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.
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.
Events
Events
Monday, Nov. 4
Hillsborough County Fair | Saturday, Nov. 4-Monday, Nov. 11 | Times vary | Hillsborough County Fairgrounds | $3+ | Celebrate fall at the fair, with a cowboy circus, a Paul Bunyan lumberjack show, fair eats, and rides galore.
“We Live In Time” | Saturday, Nov. 4-Thursday, Nov. 7 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre | $10+ | Catch a showing of the new romantic flick starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Free Tuesday | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Glazer Children’s Museum | Free | Bring the whole family free of charge to explore the downtown museum’s interactive exhibits + educational activities.
History Hangout: “Historic Hairstyle & Fashion” | 4-5 p.m. | The James Museum, St. Petersburg | $10 | Learn about the history of hairstyles and fashion, and their roles within Indigenous cultures.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Made in MARKET: Pizza Making Class | 5-6:30 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION | $65 | Take the first step toward becoming a pizza-making magician as culinary experts guide you through the techniques + processes.
Cyndi Lauper | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $26+ | If you “Want to Have Fun,” head to downtown Tampa for the iconic singer-songwriter’s farewell tour.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen has officially formed in the Caribbean Sea, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to strengthen as it approaches Cuba, with officials projecting hurricane formation in the coming days. There’s no threat to Tampa Bay per yesterday’s 4 p.m. advisory. (WTSP)
Civic
Tomorrow is Election Day, but you can still cast your vote early in Pinellas County today. Officials extended the early voting period after damage sustained during Helene + Milton. In Hillsborough County, tomorrow’s your last chance.
Number
$75 million. That’s the estimated cost of damage to St. Pete’s public infrastructure caused by Helene + Milton, according to city officials. Of that amount, roughly two-thirds is attributed to the harm done to Tropicana Field. (WTSP)
Real Estate
Despite recent damage to coastal properties, a Pass-A-Grille home just sold for $8 million. The luxurious property boasts ~5,000 sqft, a movie theater, and unencumbered Gulf of Mexico views. Plus, the buyer got a $500,000 discount. Bargain. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Try This
Did you see the viral Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York City? Well, Tampa is now following suit, and will host a similar event at Curtis Hixon Park on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Maybe he’ll show up again. (NYT + That’s So Tampa)
Listen
The Bucs are playing the Super Bowl champs tonight. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
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Wake up and smell the turkey — Thanksgiving is a few weeks away.
I love this time of year. With all the distractions of the fast-paced modern world we live in, it sure can be easy to forget the things we are grateful for. In my opinion, life is better when you take a moment to smell the roses, jump in a puddle, and pause while the sun is setting.
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