Baytree Golf Club

Winter Haven, Florida
Part 1

by Anthony Scaggs

"We want the Baytree Golf Course to be the best value in the area," stated Charlie Bisignano, the PGA Professional for Baytree Golf Club.

This is Bisignano's goal, who was bitten hard by the golf bug in college. As a recreational college golfer, he was playing round after round with his classmates when he realized that this was his love, his ambition, his career. His career as a PGA Professional started in 1978. He joined the Baytree Golf Club several years ago.

In February 2001, the owners and Bisignano set the club in a new direction. It was opened to the public, making it semi-private. With the Cleveland Indian's spring training camp located in the area attracts thousands of tourists, the demand is there. Also the growing number of retirees as well as the increasing number of Snow Birds who arrive between November and April all played a part in this decision.

Bisignano likes being a semi-private facility and serving a growing golf community. He believes that they will attract new golfers with the practice facility, professional instruction, tournaments, special events and the Baytree Golf Leagues.

The six main events for Baytree occur during Spring Break, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day. In September, 2001, Bisignano initiated the First Annual Baytree Ryder Cup Tournament to end the summer season. The event consists of four rounds in the Ryder Cup format. Furthermore, combining the practice facility and golf events with the superintendent Shaun Murphy's rebuilding of greens, expanding tee boxes and clearing the underbrush in the wooded areas, Bisignano intends to enhance the golfer's experience and increase the variety of play.

Jim Carson, Chris Coscia and Dave Weber are regulars at the Baytree Golf Club. "We play at least once a week. We like the combination of wide open spaces and tight spots. There are trees and plenty of water to keep you honest."

On the front 9, water comes into play on holes #1, 2, 6 and 9. The 4th hole is a prime example of the trees coming in play.

From the gold tees, the 4th hole is a 325 yard, par 4. What #4 lacks in distance, it more than makes up in course management and accuracy. The postage stamp green of this hard dog-leg left is tucked under the trees and protected by a deep, front left bunker. The smart play is a long iron or fairway wood just past the trees on the left then a wedge or short iron onto the green.