Citrus County Florida has 17 golf courses. I had the opportunity to visit one that is quite unique. The LakeSide Golf Club and Grill Restaurant provided me a relaxing celebration with family and also picturesque scenery.
We started the weekend with a celebration at the LakeSide Grill Restaurant. The grill has plenty of seating inside, along with a bar that has several televisions showing multiple sporting events. Our celebration took place in a spacious room off to the side of the main seating area. There were 2 sets of cornhole boards in this room, yes they were used during our time in the grill. There was another bar in this side room. When the weather is nice, a huge covered screen patio is available to enjoy the scenic golf course. The appetizers we had served to us were tortilla chips, salsa, queso and soft pretzel bites. The main course consisted of LakeSide wings, a variety of flatbread pizzas, garlic potatoes and a loaded salad. The beverages were served well by the staff and found out that Tito’s is the preferred beverage to mix with a variety of juices or sugar-free RedBull.
The golf course is lined with wide oaks and pine trees. The oaks are dressed heavily in Spanish moss. They are spectacular sights for those of us that don’t get to see these every day. I was in awe of them. The course was very wet from having rain for thirty straight days. The course has a clubhouse with a pro shop. It also has a driving range just steps away from the club house. The golf course has clubs to be rented and also provide carts with your paid green fees.
So, what is so different about this course compared to the other courses in Citrus County? This course was built over and around an old phosphate mine. There are four holes that have these massive pits that you must avoid to keep your scores from soaring. These pits have overgrown with vegetation. This is definitely more challenging than any sand trap or water hazard. Speaking of sand traps, there are 51 of them. It’s a very decent course with plenty of amenities.
If you’re ever traveling down I-75 headed to Orlando or Tampa, make plans to stop at the Lakeside Golf Club and Grill Restaurant. Play a round of golf, grab something to eat and drink and rest a spell.
If you do visit the last weekend in October, you can also make plans to visit the Great American Cooter Festival. I’ll be there. Hope to see you there!
Be blessed and safe travels!!!
