Overall, I'd have to say, I was extremely underwhelmed with my experience at Trump National Doral. With that being said, there were some positive aspects of my time there and I'll start with those...
As anyone would expect at a Trump-owned property, opulence was in abundance. One feels as if he/she is walking into the Taj Mahal when entering the hotel lobby. The course itself was in immaculate condition but is, in no way, worth the $400 green fee (or 4-hour drive from Orlando). And this brings me to the negative facets of Trump National Doral.
If you just want to play on a course you've seen the professionals play on television, by all means, book a tee time at Doral Blue Monster. As an avid golfer and one that has played many courses frequented by the PGA Tour, The Blue Monster course was very underwhelming. Although plenty difficult, the layout is boring and feels like almost any other resort golf course in Florida.
While we coughed up $25.00 per person for the caddie, he was not all that helpful to our experience. Rather then walking to our landing area to watch where the tee shots would end up, he walked 100-159 yards into the fairway and attempted to watch your ball flights through a rangefinder. One particular shot went into the tree area... Instead of walking to help look for the ball, the caddie remained on the green simply stating that the player did not get a favorable bounce. No yardage measurement or attempt to locate the ball so the player could play it (which he eventually found on his own!). Most offensive, the caddie chose to interject his political beliefs while waiting on the 18th hole! While we expressed a preference not to discuss the election, the caddy continued on about the Presidential Election and how anyone could possibly vote for his candidates opponent.
Still, if these had been my only issues with the property, I would have been quite pleased with my experience had it not been for the greediness of the hotel, charging guests more money at seemingly every turn.
The Sunday morning tee time had a price tag of nearly $400. When we went in the pro shop to check in, we were charged a $25 forecaddie fee (in addition to the suggested $25 gratuity for the caddie). I've played many courses that require the use of a forecaddie and I've never been charged a fee by the course. The merchandise in the shop and the beverages in the bar were, of course overpriced - $120 shirts and $5 gatorades. Upon completion of the round I walked to grab my car from valet where I was informed that despite a $400 round price tag, I was informed that I would be charged an additional $20.00 for the valet. While you would think maybe self parking was complimentary, no it's $5.00 per hour!
Needless to say, we were quite unimpressed with the experience at Trump National Doral. read more