Support Us Button Widget

The story of Tampa’s Babe Zaharias Golf Course

We’re taking a deeper look into one of Tampa’s public courses.

A golf flagstick on a green. There is sun in a partially cloudy sky above, water in the background, and trees surrounding the course.

The 8th hole has seen many a golf ball’s watery grave. | Photo via Babe Zaharias Golf Course

Tucked away within Tampa’s Forest Hills neighborhood, Babe Zaharias Golf Course has been a retreat for golfers of all abilities since it first opened its tree-laden doors in 1926.

Today, it’s one of three municipal courses operated by the City of Tampa, and has even been added to the Florida Historic Golf Trail — a collection of renowned courses across the Sunshine State. But how did we get here?

Early days

When it first opened, the course was known as Forest Hills Golf and Country Club. It was a stately facility, complete with riding stables and “a magnificent two-story clubhouse that included a ballroom.” There were 10 homes around the property — far fewer than today, where ~5,000 people reside.

In 1949, Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias bought the course. Zaharias was a generational athlete, winning two Olympic gold medals and one silver in track and field at the 1932 Games.

She took up golf after retiring from athletics, and won 10 LPGA tournaments. She was also the first woman to play on the men’s PGA Tour — a feat that took six decades to replicate.

Zaharias died of cancer in 1956. The grounds fell into disrepair following her death, and a mysterious fire burned the clubhouse down six years later.

Spanish Moss-laden trees on the golf course. The sun appears to be setting in the background, although the large trees obscure a lot of the view. Water in the background sits in front of a patch of grass, with sand traps and golf cart paths visible down a winding fairway.

A shot from the trees — a common sight in golf.

Photo via Babe Zaharias Golf Course

New life

The City of Tampa bought the property in the 1970s, renaming it in Zaharias’ honor. It was placed under the operation of the Tampa Sports Authority, who still look after it today.

Today, you’ll hear local golfers affectionately refer to it as “Babe,” and it remains among the most popular courses in the entire Tampa Bay area. Recently, a $1 million renovation saw new grass added to its greens, new bunkers installed, and a new putting green.

There’s also a litany of events, fundraisers, and special occasions filling the near-century old property with joy — and some occasional golf-induced anguish.

More from TBAYtoday
TBAYtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals they miss the most — and we think you’ll agree.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Tampa Bay?
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 12 farmers’ markets around TBAY.
Bookmark this list for when you don’t feel like cheffing it up for the holidays.
We’re checking in on where the Rays might play in 2026, the Bucs’ victorious run, and who’s playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
From inventive vaudeville-esque chamber shows to holiday classics, we’ve got you covered.
The deal still hinges on money from Pinellas County Commission.
After a multi-million dollar renovation, the improved MOSI facility will take the title of America’s second-largest digital dome planetarium.
Here’s what you need to know about debris removal and rebuilding
From lighted boat parades and outdoor holiday markets, we do winter a little differently around here.