I have been patient regarding my Google review for Spruce. Just so everyone who decides to read a review - I did not take what is needed to be conveyed lightly. In a nutshell - there are members here who, like guests, feel like outcasts because if you are not a pilot then you are looked down upon by many circles there. They have a product issue and a brand issue.
It is my concerted view, as a member of the Florida State Golf Association (FSGA), the course is lagging behind its competitors in a considerable way.
Here is a tick list:
- Maintenance issues with mechanical equipment including & not limited to fairway equipment and greens equipment where we have either witnessed hydraulic leaks throughout the back 9 a few weeks ago or scalding issues on the greens (i.e. on 8, 9 & #12).
- The majority of tee boxes (#3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #9, and #13) are the really bad tee boxes.
- There are hundreds of thin or bare lies throughout the golf course in part because of staff subject-matter knowledge issues, equipment issues, or just simply due to little to no grass around approach shots and chipping areas.
As of right now, the Spruce Creek golf course is not in the condition needed for practice rounds or competitive play for each of the following reasons:
(1) The bunkers are thin and unreliable in comparison to many other courses in the local area and within a 90 minute travel radius. Also, they are not in a condition for competitive play.
(2) The greens, despite the tine needles being used for aeration purposes, are inconsistent on the stimp meter across the majority of the greens and are not even rolling at an 8. As a current member of the Golf committee, it fails to meet competitive standards.
(3) I participated in the Beat the Heat tournament on July 3rd, 2024. On my 36th & final hole of the day, I had the pleasure of having to get a Irrigation Water shower on the 9th green. The President of the Board clearly does not know how to apologize for issues related to something as simple as an irrigation system turning on at 7 PM in the summer.
Finally - in the last three months, I have also witnessed each of the following at the Spruce Creek facilities:
(1) golf carts breaking down
(2) a leak in the membership coordinators office
(3) a broken window near the entrance of the Prop and Fore which was not closed off & was in that condition for at least 6 weeks
(4) the air conditioning not working in the pro shop at least twice
(5) a promotion of a tiki bar that looks like nothing more than a sliding glass window
(6) a general attitude among those who have members over there & certain staff who clearly do not like feedback or maintain professional boundaries
Finally, the Prop and Fore Restaurant: it is fair to say the restaurant is not a place anyone who cares about protecting your health should go to and enjoy. I had to learn this week there were 32 food & health violations including raw meat issues since November 2023 & for those who are members or are guests, many of us were NEVER notified by the Board of Governors of the high priority, intermediate & basic violations according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The lack of transparency by the Board of Governors in reference to the Prop and Fore Restaurant of which provides catering service for events including weddings is not only a problem but the BOG violated the Florida Sunshine Laws for not disclosing such violations dating back to November 2023. Let this sink in.
If these guys are unwilling to disclose the spot inspections from the State of Florida then what else will they not disclose. The BOG & certain staff do not know how to be transparent.
They may backtrack going forward but the fact the Spruce Creek Country Club does not know how to be transparent as of this updated review regarding these violations at their restaurant and have all of the issues they have with the deteriorated golf course conditions then it is more than appropriate to say that they really cater to residents of the Fly-In especially pilots or retired pilots. read more
