If you’ve spent any time driving through Merritt Island, you know the vibe. It’s that salt-air, humid, laid-back Florida energy. And right in the middle of it sits Island Pointe Golf Club. Honestly, if you’re a golfer in Brevard County, you’ve probably had a love-hate relationship with this place at least once. It isn't just another cookie-cutter resort course. It’s got teeth.
The thing about Island Pointe Golf Club is that it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a Clyde Johnston design. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, Johnston is the guy who learned under Willard Byrd. He knows how to use the land. At Island Pointe, the land is basically a series of narrow strips surrounded by the Banana River and a whole lot of marsh. It’s tight. Like, "maybe I should leave the driver in the bag" tight.
You’ll hear some people call it "Island Pain." They aren't totally wrong.
What You Actually Need to Know About the Layout
The course used to be known as The Savannahs. Some old-timers still call it that. When it transitioned to Island Pointe Golf Club, it kept that signature "Target Golf" DNA. You can't just grip it and rip it here. If you do, you're going to be buying a lot of recycled balls from the pro shop by the turn.
Water. It’s everywhere.
On almost every single hole, water is either in play or staring you down, waiting for a pushed slice. The par-72 layout stretches out over 6,800 yards from the back tees, but the yardage is deceiving. It plays longer because you’re constantly forced to play for position.
The Dreaded Front Nine
The front nine is where the psychological warfare happens. You’ve got holes like the par-4 5th. It’s not long, but the fairway feels like a balance beam. To the left? Water. To the right? More water and some very thick Florida scrub. You have to be precise.
Most people mess up here because they try to overcompensate for the wind. Being on a literal island—well, a peninsula on an island—means the wind off the Banana River is a permanent factor. It’s rarely a "calm" day. You’re usually hitting two clubs more than you think you need, or praying a gust doesn’t take your ball into the mangroves.
🔗 Read more: South Dakota State Football vs NDSU Football Matches: Why the Border Battle Just Changed Forever
The Greens and the "Local Knowledge" Factor
Let’s talk about the greens. They are typically TifEagle Bermuda. In the Florida heat, these things can get fast. But they also have subtle breaks that you won't see unless you’ve played the course a dozen times.
I talked to a local regular named Dave a few months back. He’s played Island Pointe since the 90s. His advice? "Aim for the middle of every green. Don't chase pins. The bunkering is deep enough that a short-sided miss is a guaranteed bogey." He’s right. Johnston’s bunkering here isn't just for show; it’s strategic. The sand is often tucked right where a "good" miss would be.
The course has gone through ups and downs with maintenance over the years. That’s just the reality of Florida golf. Sometimes the fairways are plush; sometimes they’re a bit thin depending on the season and the rainfall. But the layout? The layout remains one of the most interesting in the Space Coast area.
Why Island Pointe Golf Club Isn't Your Average Florida Course
Most Florida courses are flat. They’re boring. You see the hole, you hit the ball, you move on. Island Pointe has actual character.
Because it borders the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge area, you’re basically golfing in a zoo. It’s common to see alligators—big ones—sunning themselves on the banks of the 14th. You’ll see ospreys, herons, and maybe even a manatee if you’re looking at the right time in the canals. It adds a layer of "Florida Man" charm to the round.
Comparing it to Nearby Tracks
How does it stack up?
- The Savannahs (as it stands now): Similar vibes, but Island Pointe feels more isolated from residential noise.
- Cocoa Beach Country Club: More open, much windier, but lacks the "corridor" feel of Island Pointe.
- Viera East: Much more of a "resort" feel, wider fairways, and usually a higher price tag.
Island Pointe sits in that sweet spot. It’s affordable enough for a weekend morning with friends but challenging enough that you won't get bored.
💡 You might also like: Shedeur Sanders Draft Room: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Logistics: Getting There and Gearing Up
It’s located on North Tropical Trail. That drive alone is worth it. You’re winding under canopy trees and past some of the nicest old Florida riverfront homes.
When you get to the clubhouse, don't expect a marble-floored country club. It’s functional. It’s a place to grab a Gatorade, a sleeve of balls, and a hot dog. The staff is usually small, often consisting of local folks who know the course better than anyone.
Pro Tip: Check the tee times online. Island Pointe is notorious for having "active" leagues. If you show up on a Tuesday morning without a booking, you might be waiting behind a 20-person senior scramble.
Equipment Recommendations
If you're heading out there, leave the "distance" balls at home. You need spin control and accuracy.
- Hybrid or 3-Iron: You will use this off the tee more than your driver.
- 60-Degree Wedge: The greenside bunkering is no joke. You need something that can get up and stop fast.
- Bug Spray: This is Merritt Island. If the wind dies down, the gnats and mosquitoes will find you.
Common Misconceptions About Island Pointe
A lot of people think Island Pointe is "too hard" for high handicappers.
That’s a half-truth.
If you play from the tips and you can’t hit a straight ball, yeah, it’s going to be a long day. But if you swallow your pride and move up to the white or yellow tees, the angles open up significantly. The course rewards smart play, not long play.
📖 Related: Seattle Seahawks Offense Rank: Why the Top-Three Scoring Unit Still Changed Everything
Another myth is that it's always "underwater." Since it's surrounded by the river, drainage can be an issue after a tropical downpour, sure. But the management has put work into the irrigation and drainage systems over the last few years to keep it playable even in the wet season.
The Verdict on the Value Prop
Is it a US Open qualifier course? No. Is it the best $50-$80 you can spend on golf in the Cocoa Beach area? Arguably, yes.
You get a mix of wildlife, technical challenge, and that weirdly peaceful feeling of being tucked away on the north end of the island. It’s a course that makes you think. You’ll leave the 18th green either feeling like a genius for navigating the hazards or ready to throw your bag into the Banana River.
There is no in-between.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Round
If you're planning to take on Island Pointe Golf Club, don't just show up and swing.
- Study the GPS: If your cart doesn't have a screen, use an app like 18Birdies. There are several blind water hazards that you won't see from the tee box.
- Play a "Scramble" Mentality: Even if you're playing your own ball, if you get into the rough, just chip it out. The grass here is thick and "grabby." Trying to hero-shot a 5-iron out of the Bermuda rough will result in a wrist injury or a 20-yard duff.
- Check the Wind Direction: Before you tee off on Hole 1, look at the flags. If the wind is coming out of the North, the back nine is going to play significantly harder as you head back toward the clubhouse.
- Hydrate Early: The humidity on Merritt Island is different. It’s heavy. By the time you feel thirsty on the 12th hole, you're already dehydrated.
Island Pointe is a local staple for a reason. It’s rugged, it’s challenging, and it’s uniquely Florida. Respect the water, watch for the gators, and for heaven's sake, keep it in the short grass.
Real-World Player Data
- Average Round Time: 4 hours 15 minutes.
- Difficulty Rating: High (Slope 135+ from the back).
- Best Time to Play: October through February for the best turf conditions.
Final Takeaway
Stop trying to overpower the course. Island Pointe is a game of chess, not a long-drive competition. If you can accept that you might have to hit a 7-iron off a par-4 tee just to stay dry, you'll actually enjoy your round.
Next Steps:
Go to the official website or a booking aggregator like GolfNow to check the current rates. They fluctuate wildly based on the "Snowbird" season. If you can snag a "Hot Deal" for under $45, it is the best value in the county. Pack extra balls, grab a bottle of water, and prepare to actually use every club in your bag.