Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club

Pros

• Hollybrook is one of the best kept golfing secrets in South Florida.
• The course is in excellent condition from tee to green.
• The greens are fast, well-read, and provide a fantastic challenge.
• The layout is enjoyable with a great mix of holes.
• The fairways and greens are unbeatable.
• The on-site restaurant serves great food at reasonable prices and includes a full bar.
• The staff, pro shop, and teaching pros are friendly, accommodating, and helpful.
• Hollybrook is a top choice for golf in South Florida and comes highly recommended.

Cons

• The pace of play was described as incredibly slow.
• The fairways and rough were not cut short enough, limiting the potential five-star rating.
• One reviewer described the place as a prison and would not recommend it.
• The course was considered unsafe due to tight fairways and proximity to busy streets, risking collisions with people or cars.
• The restaurant wasn't open and there was no cart girl, detracting from the overall experience.
• The winter private status was viewed negatively by some reviewers.
• The dress-code policy was criticized as inconsistent and unfair, with men restricted by nylon shirts while women could wear sleeveless shirts.

Review

Hollybrook Golf Course in Pembroke Pines stands out in South Florida as a true standout, a place many visitors describe as a well-kept secret that earns near-universal praise from those who have played it. Several reviews highlight its winter status, noting that while it operates as a private club during the cooler months, it opens to the public after April 15, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of golfers. The consensus across commentaries is that the experience - from the greens to the tee boxes - ranges from exceptional to superb, with many calling it the best or among the best courses in the area. The overall impression is that Hollybrook delivers a high-quality, well-managed round with an abundance of positives: a challenging but fair layout, excellent conditioning, a modern on-site complex, and a welcoming staff that helps differentiate it from other local options.

Conditioning at Hollybrook receives the strongest praise. Reviewers repeatedly describe the course as being in fantastic shape, with greens that roll true and fast, and fairways that are well-kept and inviting. One reviewer even emphasizes how fast and reading-friendly the greens can be, noting that they are "the fastest and hardest that I have ever played on," which suggests a premium on course management and a willingness to reward experienced players who are prepared for quick, nuanced greens. The tees and sand bunkers are also mentioned positively, reinforcing the sense that the course holds up consistently from tee to green. While a few notes mention occasional patches on greens or a recent interruption like punching, the prevailing tone is that the conditioning is far above average for the region and season, with many describing it as "spectacular" all winter long, even amid a period with little rainfall.

The layout at Hollybrook is highlighted as a strong attribute, blending enjoyment with challenge. Reviewers describe a great variety of holes that keeps the round engaging without punishing players who miss a shot. The course is portrayed as a thoughtful mix: some holes test length and angles; others reward accuracy, with an on-course feel that many compare favorably to taller or more famous layouts in the area. There is acknowledgement that parts of the experience can be tight or intimidating - some fairways are close to one another, and a long par 72 section is noted for both its quality and its occasional sense of risk near roads or nearby activity. Yet even those concerns are framed within the context of a "wonderful layout" with an enjoyable mix of holes and a design that golfers continue to praise as one of the better public or semi-private options in South Florida.

Pace of play is a recurrent topic, reflecting Hollybrook's popularity and its winter private status. Several reviewers report that the course can slow down, particularly during peak times, but most also point to proactive marshal and starter involvement that helps keep play moving when possible. One review specifically mentions a starter/ranger asking a slower group to pick up the pace, and the general sentiment is that while pace can be uneven, it's usually manageable with typical Florida season crowds. There are even notes about varied dayparts - afternoons tend to be quieter, making the pace more tolerable for visitors and locals alike. The overall message is that, with a little patience and proper scheduling, rounds at Hollybrook remain very enjoyable and worth the effort for what the course delivers in terms of condition and character.

The on-site facilities and amenities contribute significantly to the overall appeal. The dining and beverage options are frequently praised, with a restaurant that has undergone new management and delivers good food at reasonable prices, complemented by a full bar and a welcoming atmosphere. The on-site restaurant, along with a driving range and a pro shop, rounds out a complete club experience. Golfers also highlight the modern conveniences in carts, including GPS, and a staff of teaching pros who are described as friendly and professional. In addition to the main 18-hole course, Hollybrook also offers an executive 18-hole par-3 course, expanding the ways guests can enjoy time on the grounds. For many, these facilities elevate Hollybrook from a good course to a well-rounded destination that supports serious rounds as well as more relaxed, social play.

Value and community considerations also appear in the feedback, with many reviewers placing Hollybrook at a favorable price-to-value ratio. A number of comments reference green fees around the mid-80s, noting that this price point is fair for the quality of conditioning, course design, and the breadth of on-site amenities. The sense of value is reinforced by the sense of belonging to a thriving community - some reviewers highlight the lifestyle and social opportunities the club offers, along with the surrounding residential environment. There are also a few more complicated notes: one reviewer describes a persistent sense of being in a private enclave during the winter and another user characterizes the community dynamics as a double-edged sword - an attractive living environment that can feel restrictive to some. A stark negative remark - describing the place as a "prison" and expressing strong dissatisfaction with the surrounding HOA or access limitations - appears in a minority of reviews, reminding readers that for all the warmth and praise, the Hollybrook experience is not without its tensions for some residents and visitors.

Beyond the course and facilities, several reviewers emphasize the intangible factors that elevate Hollybrook: a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and a genuine sense that the course, staff, and members care about the experience. The feedback about the pro shop and maintenance crews is consistently positive, with many noting the kindness, professionalism, and knowledge of staff members who contribute to a smooth, friendly day on the course. The social dimension also stands out, with reviewers mentioning great hospitality from the restaurant staff, a friendly club culture, and a sense that Hollybrook can feel like a home course for many who return season after season. For those who value a combination of quality conditions and a strong, community-oriented vibe, Hollybrook presents itself as a premier option in the South Florida golf landscape.

Amid the overwhelmingly positive tone, a few caveats deserve mention for a balanced view. Some reviews touch on the occasional need to manage expectations about pace in busy seasons, the practice of punching greens at certain times, and the occasional trade-off between a private-feel, winter-only status and public access during the rest of the year. One reviewer noted a logistical or safety concern about some holes being too close to busy streets, which can affect comfort for certain players. A small number of comments also point to personal experiences that were less favorable, including frustration with certain dress-code enforcement or the sense that the club's private aspects can feel exclusive. In sum, for most visitors and many residents, Hollybrook stands out as a top-tier choice with exceptional conditioning, a thoughtful layout, comprehensive facilities, and a hospitality-first approach that makes it easy to understand why so many people return year after year.

Taken together, the reviews paint Hollybrook Golf Course as a premier South Florida destination that consistently delivers on the fundamentals: superb greens and fairways, a smart and enjoyable layout, and a well-rounded set of amenities that support a complete golf day. The winter-to-public transition adds a seasonal allure, inviting a broad audience to experience a course many describe as a rare find - something of a diamond in the rough that stands out not just for its conditioning, but for the overall experience, the staff's hospitality, and the sense that Hollybrook is more than just a place to play - it's a community and a day well spent. For players seeking a credible, high-quality round in a beautiful Florida setting, Hollybrook remains a top recommendation, with the caveats that pace can slow on busy days and that, like any private-to-public coastal course, the experience can vary with season and crowd.

This particular area of Pembroke Pines, Florida, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities suitable for senior living. With multiple cafes, pharmacies, restaurants, parks, transportation options, hospitals, theaters, physicians' offices, and places of worship within a short distance, residents can easily access essential services and recreational activities. The presence of reputable establishments such as Starbucks and CVS Pharmacy ensures convenience for daily needs. Furthermore, proximity to Memorial Hospital Pembroke and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital provides peace of mind in terms of healthcare accessibility. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded community environment that caters to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and well-connected living situation.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.9 miles)
• Habibi Hookah Lounge (6.9 miles)
• Starbucks (7.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Chuy's (1.3 miles)
• Denny's (1.7 miles)
• Mr Shrimp (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)

Parks

• River Run Park (1.1 miles)
• C.B. Smith Park (3.2 miles)
• Scott Park (5.1 miles)
• Towngate Park (5.1 miles)
• Spring valley (6.1 miles)
• Palm Springs North Park (6.2 miles)
• Topeekeegee Yugnee Park (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• North Perry Airport of Broward County (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Memorial Hospital Pembroke (2.3 miles)
• Memorial Hospital West (2.8 miles)
• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital (5.6 miles)
• UM/Sylvester Clinics At Plantation (7.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Pembroke Lake 9 (2.6 miles)
• Cinemark (5.9 miles)

Physicians

• Taft Building (3.1 miles)
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Center, P.A. (5.5 miles)
• Stark Vision Hollywood Oakwood Plaza (7 miles)
• Miami Cancer Institute | Plantation (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ the Rock Community Church (3.4 miles)
• Temple Beth Emet (5 miles)
• Mother Of Our Redeemer Catholic Church (6.1 miles)