Truly one of the most recognizable courses in America, Bay Hill is known as Arnold Palmer's winter home course. The original design, by Dick Wilson, dates back to 1961. However, it seems like they are always tinkering with the layout, making it better and tougher for today's pros. The course is most famous for its final three holes, but the other 15 are just as impressive. It's one of those layouts that can just jump up and grab you at anytime. Number six, for example, probably sees more X'...
This exciting new links course called for all of architect Steve Smyers' years of skill and ability in course design. The goal — to build a challenging test of golf, a pleasurable experience for all skill levels, a stern challenge for long hitters. As a reclaimed phosphate mine with few stands of native oaks, the original terrain was flat. The topography now features undulating fairways (six connected by winding bridges) and multi-tiered tees and greens, many surrounded by well- placed bunke...
Opened in 1996, Celebration is an upscale daily-fee resort course designed by the father & son team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr. The course exudes an atmosphere of beautiful tranquility and fun, challenging golf. The layout is protectively framed by borders of native trees and natural wetlands and speckled with clusters of native oaks, pine and magnolia trees. Featuring strategic hazards and challenging greens, this championship caliber course demands accurate approach shots and consistent...
4.5 stars and voted in the "Top 200 in North America for Service & Course Conditioning" in Golf Digest's "Places to Play" Ranked in "Top 50 Courses for Women," Golf For Women Magazine GolfWorld "Reader's Choice Award for Top 50 Public Golf Courses," ranked #24 in America, 2008
This world-class 36-hole facility, designed by Greg Norman, opened in the fall of 2000. Although Norman designed it as an "Australian links," the International was also clearly influenced by his British Open success and features a wild, windswept appearance. The fairways are peppered with devilish pot bunkers, making it a tough challenge to safely reach small, slick greens. At a stretch of over 7,300 yards, it has one of the highest course ratings in the state ~ truly unique, challenging, and m...
Home to the The Del Webb Father/ Son Challenge, 2005-2006 Voted 4.5 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play," 2007Honorable Mention in Golf Magazine's "Top 10 New Upscale Courses" for 2001 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll, "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in 2006
Greg Norman has designed the National as a classic American-style layout that rolls gently through 200 acres of southern woodlands and wetlands. The layout's key trait is diversity with wall-to-wall fairway bunkers running up along holes 12 through 16, three double doglegs, a massive double-green shared by the fourth and 16th holes, and a sunken fairway on the seventh. Impeccably maintained, the National boasts a pristine, natural golf experience without bordering homes or developments. Enjoy an...
Home to the The Del Webb Father/ Son Challenge Voted 4.5 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play," 2007Awarded Honorable Mention in Golf Magazine's "Top 10 New Upscale Courses" for 2001 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Poll, "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in 2006
Designed by the Clifton, Ezell & Clifton Golf Group in 1991, this interesting layout offers a formidable challenge for the accomplished player as well as an enjoyable round for the recreational golfer. Water comes into play on 14 holes on this picturesque course, framed by magnificent oaks and pines. The course's rather small, raised greens offer fair but demanding targets. Located in scenic, rural Mt. Dora, approximately 35-40 minutes northwest of downtown Orlando.
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Located on Orlando's north side in DeBary, this challenging course was designed by the golf design team of Clifton, Ezell and Clifton and is part of a vibrant semi-private country club community. Most holes are set away from the community by a buffer zone of dense woods and vegetation. The setting is more reminiscent of the Carolinas than Central Florida and The National Audubon Society has certified the course as an official bird sanctuary habitat. Most interesting for this part of Florida is t...
Deer Island Club is the centerpiece of a remote 400-acre island that separates beautiful Lake Dora and Lake Beauclaire. The shoreline is rimmed with ancient oaks, pines, palms and cypress trees, along with panoramic views of quaint Mt. Dora in the background. Most likely you'll even catch a glimpse of lounging native alligators along the lake banks. Although water borders all 18 holes, the course is eminently fair and will not penalize a good shot. Architect Joe Lee called Deer Island the "most ...
One of Orlando's long time favorites, Deer Run has been satisfying golfers since Lloyd Clifton designed the course in 1979. There's quite a variety here of holes here with some open tee shots where you can let it rip to a number of tight fairways that will have you seeing more hazard than fairway. All in all it is a shot maker's course with medium-sized greens that will always hold well-hit irons....
Located 25 minutes southwest of the Disney area in Haines City, Diamondback is one of Joe Lee's most memorable Florida layouts. The course was carved from 240 acres of virgin forest and offers dramatically rolling fairways bordered by dense trees, natural wetlands, and well-positioned water hazards (water comes into play on 5 holes). This naturally scenic layout runs through a non-residential environment (no homes!) which is very unique to the Central Florida area, creating a very peaceful round...
Disney's Lake Buena Vista is a classic country club course winding its way through everything from thick forests to pastel vacation villas. The magic of Disney surrounds you along with the enchantment of nature in the form of magnificent Florida pines, palmettos, reflection ponds and wildlife. Teeing off over boats navigating the canal and enjoying views of an enchanting lighthouse is typical of the distinctive character of this course. Lake Buena Vista is a pleasure to play for pros and ...
Step onto the first tee at Disney's Magnolia and step into the shoes of champions. Home to Saturday and Sunday play for Disney's PGA TOUR event for over 35 years, it's the longest of the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort courses. The course cuts a peaceful path through more than 1,500 Magnolia trees and acres of Florida parkland, magnificent wildlife and natural beauty. Spacious greens, generous landing areas, and the world-famous par 3 #6 Mickey Mouse bunker are surrounded by rol...
Elegant wilderness and a dramatic rolling Florida landscape help define Disney's Osprey Ridge, where golfers are treated to nature at its finest. The resourceful Tom Fazio design is dressed in a cloak of nature, so all you see are dramatic rolling fairways cloistered by magnificent stands of pine and majestic oaks. The native Florida beauty is sure to test your game while providing cherished golf memories. Seventy bunkers guard the course, while large, elevated greens stand serenely above...
Recognized as one of America's premier resort courses, Disney's Palm offers plenty of challenges for the novice and seasoned pro alike. Combining strategically placed palm trees, 94 bunkers, and plenty of water, the natural Florida woodlands setting provides a dramatic backdrop to an exciting golf outing. A Joe Lee masterpiece, the Palm features sparkling lakes and tropical sand, all in a gorgeous golf landscape. The eighteenth is considered one of the most challenging holes on the PGA TO...
Located just minutes from Downtown Orlando, Dubsdread Golf Course features the oldest course in the area. Originally designed by Tom Bendelow in 1923 and recently renovated and redesigned by Mike Dasher in 2008, this classic course has plenty of history attached to it. As the former site of the Orlando Open, Dubsdread hosted such golf legends as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Claude Harmon. Today, golfers are treated to the same 1920's style golf course, beautiful scenery and challenges of the orig...
Eagle Creek continues to build momentum nationally, having recently been named to the Top 10 New Courses by Travel & Leisure Magazine and in its selection as the site of the prestigious Buick Scramble National Finals. This challenging, impeccably-maintained 7200-yard championship course is the only par 73 in Central Florida and the state's first to sport Mini-Verde greens for fast, smooth putting surfaces, along with more than 90 white sand, Scottish-style bunkers. The vintage New England Manor ...
Host site of the 2007 Florida Public Links Championship
Host site of the 2006 Florida Open
Host site of the 2006 NCAA Women's Match Play Championship Top New Course in US, Golfweek 2004/2005
Laid out by the golf course design team of Clifton, Ezell, & Clifton, Eastwood's challenging layout features lush, rolling fairways bordered by huge mounds and water on 14 holes. Other distinctive features include numerous multi-level tees, elevated greens, and pot bunkers. Located on the east side of Orlando, the course is easily accessible - just 15 to 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. New ownership has brought about many changes and great improvements ~ a course that's enjoye...
This Rees Jones signature design pays respect to the timeless traditions of the game of golf. The front side is forgiving with water on three holes, while the back wraps around two large, picturesque lakes with a run of holes (12-18) that will challenge the most skilled player. Boasting tournament playing conditions year-round, the course is arguably one of the finest maintained in Central Florida. Former host to such prestigious events as the Senior PGA Tour Qualifying School and the Oldsmobile...
Designed by Clifton, Ezell & Clifton Golf Design Group, this exciting layout is a favorite amongst local area players and was recently given 3 1/2 stars in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play." The course offers a beautiful scenic atmosphere including rolling fairways, elevated tees, water on six holes, and no homes. It features a variety of trees, wildlife, and natural lakes as well as lush, green turf. The club's consistent focus on course conditioning has paid off as it's always...
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II, The Tradition is the newest of the three courses at Ginn Reunion Resort. The two Jacks took advantage of naturally undulating terrain when designing this outstanding layout. You'll play through a beautiful natural setting with water on nine holes and a variety of oaks, magnolias, maples, and palms....
Arnold Palmer's 6916-yard Legacy course at Ginn Reunion Resort is routed over surprisingly hilly "roller coaster-like" terrain. The natural flow of the land provides dramatic elevation changes and creates a number of "risk/reward" shots for the gutsy player. Much like Mr. Palmer himself, you can "go for broke" on numerous occasions. In particular, the 349-yard, par-four 13th is vintage Palmer. It just begs for a heroic tee shot and - if pulled off -- a legitimate chance for eagle or birdie....
#12 on GolfWeek's list of Florida Public Access Courses
The Independence course was the first of the Ginn Reunion Resort courses to open. It was also Tom Watson's first Signature design in Florida. The Independence offers a windswept, native appearance framed by 15 varieties of native grasses, azaleas, hibiscus, camellias, and other foliage. Says Watson; "Golf attracts more players than any other outdoor sport. No doubt there are almost as many reasons for this as there are players, but one reason is certainly shared by all. It's the simple pleasure ...
#10 on Golf Digest's list of "America's Best new Resort Courses" for 2005
This Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed course opened in July 1999 and has quickly proven that it belongs in the prestigious golfing community of Windermere. This phenomenal "private" country club is located within the beautiful Keene's Pointe development and is bordered by the Butler Chain of Lakes, featuring majestic oaks, towering cypress trees and all types of natural flora. The layout, always in impeccable playing condition, will test your mettle, challenge your skills, and reward your prowes...
This beautifully designed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course opened in 1988 to great fanfare. Inspired by his great performances through the years at St. Andrews Old Course, Jack pays homage here to the birthplace of golf. A "links-style" design to its greatest degree, reminders of St. Andrews appear throughout the course with 150-plus bunkers, elevated tees and greens, stone walls, a winding burn (including a stone bridge crossing), and seven huge, double greens. Plus, replicas of the world-f...
2003 Course of the Year - by the Florida Golf Course Owners Association Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest "Top 75 Golf Resorts" by Golf Digest, 2007 "Top 100 Golf Resorts" by Conde Nast Traveler, 2001-2006
Grand Cypress Resort, comprising the North, South and East nines, offers a variety of physical and mental stimuli that provides a test of accuracy rather than strength and distance. The North and South nines, originally built in 1984, have both now been redesigned and feature terraced fairways, generous landing areas, mounds and platformed greens with yawning bunkers. The East nine, added in 1986, is more generous, with less bunkering, particularly in front of the greens, allowing more run-up sh...
2003 Course of the Year - by the Florida Golf Course Owners Association Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest
With three designs already on Golfweek's list of '100 Greatest Modern Courses,' renowned architect Steve Smyers has teamed up with player consultant Nick Faldo to create one of Central Florida's most dynamic new courses at Grande Pines, centrally located in the heart of the action on South International Drive. Contoured, gently rolling fairways with numerous ponds and enhanced landscaping are all bordered by tall natural pines, oaks and palms. Numerous undulating greens are elevated and many are...
Ranked #29 in the Top 100 USA courses - GolfLink, 2008
"America's Top 100 Resort Courses," Golfweek, 2005 Voted Marriott's "Most Improved Course" 2008
Opened in 2002 and built on a 260 acre wildlife preserve, Harmony is proudly operated by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management. Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" 2008 and 4th toughest course in Central Florida by Orlando Business Journal, it is the only Johnny Miller Signature Designed Course in the Orlando area. A Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, this challenging, picturesque layout is wrapped around existing wetlands, broad me...
Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play," 2008-2009 Rated 4th Toughest Course in Central FL, Orlando Business Journal
Gently winding its way around Marriott's Orlando World Center Resort complex, Hawk's Landing offers a lush tropical 18-hole challenge and a typically exceptional Marriott golf experience. Originally designed by Joe Lee in 1986, an entire re-design of the course in 1999 by Robert E. Cupp III provides exquisite, superior playing conditions and a wide variety of native trees, landscape, and floral scenery. At 6600 yards from the Championship tees, this now-par 71 facility features large, true-rolli...
Ratings in Golf Business Magazine's "Top 100 Golf Shops"
Set atop one of the highest areas in the region, Highlands Reserve is not your typical Florida golf course. This championship design by Mike Dasher gives you tree-lined fairways reminiscent of the Carolinas, open spacious fairways likened to the great Scottish courses, and a bit of old Florida with citrus trees dotting the countryside. Large, fast, undulating greens make this course challenging and fun for all levels of golfers with water coming into play (barely) on just one hole, #10. It's a ...
Considered one of Lloyd Clifton's finest designs, Hunter's Creek was the first course in Florida at over 7400 yards in length, the longest then in the state (now at 7268 yards). This dynamic, scenic layout has a natural "Carolina Pines" setting and features tight, gently rolling fairways; an abundance of bunkers and berms; large, undulating TifEagle greens; and water hazards on 13 holes. The completely remodeled clubhouse features a full-service bar and restaurant with surrounding TV's for spor...
According to the designers, Kings Ridge South is a "thinker's course" where players must take the opportunity to use every club in the bag. It capitalizes on Lake County's naturally rolling terrain, with elevation differences that offer dramatic views of the beautiful countryside. One of Lake County's best kept secrets, King's Ridge is an 18-hole beauty by Clifton, Ezell & Clifton. Always in great shape with excellent playing conditions, the course features mostly large greens, numerous severe e...
Opened in 1990, this championship layout was designed by Clifton, Ezell & Clifton around century-old oak trees, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife. The challenging course borders East Lake Toho and features water on 16 holes, gently rolling fairways, multi-tiered tees, and large greens that are consistent and true. A unique feature of the club is a permanent display of golf equipment and memorabilia in their Langley Golf Museum, a private collection of more than 1,000 rare and antique golf i...
