Orlando right now

[sabram]

15 hours ago, philsRHman said:

Following up, I played the Links today. While it’s fresh …

good conditions, greens rolled well. I’m not used to Florida grasses but everything looked good. 
The premise of the course, having now been to Scotland is admittedly pretty silly. I did get a flashback when I got to the first hole, as the scale of 1/18 seemed on the money, and the rail was on the money. There are familiar holes, little flourishes like the bridges, and a couple good replica holes (which are probably as much template holes as replicas).

 

But overall, you can’t suspend belief for 18 holes; the way the land plays is just so different. I’d still give it a thumbs up, and I bet playing it multiple times would reveal even more strategic play. It’s still resort golf and wide open off the tee. The fairway bunkers make you think (if you want to, you can certainly just fire away) because they’re very penal and deep. The greenside pot bunkers are fun and in great shape. 
 

I’m playing Cypress in the morning and will report back. From I saw today, it’s more target golf, a lot more water, a requisite island green. Eerily quiet when it comes to reviews. So I’ll be happy to share what I see. 

Nice review. I don't think anyone who has ever played  a true links will confuse Grand Cypress Links with the real thing. It's a fun diversion when in Orlando, different from the typical Florida fare. It has some linksy looking features as you described, but doesn't play like a links. It is to a true links what the New York and Paris hotels in Vegas are to NYC and Paris France.

[philsRHman]

The Evermore / Grand Cypress Cypress course was a nice round. Much more traditional Florida track. Lots of water but never felt narrow. Personally I found the bunkers to be the most noteworthy architectural feature. They were built in a way to create these sheer vertical faces but weren’t particularly hard to escape. Interesting green complexes, lots of false fronts and run off areas. There is a fun island green, but it’s the 3rd hole which feels a tad anticlimactic so early. 
 

one quirk of blending old with new is how it creates some noticeable changes during the round. The green complexes on the back 9 felt flat and sometimes mundane. My understanding is this used to be the South 9, with some modifications to routing and par. But as much as the feel of the design shift for about 6 holes, just the overall feel of the turf was a bit tired. I think it’s because you spend the first few holes is so pristine and fresh. 
 

I would certainly play Cypress again, and probably would choose it over Links, except for once, just to see what the Links is like. Conditions were comparable, greens rolled well. 

[dcfball88]

Hey Orlando folks- headed back down again next week.  Already playing Reunion, southern dunes, and Championsgate, looking for a third course to play on our way out of town the morning of our departure (sort of on the way to MCO).  Any relatively budget-friendly courses down there that you would say are in decent shape at the moment? I imagine we’ll be pretty banged up by Saturday morning so looking to keep the round under $100 if possible. Not a requirement though.  We’re staying down near reunion/southern Dunes.

[Philfil]

@dcfball88

Solid lineup, don’t end it with a budget friendly round!

How about Orange County National, Celebration, or ChampionsGate Country Club?  
 

My personal choice would be Celebration Golf Club.  
 

All 3 locations are kind of on your way towards the airport if you’re in the Davenport/Haines City area.  
 

I guess Rio Pinar would be my value option for you - real close to the airport. 

 

Another option, it doesn’t get much hype on here, but I like it - is Grand Vista Golf Club.  They have an amazing driving range, great clubhouse with showers and solid food options, it’s a 9 hole course that can be played twice for 18, time permitting. 

[dcfball88]

😀 thanks @Philfil!

 

OCN can’t get us out early enough that morning, unfortunately. We wouldn’t mind a round on a different Championsgate course.  I had looked at Celebration, that’s probably the leader in the clubhouse at the moment.

 

Although Rio close to the airport is intriguing- we got screwed last year getting everyone through security at MCO so might be something for us to consider as long as it’s not in bad shape. 
 

Any intel on Ocean Lake Reserve conditions?  They’ve got convenient times in the morning.  I definitely don’t want to end up with poor conditions for our last round. Not trying to save money, we just won’t be in good enough shape to enjoy something like Ritz or Waldorf and may even need to rush out early.

[Philfil]

@dcfball88 When is your trip?  

 

I played Celebration yesterday (12/7) and it was in the worst shape I've EVER seen it.  They had to do an "emergency punch" to their greens after the last hurricane... Not sure why, but the greens were awful, tee boxes destroyed on some holes, and the fairways extremely patchy and bald in some spots...  I'd avoid Celebration.

 

I don't have any experience at Orange Lake, but @sabram might have some info.  

[sabram]

2 hours ago, Philfil said:

 

I don't have any experience at Orange Lake, but @sabram might have some info

I played Orange Lake before the hurricanes and both courses there were in good shape. Don't know if there are any adverse effects since then.

I was in touch offline with @dcfball88 and suggested Highlands Reserve which is an excellent value and in very good condition. Also according to lots of folks at Orlando Golf Network, Dubsdread and Rio Pinar are currently in very good shape. The only negative reported was slow pace at Rio.

[italianstallion]

On 12/4/2024 at 9:59 PM, dcfball88 said:

Hey Orlando folks- headed back down again next week.  Already playing Reunion, southern dunes, and Championsgate, looking for a third course to play on our way out of town the morning of our departure (sort of on the way to MCO).  Any relatively budget-friendly courses down there that you would say are in decent shape at the moment? I imagine we’ll be pretty banged up by Saturday morning so looking to keep the round under $100 if possible. Not a requirement though.  We’re staying down near reunion/southern Dunes.

 

Royal St. Cloud.

• Under $100 - check
• On the way to the airport - depending on how you loop it, check
• Decent shape - double check
• Most fun of the courses you'll play on your trip - triple check
• Polished resort feel - no check

[dcfball88]

Update from the trip- thank you everyone for your inputs, you made me look good.

 

Championsgate and Southern Dunes were excellent as usual- had played those before.  This week was my first time playing Reunion- played the Watson course.  Loved it, and would definitely come back and try the others there.  Played highlands reserve for the first time as well- it was in excellent condition and can’t beat the value for this time of year. For me personally it wasn’t the most exciting track, but we’ve definitely added it to our rotation.  Got a bonus round on Rio Pinar- really cool track, pretty good shape, but weirdest golf carts I’ve ever seen. Would play again if we need to be super close to the airport.

 

Based on the number of recs next year we’ll play royal St. Cloud for sure, and maybe a different track at reunion depending on if we can get on, and then some combination of the nicer ones from this year.

 

Thanks to you all we’ve yet to play a bad course in Orlando, so I really appreciate the Orlando wrx community.

[Marty86]

13 hours ago, dcfball88 said:

Update from the trip- thank you everyone for your inputs, you made me look good.

 

Championsgate and Southern Dunes were excellent as usual- had played those before.  This week was my first time playing Reunion- played the Watson course.  Loved it, and would definitely come back and try the others there.  Played highlands reserve for the first time as well- it was in excellent condition and can’t beat the value for this time of year. For me personally it wasn’t the most exciting track, but we’ve definitely added it to our rotation.  Got a bonus round on Rio Pinar- really cool track, pretty good shape, but weirdest golf carts I’ve ever seen. Would play again if we need to be super close to the airport.

 

Based on the number of recs next year we’ll play royal St. Cloud for sure, and maybe a different track at reunion depending on if we can get on, and then some combination of the nicer ones from this year.

 

Thanks to you all we’ve yet to play a bad course in Orlando, so I really appreciate the Orlando wrx community.

 

Add El Campeon Mission Inn next time as well if you've never played that. It along Southern Dunes are probably my favorite tracks in the area when I visit.

[dcfball88]

3 hours ago, Marty86 said:

 

Add El Campeon Mission Inn next time as well if you've never played that. It along Southern Dunes are probably my favorite tracks in the area when I visit.

We played El Campeon last year and really enjoyed it, it was in excellent shape.  The only reason we didn't add this year was because it was over an hour from where we were staying in the Four Corners area.  Loved the track and the overall atmosphere, and it actually played kind of tough for me, despite not being very long.  But that could've been a function of being beat up by the last day from the other days of golf plus festivities 🙂

[Marty86]

Just now, dcfball88 said:

We played El Campeon last year and really enjoyed it, it was in excellent shape.  The only reason we didn't add this year was because it was over an hour from where we were staying in the Four Corners area.  Loved the track and the overall atmosphere, and it actually played kind of tough for me, despite not being very long.  But that could've been a function of being beat up by the last day from the other days of golf plus festivities 🙂

 

Ohh yea it's a tough course.  The greens were driving me crazy when I played. I felt like that womens D3 tourney video.

[glenametz]

Hello all.  I'm headed down to the Orlando area on the 27th.  I have 4 nights, and I'm looking to get 5 rounds of golf in.  I'm by myself, and have no issues driving a bit to get out.  Here's what I'm thinking so far:

 

Royal St. Cloud - Played there in March and loved it, will head back there for a round.  I think this will be my first round of the trip.  I land at 8AM, will grab a rental car and head out for the course.  Proximity to the airport and that this is a nice "ease into the week" course are factors here.

Shingle Creek - Based on recommendations here

Southern Dunes - Based on recommendations here

I think I'm going to drive up to Sawgrass one day, cross that off my list.  Walk, caddie, tons of pictures on 17, the whole experience.

 

Two Things.....

 

I'm staying in Altamonte Springs.  Instead of Royal St. Cloud, does anyone have a recommendation around there that would be a good "ease into the week" round.  I know Dubsdread is up there but I believe that's a real challenge.  

 

I'm looking for a getaway course.  My flight on the 31st is at 7:30PM.  I'd like to play someplace "near" the airport, preferably with shower facilities (and even gracious enough to give out towels).  I played OCN Panther Lakes in March and would head back there for the Crooked Cat.  Championsgate, Celebration, maybe even Shingle Creek that day if I can find something up by my hotel for the day I arrive?  

 

Thanks all

[sabram]

1 hour ago, glenametz said:

I'm staying in Altamonte Springs.  Instead of Royal St. Cloud, does anyone have a recommendation around there that would be a good "ease into the week" round.  I know Dubsdread is up there but I believe that's a real challenge.  

 

I'm looking for a getaway course.  My flight on the 31st is at 7:30PM.  I'd like to play someplace "near" the airport, preferably with shower facilities (and even gracious enough to give out towels).

Staying in Altamonte Springs, you should play the Winter Park 9 hole course. It would not beat you up for your first day, but is worth a play any day of your trip

 

For your getaway course, consider Rio Pinar. It's about 20 minutes from the airport. It's $70 before 11 am and $60 after 11 am. They've put a lot of money into the facility, including the clubhouse over the last two years. I don't recall if they have showers, call them to find out.

 

I haven't played Deltona in a couple years as I don't get that far north very often. It's a super layout, not too far from Altamonte Springs, but conditions were mediocre the last few times I played there. It's less than $50 even in peak season.

 

Deer Island, Legends at Clermont and Clermont National are fun, challenging courses between 45 minutes and an hour drive from Altamonte Springs

 

Click on a photo to link to photo tours of the courses

 

Winter Park 9

 

Rio Pinar

 

Clermont National

 

Deer Island

 

Deltona

 

Legends Clermont

[1puttTUT]

My wife is working the PGA show here in a couple weeks and I'm going to tag along and play some golf. We're staying near the convention center and I'll be paying for uber's to and from the courses.

 

Have already played these courses on previous trips:

Both OCN tracks

Shingle Creek 

Hawk's Lansing 

Southern Dunes 

Grand Cypress Links

Falcon's Fire 

[Marty86]

2 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

My wife is working the PGA show here in a couple weeks and I'm going to tag along and play some golf. We're staying near the convention center and I'll be paying for uber's to and from the courses.

 

Have already played these courses on previous trips:

Both OCN tracks

Shingle Creek 

Hawk's Lansing 

Southern Dunes 

Grand Cypress Links

Falcon's Fire 

 

Celebration is a cool course I t end to play every time I'm down there.

[sabram]

6 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

My wife is working the PGA show here in a couple weeks and I'm going to tag along and play some golf. We're staying near the convention center and I'll be paying for uber's to and from the courses.

 

Have already played these courses on previous trips:

Both OCN tracks

Shingle Creek 

Hawk's Lansing 

Southern Dunes 

Grand Cypress Links

Falcon's Fire 

I assume you want suggestions of courses you haven't played. Do you have budget restrictions? What was your favorite from those you've already played? Celebration, Disney Championsgate and Orange Lake  are options to consider 

[1puttTUT]

2 hours ago, sabram said:

I assume you want suggestions of courses you haven't played. Do you have budget restrictions? What was your favorite from those you've already played? Celebration, Disney Championsgate and Orange Lake  are options to consider 

 

I wouldn't mind playing some of the same courses again, just curious what's out there I might have overlooked. 

 

I don't mind paying up to about $150. One day I'll play with my wife and go easier/cheaper. Last year Hawk's Landing fit the bill for that. I think it was around $75 in the afternoon and the greens were perfect. 

[sabram]

13 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

I don't mind paying up to about $150. One day I'll play with my wife and go easier/cheaper. Last year Hawk's Landing fit the bill for that. I think it was around $75 in the afternoon and the greens were perfect. 

Green fees are high this time of year and are higher this year than in past years. As you said afternoon rounds are less expensive. You'll be bumping up against $150 in the morning at the courses I mentioned in my prior post.  Highlands Reserve, Rio Pinar and Royal St Cloud are three good, less expensive options, but are a bit further away (except perhaps Rio), so may have higher Uber fare.

[Marty86]

the one coruse I played this past time in Orlando which was way way overpriced for their quality is Mystic Dunes. I'd avoid that one like the plague.

[05LMBVette]

I was down there a month ago, playing TPC Tampa, Southern dunes, OCN, and falcons fire....

 

Tpc and SD were outstanding..... tpc way too costly for what it is, but whatever. I hit up SD every time I'm in the area and it never disappoints... all of the guys I was with agreed

 

OCN was surprisingly poor.... I always play it as well, prob a dozen times over the years, and this was the first time being disappointed.

 

Falcons fire was OK. Conditions OK.. I didn't care for the course. I won't return. But it was the lowest price of the bunch, so it's fine. 

[BirdieWonder]

1 hour ago, 05LMBVette said:

I was down there a month ago, playing TPC Tampa, Southern dunes, OCN, and falcons fire....

 

Tpc and SD were outstanding..... tpc way too costly for what it is, but whatever. I hit up SD every time I'm in the area and it never disappoints... all of the guys I was with agreed

 

OCN was surprisingly poor.... I always play it as well, prob a dozen times over the years, and this was the first time being disappointed.

 

Falcons fire was OK. Conditions OK.. I didn't care for the course. I won't return. But it was the lowest price of the bunch, so it's fine. 

 

I'm headed down in a couple weeks and was hoping to get a round in at OCN.   Which course did you play and what were the issues?

 

Thx!

[Philfil]

10 hours ago, BirdieWonder said:

 

I'm headed down in a couple weeks and was hoping to get a round in at OCN.   Which course did you play and what were the issues?

 

Thx!

I played Crooked Cat on 12/28 and Panther Lake on 1/2 and both were in amazing shape.  Fast, pure greens, tee boxes and fairways all excellent. Driving range is all primed up for the PGA Show demo day in a few weeks, many areas blocked off, lush grass. 

[05LMBVette]

10 hours ago, BirdieWonder said:

 

I'm headed down in a couple weeks and was hoping to get a round in at OCN.   Which course did you play and what were the issues?

 

Thx!

It was first week of Dec.. played Panther.... seemed like they had just overseeded and not yet cut anything, so it was just a bunch of sprouts and looked unmaintained, though I'm sure it was just bad timing. 

I'm sure by now, all is well... sounds like that's the case

[BirdieWonder]

Thanks to both of you for the info....I made a tee time at PL in a couple weeks.  One of my favorite courses in Orlando.  Wasn't able to work OCN last January and played Crooked Cat in 2023. 

[sabram]

On 1/6/2025 at 9:49 AM, 05LMBVette said:

I hit up SD every time I'm in the area and it never disappoints... all of the guys I was with agreed

I play there as often as I can

[JLew]

Might be in Orlando next week for a meeting with a day completely free.  If I'm going to only get in one round, what's the place?  Based on reading this and pictures I'm thinking Southern Dunes?

Thanks!

[sabram]

11 hours ago, JLew said:

Might be in Orlando next week for a meeting with a day completely free.  If I'm going to only get in one round, what's the place?  Based on reading this and pictures I'm thinking Southern Dunes?

Thanks!

Depending on how far it is from your meeting, SD is a good choice 

[JLew]

8 hours ago, sabram said:

Depending on how far it is from your meeting, SD is a good choice 

Not super worried about distance, I’ll likely come in one day and have the whole day free, then go stay in Lake Mary for the meeting the next day. Will have a car. 

[05LMBVette]

Def southern dunes then