TravelGolf.com On Campus: During ACC title game weekend, at least the quality of golf in Tampa is clear

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Each week this season, TravelGolf.com is highlighting a key college football matchup and looking at the golf options around the home team's campus. This Saturday in Tampa Boston College takes on Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. Here's a look at the golf courses in Tampa and the surrounding area, including TPC Tampa Bay, Pine Barrens and Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.

The Atlantic Coast Conference's magical mystery tour takes us to Tampa for the title game this Saturday.

We know the referees will at least be at Raymond James Stadium.

We know kickoff is at 1 p.m., leaving time for maybe nine holes at one of the finest golf courses in the Tampa Bay area.

We know the weather will be perfect, with high temperatures in the 70s.

We also know one question remained to be answered before turkey and stuffing was served:

Did anyone want to win the Coastal and Atlantic divisions and lay claim to their respective spots in the ACC Dr. Pepper Championship Game?

Going into Thanksgiving weekend, nobody knew what color to paint the end zones, which leads college football watchers to deem the league either very exciting or very mediocre. Four of the conference's 12 teams still had a shot, leaving fans in some limbo for tickets, travel plans and tee times.

Boston College and Virginia Tech finally prevailed, victories that should be viewed in much bigger terms - golf opportunities, that is - than the automatic berth in a Bowl Championship Series game that goes to the winner here Saturday.

Hey, it's Florida ... in December! In the ACC this year, unless you wore Duke or N.C. State colors, anything was possible, and this road trip should of been booked long ago, Dano. Still, it's never too late, and as a public service, here's a quick guide to a last-minute golf and college football weekend in Tampa town.

Golf in the Tampa area

Let's just say it will be much easier deciding where to play golf in the Tampa Bay area than trying to figure out this season's ACC champion. Indeed, you've got more options than most of the teams have in their playbooks.

An obvious choice: TPC Tampa Bay, one of the few daily-fee golf courses in the Tournament Players Club network, located about 20 minutes northwest of Tampa International Airport. It's one of the tougher layouts in the network, too, and has been a longtime host of the Outback Steakhouse Pro Am on the Champions Tour.

World Woods Golf Club might be a bit farther up the Veterans Memorial Expressway (about 50 minutes). But it's worth the trip to play two of Tom Fazio's best designs in Florida, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, which have been honored on just about every golf course list that exists.

Ditto for Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club across the bay in Palm Harbor, which boasts four courses. Innisbrook's Copperhead course ranks among the favorite stops for PGA Tour pros playing the Transitions Championship for Healthy Sight in March. The Island course has been the site for NCAA men's and women's championships and was recently lengthened to over 7,300 yards.

Locals always know the best deals, and one of their most popular layouts sits just down the road from Innisbrook. In fact, Lansbrook Golf Club shows its confidence as a public course with some spiffy pictures on its Web site, along with the slogan, "Plenty of Thrills Without Unnecessary Frills."

Westchase Golf Club in Tampa fills a similar role. Close to Raymond James Stadium, it would be the perfect place for a quick game-day loop before heading to that tailgate party.

The University of South Florida Bulls might play in the Big East Conference, but the school's golf course is good enough to take on all comers. Named for its signature 14th hole, The Claw at USF features narrow fairways and smaller than usual greens that demand accuracy.

By contrast, Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club's North Course and South Course have huge putting surfaces and spacious landing areas. Lake Jovita probably has the largest elevation changes in the state, including a 94-foot drop on No. 11, a straight, downhill par 5 tucked against a lake on the South layout, which was co-designed by Tom Lehman. The club also offers villas accommodations.

In the mood for some old school elegance? These two properties - the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club - have been doing it long enough to be listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Belleview Biltmore Golf Club is an authentic Donald Ross layout built in 1925 with a couple scenic holes along Clearwater Bay. Although only about 6,600 yards, the Vinoy's golf club underwent a fine restoration by architect Ron Garl and brings water into play on most holes.

Tampa dining, drinking

Aside from some great bars and restaurants at the above resorts, two stops must be made.

The legendary Bern's Steakhouse (www.bernssteakhouse.com) is known for its style and service, not to mention amazing steaks and a dessert room. The Colombia Restaurant (www.columbiarestaurant.com) has been serving its signature paella for over 100 years in nearby Ybor City, where you can stock up on hand-rolled cigars and sample other Latin American cuisine.

Several areas in and around downtown are good hangouts and can cater to most of your entertainment needs. Hyde Park is filled with shops and restaurants, International Plaza is an upscale mall near the airport and stadium, and Channelside fronts the water near the heart of downtown and has a some great seafood places.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.