In its heyday, La Cita Country Club set the standard for country clubs on Florida’s Space Coast. When its doors opened in 1985, this landmark country club attracted some of the region’s most influential golfers and socialites; not just from the immediate area, as most new clubs tend to do, but from as far as Orlando, Palm Beach and Jacksonville.
The course is a traditional blend of manicured turf, decorative landscapes, and native woodlands. Mature trees line many of the fairways and water comes into play on 14 holes. Break out the bird watcher’s guide as you make your way around; you’re bound to encounter white egrets, sand hill cranes, ospreys, hawks, and even the occasional eagle.
La Cita is definitely not your typical Florida golf course[.] In fact, it’s very challenging no matter which set of tees you play. The course takes full advantage of the surrounding topography; in addition to the lakes and woods, you’ll encounter small hills and slight elevation changes, something not common in this part of the state. For the most part, the greens are small and elevated. They tend to run on the fast side and roll true, which only adds to the excitement.
A full complement of practice facilities — including a driving and chipping range — are at your disposal. There’s also a large practice putting green in front of the clubhouse. The range maxes out around 200 yards, so most players won’t be able to hit driver.
Plenty of doglegs and mature oak trees with overhanging branches will challenge your accuracy, especially off the tee. Your accuracy is greatly rewarded on approach shots as well, because many of the greens are very small and crowned.
After your round, be sure to stop by the clubhouse for a cold beverage and some great food. The well-stocked bar has all your favorite libations, as well as several domestic and craft brews on tap and a respectable wine list. Seasonal menus authored by executive chef Daro Chan can be enjoyed for lunch and dinner, as well as a for Sunday brunch. Chan was lured to La Cita last fall from Indian River Preserve, a nearby public course. His regional reputation is formidable, and his culinary range impressive.
One of the menu selections that piqued my palate was the Pot Roast Poutine: tender braised prime rib tips and cheese curds in a rich, brown gravy. At the time of this writing, it was available for both lunch and dinner. Another interesting option is the Salmon BLT: poached, flaked salmon, bacon and Swiss cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla with lettuce, vine-ripe tomato and lemon-dill mayonnaise.
Until only a few years ago, the club was in decline; despite the previous owners’ good intentions, appearances were not being kept up. In December 2016, the property was purchased by Vivian Dimond, an influential and highly respected South Florida real estate developer and investor who is also a famously gracious hostess. She immediately set out to restore La Cita to its former glory, from the clubhouse to the greens, where a new irrigation system was immediately installed, and a fleet of new golf carts purchased. Granted, the work continues, but conditions are improving on a daily basis, particularly on the golf course.
In addition to the Stay-and-Play component and member-for-a-day specials, La Cita currently offers some great golf membership opportunities. The Unlimited Membership includes unlimited access to the golf course, driving rage, tennis and racquetball courts, swimming pool, athletic club and clubhouse. Corporate memberships are also available. Snowbirds will appreciate the seasonal membership, which can be purchased with or without golf cart privileges. (All memberships have a low monthly food and beverage minimum.)
As La Cita puts members and guests first, and completes its renovations, this once-famous course should regain its place of prominence on the Space Coast. My advice: Play this course while you can; once restoration is complete, getting a tee time will be tough.
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