Black Diamond Ranch

If there’s one thing that the Sunshine State has in no short supply it’s exceptional destinations for golf. From the Panhandle to Jacksonville, down to Naples and Miami, with Orlando and Tampa in between, one could spend a lifetime in Florida and barely scratch the surface of its great courses — this, I speak from experience. Those willing to get off that beaten path will discover a jewel that outranks them all: Black Diamond Ranch.
The Quarry Course owes its name to the five-​hole stretch on the back nine that surrounds a pair of abandoned limestone quarries. But five holes does not a golf course make, and the build up to the quarry is both a challenging and memorable test of golf. The elevation changes throughout the course notably the opening tee shot and the par-​3 No. 4 — are a pleasant surprise in a state not known for its topography. Meanwhile, the trademark Fazio bunkering combined with small, slick and elevated greens served endless amounts of frustration for our group. It was the 15-​to-​25 mph winds, however, that proved especially troublesome. The uphill par-​5 No. 9 played directly into the teeth of the wind, rendering the forced carry across a pond impossible, and making a hole that was already playing brutally long even longer.

Came here for a wedding and it is a beautiful venue! The reception hall was quite big and there was plenty of space to dance.
My friend had her wedding in the garden section near the green and even had a horse drawn carriage bring her in to walk down the isle. It was so beautiful.