Rocky Point Golf Course Featured as Florida Historic Golf Trail Course of the Month

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced today that the Rocky Point Golf Course has been chosen as the featured course on the Florida Historic Golf Trail for the month of January. The Rocky Point Golf Course is located in the City of Tampa in Hillsborough County.

“We are pleased to feature the historic Rocky Point Golf Course as a partner on the Florida Historic Golf Trail,” said Secretary Detzner. “This is one of the oldest courses on the trail. For over 100 years it has been a fixture for golfers and visitors to Tampa and Central Florida.”

In 1910, The Tampa Automobile Club made arrangements to build a clubhouse and spacious golf links at Rocky Point. The Club hired Atlanta golf expert F.G. Byrd to lay out an 18-hole golf course. Nine holes were opened for play in 1912, while the full 18-hole layout was completed one year later. In 1917, the Tampa Automobile and Golf Club changed its name to the Rocky Point Golf Club.

In 1941, the federal government took over the golf course and closed it for use as part of Drew Army Airfield. Two years later the course reopened to officers and enlisted men of Drew Field, and to personnel of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. In 1953, the federal government sold the property for $1 to the City of Tampa, which reopened the course one year later. In 1978, course operations were given to the Tampa Sports Authority.

The 18-hole, par-71 Rocky Point Golf Course features four sets of tees playing from 4,900 to 6,300 yards,offering challenges for all skill levels. 

"It is truly an honor to have Rocky Point Golf Course selected as the Florida Historic Golf Trail’s featured course for January 2016,” said Kennie Sims, Vice President of Golf Operations. “We are extremely proud of the recently completed renovations of Rocky Point and the difference it will make for every golfer’s experience. This complete makeover combined with our driving range and clubhouse facilities makes Rocky Point a desirable destination for golfers of all levels.”

Image Courtesy of Rocky Point Golf Course

For more information about the Rocky Point Golf Course or the Florida Historic Golf Trail program visit Rocky Point Golf Course , Florida Historic Golf Trail or Facebook.com/FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.

# # #

About The Florida Historic Golf Trail

Florida's golf history, recognized as one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to the 1890s when a number of early courses were created along with the development of railroads and hotels in the state. The Florida Historic Golf Trail is a collection of more than 50 historic, publicly accessible golf courses throughout the state that can still be played on today.Through the Florida Historic Golf Trail, golfers can play on courses designed by world-class architects and played by famous golfers such as Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Babe Zaharias, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.  Information about the history and current day contact information for each partner course can be found at FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com.  Find the historic course near you and Come Play on History!

About The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The director of DHR serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus or major program areas: archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information, visit flheritage.com.