Ironwood Golf Course
Ironwood Golf Course in Gainesville offers an approachable 18-hole public layout set within Florida’s parkland terrain. While course conditions fluctuate, its natural setting and straightforward design provide accessible golf for players looking to enjoy a relaxed round.
Course Overview
Ironwood Golf Course presents an 18-hole public layout in Gainesville, Florida, offering an experience marked by its natural surroundings and straightforward design. Situated at 2100 NE 39th Ave, Ironwood stretches over a modest yardage that caters primarily to golfers seeking accessible play rather than a rigorous championship challenge. The course’s flat terrain and tree-lined fairways reflect a traditional parkland style common in the region, with nature as both backdrop and occasional obstacle.
Players approaching Ironwood should expect a course where the scenery draws attention, though maintenance and course conditions remain a notable concern. Fairways hold up reasonably well under Florida’s seasonal pressures, but the putting surfaces have drawn criticism for their unevenness, worn patches, and inconsistent roll. These challenges affect pace of play and require adaptability from golfers who prioritize smooth greens.
Ironwood’s layout is straightforward, with par set at 72 across its 18 holes. The holes themselves offer a mixture of lengths that welcome players of various skill levels. While the course lacks extreme elevation changes or intricate bunkering, the positioning of trees and native vegetation demands strategic tee placements and accurate approaches. Winds off the nearby forest edges can subtly influence shot trajectory, adding a layer of nuance to the play.
Facilities at Ironwood reflect a modest, community-focused operation. The pro shop remains welcoming, staffed with knowledgeable personnel, though food and beverage services are limited, requiring visitors to plan accordingly. Golf carts are available but walking is an option on gentle terrain, with soft ground conditions making comfortable footwear a practical choice.
For those preparing a visit, it’s important to set expectations around the course’s condition and amenities. Ironwood provides a viable venue for casual rounds and practice, but serious competitors may find the course’s current state less satisfying. The natural setting, however, contributes a peaceful atmosphere where golfers can engage with the game without distraction. Ideal for local players and newcomers, Ironwood Golf Course invites those looking for affordable play amid Gainesville’s green spaces.
Course Highlights
Ironwood features a classic Florida parkland layout framed by mature trees and natural vegetation. The course emphasizes straightforward shot-making with tree-lined fairways and subtle wind influences from nearby woodlands. While greens currently face maintenance challenges, the design retains a community-oriented appeal and accessible yardage suitable for a broad range of players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Rob Cliff
Im giving two stars due to the fairways, but the most important area - the greens- are horrible, this is a problem that been having going on for years, play this week and I mean they are so bad shape that one or two are only dirt; now, why do not invest on redoing the greens for once and for all.
John Harden
Can't speak for how it used to be. I guess they had water issues which is unfortunate. Worst greens I've ever seen. They are none existent nothing green about them. Sand and hard dead grass
Fishing made Eazy
They need to put on there website they could care less about pace of play, or golf rules at all. Pace is a Joke. If you think about playing here make the extra 20 minute drive to ocala or further south.
Judy Fraser
Nicely laid out course obviously under major redevelopment. Greens were pretty rough but fairways were in good shape. The pro shop staff was very welcoming and friendly. We’d go back.
Mackenzie Carter
1 star given for the outdoor environment and nature atmosphere. All other aspects of the course are terrible. We had to wait past our tee time because a group of 6 was allowed before us. Not to mention the ranger, was very rude in the way he inspected the carts to ensure there were two sets of clubs in the cart, no coolers regardless of what beverages were inside. I respect the rules and plan to follow them accordingly however being polite and enforcing the rules is not his strong suit. Keep in mind there are no beverage carts on the course and the rules on the cart only say “no outside alcohol allowed”. He strictly and rudely enforced the rules. He still questioned my drink bought from the bar. The “greens” are more like dirt and patches of sand. At the first hole, the cup was 1/2 in above the ground. Ant mounds on the greens, bare spots on the fairway and we have only made it to the 3rd hole. No wonder this place is going out of business. We will not be returning here and suggest others visit Turkey Creek instead.
Jason Bressoud
Mackenzie Carter
1 star given for the outdoor environment and nature atmosphere. All other aspects of the course are terrible. We had to wait past our tee time because a group of 6 was allowed before us. Not to mention the ranger, was very rude in the way he inspected the carts to ensure there were two sets of clubs in the cart, no coolers regardless of what beverages were inside. I respect the rules and plan to follow them accordingly however being polite and enforcing the rules is not his strong suit. Keep in mind there are no beverage carts on the course and the rules on the cart only say “no outside alcohol allowed”. He strictly and rudely enforced the rules. He still questioned my drink bought from the bar. The “greens” are more like dirt and patches of sand. At the first hole, the cup was 1/2 in above the ground. Ant mounds on the greens, bare spots on the fairway and we have only made it to the 3rd hole. No wonder this place is going out of business. We will not be returning here and suggest others visit Turkey Creek instead.
Bryan VanBuren
Potential to be a really nice course, seems like a change in mgmt or something. Had a sign hanging in the Pro shop stating a top course... in 2008. Only 1 bathroom open had a washer/dryer machine in it? Other one was closed and under construction. No food, no drinks. So plan ahead. For the price you pay, you'd expect a lot more. The "greens" were unputtable. Golf cart seats had duct tape holding them together. Overall, if you are desperate you are still able to golf. But know what you are walking into.
G C
Update: Eric, The supervisor reached out and we spoke. I will come back a little later to try this course again. if you feel like a bunch of kids playing the sand trap while you’re trying to hit the ball, or random people literally hitting opposite direction of the tea while you’re trying to go to the tea, this is the place for you! The dude almost hit us with the ball and he just walked on by like it’s a normal thing. This place is an absolute dump. I don’t know why I I keep playing here. $43 a person for this!? the bar is even close. What a dump. I told one of the employees that works here. There’s a guy playing into people’s faces and he said yeah I guess the driving range is broken, and laughed.
Rob Cliff
Im giving two stars due to the fairways, but the most important area - the greens- are horrible, this is a problem that been having going on for years, play this week and I mean they are so bad shape that one or two are only dirt; now, why do not invest on redoing the greens for once and for all.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
2100 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
Ironwood Golf Course Pro Shop and Clubhouse
Walking encouraged on flat terrain; sturdy shoes advised given occasional soft or uneven ground.
Walk-ins welcome; tee times recommended during peak periods.
Nearby Courses
