Golf
Courses In The Orlando / Kissimmee Area Apart
from the Orange Lake Country Club which is only a couple of minutes from the entrance to For
your information, here are the recommendations of Derek Duncan, 1. Mystic
Dunes Golf Club -- Opened in the summer of 2001, Mystic Dunes is located
virtually across the street from Disney World's south entrance. The knock on it is that
resort construction is rapidly encroaching on the holes, but the design is one of the most
strategic and invigorating in Central Florida. The mind-boggling green complexes, the
heart and soul of the course, are simply on another level. Green fees are as low as $48 in
the summer but can climb into the $100's in peak season. (866) 311-1234. 2. North Shore
Golf Club -- North Shore is the closest golf
course to Orlando International Airport, roughly six miles to its southeast. It's a
thoughtful, Mike Dasher-designed layout that has something for everyone as the course
wanders around wetlands, over old ranch land, into an oak grove, and then back to the
clear again. Ever growing in popularity the green fees are still reasonable, ranging from
the $40 to the $70. (407) 277-9277. 3. Orange
County National --This 36-hole complex isn't exactly close to the major hotels
but can be quickly accessed by taking county roads 535 or 545 in the back way. David
Harman designed the Panther Lake and Crooked Cat courses on wonderfully rolling and scenic
topography. OCN's complete isolation is a blessing and the rates are fair for the product,
ranging from $50 to $100 per round. Advance scouting will usually yield package deals and
special promotions. (407) 656-2626. 4. Highlands Reserve --Highlands Reserve is another
delightful design by Mike Dasher that hits a perfect niche in the Orlando market. The open
and hilly course is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Disney World off Highway
27 in a quiet development. Its best features are the innovative green complexes (check out
the Biarritz green at No. 16) and the imminent walkability. Rates range from $37 to $65.
(877) 508-4653. 5. Southern
Dunes --Southern Dunes in Haines City is
a little farther away and a little more expensive than Highlands Reserve ($50-$100), but
it absolutely belongs on this list since it's one of the most original and outstanding
golf courses in Florida. The Steve Smyers design is awash in expressive bunkering and
strategic options and there's enough going on between the ropes to keep your eyes off the
tract housing lining many of the holes. (863) 421-4653. 6. MetroWest -- Until the golf course explosion
began in the mid-1990's MetroWest was considered by most to be the finest public access
course in Orlando. It's a typically demanding Robert Trent Jones design that's highlighted
by surprising elevations and a panoramic view of the downtown skyline on the second nine.
Rates have risen recently to the $60 to $110 bracket (call for specials), but the course
is conveniently located just a matter of miles away from most hotels. (407) 299-1099. 7. Hawk's Landing -- Hawk's Landing is probably the
most centrally located golf course in the "tourist" part of town. Originally
designed by Joe Lee, architect Bob Cupp gave the course a well-deserved face-lift several
years ago. Wrapping around the grounds at the foot of the Marriott Orlando World Center
Resort the course if a festival of hazards that demands a strong aerial game, with water
in play on 15 holes. It's not cheap at $85 to $135, but it's as convenient as it gets in
Orlando. (407) 238-8660. 8. Diamond
Players Club of Clermont -- Though located roughly 40 minutes west of Orlando DPC Clermont
deserves serious consideration because it's so damned fun to play. This course is one of
the most unique and adventurous in the state due to rapid elevation changes of 200 feet.
Terry LaGree certainly didn't hold back in taking advantage of the exuberant if stark
terrain. Rates range from $50 to $90 with specials available. (352) 243-1729. 9. Lake Orlando -- Lake Orlando, a mature, flat
course with glorious stands of cypress and oak along with plenty of water hazards, is old
school Florida golf (1972). It's simple, centrally located off of I-4 north of downtown,
and the $25 to $45 rates are next to impossible to beat. If you like tight older courses
with character then Lake Orlando is a logical choice. (407) 298-1230. 10. Forest Lake of Ocoee -- This is one of Orlando's
best-kept secrets, a gorgeous, affordable, and engaging course with no homes in sight.
Designed by the local firm of Clifton/Ezell/Clifton Forest Lake possesses rich green
complexes and one of the finest stretches of holes in town, the marvelous run from 13 to
17. Best of all, the green fees top out at $55. (407) 654-4653. 11. The Legends
at Orange Lake -- The Legends at Orange Lake is another course that often gets
overlooked when accolades are passed out but its design can compete with any in the city.
The Legends Course, from Arnold Palmer Course Design, is one of two regulation tracks at
Orange Lake Resort, a timeshare community adjacent to Disney World on the south side. It's
exceedingly bold and chock full of visceral features and risk/reward shots, a thoroughly
macho golf course where the only downside are the rates, which can run into the
mid-$100's. (407) 239-1050. All Prices
& Information Correct As Of April 2003 |
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