The course could be enhanced by reversing the order of the nines. The spectacular front nine water holes would make a highly memorable finish."
Read More2023
Review
“good Private course built on edge of Gulf of Mexico. Peninsula par 3. Creek runs through course and presents challenge on many holes. Tough rough. Play if you get invited."
Read More2023
Review
“The West Course at Belleair Country Club is the oldest course in Florida, and has the character to match. The restoration back to Donald Ross's original design is masterfully done by Dana Fry and Jason Straka. The first seven holes include spectacular views of the water, with a stunning fourth island green surrounded by sand. Natural sandy waste areas and sand capped dunes add to the aesthetics, and the sandy cart paths on several holes add to the sense of place. Holes like number five and six are pushed to the edge of the property, bringing water into play for drives pushed to the right. Hole number five is a nice strategic hole, encouraging the golfer to challenge the water for a better angle to the green which is guarded by a small hill to the left of it. The contours in the greens are immediately evident, adding interest, and increasing the importance of the approach. The conditioning is firm and fast in an area of Florida that receives a lot of rainfall. And the greens and surrounds are maintained in a way that allows the contours to shine. The routing works in a way that brings the wind into play, changing directions on most holes. Overall, Belleair West should be prioritized when in the Tampa area. It is a treat to experience."
Read More2023
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