I got the opportunity to play this private club on a crisp, cool, sunny March day. The pro said the greens were measured by a stimpmeter the day before we played at 14.1. On the PGA tour, fast greens are 10.5. So these greens were much faster than the pros are used to. Think putting on your garage floor! If you are a true golfer, this is a must play course read more

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We came for a golf scramble that included a continental breakfast and lunch. The clubhouse is beautiful. The Quarry course was in excellent shape. We had such a good time playing this unique Florida course, famous for its elevation and challenging holes. read more

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This course has VIEWS. A beautiful layout, very challenging. It is certainly one for the books read more

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I recently had the chance to play the newly renovated Ranch Course at Black Diamond Ranch, and I can honestly say it's one of the most unique and enjoyable private courses I've played in Florida. Let's be clear: this is not your typical flat Florida layout. Instead, you're greeted with dramatic elevation changes, strategic shot-making opportunities, and incredible conditions. The course just went through a complete renovation by Tripp Davis & Associates, and the improvements are noticeable from the very first tee. They re-grassed the entire course with TifTuf Bermuda in the fairways and rough, and TifEagle Bermuda on the greens. The greens are absolutely massive and with new grass the greens are firm, fast and roll true as could be. The size of the greens allow for some creative pin locations and makes the golfer use every shot in their bag to access some of the tucked pins. The bunker work might be my favorite change. They took out a lot of the old bunkers that really only hurt the average golfer, and kept the ones that matter for better player. The new zoysia edges and improved drainage mean the bunkers stay in great shape and add a lot visually. Another big plus is the new teeing options. With five sets of tees plus the ability to mix and match, this course has it all. Whether you want to play a friendly round or a championship-level test, the Ranch can be set up exactly how you want it. Hole 16, a 600-yard par 5, really stuck with me. The split fairway in the layup zone forces you to pick your line carefully, and the view looking back from the green, framed by a giant oak tree, was one of those "stop and admire" moments. Followed up with a massive 255-yard par 3 playing severely downhill that uses the natural landscape perfectly, its a great finishing stretch. The course was in elite shape, especially considering the severe drought Central Florida has been facing. Many local courses have been struggling without rainfall, but the Ranch was one of the better courses I've seen in months. Hats off to the superintendent and the maintenance crew. Lastly, I have to mention the hospitality. From the second I stepped out of my car, I was greeted with a smile and a "Welcome to your new favorite golf course in Florida." The head pro personally welcomed us, gave us a tour of the practice facilities, and made sure we felt at home. It's rare to see that level of personal attention these days, and it really capped off an already incredible day. If you ever get the chance to play the Ranch Course at Black Diamond Ranch, don't pass it up. Between the top-tier design work, great conditions, and world-class service, it's a golf experience you won't forget. read more

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Really disappointed with this place. How can people who work at a course in the middle of nowhere be so rude. Wanted to look into becoming a member but not anymore! Nice job at treating prospective members poorly resulting in missing out on our business. Will not attempt to try to visit again. read more

The golf courses are fun with some breathtaking views! Greens were rolling alright, rough is extremely challenging. Vince and Cherri in the pro shop, absolute gems! If I could give the employees within BDR 5 stars, I would. Cherri helped our group of 12 plan an awesome trip, and Vince made sure we felt welcomed... Now to the absolute worst part of this whole golf property and trip...the MEMBERS. I've never felt less welcomed at a golf club in my life. We had a few run ins with members and they're all rude, condescending and make you feel like your $2,000 ($24,000 from the group) for 4 rounds and a 3 night stay means nothing. They definitely don't want outsiders in their neighborhood and they make it known. We were playing an afternoon round yesterday, we were next to a green and a member (playing by himself) rolled by, looked at us and said "Fucking assholes." We know golf etiquette, we were going to let him play through but apparently he was more worried with staying on brand with the inhospitable nature of everyone in the neighborhood. I would love to play the courses again, but the members made sure we never add BDR to our annual golf trip list again. read more

This is the first and only negative review I've given in my life. Save your time, energy and money. Unless you want to drive to the middle of nowhere to play a mediocre golf course with 4 nice holes, staffed by the rudest and most inhospitable people you will ever have the misfortune of meeting led by a smug "pro" named Jared. Time has forgotten this once great club, and you should too! The facilities are as old, dirty and out of date as the mindset of the incompetent management running the place. These people do not want nor do they deserve your business. You will get far better treatment at your local muni. read more

Our yearly group golf trip took us to Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, FL There was good and bad to this trip. I'll start with the good. Pro's - Amazing golf courses, both in fantastic shape. The Quarry - Famous for holes 13-17 with breathtaking views. Layout was challenging, greens were lightning fast and difficult to read. I strongly suggest buying the yardage book or your day will be filled with 3-4 putts. The Ranch - Great layout filled with rolling fairways full of different elevations. Greens were also in fantastic shape and running 13's. Putting challenges your mind. What you see as a severe downhill slope is actually uphill. No yardage book available so download one online. Both courses do not disappoint and are must plays. Staff was nice and tried to be accomadating after their scheduling errors. Surprisingly (maybe not), courses weren't getting much play so we played pretty quick rounds. Practice facility is nice. Range, chipping area and putting green. Clubhouse was nice. Full locker room, pro shop and bar/restaurant. Our server Elaina was great. She took care of us all 4 days. Now for the Con's and why I gave it 3 Stars. You can see that in order to continue keeping these courses in immaculate shape they need more play. They have to decide to either keep it strictly private or if they are going to have it for open play, learn how to juggle tee times with guests and members. The members. This is a sleepy town so I guess the members feel they are the high and mighty. Very unwelcoming and rude. They need to learn how to live and laugh. Bunch of stiffs. Apparently it's against member rules to smile and enjoy your time amongst friends. They are the typical people that give golf a bad rap. They want to act as elitists at a course in the middle of nowhere. We received unwelcoming stares all four days we were there. Scheduling - I don't know if it was the fault of their rep that put the trip together for us or miscommunication with her and the pro shop. We received confirmation well in advance of our tee times and what courses we would be playing. Ranch, Quarry, Ranch and finishing up at Quarry. We get there and they had something different. This had us scrambling and changing our game format but we figured it out. Day 2- What was told to us were the course revisions were changed again and unacceptable. After a firm discussion we were accommodated on the scheduled course by starting on the back 9, which we were good with. At the end it worked out and we played two great courses for four days and received a complimentary replay for their mixup. Housing - we were a group of 12. They put us in rental properties that were pretty spread out and not close to each other which kind of killed the after golf group vibe. I strongly suggest asking and requiring adjoining properties. . It's in the middle of nowhere. Expect a 30 minute drive or more to find decent restaurants or bars. Overall I'm glad we chose and played at Black Diamond. Courses make it a must to play but the action of the members make it a been there done that experience. As a group we don't see ourselves coming back. read more

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. read more

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My husband and I are so pleased we chose Black Diamond Ranch for our recent wedding! Chris Orr, Director of Event Sales, oversaw our fun country-club casual outdoor ceremony and reception. The Southern-themed food prepared by Chef Sean Hamilton was divine, and Chris guided us to choice beverages for our guests. Chris and Chef aren't the only ones who deserve accolades -- Brittany, Cherri, Cassandra and many other staff members made the experience flow easily from the initial planning stages through the day of our wedding. I've already recommended Black Diamond to other prospective brides. read more

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. read more

I don't know where to start except to say that if you are a golfer, the Black Diamond Stay and Play is a MUST DO! Firstly, Cherri, is the Director was an amazing organizer and host. She communicated greatly and crossed all the T's and dotted all the I's...every little detail was taken care of. Even upon arrival, although I'm sure this wasn't part of the services included in our golf package, Cherri even offered to make our group reservations at the nicest restaurant in town. She was amazing! Now on to the golf courses...if you haven't played either of the Black Diamond courses (they have two 18 hole and a 9 hole layouts), you are depriving yourself of two spectacular tracks. The Quarry Course is the most often talked about of the two layouts due to the 6 holes carved out of an old limestone quarry...truly spectacular! I've played this course at least a half a dozen times previously and still am amazed every time I play it. This was the first time I played the Ranch Course and it was amazing as well. To warp this up, thank you Cherri for being a fantastic host and thanks to the staff of Black Diamond who were awesome as well. YOU MUST PLAY HERE! read more

If you are looking for a community that is more than manicured greens, then I suggest you continue your search. Neighbors and employees are not friendly if you are not a member of their golf club. Neighborhoods are not kid friendly. read more