Trying to lift or scoop the ball

  • Newbies often think they need to get under the ball to get it into the air using a scooping motion. This is awful and it’s one of those things that has to be pointed out to you. It causes a list of errors including fat, thin, and topped shots. It also causes dramatic losses in power and consistency.
  • Why Does this Happen? It’s simple. The ball is on the ground, one thinks they have to lift it to get into the air.
  • The Fix: Hit the ball first, trust the clubs loft to do the rest.

Poor Setup (Grip, Posture, Alignment, Ball Position)

  • Many people’s swings are doomed before the even move the club. Grip is too weak causing a slice, standing too close to the ball, standing too far, ball in the wrong part of your stance. It’s why the first thing you learn in a golf lesson is grip and stance.
  • Why does it happen? Because swinging a golf club and hitting a ball that doesn’t move seems easy and intuitive. But golf is freakin’ hard.
  • The Fix: It’s actually quite easy. Be a stickler of the fundamentals while practicing. There’s no rush on the range, make sure your grip and position are correct.

Over the top swing path (Slice City, USA)

  • The downswing comes from outside-in, cutting across the ball. This is the #1 ball-flight killer for beginners. It is death. More deadly than every disease that’s ever existed or war that’s been fought. Napalm has brought less destruction and death.
  • Why it Happens? Often from poor sequencing, upper body/arms starting down before the lower body, or an inside takeaway that forces compensation.
  • The Fix: Feel the club dropping “inside” on the downswing (shallow the path). Drills like alignment stick on the ground or “pump” swings help groove an inside out path. Start the downswing with the lower body/hips.

Bad course management and club selection

  • Not gonna lie, I’m a culprit of this. Beginners, in general, tend to swing too hard, or don’t account for hazards. They also find themselves afraid to club up because they’ll overshoot the green which leads to them often coming up short of the green, especially on par 3s.
  • Why it happens? Because you’re new to the game and there’s already so much in your head before you even tee up the ball
  • The Fix: Play within yourself. Use your clubs average distance, not it’s farthest. Avoid trouble when you can, don’t hit hero shots toward hazards (easier said then done).

Neglecting the short game

  • Chips, pitches, putts are roughly 50%+  of shot’s in any given round. Half of your practice if not more should be dedicated to shot’s 50 yards and in. This is where you’ll see strokes disappear from your score card.
  • There really is no why it happens or fix for this, other than you stink at putting because you don’t practice it enough and you fix it by practicing more.

Innisbrook Resort is a premier Florida golf destination spread across 900 acres of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and pine-lined fairways in Palm Harbor, just north of Tampa. It’s home to four championship courses designed by Larry Packard, including the legendary Copperhead, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Think challenging layouts, stunning scenery, and that classic resort vibe with pools, spa, and endless activities.

Quick Facts

  • Four championship courses: Copperhead, Island, North, and South totaling over 23,000 yards of golf
  • Rolling terrain and elevation: Rare for Florida, with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and bunkers galore
  • Year-round play: Mild winters (perfect escape), great conditions spring/fall; summer mornings for deals
  • PGA TOUR pedigree: Copperhead ranked among the toughest on tour (7th toughest in recent years)
  • Stay-and-play heaven: Packages include unlimited practice, breakfast, and priority tee times

Perfect For

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days (36 holes easy), post-golf steaks at Packard’s, high-stakes Snake Pit bets, and Tampa-area nightlife or cigars
  • Families: Massive pools, Salamander Spa, kids’ programs, tennis, mini-golf; forgiving options on North/South courses for all levels

Top Standout Courses

Copperhead Course

The star, host of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Tree-lined, demanding ball-striking test with elevation changes and the famous “Snake Pit” finish (holes 16-18) where tournaments are won and lost. Over 7,200 yards of pure challenge and drama.

Island Course

Often called equally or more challenging than Copperhead, with tight fairways, intimidating water, bunkers everywhere, and huge elevation shifts. Ranked among top resort courses by Golf Digest; stunning finishing hole that’s one of Florida’s most photographed.

South Course

Classic parkland style with rolling hills, lakes, and strategic play — more forgiving than Copperhead/Island but still a solid test. Great for groups or building confidence before tackling the big ones.

North Course

Shorter and scenic at around 6,000 yards with interesting holes and beautiful views. Ideal for a relaxed round or family play while still feeling like championship golf.

Stay-and-Play Options

  • Innisbrook Resort on-site: Spacious rooms, suites, condos, multiple pools, Salamander Spa, restaurants (Packard’s Steakhouse a highlight), and direct course access
  • Classic package (one round per night) or Platinum package (up to 36 holes/day including Copperhead) include breakfast, merch credit, and unlimited practice

All Key Innisbrook Golf Highlights

  • Copperhead Course (Valspar Championship host)
  • Island Course (top-rated resort gem)
  • South Course (parkland classic)
  • North Course (scenic and playable)
  • 10-acre practice facility and golf instruction

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via innisbrookgolfresort.com or specialists including Copperhead upgrades
  • Fly into Tampa International (TPA), just 20-30 minutes away
  • Pair golf with Florida favorites: fresh seafood, Tampa craft beer scene, beaches, or the Valspar Championship in March
  • Tee times booked via resort; pick forward tees on Copperhead unless ready for the tour-level challenge

Time to slither through the Snake Pit and chase birdies on Florida’s rolling hills. Innisbrook is calling your reset.