Reviewed by: R Fernandez, Shoots in the 80s, from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Summary:
I played this course during a visit to Palm Coast in July 2003. To be honest, I was expecting quite a bit more. Through no fault of the management, the course lost most of its luster in 1998 when a terrible forrest fire destroyed its main feature, the woods. Because of this, many of the holes are played along a barren track of land where lush trees and homes once stood, that provides a sad view of what once was I'm sure a spectacular scenery.

Aside from this, however, I thought the clubhouse facility and the practice areas where sub-standard for a course that claims such a distinct pedigree. The course itself was is decent shape, although the greens were in poor condition. The layout is uninspired, except for a few holes on the back nine.

Maybe in a few years, and with some serious upgrades to the clubhouse and practice areas, this course can return to claim a status among the top echelon courses in Florida.

Customer Service:
Very good

Reviewed by: Ray Gardner, Shoot in the 80s, from Palm Coast, FL, USA

Summary:
First class resort course. Excellent maintenance on entire layout, especially greens and tees. Course seeded with Bermuda and is sometimes difficult to advance the ball with a lot of control. There are six pin positions used on the greens and golfers are advised as to the position (#1-6) as they drive to the first tee. Many of the greens are well guarded with sand and because it's "flat Florida," there were a lot of mounds, drainage ditches and lakes added to the layout which can gobble up errant golf balls.

Staff, food and other amenities are first rate. Plenty of free parking in huge lot and first rate practice areas and putting green. First thing most will notice: the "cathedral-like" atmosphere is gone on all of the first nine holes. We lost nearly all our pine and other trees in the wildfires in 1998.

Good test for lower handicap players; a bit long and tougher for higher handicappers. Course was used by PGA Tour for qualifying event in 1999 and rates were raised which seemed to cause somewhat of a drop in local play. However, discount coupons are printed in Daytona Beach newspapers for the local resort courses at $25 (with cart).

Warning for anyone wanting to play Matansas Woods or any other course in the area during hot summer months: Always wear sun screen; drink lots of water; stay clear of the larger lakes on the property (12' alligators) and high rough around drainage canals (numerous poisonous snakes).

Customer Service:
Anyone visiting this area will be pleased with the customer service and tee times on all five area courses are relatively easy to make - with the exception of the busy times when the "snow bunnies" arrive.

Similar Courses Played:
Since I have the privilege of living on the first fairway, I've also enjoyed everything the course has to offer. All I can add is that "They're great!"