If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning in St. Petersburg, Florida, you know the vibe. It’s humid. The air smells like salt and fresh-cut grass. And if you’re a golfer, you’re probably heading toward the northeast corner of the city.
Most municipal courses feel like, well, municipal courses. They’re often beat up, slow, and a bit depressing. But Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links golf courses are different. They don’t feel like an afterthought. They feel like the heart of the local sports scene.
Honesty is key here: these aren't private clubs with $50,000 initiation fees. You aren’t going to find a valet waiting to take your keys. What you will find is a championship-grade layout at Mangrove Bay and a par-3 challenge at Cypress Links that will absolutely ruin your ego if you aren't careful. People think "par-3" means "easy."
It doesn't.
Not here.
The Mangrove Bay Experience: More Than Just a Muni
Mangrove Bay is the big brother. It’s a par-72 championship course that stretches out over 6,700 yards from the back tees. It’s flat—because, hello, it’s Florida—but the challenge comes from the wind and the tight corridors.
The greens are surprisingly fast. If you’re used to the shaggy, slow greens of most public tracks, you’re in for a wake-up call. The city of St. Petersburg actually puts money into this place. You can tell by the Tif-Eagle Bermuda grass. It rolls true. It’s predictable. That’s a luxury when you’re paying public rates.
The layout is classic. No gimmicks. You have wide fairways on some holes that tempt you to "rip it and grip it," but the water hazards are positioned exactly where a slice tends to land. It’s almost like the architects, who were local legends in their own right, knew exactly how much the average golfer struggles with a fade.
✨ Don't miss: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
There’s a specific feeling on the 18th hole. You’re coming back toward the clubhouse, the sun is usually hitting the water just right, and you realize you’ve just played a round of golf that felt "expensive" even though it wasn't.
Why the Practice Facility Matters
You can't talk about Mangrove Bay without mentioning the range. It’s huge. It’s one of the few places in the area where you don't feel like you're hitting into a net or a tiny pond. They have a massive putting green and a chipping area that actually lets you practice different lies.
Most people skip the practice. They shouldn't. The wind off the bay can be brutal, and getting a feel for the air density before you tee off is basically a requirement if you want to break 90.
Cypress Links: The Ego Bruiser
Right next door is Cypress Links. It’s a 9-hole, par-3 course.
Short. Sweet. Deadly.
Don't show up with just a wedge and a putter. Some of these holes push 180 or 190 yards depending on the tee placement. If the wind is howling off the water, you might find yourself hitting a 5-iron on a "short" hole.
Cypress Links is where the locals go when they only have 90 minutes. It’s where the high-school kids practice their short games. It’s also where seasoned pros go to get humbled because missing a green on a par-3 course usually means a bogey or worse. There is no "recovery" shot from a wide fairway here. You’re either on the dance floor or you’re hacking out of the Florida brush.
🔗 Read more: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
The greens here are smaller than at Mangrove Bay. Much smaller. It forces precision. If you can play a clean round at Cypress Links, your approach shots at Mangrove Bay will feel like hitting into a parking lot.
The Reality of Florida Golf Conditions
Let’s be real for a second. Florida golf is a battle against the elements. Between June and September, you are going to sweat. A lot. Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links golf courses handle the rain better than most, but after a tropical downpour, things get "soupy."
The drainage is decent, but it’s not magic. If you’re playing in the summer, tee off at 7:00 AM. Seriously. If you wait until 11:00 AM, you’re basically playing inside a microwave. The humidity turns the air into a thick blanket, and the ball doesn't travel as far as you think it should.
Also, the wildlife is real. It isn't uncommon to see an alligator sunning itself near the water hazards. They don't care about your Titleist. Just leave the ball. It’s not worth the highlight reel on the nightly news.
The Pricing Game
One of the reasons these courses stay packed is the price point. St. Petersburg residents get a discount, which is a nice "thank you" for paying local taxes. Even for visitors, the rate is competitive. You’re getting a $100 experience for significantly less.
Because of this, tee times are like gold. If you think you can just roll up on a Tuesday morning and walk on, you’re going to be sitting in the clubhouse eating a hot dog for three hours while you wait. Book online. Book early.
Comparing the Two: Which One Should You Play?
It depends on your mood. And your shins.
💡 You might also like: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
If you want the full "I’m a golfer" experience with a cart, a scorecard, and four hours of focus, Mangrove Bay is the choice. It’s a test of stamina and club selection.
If you’re feeling a bit rusty or you have your kids with you, Cypress Links is the move. It’s approachable but not "easy." It’s the perfect place to settle a bet with a friend over who has the better wedge game.
Actually, the best way to do it is a "Double Header." Play the 9 holes at Cypress to warm up your irons, grab a sandwich at the snack bar, and then head over to Mangrove Bay for the full 18. It’s a long day, but it’s the best way to spend a Saturday in Pinellas County.
Common Mistakes People Make Here
- Underestimating the wind: The courses are near the water. The wind isn't just a breeze; it’s a factor. It’ll take a straight shot and dump it in the bunker before you can say "fore."
- Ignoring the pro shop: The staff at Mangrove Bay actually know the course. Ask them where the pins are tucked. They’ll usually give you a "golfer's tip" that saves you two strokes.
- Not hydrating: This sounds like "mom advice," but Florida heat is different. By the 14th hole at Mangrove Bay, if you haven't had water, your swing is going to fall apart.
- Walking Mangrove Bay in August: Just don't. Rent the cart. Your heart and your playing partners will thank you.
The Local Impact
These courses aren't just patches of grass; they are a community hub. The First Tee program is active here, teaching kids that golf is about integrity, not just hitting a ball. You’ll see retirees who have played these same holes for thirty years chatting with 20-somethings who just bought their first set of clubs.
There’s a lack of pretension that is refreshing. You don't need a specific brand of shirt to feel welcome. As long as you keep the pace of play moving and fix your divots, you’re part of the club.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book 7-10 days out: The booking window is your best friend. Use the city’s online portal to snag the early morning slots before the heat and the crowds arrive.
- Check the aeration schedule: Like all Florida courses, they punch the greens occasionally to keep the grass healthy. Call the pro shop to make sure you aren’t playing on "waffle" greens.
- Warm up at the North End: The driving range at Mangrove Bay is arguably the best public range in the city. Give yourself 30 minutes there before heading to the first tee.
- Pack extra balls for Mangrove: The water is sneaky. Even if you’re a low handicap, the layout is designed to penalize "hero shots."
- Walk Cypress, Ride Mangrove: Cypress Links is a great walk and keeps you moving. Mangrove Bay is long enough that a cart is usually the better call for enjoying the round.
Golf in St. Petersburg is defined by accessibility. Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links golf courses prove that you don't need a private membership to play on a course that is maintained with pride. Whether you're trying to break par or just trying to hit one solid drive, these two tracks provide the perfect backdrop for the struggle and the occasional triumph that is Florida golf.