Located on the campus of the University of North Florida, the Hayt Golf Learning Center (also known as the UNF Golfplex, or simply the Golfplex) is comprised of a small course and practice area. Built in 2002, the Golfplex has four holes with five configurations (more on that later), a lighted driving range with covered lesson area, a putting green and a chipping green with greenside bunker. The Golfplex is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Layout
This is a nice starting hole, playing between 137 to 192 yards, with the red tees coming in at 85. The green is protected from both the right and left by two large bunkers, giving the golfer a narrow path between the them to run it up if needed. Accuracy is at a premium on this hole.
Hole 2
This is a nice, short par three, playing from 120 to 160 yards in length. The forward tees are 85 yards again. This hole is open from the left, with a shallow bunker guarding the right side of the green. A good miss here is short left, with a wide open chip shot. Anything long will be difficult, as the mounding at the back of the green runs straight down into the vegetation close behind.
This can prove to be a tough tee shot because of the angle involved, depending upon which tee you choose to hit from. The distance runs from 280 yards from the red tees, to 448 at the tips. You definitely want to favor the right side with your drive, as the fairway has a slight dogleg back to the left. This will leave you with a nice approach to the green. There is a large pond and swampy vegetation protecting the front right, though there is some room to land short of the green and still be safe. If your tee shot was short or too far to the left, you will be forced to draw your approach around a stand of trees on the left.
Hole 3b
From the same set of tees, the hole can be played as a very slight dogleg to the right. Played as a par five, the hole has yardages ranging from 368 all the way to 520 for the long hitters. There is a fairway bunker down the right side, but longer shots will clear this. A good drive will leave you 200 yards out. The large pond is now on your left, but largely out of play. Take your favorite hybrid and have a go at the green. You want to be accurate though, as short and a bit off will leave you in either of the two deep bunkers that flank each side of the green. Anything long, and you might just be in rattlesnake territory.
Using the par five's green, a set of tees to the right of 3b's fairway range from 120 to 180 yards in length, running the gamut from short, middle and long irons is so desired. From this angle, the bunker on the right is problematic, though if you're lucky a short shot could squeeze through the narrow opening and onto the green.
Condition
Scenery
Here, I must say that the course rates slightly above average. Though there aren't any breathtaking views or memorable island greens, the well maintained course in a nature sanctuary setting is very pleasant to behold. First, unlike many of today's courses, there aren't any houses built upon the property. Even though the trail between the first two holes closely parallels a highway, you feel very much ensconced within a preserve. Also, there is a nice mix of vegetation ranging from saw palmettoes and marshy grasses, to a mix of pine, oak, southern magnolia and sabal palms. Butterflies and a brown rabbit were seen on this trip, and it's not unusual to spot the rare whitetail deer on campus from time to time. Snags (stands of dead trees) provide an excellent home for bats, owls and woodpeckers.
Service
I'm always greeted by a smiling face, and this time was no different. On a past trip, I had a putter and a few other clubs regripped, and this was done expertly and quickly with a good price to boot.
Amenities
The "clubhouse" is very basic, with a small shop and snack area. As a learning center on a university campus, this is very spartan and functional, as it should be. You won't be enjoying a cigar and a game of cards here, but it gets the job done.
Value
The prices are excellent, costing $10 for unlimited play. Range balls are affordable to, and many packages exist combining play and practice facilities. I would also recommend a pull cart if you don't have a stand/carry bag, as the walk between holes 1 and two, and from 4 back to 1 can be quite a trek. Carts are available for $3. When you factor in the excellent condition and the fact that the course is generally not very crowded, the Golfplex offers exceptional value.
Overall
The Golfplex combines a varied practice experience in a natural setting, with nice conditions and very good value. It's a great place to head to when you need a change of pace and some relaxed practice time.
For more information:
http://www.thegolfplex.com/home
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